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fatma_abdelbaset

Fatma Abdelbaset

Hello,
I am currently working with an interior designer on my apartment, but I have some concerns regarding the process and would appreciate a professional second opinion:
Technical Feasibility: I requested some modern built-in coffee corners and wall cladding with LED profiles (as shown in the attached images). My designer claims these are 'impossible' to execute due to a lack of skilled labor. In your experience, are these designs considered difficult or standard in the current Egyptian market?
Client Involvement: My designer stated that 'clients should not involve themselves in specific details or furniture layouts' and that I should only approve the final total look. Is it standard practice to exclude the client from choosing specific materials, colors, and functional layouts during the 3D phase?
Space Planning: The designer made layout decisions (like the dining table placement) without prior consultation, claiming they would 'fix it later' after I expressed my surprise at the result. Is this the correct workflow?
I want to ensure I am getting a home that reflects my needs, not just the designer's personal preference.
Thank you for your time."

Comments (6)

  • 3 days ago

    Try changing your post's title to something descriptive, such as "problems with designer in Egypt" instead of your name. It will get more attention.

  • PRO
    3 days ago

    Sorry I am lost you are in Egypt right ? So the way designers work there might be very different than in NA I try hard to not make my clients sapces reflect my style so I spend a lot of time figuring out the clients style and wishes and of course have an opinion on some issues. I see no reason to not have LEDs and clad walls , neither a huge skill set required at least in NA

  • 3 days ago

    I wonder if there is a website more specific to design in Egypt. Your designer might be absolutely correct. I suspect most on here are not well acquainted with the skill of the labor force in Egypt.

  • 3 days ago

    "Client Involvement: My designer stated that 'clients should not involve themselves in specific details or furniture layouts' and that I should only approve the final total look. Is it standard practice to exclude the client from choosing specific materials, colors, and functional layouts during the 3D phase?"


    That is not standard in New York City, nor—to the best of my knowledge—anywhere in the US. Whether it is standard practice in Egypt I'm in no position to know. Likewise, I know nothing about the local labor force.


    You might try looking at Egyptian property listings, both for sale or for rent, to see if you can find pictures of anything that looks like what you are hoping to have for yourself. That would at least let you know whether it has been done before in your market.

  • 3 days ago

    It's normal in the US for the desginer to work with the client and pay attention to their preferences. If your Egyptian workmen can put up shelves, then you can have a coffee corner.


    You can get lighting that is rechargeable and runs on batteries, that is attached with magnets, so you can take it down to recharge. So, you don't need an electrician to give you under-shelf lighting, if you don't have an convenient outlet. In your first picture, it looks like the under-shelf lighting is two rechargeable lights, because they are about the size of mine.


    4 Packs LED Closet Light, Brightness and Color Temperature Adjustable,


  • 3 days ago

    If there ever was a Houzz Egypt site (there may have been), it doesn't exist any more. But perhaps you can find some help here: https://www.homify.com.eg/professionals/.


    Be careful! I don't know whether the link leads to a legitimate website, or something that only looks legitimate, but isn't.


    I think Sigrid has made a very good point. All you really need for a coffee corner is a coffeemaker, a place to put it, and a way to power it, plus a place to store your coffee beans (or ground coffee) and some cups. You could even manage with a kettle (electric or stovetop) and a pourover coffee maker, such as a Melitta.


    Good luck!

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