5 Keys Things to Share with Your Architect
Fri, Mar 15th, 2019
When a client hires an architect to complete a design for their next residential or commercial building project, he or she may not always know what information is best to bring to the table. After all, if they knew what it took to create a blueprint and design, they wouldn’t need to hire an architect! A skillful architect will attempt to glean as much necessary information as possible from the client through their initial consultation, so it always pays to come prepared.
The clearer and more precise a client is in their vision, the closer an architect and his or her team can get to capturing it. Details matter. That is why we’ve put together this list of 5 things you’ll always want to share with your architect, prior to beginning your project.
Share Whatever Resources You Can to Convey Your Idea
It’s hard to convey our design vision to another person without having a concrete example to help illustrate it. An architect can whip up concept sketches fairly quickly based on your verbal descriptions, but he or she can’t see what is inside your head. Until an idea is put down on paper, it remains open to interpretation.
Help bring clarity to your vision by pairing your description with photos, or other forms of media, that elucidate your idea. These images don’t have to be exact. Each one may only have a single detail that is relevant, such as stone veneer siding or a certain architectural style that you want incorporated into your own design. But, as mentioned earlier, every single, little detail counts; and the more you can provide to your architect, the closer they can get to truly capturing your vision.
Share Your Thoughts on Use, Functionalities and Features
Only part of an architectural design is aesthetics. Functionality plays a big role in your residential or commercial design. Be open with the architect and his or her team. Share how you intend to use the space and what features matter most to you.
If you’re investing in a residential design, share more about yourself. Are you a minimalist or a collector? Do you favor the outdoors or a cozy study? Do you like to share things with your partner or do you prefer a “his and hers” closet and bathroom design? Who you are and what you prefer plays an integral role in designing the home of your dreams.
The same goes for commercial buildings. If the experts know how you want the space to feel and what you want to accomplish within it, they can cater the design to your unique desires.
Share Your Budget
It’s easy to let your dreams get ahead of your budget when you’re brainstorming for a project. There are so many possibilities, and few of us know exactly what it costs to bring them to life. If you let the architecture firm know ahead of time what you are willing to spend, they can rein you in with reminders of what does and does not fit into the scope of your budget, or make suggestions on certain alterations or substitutions that may help you achieve your architectural goals, while still remaining within the boundaries of your established fund.
Share a Willingness to Be Flexible
A great architect and his or her team will listen closely to your vision and do everything they can to get as close to it as possible. However, it’s important to keep in mind that they will always yield to structural integrity. Certain construction elements such as electrical work, heating, plumbing and stability in construction may limit even the most highly-skilled architect’s ability to achieve certain ideas.
Be flexible, and realize that a design change or alteration may be necessary, in order to successfully bring your project to life. Have faith in your architect, and always keep an open mind when suggested changes are offered during the design or building process. That being said, architects can be flexible too; and are likely more than open to compromising on certain details, in an effort to meet you somewhere in the middle.
Share Your Thoughts and Questions
Communication matters. If you aren’t certain of why an architect added a particular design element, made a certain change, or urged you to deviate from your initial idea, ask why. A good architectural firm always has your best interests in mind, and will gladly explain why something may not align with your original plan.
If you’re unhappy with a certain change, or you aren’t sure whether you like it or not, speak up! An architecture firm’s job is to create an architectural design that satisfies you—the client—and the best firms aren’t afraid to consider different or unorthodox ways to achieve that goal. Simply put, the more you clearly communicate with the architectural team you’re working with, the better they can meet your expectations and bring all of your architectural design dreams to life.
South Florida Architecture is a premier architectural firm located in Estero, Florida. With over half a century of combined experience, we take pride in having provided the innovative and aesthetically-pleasing architectural designs for countless iconic residential, industrial and commercial buildings all across the state of Florida. Contact us today to discuss your project and receive a complimentary estimate!