Brief

This document should clearly detail the project you are commissioning your architect for.

The information contained should be as detailed as possible and cover all likely requirements. This document, like the specification  will make the difference between an easy or complicated job and/or relationship as it should be a concise picture of what you are expecting as the client, have your project opportunity analysis at hand and prepared when preparing your brief, and discussing it with your architect.

Your architect will need to know:

• Your aims
• Your design style: Are you looking for a design in keeping with the existing building? Do you want a contemporary or high tech design? Are you concerned about having a sustainable/ecological design?
• Your reasons for embarking on this building project: What activities are intended for it?
• Your authority: Who will be making the decisions? About the designs? About costs? About day-today matters when the project is underway?
• Your overall expectations: What do you hope to achieve by this project?

At the initial meetings, your architect will listen carefully to your intentions and create a brief, addressing not only design aesthetics but also the function of the building. Timings and budgets for your project will be defined at an early stage and only after you have approved initial sketches will the ideas be developed further.