Client & Architect | Architecture Firm Relationship!
Getting the Most from Your Relationship with your Architect or Architecture Firm During the Design Process.
The relationship between clients and architects or architecture firms is crucial to successfully completing any project. One of the key factors to a productive relationship is maintaining ongoing communication throughout the project, ultimately it determines if the partnership between clients and architects results in a completed project that not only meets the client's expectations but also exceeds them. Therefore keeping these considerations in mind will go a long way in getting the most from your relationship with your architect or architecture firm.
Have Realistic Expectations.
As with any structure or building design project, there can be unforeseen difficulties and other issues that arise, thus having realistic expectations are key when working with an architect or architecture firm. You should try to establish reasonable expectations when it comes to the timeline, budget and design of the structure or building. Be aware that the project may take longer than you had expected or require more resources, likewise be prepared for some changes to the building design plan during the course of the project. It’s also important to remember that architects and architecture firms typically want to create functional yet creative designs, which means that your structure or building may not end up looking exactly how you had originally pictured it, but it could actually be something even better. Of similar importance, design updates and revisions whether its is your home or commercial project can be difficult but they can also add new elements to the final design which can make it extraordinary. Trust the architectural design process and your team, understand that it’s all part of the creative experience.
Respect The Architect’s or Architectural Firm’s Time and Expertise.
As a client, you should make an effort to respect the architect's or architectural firm's time and expertise. This means being prepared for meetings, having a clear idea and understanding of your structure or building requirements and general appreciation of the architectural design process. Architects and architecture firms are professionals who typically are educated and experienced, however they still require your input to accurately develop a structure or building design that meets your needs and expectations, so it is important that you be clear about what you need and expect from the onset of the architectural design process. If you are not clear, the architect or firm will have to make assumptions about final results expected, which may not be correct, if your not sure about something, be open and discuss it with them. Respecting the architectural design process is also important, the architect or architecture firm will usually have a specific way of working and it is important to understand and respect this, if you try to rush the design process or second-guess the architect or yourself regularly, can most likely lead to undesired results and difficulties in during the design process.
Be Responsive to Your Architect or Architecture Firm When They Request Information.
As the client, it is your responsibility to be responsive to your architect or firm also when they request information. The more responsive you are, the more likely the project to stay within your timeline, the smoother the architectural design process will go and the better the final product will be. Here are a few tips on how to be responsive to your architect or architecture firm:
Make sure you have all the information they need before they begin work or at minimum the most important information needed to begin the design process. This includes a clear understanding of your vision for the project, as well as the scope, budget, timeline , any other constraints and information.
Once work begins, be available to answer any follow up questions they may have or review input of submittals of your structure or building design. If you're not available, make sure you have someone who can speak on your behalf to communicate the relevant information.
Keep them updated on any changes to the project, as well as any new information that may come up which can affect the architectural design process.
By following these tips, you can be sure that you are being responsive and chance of having the desired outcome for your project.
Be Prepared to Make Decisions in A Timely Manner.
When working with an architect or architecture firm, be prepared to make decisions in a timely manner. As mentioned previously they will need to know aspects of your project such beyond the vision for the project, your budget, and your timeline. If it is a house or residential building these can include among other information like your input on specific details such as materials, finishes, and fixtures that are all required to make progress in the design process and keep on schedule. If you are not able to make decisions in a timely manner, it will delay the project and may cause you and others involved to feel frustrated. Therefore, it is important to be prepared to make decisions and communicate frequently with your architect or architecture firm.
Be An Advocate for Your Project.
When you are working with your architect or architecture firm keep in mind that they are your partner in creating your vision for your project. However do your best to be an advocate for your structure or building design, you know your needs and expectations for your project better than anyone else, so make sure that your input is heard and considered throughout the architectural design process. The best way to be an advocate for your project is to be clear and concise about what you want and important details. When you're discussing your project with your architect or architectural firm, be sure to communicate openly throughout the architectural design & development process, share all and any information you feel is important or that they request, including your ideas, goals and objectives. The more information they have, the better your architect or architecture firm will be able to design a project that meets your needs and help to guarantee that it is made with your input, approval and is delivered within the timeline and requirements that you have established.
