In the world of home renovation, where stress and unexpected challenges often loom, Lori Miller of Melville, New York-based LGC Interior Design brings a unique and invaluable perspective. As a mental health counselor with a long and varied career, Miller now applies her psychological expertise to the design process, focusing on the well-being of her clients and fellow designers alike. We sat down with her for an insightful discussion on how to foster mental health and manage the human experience throughout a design project.
Before founding her firm, Miller spent nearly 30 years working in some of New York’s most demanding environments, including Rikers Island, where she learned the importance of understanding how space impacts people’s lives. This understanding, she explains, began with a realization during a personal journey, which solidified her belief that mental health and design are “truly one.”
Addressing Client Communication
When it comes to client relationships, Miller emphasizes setting clear expectations from the very start. She avoids pre-questionnaires, preferring to conduct in-person consultations to get a true sense of the client’s lifestyle and needs. She asks practical and lifestyle questions to understand their desire for a quieter or more active home environment. Miller has a firm yet flexible approach to client communication, clarifying the best ways to reach her and setting expectations for response times.
One of the most compelling aspects of her process is her proactive approach to managing the inevitable “Murphy’s Law” moments. She openly discusses potential problems to prepare clients for challenges that may arise. She shared a specific story about a client referral and her tips for building long-lasting relationships with clients even after the project has completed, so be sure to listen to the full podcast for that anecdote.
Relief for Fellow Designers
For her peers, Miller’s advice is centered on creating a strong support network. She emphasizes the importance of community in an industry that was once intensely competitive, where designers were reluctant to share resources. She even puts her own services out there as a therapist to help other designers manage the burnout and anxiety that often come with the job. Miller recommends joining professional organizations like IDS, IFDA and ASID, as well as Facebook support groups.
To learn more about Miller’s journey from a mental health counselor to a renowned designer, including the personal event that solidified her career change and to find out what specific holiday gift is so powerful it generates referrals, be sure to listen to the full podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora and other outlets.
