Your client throws a curveball with new design preferences. How do you pivot and keep the project on track?

In the world of architecture, flexibility is as essential as the concrete used to build foundations. When your client presents new design preferences mid-project, it can feel like a wrench thrown into the works. However, with a strategic approach, you can pivot effectively and keep your project on track. It's about balancing creativity with practicality, ensuring that the new vision aligns with the project's constraints and goals. Communication is key; understanding the client's desires and articulating the implications of changes helps maintain clarity. Equally important is revisiting the project's scope, timeline, and budget to accommodate the new direction. By working collaboratively with your client and team, you can navigate this curveball and steer your project to success.

1 Embrace Change

When a client introduces new design preferences, it's crucial to embrace the change with a positive mindset. Recognize that their vision is central to the project's success. Start by listening carefully to their ideas, ensuring you fully understand their goals and the motivation behind the shift. This understanding will guide you in integrating their preferences without compromising the project's integrity. It's also an opportunity to showcase your adaptability and problem-solving skills as an architect, reinforcing the trust your client has in you.

Add your perspective

Zahra Foroughi

Interior Designer| BIM Modeler| Exploring Neuroarchitecture & Well-Being
Report contribution
When a client shifts design preferences mid-project, I see it as a chance for creative innovation. I reassess the project’s scope, align the new ideas with the original vision, and maintain clear communication about potential impacts. This flexibility helps me keep the project on track while delivering a design that truly resonates with the client’s evolving vision.

Like
Femas patel

Architecture l Urbanism l Research & Design l Assoc. AIA
Report contribution
As an architectural designer we should always keep the door open for new possibilities. More over, we should respect the client's choices and their way of explaining their mind set. As a designer our job is to provide them a great services and design. If their example is making sense and possible in budget or concepts we always should look into them and try to imply it in our original concepts.

Like

2 Assess Impact

Once you've embraced the new preferences, assess the impact on the project. Consider how the changes will affect the overall design, structure, budget, and timeline. You must evaluate whether these new preferences are feasible within the existing framework or if they require significant adjustments. Communicate openly with your client about the implications of their requests, including any potential additional costs or delays. A thorough impact assessment will help you create a clear plan for moving forward.

Add your perspective

3 Update Plans

After assessing the impact, it's time to update your architectural plans. This may involve revising drawings, models, and specifications to reflect the new design elements. Ensure that all changes are documented accurately and shared with your team. Coordination with engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders is essential to ensure everyone is on the same page. This step is critical in maintaining the project's integrity and preventing future misunderstandings or errors.

Add your perspective

4 Communicate Clearly

Clear communication with your client and team is non-negotiable. Keep your client informed about how their new preferences are being integrated and any adjustments to the project scope or timeline. Regular updates can help manage expectations and maintain a collaborative relationship. Similarly, ensure that your team understands the revisions and their roles in implementing them. Effective communication will minimize confusion and keep the project moving smoothly.

Add your perspective

Femas patel

Architecture l Urbanism l Research & Design l Assoc. AIA
Report contribution
There are always clients that see something on internet and convey that to their designers. As an architects it is our duty to make them understand the design and process for that. We should communicate clearly and professionally about the their budget, advantages and non advantages and whether it is going with the design or concept.

Like

5 Manage Resources

Managing resources efficiently is key to accommodating new design preferences without derailing the project. You may need to reallocate materials, labor, or time to address the changes while keeping an eye on the budget. Negotiate with suppliers or contractors if necessary to ensure that resources are available when and where they're needed. This careful management will help prevent overruns and keep your project on its financial track.

Add your perspective

6 Stay Agile

Staying agile is essential when responding to new client preferences. Be prepared to make quick decisions and adjustments as needed. Flexibility in problem-solving and a willingness to explore alternative solutions can lead to innovative design outcomes that satisfy both you and your client. Remember that agility in architecture isn't just about adapting to changes; it's about using them as a catalyst for creativity and excellence in your work.

Add your perspective

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Femas patel

Architecture l Urbanism l Research & Design l Assoc. AIA
(edited)
Report contribution
Honesty with the clients are always profitable for the firm's growth and reputation. With our expertise and experience we know what is better for them and their designs. To criticize them in a positive way and make them understand rather than arguments and solidly stick to our designs make the project on the track and smooth.

Like

Your client throws a curveball with new design preferences. How do you pivot and keep the project on track?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Embrace Change

2 Assess Impact

3 Update Plans

4 Communicate Clearly

5 Manage Resources

6 Stay Agile

7 Here’s what else to consider

Architecture

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Architecture

More relevant reading