Your approval of my living room floor plan makes me thrilled about what is to come. It was wonderful to meet with you yesterday. When I hear of issues like yours, I always advise to set boundaries first but also to engage with the following practice: Every communication with your client, whether initiated by you or a member of your team, should include an overview of (1) where you have been, (2) where you currently are, and (3) where you are going. You must set the tone for your own business.

In the context of your design business, however, that is a disaster. When you feel lost, you try to find your own way. If clients do not know where they are on your journey together, they will try to decide the path themselves. The integrity of each stage matters, and the transition from each stage to the next matters more. Every creative business, including interior design, only has eight stages and four transitions, which are particularly important in your case: potential client to actual client idea to design design to production and production to reveal. Clients tend to overstep boundaries-such as by texting after-hours-when they feel lost in their process. The bigger issue, however, is that there seems to be a problem with your process. It’s better to protect the sanctity of your personal space than to put your business at risk. It might sound draconian, but if you are feeling invaded, odds are that you will start resenting your client and jeopardizing your ability to do great work for them. You can take it one step further by implementing an extra expense if a client asks for “out-of-boundary” communication. The easiest answer is to set specific boundaries and let clients know when you will be available and when you will not-whether you communicate via cell, email, snail mail or homing pigeon. I know this is how millennials communicate. If I don’t respond, I sometimes get another text asking if I got their message. I am finding the majority of my clients don’t call my office, but always call or text my cell. They might be trying to schedule an appointment, sending pictures of furnishings/fixtures they found online or out shopping and asking for input, etc. I am seeking advice on how to deal with text messages from clients after office hours or on weekends.

Can you text your clients