“Make it look like [competitor], but different.”

Hi [Name], It's helpful to know what you admire about [competitor]. I'll use them as a reference for what works in your market, not a template, since a copy would blur your brand and could cause legal trouble. Could you tell me which parts you like most (tone, colour, layout, feel) and how you want to stand out? That gives me something to design toward. Best, [Your name]