| Do not use a client's first name until that person has given “permission” that it is okay. Also respect titles, as they are very important in many countries. |
| Don't use humor or any kind of comment that could be offensive. |
| A gesture of greeting might be a slight bow, a hug, the shaking of hands and a bow, or some other manner of greeting. Whether you shake hands or bow can literally mean the difference between having a positive encounter or causing an international incident. |
| Though clients may speak English, they may choose at some point to conduct business in their own language. |
| Treat business cards from others with respect; don't write on them, for example, as this can be perceived as an insult. |
| Punctuality is generally appreciated, but not necessarily the norm in all countries. Make sure you understand this issue if you are working with international clients. |
| Respect the cultural differences of the country in which you are traveling. Do not expect the client to conduct himself or herself as a North American client would. |
| Before traveling to a foreign country, investigate how you will be expected to dress and what types of apparel are appropriate. This is particularly an issue for women traveling to many countries. |
| Respect their culture and customs, and they will respect you. |
| Make a point of staying out of political and religious differences discussions. |
| Gender sensitivity is very high in many countries. Learn what is taboo in the country you are visiting so that you don't have problems. Especially important for a woman who must work with a male foreign national. |
| Turn your cell phone off when meeting with an international client—even if they are on theirs. In fact, keeping your cell off for any business meeting is common courtesy. |
| If you feel it is important to give a small gift, make sure it is high quality and nonpersonal. |
| Sexual harassment and flirting may occur and you must handle the situation with diplomacy. |
| Once again, research etiquette issues before you travel or meet with an international client here or abroad. |
| A few books specifically on international etiquette are included in the references. |
WEB SITES RELEVANT TO THIS CHAPTER
www.commerce.gov/page/about‐commerce U.S. Department of Commerce Commercial Service
www.exim.gov Export‐Import Bank
www.sba.org U.S. Small Business Administration
www.usa.gov/federal‐agencies/bureau‐of‐consular‐affairs Bureau of Consular Affairs/USA Government
www.dbn.com Dun and Bradstreet
www.state.gov U.S. Department of State
www.travel.state.gov U.S. Department of State Consular Information Program
KEY TERMS
Culture
Etiquette
Global design
Irrevocable letter of credit
Rate of exchange
WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
1 John graduated from an accredited four‐year program in interior design and has been working as a residential interior designer for six years. A past client asks John to design a 50‐unit assisted‐living facility in a foreign country. The project would include the design of nursing care units as well as assisted living units. John has designed one senior living facility, but it was a senior independent living apartment complex of 20 units. John has the language skills to do the project, but no experience in working outside the United States. Should John take on this project?
2 Robert was very interested in doing international design work. He has some language skills but was not fluent. He traveled to two different countries after making contacts with interior designers in those countries through professional associations. He also searched on the Internet for design companies in the two countries. These tactics gave him some ideas about how he might approach obtaining clients there.At lunch with one of these contacts, he agreed to joint venture with one of the designers on a commercial project. Robert was going to provide working drawings and construction documentation from notes provided by his new design partner.Robert retuned to the United States without an agreement, but expectations that it would soon follow. He began the drawings immediately upon his return to his home office.
3 David and Monica have finally made some inroads with a client who is opening a series of small retail stores in two European countries. The client is comfortable with the design firm, and is eager for them to begin the designs. David and Monica began the working drawings for the prototype and the client has given tentative approval to those drawings. However, Monica has had problems getting approvals on drawings from the foreign building officials. Exasperated, David implies that he will provide furniture for the home of one of the officials if the approvals are finalized. Monica does not like the idea, but since David is the senior partner she goes along with him.
REFERENCES
1 1. CIDA, 2018, “Professional Standards.” Section II, Standard 4.
2 2. Capela, 2016, p. 230.
3 3. Schrank, Fall 2012, p. 25.
4 4. Zeithaml, Bitner, and Gremler, 2009, p. 69.
5 5. Steers, Nardon, and Sanchez‐Runde, 2018, p. 49.
6 6. Steers, Nordan, and Sanchez‐Runde, 2018, p. 348.
7 7. www.daytranslations.com, July 2017, pulled April 2019.
8 8. Meyer, 2014, p. 12.
9 9. Oxford American College Dictionary, 2002, p. 493.
CHAPTER 4 Where Do Designers Work?
You probably know by this point in your studies that there are many opportunities within the umbrella of interior design profession. Perhaps you have already made up your mind that you want to design private residences or work for a firm that designs health care or hospitality facilities. Then again you may see yourself in a neighborhood design studio as owner.
One of the fascinating aspects of the interior design profession is the variety of ways in which an individual can work in the field. Although many designers engage in residential design, working in a commercial specialty is attractive for many others. It is also fairly common for some designers to occasionally be “switch hitters,” designing both