An attribute of a good architect is being able to produce a coherent solution from a complex problem.
To accomplish this, clear lines of communication and confidence must be established between architect and client as soon as possible.
Many clients find this difficult when starting out with an architect they haven’t worked with before. This is completely understandable. It’s a big investment in time and money, and a lot is at stake, so there is naturally some anxiety when beginning.
To ensure clients are put at ease as early in the process as possible, Parkes Architecture typically follows the below process for residential projects. This ensures a project starts right, and therefore has the best chance of finishing successfully:
Introduce / Research: Obtain an overview from the client of what their general brief is, and where the property is. Undertake initial research into what challenges or restrictions their property / zone will present.
Meet / Advise: Meet client at the project location to discuss the brief in more detail, and to understand the property. Provide on-the-spot insights regarding potential project opportunities and risks. Advise of relevant architectural experience and provide options for going forward.
Clarify: At this point it is critical that the client’s brief expectations align with their budget. In order to achieve this, before committing to months of paid work, Parkes Architecture often recommends clients consider a commission for initial concept design only – with a view to obtain a estimated cost for the work from a quantity surveyor. Once this estimated construction cost is received, the client will be in a much better position to make decisions about the future of the project, the extent of the brief, and who they’d like to sign on as architect.
Go Forth! From here, the scope of remaining architectural services and the fee for that work can be agreed.
Brief clarity at this point means the design and drawings can be steadily and confidently produced.
The design process is an iterative process, whereby the client has plenty of opportunity to review, adjust and approve the work as it progresses.