design plan

Tariffs are once again making headlines, raising questions across industries about how global trade tensions might ripple down to everyday decisions. For those of us in the world of custom interior design, this raises important, but not unfamiliar, questions. Will material costs rise? Will timelines shift? Should clients be concerned? At Spectrum Design Group, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly the design landscape can shift. The past few years taught us that uncertainty is part of the rhythm of doing business today. And we’re better for it. The pandemic and the resulting supply chain disruptions and inflation challenged us to work smarter, plan better, and lead with clarity. Those lessons are proving valuable once again as we face new waves of economic complexity. So, what does this new round of tariff talk really mean for our clients and design professionals like us? And how do we continue to deliver excellent, enduring work in a time when the rules are constantly evolving? We believe it starts with perspective. A Calm, Practical Approach The instinct in moments like this is to react. But at SDG, we choose to respond with thoughtfulness, not urgency. We’ve always believed that good design is intentional, not impulsive. That belief becomes even more important during periods of change. Tariffs may affect certain materials or products, both imported and domestic. But that doesn’t mean we quit and go home. It means we assess, adjust, and communicate. Every project is unique. That’s why we evaluate each one on a case-by-case basis. If a material cost changes or availability shifts, we look at alternatives. Sometimes those alternatives come from our deep bench of trusted vendors; other times, they’re creative solutions discovered in collaboration with the client. Flexibility is part of good design. Lessons from the Past Shape the Path Forward When the pandemic hit, the design world saw shipping delays, material shortages, and inflationary pressure that touched nearly every phase of a project. In that time, we didn’t just adapt, we evolved. We learned how to build more time into our planning, how to communicate more proactively with both clients and vendors, and how to make contingency planning a standard part of our process. These lessons are deeply embedded in how we work today. We don’t just hope for the best; we plan for the unexpected. That means identifying critical path items early, having backup options for key materials, and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers who know how to navigate change. Clients appreciate honesty more than perfection. They’d rather hear the truth about a lead time or a cost shift than be surprised later. That kind of clarity builds trust, and trust is the foundation of great design relationships. Designing with Trust, Not Trends We often say that the best projects are built on trust, not trends. And that’s never truer than in moments of uncertainty. When a client trusts the process—and the people guiding it—they don’t need to worry about every market fluctuation or headline. They know their project is in steady hands. Trends come and go. Headlines change. But thoughtful design, built on strong values and careful planning, endures. That’s our North Star at Spectrum Design Group. We don’t chase what’s new, we create what endures. So, while we are monitoring tariff news closely, we’re not letting it drive our decisions. We’re not rushing to change specs or pivot away from quality materials out of fear. Instead, we’re asking smart questions, staying in close contact with our partners, and finding new ways to meet our clients’ needs without sacrificing what matters most. What Clients Can Expect Now For clients currently in design or build phases, here’s what they can expect from us: Proactive communication. If there’s a potential cost shift or lead time concern, we’ll bring it to your attention early, with options. Strategic sourcing. We’re exploring both local and global supplier networks to maintain quality while adapting to potential shifting costs. Built-in flexibility. From day one, we’re designing with layers of adaptability. If we need to make a change, it won’t derail the vision. A steady, experienced team. We’ve been here before. We know how to navigate change, and we know how to do it without compromising design integrity. Looking Ahead: Steady Hands, Lasting Design Tariffs may shift how some goods move around the world. But they don’t change what makes a space meaningful. They don’t touch the creative process, the client relationships, or the craftsmanship that make our work special. Design is, at its core, an investment in the future. And investments should be made with confidence, not anxiety. Our role is to provide that confidence—to guide, advise, and adapt with grace when circumstances change. The uncertainty of today isn’t a reason to panic. It’s a reason to partner with people who can stay steady in the storm. At Spectrum Design Group, that’s what we do. Have questions about how current economic conditions might affect your project? We’re here to talk. Reach out anytime.