I have many finicky clients. Indeed the fact that they are quite particular is the very reason that they have chosen to hire me. Being finicky is not a bad thing. In fact, my wife trained me to appreciate the value of a super finicky type of person- she has very particular and exacting tastes and ideas and the results are invariably perfect. My finicky clients are so because they are sensitive to their surroundings. They are observant, intelligent and detail oriented. For me working with these clients is an opportunity for a dynamic collaboration in which the client has input that will add visual or functional value. Being finicky is a two way street. A finicky client will notice imperfections, but will also appreciate fine work. A finicky client will usually more closely monitor the work, which typically makes many contractors irritable. But while the finicky client is monitoring my work, communication is happening, and good communication is the key to client satisfaction, which is key to my success.
Toma, here in the picture, was a particularly finicky client. She is a Siberian feline and comes from an aristocratic Russian bloodline. One day I watched her human, as he presented her proudly with some dolphin safe, sustainably harvested, line caught tuna, and he was rewarded with a purring Toma enjoying her meal. At the next meal he attempted to serve her the other half of the same can of tuna but she turned her nose up and walked away, leaving him at a loss as to what he could possibly offer her that would be better. Caviar?
In the above photo Toma is enjoying her perch on the floating cherry shelves in the kitchen. She wanted the more open feel of shelves versus cabinets, and insisted on not having any shelf brackets, as these would create an obstruction to her view when perching on the lower shelf. These shelves are supported by concealed supports that are mortised into the shelf itself resulting in a very strong support with a contemporary clean look. She also enjoys the high perch atop the wall cabinets on the opposite wall, which can be seen in the kitchen gallery. These had to be built with a comfortable perching space above, not too roomy, but not cramped either. Her person was concerned about the cherry’s ability to resist scratching, so I suggested white oak, but she was unconcerned with the scratching issue and insisted on the cherry, which she felt, correctly, would look more fancy.
Toma was very happy with the work. She declined to write a testimonial, as it is not in her nature to publish, but I did get a glowing recommendation from her human.
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