It's like a first date, sort of.
Recently, we have had a handful prospective clients asking us about the process of hiring talking to an architect about a house remodel. They are nervous about how to get things going, how much our services cost, and if we will bill them for coming out to their house to discuss a project? (short answer to the last question: nope)
I have to admit that I feel exactly the same way about doctors, accountants, attorneys and most other professional service providers. I just never know where the "hidden charges" will be or when that bill will arrive in the mail.
Initial client meeting and site visit for a house renovation. The e-brake on Patri's car (pictured) worked overtime at this site.
As for how we start the design process, we typically meet with the client at the project site (their home, in the case of a home renovation), so we can better understand the extent of the work. The conversation includes a long list of topics - and list can include needs, wants, and dreams. During that meeting, we discuss scope, budget and timeline with the client to better understand their expectations. We find it helpful to spend the most time discussing what doesn't work in their existing living spaces (so we know what to fix!). We take extensive notes, borrow existing plans (if we're lucky) and take as many photographs as possible (there are never enough photos - there is always a point in the project when one of us will say, "I really wish I had a better picture of ___________).
It's like a first date, sort of. Discussing with clients what they love and what they want to improve in their house.
We enjoy these initial meetings - it allows us to set the tone of what the architect-client relationship will be like. We like to establish open communication, allowing for a real back-and-forth of ideas - so that we form a true partnership.
Then we return to the office and figure out the scope of work, the complexity of the project, and which drawings we will need to produce for construction. What we are really doing is figuring out how much time we need to get it right - all based on the information gathered during the initial meeting. From there, we calculate the fee for our services and write a proposal to the client. This process we consider to be equal to when other services offer "free estimates" - it's just that our estimates takes a little bit of time, given the complexity of a major construction project.
In our fee proposal, we spell out the various design phases and explain how architects and interior designers fit a given project - we will explain that process in next week's blog post. For now, please know that we love designing renovations, and we love working closely with clients. And also know that no renovation is too small - we are just as happy to help you pick a new front door as we are re-imagining your entire house and adding grand new spaces.