The Necessity of Reinvention

“Reinvention” used to apply only to the big changes in life and business, usually motivated by necessity and often desperation. Today, reinvention is better equated to evolution, the continual compendium of small and large changes that build upon themselves. One change informs another, the lines blurring between one change to the next.

Reinvention keeps us current, addresses our needs and brings comfort to the place we are now. As I set about to reinvent the business model at M4 Interiors, I realized that our process of reinvention was the same as what we apply to the spaces we recreate for our clients. So if you’re looking to reinvent your business, lifestyle or space, below are three tenants we gleaned to guide your process.

1.      Establish a vision that can be translated into reality.

While I have run a successful interior and space planning business for some time, this year I realized that we lacked focus. So, I brought in an objective branding expert, Lannon Consulting, to sort through our skill sets to determine where we want to specialize. This deep dive reminded me that I am most passionate about design that accommodates all ages and abilities, and that became our North Star. Similarly, when working with clients, we discuss their needs and desires before we ever start designing. Together, we create a vision that can be designed and made real.

2.      Release long-standing assumptions.

Emotions are stubborn guardians, and unless one is aware of their ability to strangle change, they can make reinvention impossible. As a business owner, I have affection for the business I have built. But I must embrace that people’s needs change, and so must my business change to meet them. When designing spaces, commercial and residential clients can be reticent, not wanting to let go of spaces that once gave them comfort, even as their current environment’s usefulness is deteriorating. Only by releasing former assumptions can we be truly open to new possibilities.

3.      Surround yourself with people who embrace open communication.

Nothing can be accomplished when team members are holding back. As a key player or leader during a reinvention, you can clarify that all opinions are welcome and that healthy disagreement can motivate new thinking. For example, I had to be open to my branding expert’s opinions and try to understand her suggestions because her experience matters. But it is also my business, so we engaged in the productive push- pull of working together to arrive at an exceptional outcome. Similarly, our clients appreciate our expertise in space planning as much as they appreciate our respect for their opinions and needs.

M4 Interiors is now a firm dedicated to delivering sophisticated environments that incorporate universal design and aging-in-place principles. Our branding harmoniously conveys that message. And, as always, we are applying what we have learned to the benefit of our clients, helping them realize their own reinventions, whether for their business, public space or home.