Expectations Between Architect and Client

Anytime something new and exciting is undertaken - and your office design is just that to a designer or architect- some stress is involved. Unfortunately, stress generally flows to the team member who knows the least about the process. That’s why patients are stressed when sitting in an operating chair, and the dentist isn't. For the same reasons, this is why most clients will feel stress while an architect designs their space and the architect doesn't feel the same stress.

A successful office design requires that the client and the architect bring the following character traits to the process:

• Sense of humor
• Good self-image
• Patience
• Clear communication from the very beginning
• Planning
• Superior awareness
• Flexibility
• Good listening skills
• Positive attitude
• Personal integrity
• Strong desire to reach goals
• Authority and promptness in decision-making
• Attendance at all important meetings

 With these join expectations in place, let's look at what the client needs to bring to the process:

• Sufficient and prompt funding for quality job
• Space and access to it
• Responsibility for your own actions that affect the job

And by the same token, a good design group will bring to the table:

• Site verification visit and provide written report of findings
• Office layout
• Complete architecture and engineering design and construction documents
• Submit construction documents to governing jurisdiction(s) for plan review
• Forward construction documents to you for distribution to general contractors for final construction budget proposals

A common mistake is assuming your unique office design or remodel can be purchased “off the shelf.” The earlier you fully engage with your architect and dedicate the mental, emotional, and financial resources necessary to complete the project design, the more satisfied and, yes, even enjoyable, the total design and construction process will become.

The Sykes Team