HHAD

Architect and Client Relationship

The pivotal architect-client relationship, citing the historic alliance between William Burges and the Marquess of Bute as exemplary.

The success of any architectural project depends very much on a good architect client relationship. The type of relationship has changed over the centuries and I will relate one of the best examples of Victorian times.  

William Burges was a well respected English architect in the nineteenth century. Born in 1827 and dying early in 1881, he chose to move away from the popular neo Classical style of the time towards a very specific style of his own, falling under the general term of Gothic Revival, but also included the influence of pre Raphaelites and was a fore runner of the Arts and Crafts movement. His aim was to create a utopian Mediaeval society with architecture and design as well as social values. John Crichton-Stuart 3rd Marquess of Bute appreciated these values, and being one of the world’s richest men, became the patron to William Burges together developing 2 of the most significant Victorian architectural and design treasures – Cardiff Castle and Castell Coch. Burges and Crichton-Stuart became close friends and Burges was encouraged to design every aspect of each building – from the architecture to the cutlery to be used. The projects continued after the death of Burges by his team and also after the death of Crichton-Stuart by the 4th Marquess of Bute.

Patronage of architecture these days rarely happens. Today’s architects inevitably work with many different clients – and maintaining a good relationship with each client forms the basis of a well respected practice. Not all architect client relationships are well founded and we all hear of horror stories of things going wrong. So how do I work with my clients? Thankfully there have been very few problems and I have enjoyed positive and often ongoing relationships with my clients – as you can read in the testimonials on my website. The best outcomes have been referrals to other clients and the opportunity to work with the same client again. In one case I was able to work with one family on 7 large residential projects in addition to projects for their friends.

I tell my clients that they form part of a team for their project. In addition to the architect and client members of the team, there is the builder and also the various other consultants involved. The architect runs the team but each member of the team needs to be respected for their individual and collective roles. Each member can offer suggestions for change that should be considered respectfully. The architect should make the final decision in consultation with the client ensuring that the quality, the practicality and the aesthetics of the project remain at the highest standards. Builders are great for suggestions during construction particularly if they feel like a respected member of the team.  

But at the earlier stages of the design process, the architect client relationship is critical.   In most instances the client will have a design brief. The architect should question the brief to ensure that the best outcome is achieved to suit the client requirements.   Once the initial design is prepared the client should question the proposal and the architect should of course listen and even question the suggestions. This respectful back and forth allows for an outcome that achieves the best for the client.

So whilst we architects these days rarely have the freedom offered by a patron like the 3rd Marquess, respectful friendly relations with our clients accepting compromise where it is appropriate will bring about a project that a client continues to enjoy into the future.