Job Book 9th Edition - Book - Page 30
ONLINE VERSION
18
Stage 0 > Strategic Definition
0.5.1
Information required
0.5.1.1
Obtain information on the site, knowledge of best practice in
the specific building sector(s) (residential, retail, education, etc.)
and an outline of the client’s needs or aspirations.
You will also need to understand the planning policy context
(see 0.4.1 above).
0.5.1.2
Make preliminary checks on the client: these are noted below in
0.5.4.
0.5.1.3
Other inputs, such as marketing material, etc., are noted below
in 0.5.6.
0.5.2
Brief
0.5.2.1
Arrange a preliminary meeting, if appropriate, to discuss
requirements. The initial meetings between client and architect
will set the tone for the future working relationship. Clarify your
respective roles and responsibilities.
Consider your reaction to the client and the project:
Are you in general sympathy with the client’s needs and
aspirations – if not, will this have an adverse effect on your
work? Are the prospects good for building up an understanding
with the client? This is the stage at which issues such as the
importance of environmental sustainability, quality of the public
realm or different approaches to assembling the project team
and appointment of the contractor can be discussed.
Be properly equipped with information about your practice and
its work. Prepare a practice brochure with details of your track
record, key personnel and a statement about your expertise and
experience.
Refer to the Architect’s Handbook of Practice Management (2010),
Chapter 5 ‘Marketing and Business Development’.
Take care when offering pro-bono services or free advice. The duty of
care that you owe is not related to the size of fee. Even if there is no fee,
you might still have a duty in tort.
