Whether you’re overseeing a large-scale development scheme or a small extension to your property, you should always work with an architect. These professionals can bring a lot to the construction project, saving you time and money with their expertise.
That said, architects can be far more effective at reducing your stress during these times if you’re committed to working with them well. If they’re suitably set up for success, they can achieve remarkable feats, which will benefit you and your building project in many ways.
You can do many things to make your working relationship with architects more productive. We’ve listed some of these areas after the jump.
Note Their Experience
Architects are enormously multi-faceted roles. It’s a specialised job to have, but even then, there are offshoots of interest that these experts explore.
Therefore, you should take extra care to ensure that your chosen architect has experience in your type of building project. That way, they can fully interpret or even inspire your vision further and take faster and better steps toward making it a reality.
For example, if you are planning a development scheme and need access to architects in Bristol quickly, 24Housing recommends a list of reputable services that could help you. Some of them can help during the initial consultation period and provide advisory and management services throughout the entirety of your project. 24Housing also recommend that you fully discuss your scheme with all the architects in Bristol you like and ask key questions about their registration status, fee structures, and communication strategies. Read their resources to learn more.
More dubious architects may only present their version of their level of experience. Consequently, you should always check the reviews of past clients to ensure they match the mission statement the architect tries to fulfil. Once you’re confident in their abilities, you can set aside any private doubts and fully commit to a more prosperous working relationship.
Respect Their Input
Everybody knows that architects are brilliant individuals. Despite the highly specialised nature of their roles, people can still treat these experts like minions.
Architects are there to serve you, but they also know what’s best in most build-related circumstances. They are passionate about what they do and will likely have strong opinions about all things construction and restoration. Try to embrace that fact, and use their commitment to your advantage, even if they’re telling you something you don’t want to hear.
There can be a temptation to try and force an architect to share your vision (even if it’s flawed) rather than to listen to their recommendations and adapt accordingly. Some people may even start arguing with the architect. It’s all a futile course of action, and the architect is likely nearly always right about any concerns or suggestions they raise.
Listen to their advice closely and follow through with it where you can. Remember, architects know about many things, not just the aesthetics of a building. They will know when carbon is being needlessly generated or be aware of relevant council policies that must be adhered to. Ultimately, it’s a safe bet to assume they know about construction matters than you do.
Know When to Commit to Decisions
Architects can be present throughout the construction project, sticking around long after the planning stage if you desire. Still, that doesn’t mean they can turn back the clock, undo midstream processes, and change course entirely on your behalf.
Of course, some things in the architectural world demand change, and there is a time for projects to be amended. The first wave of designs is all drafts, edging you nearer to a final version. That said, if you want to make changes after the builder has received that final version, then you’d be moving the goalposts with your design brief, which will undoubtedly frustrate the working relationship between you and your architect. You may even risk delaying their work schedule elsewhere too.
Big changes at inconvenient times will also come with additional fees at your expense, which can lead to tensions on your side. If you’re getting in your own way, you may also start to get in your architects’ way as well, and everything can break down from there.
Develop and evolve the plans, but set in stone what you can before construction begins. That way, working conditions are certain, and you and your architect consistently share the same goals and expectations. It’s a better way to work and shows that you respect one another’s time and money.
Keep Communicating
Even if the brief the architects and builders are working with is crystal clear, there’s still a need for regular communication. Unexpected circumstances can always appear, and other matters must be discussed.
Request a weekly summary of events at minimum. Even if things are proceeding comfortably as planned, it’s important to be equipped with that information for peace of mind. There should also be well-defined objectives within your build plans, so discussing the progress of individual areas is a good idea too.
It can be helpful to discuss your preferred method of communication first. If you’d rather be contacted by email so that you have written records and can respond after much thought and consideration, say so. Unless there’s an emergency, your architect should adhere to that request.
Furthermore, it’s also important to ask questions and to say when you don’t understand something. Architects are highly accomplished and clever individuals and might occasionally explain something about the plans and building you don’t fully understand. There’s no shame in needing something phrased differently, so speak up if there are any grey areas in your understanding.
Conclusion
Your working relationship with an architect can affect your building project’s efficiency. Try to find an expert that competently realises your vision and improves it. Your willingness to build a collaborative dynamic is equally vital, and you must trust your architect enough for you to heed their important advice. Communicating more effectively can build that sense of confidence. In the end, you can get as much out of these arrangements as you put into them, so focus on building a great working relationship with your well-chosen architect.
