Architect Client Relations

In the history of architecture there has often been an invisible contradiction between what the architect wants to design and what the client wants to build. Sometimes an architect gets so wrapped up in his or her personal aesthetic vision and values ​​that the client’s likes and dislikes become secondary or are completely overlooked. When this happens, the house or building created may win design awards and look beautiful to an experienced architectural eye, but the client or the people who have to live in it may be very upset. Oftentimes, owners or renters go back and change things a second or third time to better suit their aesthetic or purpose.

At the root of this problem is the very nature of architecture, to create. An architect is very passionate about the creative artistic aspects of his work. He wants to create something new and different and put his vision and himself into his work. Often, however, an architect’s growth and development involves the painful realization that his or her unique vision rarely counts for much. The client, after all, is paying for it and has to live with the house or building long after the architect has finished and gone on to other projects. The architect is there to serve the client and not the other way around.

The other professions rarely have this problem. Doctors and lawyers are almost always recognized as the decision makers and authorities in their respective fields. Science and written law are established and much less subject to interpretation in the face of artistic values ​​and visions.

Unfortunately, the established architectural community and schools have made the problem worse in most cases. Architects are never famous for how well they satisfy their clients. They are famous for the unique and creative style or image that they have managed to present to the world. Architecture awards are given to designs or buildings that are creative and rarely to buildings that perfectly fit the bill or fully satisfy their clients. In many cases, world famous architects have never had the opportunity to build more than a small handful of buildings due to this contradiction between the needs of the client and the creative vision of the architect.

If you approach a world famous architect with a project, it is assumed that you, as the client, are buying into that architect’s creative vision 100 percent. You as a client become an extension of the architect’s vision and not the other way around. Of course, the client has usually had ample opportunity to review the famous architect’s work beforehand due to the exposure the architect has received in the media. You like his work and his aesthetic values ​​and you hire him, or you don’t. Of course there are architecture studios that are almost the opposite. They are very customer oriented rather than design oriented. They are often financially successful through customer loyalty and referrals, but rarely get media attention or fame due to the conservative nature of their work and business.

Ultimately, the best solution for most established architects is to balance the two extremes and become a master to the client. The architect presents the client with various design and style options and the pros and cons of each and listens carefully to the client’s needs and tastes. This establishes a dynamic synergistic relationship. Together they decide the image and vision of the architectural creation.