Here is my problem:
Warning: I am a male with not a creative bone in my body. If left to my own devices I would paint everything white…
I own a Ford Lincoln Mercury dealership in Michigan. I am renovating/expending the interior and exterior of my showroom ($1,000,000 project). Ford provides some basic building design guidelines but I am free to do as I please in terms of colors, furniture etc. At issue: choosing a local design firm that has done business offices, hospitals and some local dealerships (Lexus, Toyota). My fear is that they lack a true vision as most companies stick to a predetermined look. Also in the running is a firm from Atlanta (my wife is from there) who can and would create a “feel” with maybe a soft southern flair (which my wife digs). This firm is charging twice as much (not a real big deal) and is located 700 miles away. Is the distance a big deal? Is the comfort I feel from working with someone locally only perceived and not reality?
We prefer the Atlanta firm. He is providing a much more comprehensive timeline, is interested in talking to our people and really creating something cool for us. Should I choose him or stay local?
Any thoughts/comments are much appreciated