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mx2
millennium club
Joined: 18 Jan 2006
Posts: 1906
Location: Miami, Florida
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 Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 4:50 pm Post subject: |
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Checkpoint, I am left wondering if the manner in which you approached this forum could be indicative of the real problem you may be having. You seem to have a very strong personality that apparently is hindering your ability to think outside of your own pre-conceived ideas, ie:
| Quote: | The problem is this: When the most basic concepts, such as consistant scale is brought to their attention, the customer feels as though the architect is starting an arguement with them.
"Why won't they give me the space I dreamed of?" |
You have concluded for us...and your clients...that the solution is thru software. A virtual "do-it-yourself" approach to saving "time" and "frustration" via forcing the client to go thru the pains of working out a plan. Funny thing is, even if there were a software that could read minds, literally, and produce a set of plans with the click of a mouse, I guarantee you would still feel frustrated and waste time trying to convince them there are better ways to their design proposals. In other words, I am not convinced that software, whatever ideal one that exists to suit your desire, is the solution to the problem. In fact, I think the problem resides in the communication between you and your clients.
I start by presenting the best technology that exists for an Architect: the pencil. We are in a profession that relies upon graphic communication. We speak with our drawings. We are the ones to tell the client, thru our vision, what is the best option for what they seek. Now that precludes that we are capable of truly understanding what they seek.
Hence, the problem. Getting to understand the program and developing a concept early on is key. This is long before you draw plans. And also I would like to stress, there is no valid reason why we are so dependant on floor plans. Begin with a section, or perhaps even a detail. A good site analysis is critical. Start with the essence of what it is the client truly seeks. Gather information, do research, find precedents, think of materials and spatial qualities, circulation and space-use. Soon enough the information will design the design...or drive the design if you will. Then you will find that you and your clients will begin to see eye to eye.
But if it's drafting services you wish to provide, then in that case I would suggest you work with a designer who will provide you and the client the schematic plans for you to confindently draw with some finality. But even then I would say to you, as one of my predecessors once told me, we are always designing throughout the entire process...it never ends until it's over. Bruce Lee once said something to the effect of 'be like water and flow between and around the stones of the river...' These clients do not know what or how to accomplish what they want. It's up to us to provide that for them. It's up to us to interpret what they say and produce something FAR BETTER than what they expect. That begins by listening to what they want but then using your design skill and technical saavy to bring it all together into a living building that will truly inspire them.
And that cannot be accomplished by asking the client to design their own kitchens and bathrooms for you to replicate in more detail. Plus, many clients cannot operate a microwave, let alone a computer program. Nor can they envision what they want...they would just plug and play and then fall in love with their Frankenstein-like floor plan. It's your job to steer them into a better frame of mind to be open to better ideas. Reagrdless, good luck. I find the easiest for me is SketchUp. But then again, I can operate most anything from Photoshop to Revit. And my favorite is still a pencil. I get my best ideas across as I am speaking with the client and sketching what we are discussing, the good and the bad, so that they...so that we... get a clearer vision of what their specific project entails.
mx2.5
_________________
*Art of Architecture: The conscious use of skill and creative imagination in the production of an aesthetic building.
*Science of Architecture: The calculated use of technical skill and knowledge in the construction of a functional building. |
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navi_jen
Joined: 10 May 2008
Posts: 5
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| Posted: Mon May 19, 2008 9:05 am Post subject: Product |
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As a client, I would never forgo the use of an architect for major repairs. However, only using flat drawings, CAD design, or descriptions can make it hard to envision the end product. (particularly those of us who need visuals).
Personally, I find the Chief Architect/Better homes and garden software a comfortable mix of client-friendly visuals and being CAD/designer compatible.
I don't think a tool should ever replace professional advice...but if it helps the client be more comfortable with the final design....then I would ask architects to remember that the ultimate goal is client satisfaction (which may or may not include beautiful design). |
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Madimel
Joined: 06 Feb 2008
Posts: 138
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
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| Posted: Mon May 19, 2008 10:36 am Post subject: |
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| Quote: | | then I would ask architects to remember that the ultimate goal is client satisfaction (which may or may not include beautiful design). |
I had a client that wanted a 8000 s.f. house on a 30% slope lot and they wanted everything on a single level. I showed them previous hillside projects to explain the inherent issues of their program to what is financially feasible for the particular site conditions. The clients used that line of the customer satisfaction is the goal. In the end of the day, they couldn't afford to pay for the site work and the retaining walls. The ultimate goal is for everyone on the project team (owner, builder, architect, interior designer to be open minded and flexible). Clients are notorious for having unrealistic expectations and they're more than happy to blame the project team when things don't go in their favor. |
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navi_jen
Joined: 10 May 2008
Posts: 5
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| Posted: Mon May 19, 2008 11:46 am Post subject: |
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M-
Good point. I'm a consultant by trade, and I am in agreement that clients need to be realistic in their expectations. When we encounter a situation like yours...we would do the same thing...explain the positives/negatives/cost benefits.
Guess my point was that not everyone can envision a finished product (if they could, fixer uppers would sell fast)...anything a professional can use to illustrate their points (visual aesthetic and design) would be appreciated. |
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csintexas
millennium club
Joined: 06 Feb 2006
Posts: 1662
Location: USA
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| Posted: Mon May 19, 2008 1:00 pm Post subject: |
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Guess my point was that not everyone can envision a finished product (if they could, fixer uppers would sell fast)...anything a professional can use to illustrate their points (visual aesthetic and design) would be appreciated.
I certainly agree with this I just don't think letting them design there own plan will help. I find no real difference between a hand drawn plan and a computer drawn one the customers bring. There is no program which will make someone a good designer. I think 1/4" graph paper and a basic drawing template is all they need if you want to let them see for themselves that you can't fit a 4000sq.ft. house in 2400 sq.ft. of space. (which does happen a lot).
If there is a problem than most likely it is caused by poor communication.
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Chris Stewart
Modern Texas Home Project |
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