Much of the attention in the client-architect relationship is placed on the architect. This is true all the way from the selection process to long after the project is done. Clients are seen as a fixed point, around which the architect must stretch and maneuver. We (the architects) are thought of as having to become compatible with the client. It’s an extension of ‘the customer is always right’ philosophy.

It’s not that the idea is unfair, skewed or somehow wrong, but rather a bit incomplete. Relationships are inherently a two-way street. We can become anything we want, really, but are we then serving the ultimate interests of the client?

Clients may not realize this, but most architects have an image of the ‘ideal client.’ What works for one architect may be very different from the firm down the street, but we all have fairly common goals when it comes to the basics. Anything beyond that is why a client will be a good fit for Firm A, but will be very frustrated with Firm B.

Since the basics are all we can hope to discuss (everything else should be worked out during your architect interview and as the relationship starts), let’s look at what we believe an ideal client needs to do:

Use your architect’s expertise. The best architects are great listeners. We seek to understand your design problem and propose the best solutions based on our knowledge and experience. Micromanaging the process by holding your architect too closely will backfire in a product that falls short of its potential. Architects, like all creative people, need to be let loose, within the confines of your tastes and goals for the project.

Pay your bills on time. Nothing shows architects that you’re not serious about the relationship faster than not paying your bills. If you can’t afford to hire an architect, don’t. When you get the value you were looking for, make sure the check is in the mail. ‘You get what you pay for’ is very true, especially in this profession. If the firm’s staff sees a lack of commitment on the client’s part, the final product will suffer.

Communicate openly and effectively. An open line of communication with a client is like the lifeline of the project. Ignore phone calls and emails from your architect for longer than a few days, and you can be sure that your project will take a hit. Decisions will be made without your input, simply because they have to be. Hide details of the project (except those that must be kept confidential), and your architect won’t be able to take them into account. Remember, the architect’s job is to take all inputs and arrive at a design. Blocking off information creates an incomplete product, even if you think something is irrelevant.

Stay organized. One of the most frustrating responses to any form of communication is “I never got that.” Yes, you did. We sent it to you. Organized clients make ideal clients. Ultimately, the project is your own, and we’re nothing more than a helpful consultant. While we can take care of a great deal, the ownership and ultimate coordination of the project belongs to you. Take it, and run with it. Ask the questions. Demand answers. Connect people that need to be connected. Keep track of communication. It makes our job 100% easier and lets us focus on the high-priority work that will make the most impact on your project.

Be a decision maker. When it comes down to picking between A and B (and C, and D), don’t be afraid to call the shots. If you’re really indifferent, we can make the selection. Much worse than indifference is a complicated decision-making process. If all design decisions have to go through three committees, a 7-person voting panel, and your spouse, make sure that you’ve set up an efficient method for getting them through. Nothing stalls a project more effectively than waiting on a direction from the client.

Be our partner, not our adversary. Too often, design and construction relationships are set up in a way that pits one party against the other in a never-ending fight. Ultimately, everyone’s fighting for the same thing – creating a great end product and making a living doing it. Don’t enter the process expecting your architect to fail, wanting a whole lot for very little, or trying to prove you’re a great designer. If we help you, and you help us, we can get to the end together.

While the above list is not comprehensive, these are the biggest pet peeves we face as designers. We hope that our clients can understand what we’re looking for at the start of our relationship and understand that it’s not just about doing the work – we’re looking to create something great together.