Staging the View

It is often discussed how to stage an installation for the client to have maximum impact.
My first preference is to have the client not present as the project comes together. It is best if they are doing a favorite activity, engaged elsewhere, with the intention of coming into the space when completion is done, art is hung, accessories are in place and all packaging is removed. This is not always possible for a multitude of reasons. Often there are straggler pieces that just take longer to produce or acquire. International shipping often hampers this process. As does custom work. With the best laid scheduling and the most meticulous attention to detail, we still have delays in our work. As the trucks roll in to the site, and the details are pulled together, the client should see it first when everything is in it's place. This is optimum. Real life is something altogether different.

I have had installers of special items demand hours and hours for install (fussy draperies, custom cut rods for those draperies, the mounting or hanging of large supported items like large mirrors, art, or sculpture that is mounted or set on very high ledges or bridges) When the installer just needs more time, and the client needs to be in the space, I attempt to insulate the client from the business of install, because it is the most stressful time on a project. Even when all issues are addressed. Even when all attachments, supports and hardware are discussed, acquired and planned for, things go wrong, and improvising takes place.

I have some very very busy clients. When security is an issue and access to some spaces is not possible without security personnel or the client themselves, it poses an interesting problem. First: They don't have the impact of walking into the space and having it complete. They see the unloading, the uncrating, the unpacking and the placement adjustments.
Second: They don't feel the magic of the creation of the space.
Third: They are bothered by details that are coming together long before there are problems or issues, and get involved in things that really don't matter in the big picture. (where did the recycling get stacked in the truck, how much bubble wrap was on that textile piece that is undamaged, and in perfect condition. Who carried what into the space and with what assistance.) Part of the magic and not things that matter.
Fourth: They don't typically need to see details that are not complete. It is not necessary and can cause stress.

I love having the delivery personnel, installers, and support team have a space to work without sweating the client reaction within the project. I love having the support team have a wide enough berth that they can actually give suggestions about minutia that others don't care about. I always feel as if I can learn from these folks. They are the masters of knowing just how things should be attached, shipped, protected from an unforseen situation. They deal with rainy, windy, or snowy days. They make sure that nothing gets damaged during the process. Their input to me is invaluable. I cherish their interaction on a job site and ask for it. Learning is a huge part of what I do for the client.

As clients in larger markets are put up at the Four Seasons while thier project is installed, I will just deal with a suggestion of a quiet dinner out at a favorite restaurant, or a cocktail at a favorite place. Then the drama of coming in to a space that is complete, their expression executed by the masters, is just all the more fun.