Designer Collective: Reframing the Client Experience at Mercury Mosaics
If you’ve been in the design industry long enough, you know the project isn’t over when the punch list is. In fact, for most clients, the way you get there matters just as much as the final reveal. That’s why we hosted our latest Curious Designer Collective event at Mercury Mosaics all about the client experience.
The kind that actually makes people enjoy the process of working with you.
Why Client Experience?
This industry is packed with wildly talented designers. Great design isn’t rare anymore. But you know what still is? A smooth, human-centered client journey. If the process is chaotic or unclear, it doesn’t matter how magazine-worthy the end result is. The client will remember the stress.
Designer Collective Mercury Mosaics
We couldn’t have picked a better place for this design collective. Mercury Mosaics is practically buzzing with creativity—from floor to ceiling, you’re surrounded by color, tile, and a process that’s as artistic as it is intentional. Their team gave us a behind-the-scenes tour that reminded everyone whether you’re designing kitchens or creating custom tile, how you treat people along the way is what sticks.
Tiff Hoeft of Fierce Decorum
Our guest speaker, Tiff Hoeft, didn’t just show up—she showed out. Tiff is known for bold design and honesty, and she brought both to the table. She walked us through her approach to client relationships—from setting expectations, to emotional regulation, to the specific language she uses to hold healthy boundaries.
And when we say people were scribbling notes furiously, we’re not exaggerating. Tiff shared a few phrases she uses in tough conversations that had the whole room asking for a script download!
At one point, someone casually said, “I’ve been working with clients for 10 years and I’ve never thought to ask how they want to be communicated with.”
That sparked a whole side conversation about communication styles, assumptions, and how often we skip the most human part of the process! It was a reminder that the best designs come from the best connections.
No Ego, All In
What stood out most wasn’t the venue (though it was stunning) or even the tips and takeaways (though there were plenty). It was the people! This was a room full of professional designers and creatives who showed up to grow—not to prove anything. No ego. No posturing. Just real talk and real connection.
That’s the magic of these Collectives. You leave with notes and ideas, sure—but more importantly, you leave with people in your corner.
Our hope for every Curious Collective event is that people don’t just feel inspired—they feel equipped. Whether it’s a new way to onboard, a simple mindset shift, or even just a sentence you can steal and use tomorrow, the goal is always the same: help you show up as a better leader!
Let’s Hear It For Our Sponsors
Big thanks to Buildertrend for stepping in as a sponsor and supporting the mission of better business through better relationships. Mercury Mosaics not only hosted, but gave generously of their time, space, and process. And thanks to a few behind-the-scenes heroes, we were well-fed and hydrated while deep in conversation. These events don’t happen without community!
Want to learn more about Buildertrend? This blog has more details!
What You Should Know About the Designer Collective
It’s not a conference. You won’t be passively watching a stage from 50 feet away. This is about gathering around a table with a community of design professionals, asking hard questions, swapping stories, and walking away a little more connected (and maybe a little more fired up) than you were when you walked in.
You’ll laugh. You might cry. You’ll definitely meet someone who gets it.
Next Up For The Designer Collective? Stay Tuned!
If this sounds like your kind of room, we’d love to have you at the next Designer Collective. These aren’t open to everyone—but they are open to the curious within the design community. And if you’ve made it this far, that probably includes you.
