How We Decide Which Projects to Take On - And why that matters more than ever

At VPI Design, one of the most common questions we hear is:“How do you decide which projects to take on?”

The honest answer is: very intentionally.

As our studio has grown, so has our responsibility — to our clients, to our team, and to the quality of work we put into the world. Saying yes to everything no longer serves anyone well. So we’ve become thoughtful about fit, timing, and long-term value, not just scope and budget.

Here’s what we look at today.

Availability & Project Timing

Great design requires focus. We carefully evaluate when a project would start, how long it will realistically take, and how it fits alongside other active work.

We’ve learned the hard way that overloading schedules helps no one. Clear timelines protect creativity, communication, and execution — and they allow us to give each client the attention their project deserves.

Scope Clarity (and Scope Creep)

Experience has taught us that scope creep is one of the biggest threats to a successful project — for clients and designers alike.

During the consultation phase, we look closely at how defined the scope is and how open the client is to aligning early. Projects that begin with shifting expectations often struggle later. Clarity upfront leads to better results, fewer surprises, and a healthier working relationship.

Budget & Long-Term Partnership Potential

Budget always matters — but so does trajectory.

We have a very high return-client rate, and that’s intentional. When a project has the potential to grow into an ongoing relationship — future homes, additional spaces, or repeat collaborations — it creates momentum and shared understanding that benefits everyone.

One-off projects can be wonderful, but long-term partnerships allow for deeper trust and better outcomes over time.

Personality Fit & Open Dialogue

This has become one of our most important criteria.

Design is collaborative. Honest conversations, mutual respect, and open dialogue are essential. We’ve learned that difficulty during the consultation phase almost always predicts difficulty during the project phase.

When communication flows easily early on, projects tend to feel lighter, more enjoyable, and far more successful.

Does the Project Excite Us?

We believe great work comes from genuine enthusiasm.

We ask ourselves:

• Are we inspired by the vision?

• Does the project challenge us creatively?

• Will it push our thinking or expand our portfolio in a meaningful way?

We don’t want to be bored — and our clients benefit when we’re fully engaged, energized, and invested.

Balancing Design & Construction Projects

Our studio often runs multiple design-focused projects alongside larger construction efforts.

This flexibility allows us to take on:

• Smaller-scope design projects

• Shorter timelines

• Lower budgets that still require strong creative direction

These projects can fit beautifully between larger builds and are an important part of how we manage workflow and availability.

Geography Matters

Location plays a role too.

Whether a project is local, regional, or remote affects logistics, timelines, and collaboration. We evaluate geography carefully to ensure we can support the project properly — without stretching resources or compromising quality.

The Bottom Line

Choosing projects thoughtfully allows us to:

• Protect our standards

• Deliver better results

• Build long-term relationships

• Stay creatively energized

Saying no sometimes is what allows us to say a much stronger yes to the right work.

If you’re considering a project and wondering whether it’s a fit, we’re always happy to start with a conversation.