Due Diligence

From the desk of Tom Engel:

Dear Colleagues/Clients:

My career in interior design started with a major national manufacturer-owned multi-line showroom which taught me the importance of controlling production and careful vetting of sources for quality control, warranties, and trustworthiness. It also gave me a unique perspective on the interior designer’s exposure to sources they bring into their projects and the importance of being collaborative and solutions-oriented.

In an industry built on trust and reputation, I feel the most important starting point in a relationship an agent should pro-offer his clientele is understanding the importance of thorough due diligence. Myself and the resources I work with can point to our work in the hospitality sector which has a vendor approval process covering things like insurance, credit, warranties, and other checks in place to screen vendors.

Warranty and service are extremely important especially if a problem arises. An important aspect of how I work is my role with the manufacturer/artisan as part of their team. This allows me to see that client’s monies and projects are being closely monitored while giving the designer direct access to the creative talent they are collaborating with. Working closely with the ateliers and visiting them regularly means I am aware of any potential production issues. We work using a team-based approach with the ateliers so the designer/specifier is working directly with the creative talent and we work directly with their contractors. As the agent, I keep the project on track through its creation, production, installation, and post-installation.

Sincerely,