The most known side of Architecture is Design. That’s what we experience when we walk into a space and that’s where our attention goes when we think about Architecture. But there are a couple of key points when it comes to successful projects and the first one is communication. Communication is the bridge between the designer’s and client’s minds and it is completely key to succeed in any design project.
Let me tell you about a true story, a real story that just happened with one of our clients. We won’t use any names but we’ll definitely use the facts.
The project is a residential new build in a beautiful part of town in Florida, with a massive front and backyard surrounded by oaks and majestic trees. It is truly a beautiful property where the clients (and lovely couple) with 2 kids will live in.
(First site meeting).
In our first call, the wife mentioned that they only needed advisory for the interior design, she added that they already had plans and that the house was actually in progress being built as we were speaking. I gently asked them, “well, what happened with your current designer?” after a few seconds of silence she responded, “the designer is too busy and not available to follow up on the project”.
Beyond this being a shocking statement by itself, it seemed like something basic was missing. We were unsure of the development of the professional relationship and how this happened, but the result was clear and the question was soon to be responded.
(Hallway in construction phase).
After taking on the project we had a design meeting where we were using our signature process: a 3D model, sketches, inspiration images and all sorts of communication tools to show the ideas, dimensions, options and more.
(Images of our signature design process).
It was going great, we were making decisions, merging both of their styles into one (natural/mediterranean plus modern farm house). It was fun and they were being understood, and their ideas were being envisioned while spoken about. At the end of the meeting the husband said that he wished that they’d found us sooner in the process, and explained:
“At the beginning of the project our former designer was blowing our minds with how much space we were going to have. Everything was about big rooms and lots of spaces, and because of this we never quite understood the floor plans and how the outcome was supposed to be. Then we found ourselves with the house half built and not knowing if it was going to be what we wanted or not.”
At this point, more than feeling complimented I felt accomplished not because of the cool design, but because we were able to communicate the exact design with their vision embedded. They were finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel in regards to their dream house and all of the tools and design process that we’ve developed for years were actually vital and helpful.
(Final 3D Rendering showing interior design, materials selection, finishes and lighting).
Since then, the design relationship has been… not only fun and creative, but fast, agreeable and determined. We do have challenges but we handle them along with the client, as a team, because we help them understand what we’re doing and what the outcome will be.