Client / Architect working relationships · Sep 23, 03:34 PM

In 2002, a client of ours was working with a group of homeowners to help them discover how best to work with an architect. She asked for our advice about some of the pitfalls of the client /architect relationship. Here’s the list we gave her…just as relevant today as is was then.

Biggest Mistakes

Unrealistic Expectations:
Building a new home, or renovating your existing home is expensive. If you can align your budget and dreams early in the process, this will save you both time and frustration. Too often, clients come to architects with fabulous (but expensive) ideas. If the client can give the architect a clear and accurate idea of budget, the architect can help the client understand what they can afford. If there is no clear budget, an architect might spend a lot of time designing and drawing something a client can’t afford. This obviously prolongs the process and wastes money on design fees.
Neglecting a Cushion:
In establishing a budget, don’t plan to spend every cent you can possibly afford on your house. The reason for this is simple – unexpected circumstances often arise during the construction process (delays in permitting, unstable soil, etc.) You need to establish a cushion (we recommend 10% of the construction budget) so you can comfortably deal with any unexpected circumstances that arise.

Proactive Steps

Clarify Your Desires:
Gather photos of houses and interior spaces you like. Put a post-it note on each describing what you like about each image. Think about what rooms you need and their relationships to one another (i.e. you want a master bedroom which is separated from two additional bedrooms, you would like a family room with a wood stove which is connected to an eat-in kitchen). Give your architect an understanding of how you want to use your rooms (i.e. you want to eat breakfast in a sunny space with a table that accommodates three people, you like to get dressed in your closet and want a full length mirror there). Where do you normally eat? Where would you like to use your computer. Which rooms will have a TV? What kind of entertaining do you want to do?
Get Specific:
Give your architect as much specific information as you can. If you have furniture or paintings you want to accommodate, give their sizes. How much linear hanging space do you need in your closets?
Prioritize:
In case you can’t afford everything you want, begin to prioritize. Expensive items include: windows, built-in cabinetry such as bookshelves or bureaus, wood paneling and trim, stair detailing, custom kitchen cabinets, granite countertops, high end appliances, double height spaces, large rooms, high ceilings, bathrooms, complicated roof lintes, stone or brick exterior. Which are the most important to you, and which can you do without?

— Laura Campbell

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