This week we were approached for two major new projects, both for which we had to sign an NDA before getting more confidential information about the project itself, information we needed to quote for our services.

NDA’s are a frequent tool used in projects of confidential nature, government projects, competition sensitive projects, innovative developments and so on. They can cover the pre- engagement time, the actual project duration and even post project time frames. It all depends on the sensitivity of the project and the potential information related to the project details. We had many over the years, some prohibiting us to even carry a reference or picture on our website. Nearly 20 years ago the most “confidential project I was involved with was probably the Istana Nurul Iman, the Palace of the Sultan of Brunei. We had a dedicated team stationed on site for months to carry out lighting design and take care of immediate site implementation. Entry to the palace site was only allowed with security guards who drove us around and accompanied us wherever we went…the picture used here is freely available on Google but does show the ornamental streetlight, part of the project at the time.

Trust and respect are key ingredients for a durable business relationship, so validating your client or lead consultant’s confidentiality is important. It is tempting to share project information at times as you may want to use it to boost your track record and capabilities, but it does not weigh up against the trust relationship you are building with your client and co-consultants.

NDA’s are therefore an important tool to use when confidential information is involved and this works both ways! We also often request others that we deal and share sensitive information with to sign an NDA with us before we proceed. While it may not be so easy to enforce, it does give that extra blanket of protection and peace mind and puts all parties on notice that care and due diligence are to be applied.

It takes years to build up trust and respect but it can be destroyed instantly. I would love to hear from my fellow designers of experiences (good or bad) that involved NDA’s in relation to their projects.