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Tips for briefing your architect


I’d go so far as to say the success of any architect’s design hinges on communication. A clear, shared understanding between you - the client and end user - and your architect, is crucial. 

 At an early stage of your project, you’ll meet with one or more architects to decide whether you want to work with them. The clearer you can be about what you’re trying to achieve, the better view you’ll get of how the architect would respond to your brief and whether their design approach and working style will work for you.
From You Choose (Nick Sharratt) - a wonderful book for kids of all ages!
Here are some of the things I suggest my clients might think about before that first meeting, or at a more detailed briefing meeting once they’ve appointed me. Some clients find it helpful to make notes in advance or create a rough written brief. Others like to show me pictures of styles, objects or buildings they relate to. Or it’s fine just to talk it through. 


 1. Think about what you would like your future building to allow you to do, rather than what you think it might need to look like. Tell me how you’d like to live in it. For instance, you  might want to watch over your children as they do their homework in the kitchen, bring the dog in from a muddy walk without ruining the new hall floor or snuggle up to watch a movie on a cold winter’s night. Architects are trained to solve problems in imaginative, constructive and effective ways: I love as much detail as I can get about the challenge so I can come up with the perfect solution for you.

 2. Share photos or pictures of things that you like, it can help give me an idea of your personal preferences and expectations. It’s really important that your home should reflect your unique style and personality, not just the choices and individuality of the architect! I can make suggestions and offer design inspiration, but I want your abode to have your stamp on it and to be a place where you’re truly at home.

 3. Is there something special that you’d like to be included? Definitely mention it at the outset. Maybe you want granny’s heirloom table to take pride of place, to enjoy the ideal view of the oak tree on the green or you retain a sentimental affection for the existing house number. It might be something small that wouldn’t matter to others, but you’ll feel disappointed if it isn’t incorporated. Design is personal: I love the challenge of building in these unique characteristics that will bring you daily pleasure.

 4. Tell me about your daily routine. Do you work from home? Walk the dog twice a day? Play sport? Have family to stay often? Love giving supper parties or host a book group? Have a passion for music or film? How old are your kids and what are their hobbies? These things may be normal and insignificant to you, but they give me wonderful insight into the most important features and most natural flow for your living and working space. 

 5. Be honest and open with your architect. I don’t judge your taste or your choices, or look askance at a messy house. I enjoy the challenge of creatively satisfying everyone’s different preferences and ways of living with ingenious design. I want to help create an environment that works with you rather than against you. If you don’t like something, say it! It’s just as valid as telling me about the things you do like!

 6. Don’t be shy about money. Be as realistic as you can. I’m always looking for ways to achieve great value for any sized budget, while maintaining quality and design values. If you have a limited budget, whether small or large, an architect can help you to make decisions that prioritise the most important aspects of your project. I can suggest ways to phase work or reduce costs and give you an idea of the elements of your project that might consume more or less of your money. I can make sure the design reflects your aspirations and vision, on any scale.

7. If you’re not sure exactly what you want, don’t worry. Many of my clients are commissioning a project for the first time. You may not have much idea of what sort of a building you’re hoping to construct, what’s possible, permitted or realistic. I’m here to help you with that and I relish the challenge of working with you to envision a new and achievable living space that’s designed to bring you joy every day.
If you’d like to know more, I recommend the RIBA’s booklet “A domestic client’s guide to engaging an architect”. I can also share a checklist I’ve created to help clients start thinking about their project before a briefing meeting with me or any other architect – just email anne@annethearchitect.co.uk if you’d like me to send it to you.

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