WHAT’S BEHIND THE DELAYS?
I have conversations daily with clients regarding the delays and pricing increases that the interior and construction industries are experiencing so when I read a great article by fellow designer @katebendewald that explains the issues so clearly I knew I had to share what Kate had to say.
You Can read Kate’s article at https://designersoasis.com/post/how-to-make-sense-of-delays. She shares that while Covid is a factor, there are many other reasons behind the disruptions.
In the article she looks at the shortage in foam, the slowing down of textile production, shipping container gridlock, as well as shortages in skilled labor and wood! One of my favorite parts of the article is that she looks at how we can respond. She recognizes that this delay may continue on and we will see the effects for years to come. Kate challenges us to:
“Have Perspective - We are all in this together. We are a globally interconnected web of people, products, and services. What are the things that really matter in the grand scheme of things?
Recognize Privilege - It is a tremendous privilege to be able to enjoy beautiful homes with nice things. When we recognize our privilege to plan for a new project the experience will be delightful - not dreadful.
Extend Grace - The skilled workers, the port workers, the truckers, the textile weavers, the millworkers - are all the people (often women) who contribute to making our homes more beautiful. Many of these people are still living in communities ravaged by this pandemic and struggling to work and find childcare. Extending a little grace will help us all keep our heads on a little straighter.”
(https://designersoasis.com/post/how-to-make-sense-of-delays)
In the last weeks, I have had projects that have had issues with roofing material (because it is rationed between store locations), plumbing fixtures (heavy demand for fixtures has forced the plumbing companies to focus on their higher specified models), appliances (due to labor shortages in manufacturing and transportation as well as electronic component delays since most are manufactured overseas), ceiling tiles (due to the current shortages in transportation), and the list goes on. Yes, there is also a shortage of labor but I am surrounded by hard workers, working overtime, and to the bone to get you what you want and need for your projects. Those that are working are working extremely hard, long, and stressful hours.
I challenge myself and ask if you would like to join me, to really process the last three items that Kate listed: perspective, privilege, and grace as we venture into our projects and dreams during this difficult time in the industry. I would also encourage you to not make compromises on quality or getting what you really want, just to save a few week’s time.
In the grand scheme of things, a few weeks or months is a wait worthy of our time. If we have plans to keep what we purchase, or think long term about how we build the spaces, it is best if we make decisions that we will love, and will serve us well, for decades or even a lifetime. A bit of patience, for quality pieces you will cherish, or the floorplan that will work best for you long term, are surely worth the wait.
And please, please have grace and thankfulness for all of the people working to meet your goals and deadlines, we are all doing our best with what the industry has to offer right now.
