The longer I live, happily pursuing a career, the more I realize that culture sensitivities (do's & taboos), manners and protocol have an integral relationship with just about every established profession. Consider the field of design, for example, in which I have been professionally involved for more than two decades.
The successes of a design project not only depend upon education and experience, but also discipline, strength, and understanding of the emotional connection between the architect, the designer, and the client. The psychology of culture, good manners, and protocol are essential for establishing a good working relationship. A designer without people skills who does not carefully consider the clients' needs while designing around them, is doing a disservice to the profession.
The 17th and 18th century designers of the grandiose Palais de Versailles knew that they had a major design responsibility, not only to add to the 'royal magnificence' of the surrounds, but also to make life efficient and comfortable for the people who would live and visit there. For example, their mandate was to make the furnishings comfortable for long hours of sitting, but also capacious and able to accommodate voluminous satin and lace ball gowns and the male courtiers' extravagantly lavish attire. The designers made sure that the important personages in the great salons faced the best possible views, and were themselves seen in the best possible light. They wanted to please the King and Queen, most certainly, but they also wanted to make the Royal Court the leading center of the practice of the world's manners. Chivalry and protocol were to flourish in this environment. A designer helps clients with all phases of the design project and should have the same goal, perhaps only cued to much more modest aspirations. Creating personal spaces that are both functional and inviting sets the stage for offering hospitality to family, friends, guests, and clients.
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