Your team's design changes clash with client feedback. How do you navigate this architectural dilemma?

Lorsqu'un client exprime des préoccupations, écoutez attentivement, simplifiez les concepts avec des analogies, expliquez les avantages en termes de fonctionnalité et de durabilité, utilisez des visuels pour illustrer vos idées et rassurez-le avec des exemples de projets réussis. Cela augmentera ses chances de comprendre et d'apprécier vos solutions de conception.

One of the most important things to consider when dealing with clients who do not have an architectural background is to try to simplify things and translate architectural solutions and ideas into life experiences they have by dealing with the idea that you offer them

To be an active listener will most of the times work . It is not necessarily to understand the reasons behind dilemma, it can shows caring and attention . Some clients have nice ideas , and I believe we should also be open to hear ideas and learn from them .

I'd always prefer an in-person conversation if that is possible to untangle the dilemma. Preferably in a more relaxed environment with pen and sketchpaper. Sometimes it actually is not a dilemma - I have witnessed on many occassions that an even better design solution comes out of what appears in the beginning to be opposing ideas. It doesn't matter if your client is experienced or not, it mainly comes down to communication (and sometimes ego - let's be honest). The same situation could occur within your own project team and if you treat your colleagues with the same respect as your client then I am absolutely certain you can work out a solution. (n.b. the above reflects my personal oppinion).

Es ist sehr wichtig, die Grundlagen bei der Ausgangssituation zu verstehen. Selbstverst?ndlich gibt uns der Auftraggeber seine Ziele vor. Wir erstellen Entwürfe , um diese Ziele zu erreichen. Das sind Grundlagen für weitere Gespr?che und Weiterentwicklungen. Manchmal ist es so, dass im ersten Moment das Ziel und der Entwurf scheinbar nicht im Einklang sind, um das zu filtern, lass ich mir gerne den Entwurf erkl?ren, um zu erkennen, ob die Ziele erreicht worden sind und dann ein Gespr?ch mit den Auftraggebern noch mal zu führen. Der Auftraggeber beauftragt uns aus dem Grunde, weil wir Profis sind und er nicht. Er verl?sst sich auf uns und hofft auf eine optimale Beratung

I think communication is the key aspect to through any situations that comes in the way of a designing or execution process. Clear communication can help us understand client needs and convey our ideas to the client. It can help us filter in necessary parameters to come up to a practical solution. The more we interact with the client, the more it helps to understand their expectations and the desired outcome. On the other hand, the more we interact with our team, the more it helps them what we are looking for a final output. So i think speaking out your thoughts and being a great listener, trying to get the gist of the other person's discourse is the best way of communication.

One of the most important factors for accepting your idea as an architect is how you present the idea and simplify it in more than one way to try to convince them that this idea helps to achieve their desires Among the most important skills that must exist with urban designers or architects is the accuracy of presenting the idea and to what extent the client felt that he lived inside the idea before until it was implemented on the ground. The secret is in visualization & rendering.

Maintain open, transparent, and frequent communication with both your team and the client. Clearly articulate the rationale behind your design choices, explaining how they meet the project goals and benefit the client. Use visual aids, diagrams, and prototypes to make your points more tangible. Ensure that all stakeholders are on the same page by summarizing key points and decisions in writing, and encourage questions to clarify any doubts.

As an expert architect, I understand and incorporate client ideas to ensure their satisfaction and collaboration on the project by enhancing the outcome, focusing on the improvements these changes can bring, such as better functionality, increased safety, or aesthetic enhancements. Providing a clear rationale helps the client understand the value behind each decision. Again, I foster a collaborative environment by opening dialogue: I encourage open communication and actively invite the client's feedback by showing that I value their perspective, fostering a collaborative atmosphere where ideas can be freely exchanged.

Black and white documents is a must in this field coz things can be tracing back later combined with all other means of communication to clarify all details

In a residential project, the client’s request for additional windows clashed with our energy efficiency goals. We compromised by selecting high-performance windows that met both criteria.

One of the best skills acquired from the field of architecture and urban design is organization and management, and that starts from organizing your life to reflect on the way you work and manage projects and thus arrange your priorities in your life and also in the projects you manage, so it is better to work with the principle of the most important and then important

My primary instinct is to ensure the client doesn't worry. I strive to deliver the finalized design they expect by Substituting materials Choosing visually similar materials Almost every material I use in my projects has alternatives. I always keep my design simple, as not every client has an unlimited budget. During the initial meeting, I ask about their budget to assess its feasibility. Furthermore, I believe it's my duty to make the client aware of why the contractor has provided a particular budget. There can be various reasons, such as the high cost of materials or expensive labor. Many factors come into play, and I make sure to explain these to the client. I make necessary design adjustments to avoid high construction costs.

Firstly, identify non-negotiables that entail safety. Elements related to the safety of the building and its occupants must remain unchanged. Such as structural support, fire safety systems, and compliance with building codes are critical. Secondly, the introduction of sustainability. If sustainability is a core value of the project, components that contribute to energy efficiency, water conservation, and environmental impact should be preserved. Lastly, evaluate the impact of changes which includes quality. Assess how potential changes will impact the overall quality of the project. Aim to make adjustments that maintain or enhance the building's functionality and elongation.

As an architect, I strategically compromise by prioritizing safety, sustainability, and structural integrity, while being flexible on other aspects. I carefully consider changes that maintain project quality and my values, building trust with clients and finding balanced solutions that meet both aesthetic and practical needs.

Would you settle on the first outfit you try on? Just like in shopping, where you try on various outfits and sizes before making a choice, offering several design alternatives is a winning strategy. In each option keep the essence of your original concept while addressing the client's specific concerns—be it tweaking the layout for improved functionality or selecting materials that better matches their tastes. This method not only shows that you are attentive to their feedback but also highlights your dedication to finding a balanced solution, ultimately achieving a design that fulfilled both their needs and your architectural vision.

One of the secrets of the profession is to seek customer satisfaction without prejudice to your architectural and design convictions, which in turn will make the client's life easier and help him achieve what he wishes. One way to do so is to try to provide more than one alternative and option that fulfills the client's desires to see the extent of your quest to facilitate his life more

Offer an alternative solution if the client has concerns about the cost, durability, or aesthetics of certain materials and propose alternatives that maintain the design's integrity, such as suggesting different types of flooring, wall finishes, or exterior cladding that meet both budget and aesthetic goals. On the other hand, present multiple options like visual representations such as sketches, renderings, or digital models to present different options. This helps the client visualize how each alternative would look and function. Last but not least show commitment to collaboration by demonstrating that you are taking the client's feedback seriously by incorporating their suggestions into your alternatives. This builds trust and values.

Present multiple alternative solutions that align with the client’s vision while preserving the technical and architectural standards. Each alternative should be well thought out, with clear explanations of the pros and cons. This demonstrates your flexibility and willingness to collaborate, and it provides the client with options to choose from. Highlight how each alternative meets their requirements and the potential impact on the project timeline and budget.

First of all, educating tactfully to understand their perspective, which means before educating the client, one must take time to understand their perspective and concerns. This helps in addressing their specific misunderstandings or knowledge gaps. Again, use clear and understandable language, one must avoid technical jargon and explain concepts in clear, simple language. Relate architecture principles to everyday experiences to make them more accessible. Finally, fostering trust and collaboration to encourage questions can be done by creating an open environment where a client feels comfortable asking questions and expressing concerns. Again, their question was more polite and patiently

It depends on the percentage & type of clash. Sometimes, clients can be really open to the Design Team's changes once they understand the rationale behind it. Other times, they can be thick-headed and insist on certain things just because "I say so". As a designer, all you can do is be flexible, be creative, and have healthy detachment from the project! Try to present your design as best as you can, but don't take it personally if it's not what the client likes, in the end.

In 2021, I designed a four-bedroom apartment using Revit. Despite meticulous planning, construction challenges arose due to the site being waterlogged. Contractors struggled with the original plans, risking the foundation's stability. To address this, I implemented a French drain system to redirect water away from the site. This solution, informed by my experience with S.O. Planning Ltd and hands-on site visits, involved installing perforated pipes in gravel-filled trenches. This project underscored the importance of thorough site analysis, flexibility in design, and continuous collaboration with the construction team for successful outcomes.

In these kinds of cases, clients tend to be temperamental. Be ready for variations in the design. And because of the initial mishap, for the time being, let the initial variations be free of cost. However, communicate that any variations after approval will come at a cost.

Ultimately, the client funds the project, regardless of the architect’s personal opinion. If the requested change is minor, it may be more problematic to resist it, especially with high-value or repeat clients. However, if a client’s proposal significantly compromises the quality of your brand, you can request to disassociate your brand from the project or inform the client that you’re not the right fit for the job.

Beaucoup de choses ont été mentionnées. Je voudrais rajouter que le client ne vous demande pas pour rien d' être architecte de son projet. C'est vous qui devez conna?tre les règlements, les avantages, les contraintes d'exécution, le co?t du projet. Vous devez 'traduire' son désir en réalisant un projet qui réponde à la demande, mais aussi à votre vision. Ce n'est pas pour rien que les points de conflits sont toujours d 'ordre budgétaire ou réglementaires (accessibilité et sécurité est toujours un surco?t). Un autre contraint souvent à l' ordre du jour c'est le délai. Logiquement, on pourrait faire un schéma pour établir la responsabilité de chaque partie, afin d'éviter chaque conflit.

First, deeply understand the client's perspective and the rationale behind the design changes. Facilitate an open discussion to find common ground, exploring compromises that address both parties' concerns. Provide expert guidance to steer the conversation towards a solution that maintains design integrity and meets client needs. Document the decisions and maintain positive relationships to ensure a collaborative and successful project outcome.