The Fundamentals of Great Design: The Client

Tastes vary and trends change, the basic ingredients of good design have been understood for centuries. They transcend fashion and personal taste. If you get the fundamentals right, the building and space becomes timeless.

Your Brief:

Before setting out on your project journey, spend time writing and considering your brief. This brief will shape your design team’s view of the project in ways that you may not appreciate from the outset.

Check out this blog post for info on how to write a good brief

The project process and stages:

During my time working on commercial projects, I noticed that an experienced client can make the project run smoother for the design team but also reduces the stress and uncertainty for the client. So, it is imperative that the client has been fully briefed on the project process – what are the different project stages, how long do they take, when will the client be asked for input, what are the client’s responsibilities during the process. If everyone is aware of their obligations from the outset, then the process becomes more enjoyable for all involved.

Communication

Effective communication within your design and project team is crucial for the successful implementation of a design. This involves the client fully understanding the drawings and the project process, as mentioned before. But it is also so important to choose consultants, suppliers, and builders that you get along with and that have a communication style that you are comfortable with. In most cases you will be working closely with these people for months (if not years), so the strength of your relationship will be crucial. Spend time choosing your team and do your due diligence. Get references where you can, and ask them how they will provide information during the process – meetings, email, phone calls, timing of drawing distributions etc.

RIAI guide to working with an architect: https://www.riai.ie/uploads/files/general-files/Working_with_an_Architect_2023.pdf