I had a client recently give me the classic line, ‘just make it work,’ when I presented a design that was already stretching the budget… It got me thinking about all those moments in our careers where we somehow pull off architectural miracles — anyone else have their favorite ‘make it work’ stories? I’d love to hear how you navigate those wild requests.
I feel you — clients love that ‘just make it work’ line like it’s a magic spell. It’s like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole while blindfolded! Sometimes, I find if I can present a couple of options that straddle the budget more clearly, it helps them see the real trade-offs.
It’s wild how that ‘just make it work’ line can come up right when you’re at your limits with budget constraints. I had a similar situation where I started using a cost-effective 3D modeling tool to visualize the options better. It can sometimes make it easier for clients to see what they’re asking.
Totally relate! When they say ‘just make it work,’ often it’s using Creative Suite skills to tweak the budget instead. Has anyone ever tried negotiating with a phased approach? @henry_wri94.