Direct sourcing empowers designers, allowing them to have full creative and operational control over their projects, while also fostering industry connections that can benefit their careers in the long run. Here are 10 reasons why designers should consider doing their own sourcing for projects:

1. Control Over Quality

When designers personally source materials and products, they can ensure the quality meets their standards. They can inspect items in person, avoiding surprises with subpar materials that may affect the final outcome.

2. Creative Freedom

Sourcing directly gives designers more flexibility to choose unique, unconventional, or custom pieces that align with their creative vision rather than being restricted by third-party limitations.

3. Cost Efficiency

By eliminating middlemen or procurement agents, designers can access better deals, discounts, and negotiate prices directly, potentially saving money for both themselves and their clients.

4. Better Understanding of Market Trends

Designers who actively source materials stay in touch with the latest trends, products, and innovations, which can be used to give their designs a contemporary edge.

5. Direct Relationship with Suppliers

Establishing direct relationships with suppliers can provide long-term benefits, such as priority access to new items, custom products, and preferred pricing on future projects.

6. Customization Opportunities

When sourcing directly, designers have more control over customizations, allowing them to specify exact finishes, colors, dimensions, and materials that suit their projects perfectly.

7. Quicker Turnaround Times

Designers can better manage lead times and shipping schedules by dealing directly with suppliers, avoiding delays that sometimes occur through third-party sourcing channels.

8. Increased Accountability

Direct sourcing puts responsibility in the hands of the designer, which can streamline communication, reduce errors, and ensure that products arrive as intended.

9. Better Project Coherence

When a designer selects every element of the project, from furniture to materials, it creates a unified vision that enhances the overall design cohesion and aesthetics.

10. Building a Unique Portfolio

By sourcing unique and hard-to-find pieces, designers can distinguish their work from others, building a reputation for offering exclusive, one-of-a-kind designs that clients can’t get elsewhere.