Exploring designer and client relationships

FUTURESCAN 4 Valuing Practice

Short paper abstract by Shirley Mclauchlan (Lecturer/Researcher/Designer: www.shirleymclauchlan.co.uk).

Title: Exploring designer and client relationships.
Topic: Valuing Artisan Skills, Drawing and Making.

For the past 21 years Shirley Mclauchlan has been practicing sustainable design as a textile designer. Her design background was in printed, commercial fashion textile design running her own successful design studio in London for many years.
Since her return to Scotland in 1999 her research and design practice has been focused on examining how to practice sustainable design in the commercial context of textile design.

This short paper will be a continuation of recent research presented at http://www.plateconference.org/second-plate-conference/ in which she explored the notion of ‘cheishability’ as an alternative business model. This new model explores the notion that when you engage the client from the onset in the design process they are more likely to become attached to the product and value the product for longer, thus strengthening the relationship with the designer, client and the product. By becoming more emotionally attached to the product the evidence is that the product will be ‘cherished’ and valued for longer.

This new research will identify some of the obstacles and suggest possible solutions through craft, material choice and the unique relationship between designer and client.

The recognition of hand skills and craft in the making process further maximises the sustainability of the product. Mclauchlan demonstrates the impact her craft can have in the commercial setting of textiles. The unique relationship between designer and client is explored and maximised when personalised meaning is stitched and embedded into the product. The time, skill and care are valued and remain a lasting modern day heirloom for the client to cherish and pass onto the next generation.