Worthwhile Questions to Ask an Architect at the First Meeting
Asking the right questions at the beginning of your build can result in a smooth-running project, laughs and all
Dominic Bagnato
11 February 2017
Houzz Australia Contributor. Director at Bagnato Architects. I have a passion for architecture and building, and I love creating spaces that are well planned and simple, using natural materials to create warmth and luxury.
Houzz Australia Contributor. Director at Bagnato Architects. I have a passion for... More
Meeting a potential client for the very first time is like going on a blind date. Will you both click? Are your personalities compatible enough that you’ll work well together? Even before discussing the fundamentals like budgets and briefs and time schedules, you want to get to know each other very quickly. That initial meeting may last less than an hour and, as any architect will tell you, during this time some serious and some not so serious questions will be asked, and statements will be made to provoke consternation and often laughter.
Really, what you and the client are trying to establish is whether you are going to get along. After all, you’ll be spending a lot of time together. Having your house designed or renovated isn’t usually a short process – it can take up to a few years. So brace yourself: here are some of the more unusual and, at times, funny questions I have been asked as an architect, and explanations for why these conversations were well worth having.
Really, what you and the client are trying to establish is whether you are going to get along. After all, you’ll be spending a lot of time together. Having your house designed or renovated isn’t usually a short process – it can take up to a few years. So brace yourself: here are some of the more unusual and, at times, funny questions I have been asked as an architect, and explanations for why these conversations were well worth having.
“Why should we hire you?”
When choosing an architect, reviewing their project portfolio will tell you about the type of work they do. Does the architect produce modern, contemporary or reproduction designs? Some practices will accommodate all styles of architecture, which can be useful if a client thinks they want one kind of home, but their tastes, site and lifestyle means another style would be a better fit.
I have had many clients come into the office wanting a period-style home, for example, who ended up with a contemporary home. Our role is always to challenge the client and dig deeper to see what they really want.
When choosing an architect, reviewing their project portfolio will tell you about the type of work they do. Does the architect produce modern, contemporary or reproduction designs? Some practices will accommodate all styles of architecture, which can be useful if a client thinks they want one kind of home, but their tastes, site and lifestyle means another style would be a better fit.
I have had many clients come into the office wanting a period-style home, for example, who ended up with a contemporary home. Our role is always to challenge the client and dig deeper to see what they really want.
This conversation took place at a first meeting and, as well as generating some ice-breaking laughter, resulted in both clients ending up with a style of home they were happy with, despite arriving with different intentions.
Client: “I have driven around and seen all your work and I don’t like it.”
Architect: “So why are you here?”
Client: “My wife made me come.”
Architect: “Okay, where to from here then?”
Client: “Tell me why we should we engage you?”
At this point we all burst out laughing and there was an instant liking for each other. The frankness of the question was part jest but part honesty, and stemmed from the fact that the husband had come to the meeting wanting a period home, while his wife wanted one that was contemporary.
A contemporary home was eventually built.
How to mix historical features into modern design
Client: “I have driven around and seen all your work and I don’t like it.”
Architect: “So why are you here?”
Client: “My wife made me come.”
Architect: “Okay, where to from here then?”
Client: “Tell me why we should we engage you?”
At this point we all burst out laughing and there was an instant liking for each other. The frankness of the question was part jest but part honesty, and stemmed from the fact that the husband had come to the meeting wanting a period home, while his wife wanted one that was contemporary.
A contemporary home was eventually built.
How to mix historical features into modern design
“Can you make our wish list work?”
As an architect, it’s important to listen to clients and design to their brief, and for you to find an architect willing to put their personal preferences aside to accommodate yours. In this example, the clients were clear on what they wanted, and communicated their wishes accordingly.
Client: “We want an ensuite that opens into the bedroom with no doors or walls. My husband and I share everything; we even like talking to each other while sitting on the toilet. Do you have an example of an ensuite where you can see everything from the bedroom?”
Architect: “Have you thought about about the steam, noises and smells?”
Client: “We don’t see these as a problem.”
Now, an open ensuite may not be how I would want to live but, after a good laugh, I realised that they didn’t share the same wish for modesty as me. And that’s fine!
As an architect, it’s important to listen to clients and design to their brief, and for you to find an architect willing to put their personal preferences aside to accommodate yours. In this example, the clients were clear on what they wanted, and communicated their wishes accordingly.
Client: “We want an ensuite that opens into the bedroom with no doors or walls. My husband and I share everything; we even like talking to each other while sitting on the toilet. Do you have an example of an ensuite where you can see everything from the bedroom?”
Architect: “Have you thought about about the steam, noises and smells?”
Client: “We don’t see these as a problem.”
Now, an open ensuite may not be how I would want to live but, after a good laugh, I realised that they didn’t share the same wish for modesty as me. And that’s fine!
Spaces are designed for all sorts of reasons, some for pragmatic use while others are simply for show. In this example, the clients were unapologetic that their wish list included a no-cook kitchen.
Client: “Can you design us a kitchen with large, flat surfaces, and an uncluttered island bench with an electric cooktop that also has a flat surface?”
Architect: “Yes, of course we can. It sounds like you guys love your cooking and entertaining and it’s a place to congregate with the family.”
Client: “No, I don’t cook and neither does my wife. We need the flat surfaces to rest the pizza boxes on.”
Architect: “Okay, I will design you a bigger-than-normal recycling bin for those boxes too then.”
Client: “Can you design us a kitchen with large, flat surfaces, and an uncluttered island bench with an electric cooktop that also has a flat surface?”
Architect: “Yes, of course we can. It sounds like you guys love your cooking and entertaining and it’s a place to congregate with the family.”
Client: “No, I don’t cook and neither does my wife. We need the flat surfaces to rest the pizza boxes on.”
Architect: “Okay, I will design you a bigger-than-normal recycling bin for those boxes too then.”
“How do you like your steak?”
Designing and building or renovating a house takes time, so it’s crucial you and your architect get along for the project to go smoothly. The first meeting is the time to work out if you are well suited by asking lots of questions – and they needn’t all be about the project, as this first conversation shows.
Client: “What’s your favourite cut of meat? Do you love wine? Are you a car enthusiast?”
Architect: “I love my ribeye, I don’t mind a glass of wine, and I drive a 15-year-old car.”
Client: “You had me at ribeye. You’re hired.”
Architect: “Don’t you want to discuss our fees?”
Client: “No, I’m comfortable.”
Designing and building or renovating a house takes time, so it’s crucial you and your architect get along for the project to go smoothly. The first meeting is the time to work out if you are well suited by asking lots of questions – and they needn’t all be about the project, as this first conversation shows.
Client: “What’s your favourite cut of meat? Do you love wine? Are you a car enthusiast?”
Architect: “I love my ribeye, I don’t mind a glass of wine, and I drive a 15-year-old car.”
Client: “You had me at ribeye. You’re hired.”
Architect: “Don’t you want to discuss our fees?”
Client: “No, I’m comfortable.”
Knowing the essence of what you want and how you live your life also helps your architect deliver a design solution that not only exceeds your expectations but enhances your true passions in life. This client loved his barbecue, wine and fast cars, and the house was designed around these three passions.
We have remained life-long friends, exchanging photos of meat platters, wine labels and sports cars.
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We have remained life-long friends, exchanging photos of meat platters, wine labels and sports cars.
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“What do you mean by that?”
Ensuring you understand what your architect is describing will mean fewer, if any, surprises at the end. And that means asking questions if there’s something you’re not clear on up front. In this case, the terms I had used at the first meeting to describe what I had in mind for a client’s house, and in the conferences that followed, had not been clearly understood, but we didn’t find that out until the home was completed!
Client: “Wow, so this is what you meant when you said we were going to have a void?”
Architect: “The void has been on the drawings for two years. You didn’t know what a void was?” Client: “I didn’t understand half of your drawings but had faith in you, nonetheless.”
Architect: “What about the butler’s pantry, is it how you imagined?”
Client: “We have a butler’s pantry?”
Architect: “Yes, it was in your brief. He even has his own wing in the house so he doesn’t disturb you.”
Ensuring you understand what your architect is describing will mean fewer, if any, surprises at the end. And that means asking questions if there’s something you’re not clear on up front. In this case, the terms I had used at the first meeting to describe what I had in mind for a client’s house, and in the conferences that followed, had not been clearly understood, but we didn’t find that out until the home was completed!
Client: “Wow, so this is what you meant when you said we were going to have a void?”
Architect: “The void has been on the drawings for two years. You didn’t know what a void was?” Client: “I didn’t understand half of your drawings but had faith in you, nonetheless.”
Architect: “What about the butler’s pantry, is it how you imagined?”
Client: “We have a butler’s pantry?”
Architect: “Yes, it was in your brief. He even has his own wing in the house so he doesn’t disturb you.”
Our clients and I laughed our heads off for days about this. We had basically designed and constructed a house with the clients never really understanding what they were getting. I’ve come to learn that it’s important to produce drawings, photos and examples that best describe an idea, to always ask questions to make sure clients know what they are getting, and to encourage questions from them at every turn.
There was no wing for the butler.
There was no wing for the butler.
“What do you think about our ideas?”
A brief is never a stagnant document and throughout the design process it can change dramatically. The architect needs to listen to the client, but also ask the right questions and, at times, suggest a different direction if it’s in their best interests. Sometimes what you thought you wanted may not be what you wanted after all, so ask your architect’s opinion before going ahead. In this case, a more modest home was the right call.
Client: “Our beach house has to have a tennis court, swimming pool, cinema room, cellar, a separate self-contained outbuilding for friends so that they may visit, two ovens in the kitchen, and a bathroom for every bedroom. What do you think? Can you accommodate that in the design?”
Architect: “You want a hotel.”
Client: “What do you mean?”
Architect: “You will never have a holiday again. Your weekends will be filled entertaining and serving your drop-in guests. How about we add an illuminated ‘No Vacancy’ sign?”
Client: (Pause…) “Have you had experience in designing beach shacks, you know, compact bungalows?”
A brief is never a stagnant document and throughout the design process it can change dramatically. The architect needs to listen to the client, but also ask the right questions and, at times, suggest a different direction if it’s in their best interests. Sometimes what you thought you wanted may not be what you wanted after all, so ask your architect’s opinion before going ahead. In this case, a more modest home was the right call.
Client: “Our beach house has to have a tennis court, swimming pool, cinema room, cellar, a separate self-contained outbuilding for friends so that they may visit, two ovens in the kitchen, and a bathroom for every bedroom. What do you think? Can you accommodate that in the design?”
Architect: “You want a hotel.”
Client: “What do you mean?”
Architect: “You will never have a holiday again. Your weekends will be filled entertaining and serving your drop-in guests. How about we add an illuminated ‘No Vacancy’ sign?”
Client: (Pause…) “Have you had experience in designing beach shacks, you know, compact bungalows?”
“Can we achieve this within our budget?”
Aligning your beliefs with your budgetary requirements can be challenging and compromise is inevitable. Asking from the outset whether must-haves are affordable for you will avoid disappointment later. Communicating your top priorities will also allow your architect to come up with some alternative suggestions that achieve a similar outcome.
Client: “We would love our house to be environmentally sustainable, using materials and building methods in line with our beliefs. Do you have the experience to do this?”
Architect: “Yes we do. Based on your brief, however, this is going to cost you 50 per cent more than your budget.”
Client: “Oh, let’s just put solar panels in then.”
Aligning your beliefs with your budgetary requirements can be challenging and compromise is inevitable. Asking from the outset whether must-haves are affordable for you will avoid disappointment later. Communicating your top priorities will also allow your architect to come up with some alternative suggestions that achieve a similar outcome.
Client: “We would love our house to be environmentally sustainable, using materials and building methods in line with our beliefs. Do you have the experience to do this?”
Architect: “Yes we do. Based on your brief, however, this is going to cost you 50 per cent more than your budget.”
Client: “Oh, let’s just put solar panels in then.”
“Are our ideas practical for real-life living?”
Sometimes we forget about the daily grind of life and cleaning is one of those ugly tasks that, if not considered in the design phase, can shackle you to endless hours of unrewarding work. Someone has to do it. The question of “Who is going to clean the house?” comes up in just about every project we undertake. It is a serious question, and one of the practicalities well worth bringing up with your architect at the first meeting.
Husband client: “Can you design dual bathrooms for me and my wife with floor-to-ceiling mirrors and a bathroom for each of the kids?”
Wife client: “Who is going to clean them?”
Husband client: What do you mean, clean?
Architect: “What about an ensuite for you guys and a bathroom for the kids to share and a powder room for guests?”
Wife client: “Get rid of the powder room.”
Sometimes we forget about the daily grind of life and cleaning is one of those ugly tasks that, if not considered in the design phase, can shackle you to endless hours of unrewarding work. Someone has to do it. The question of “Who is going to clean the house?” comes up in just about every project we undertake. It is a serious question, and one of the practicalities well worth bringing up with your architect at the first meeting.
Husband client: “Can you design dual bathrooms for me and my wife with floor-to-ceiling mirrors and a bathroom for each of the kids?”
Wife client: “Who is going to clean them?”
Husband client: What do you mean, clean?
Architect: “What about an ensuite for you guys and a bathroom for the kids to share and a powder room for guests?”
Wife client: “Get rid of the powder room.”
Your say
What kinds of questions have you asked your designer on first meeting them? Share your advice with your fellow Houzzers in the Comments below.
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Read more architecture stories
What kinds of questions have you asked your designer on first meeting them? Share your advice with your fellow Houzzers in the Comments below.
More
Read more architecture stories
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Great article Bagnato Architects! There is no 'one size fits all' client, and the same can be said for client/architect/builder relationships. Every project is a chance to meet new and interesting people and viewpoints.
Great read hahaha!
I have the utmost respect for those in our game who do their job well. However, I am utterly dismayed for owners who are treated like fools and charged an arm and a leg for careless design, lacking detail as well as ownership by the designer. Ultimately, if a client has high expectations, there budget should match, and the truth is that it will likely cost more. You get what you pay for... but on the flip side, it should be reasonable. Some of the charges I hear about are quite frankly very wrong. All this being said..." A worker is worthy of his wage".
Honesty is a key. Experience is also a key. Every player in this field of creativity of the built form is at risk of losing not only a commission, but also reputation. Consider carefully your every step. Connect well...and the journey ahead can be wonderful