Setting up Practice
Tips for a Productive Initial Consultation with Your Architect
The first step to working with an architect on your new project will always be an initial conversation. This is where you can get to know the team you will be working with and where they can learn more about your desires and needs. The conversation sets up the rest of the project, making it a pivotal starting point. So, you want this meeting to be a success.
Like any meeting, preparation is going to be key to a smooth and productive initial consultation. In order to tell the team what you are looking for, you need to know it yourself. Spending time gathering inspiration and examples of what you are looking for will help you communicate clearly, establish objectives, and collaborate with the team to set realistic expectations.
At Studio Arkell, we are passionate about helping our clients bring their visions to life, creating spaces that function for them while looking beautiful. We put a lot of emphasis on the initial consultation as the start of a creative and collaborative journey. The team knows how important these meetings are, so we have gathered a few tips to help you help us.
In this blog, we share how to prepare for an initial consultation with an architect for a productive conversation.
Clear Communication
Our first tip for a productive initial consultation with your architect is to embrace clear, open and honest discussions.
Don’t be afraid to tell them what you like and don’t like, but at the same time, make sure you are actively listening to what they are saying back to you.
We have found that this can be easier if you have done a bit of research for inspiration and ideas before the meeting, as it will have helped you establish your preferences.
In line with this, set your Britishness aside and be open to discussing the financial side of this project. Share your budget with us so that we can work within it.
In addition, make sure you ask questions. If something doesn’t make sense, ask them to clarify it. Or, if an idea has caught your attention, run with it and ask more questions about it. Now is your opportunity to get as much information as possible from your team. Plus, on our side, the more questions asked, the more of a feel we can get for you and what you are looking for.
Heading into each of our consultations, we have a loose agenda to follow. This ensures we hit all the talking points to gather the information we need to move forward.
These will typically cover:
- The function of the space
- Desired layout
- Sustainability features
- Specific materials
- Budget
Our agenda is fluid and will evolve as the conversation with you happens.
Open and clear communication throughout the meeting means everyone can walk away with clarity. We will all be on the same page to start the project, setting it up for a smooth process.
Establish Objectives
Whether you are renovating somewhere or creating a new space, you will likely have a goal in mind for how you will use it.
Plus, you will have a budget and time frame in mind.
Use the initial consultation to share these expectations and objectives with the architects so that they can factor them into their designs and ideas.
In most conversations, the architect leading it will usually guide you through these discussions but, again, don’t be afraid to remind them of these throughout the conversation.
The other thing to note in this is that part of setting objectives also means distinguishing between what you classify as a “want” and a “must”. What part of your ideas must you have for it to meet your purpose and style, and what you are happy to negotiate or compromise on.
Collaborative Approach
In our experience, the most productive initial consultations stem from the client being open to collaboration.
While offering a set of objectives and ideas, be open to working with us as a team. You will have chosen to work with architects for a reason – their expertise – so let them share that with you to make the most of your project.
The team of architects you are working with will have practical knowledge and a deeper understanding of the process and work involved in your project. So they will be able to foresee any potential problems and find solutions to them before the real work begins.
Of course, a off-shoot of this is that they will bring feasibility considerations to the table, helping set expectations and create designs that they know will work.
Finally, working as a team allows innovation and creativity. The architects will know trends, styles and new ideas while you will know your own personal style and the space you have. Working together generates tailored solutions that you will be proud of.
Setting Realistic Expectations
As you might see, a common theme throughout this is openness and transparency. In going in open following the conversation, you will leave with realistic expectations.
Sharing your ideas but actively listening to our responses will allow us all to form an idea of the project that will be able to be met.
We will explain how certain factors might impact your ideas, for example, planning permission and Building Regulation requirements, structural limitations or cost constraints.
This is another reason why transparency around your budget and timeline is important.
Again, setting expectations allows everyone to know where the project is going, making the conversation a productive one.
Follow-Up Action Plan
The final aspect of ensuring the consultation is productive is to leave with an action plan.
Make sure you know what to expect after the meeting. Are the architects going to send over design concepts? Do you need to sign a contract? Will they send over cost estimates?
Leave knowing what will happen and when so that your project can keep moving forward rather than stalling.
It is also helpful to take five minutes to recap decisions, agreements and concerns so there is no confusion or bits missed.
Once again, this is a part of the conversation that the architect team should lead you through, but if they don’t ask the questions before stepping out the door.
Book An Initial Consultation With Us
The initial consultation is a vital part of the project, and because of this, it is important that it is a productive conversation.
Through clear communication, objective setting, collaborating, realistic expectations discussed and a list of follow-up actions, you set up your project to run smoothly in line with your budget, time frame and ideas.
At Studio Arkell, we believe that the initial consultation may be the most important part of our service. This is why we take extra care with the conversations, going in with an agenda that ensures we cover all information needed.
Our team are passionate about making your unique vision the heart of the project, so put everything into collaborating with you to make it a reality.
Book an initial consultation with our friendly team to get the ball rolling with your project. Call us on 01202 232423 or complete our online contact form, and we will get in touch with you.
