top of page
Wilko Le Roux

Architectural Project Planning for Project Success: The power of creating a comprehensive client brief.


The majority of construction projects go one of two ways: On the one hand there are those projects where everything runs perfectly, the architect has nailed the project brief, the design is within the budget, and the contractor has studied the construction drawings and is following the design…, then there is the sudden buzz of your alarm, waking you to the harsh reality and a message from your client asking you about making some small changes midway through construction. From the perspective of a client, there is comfort in seeing quick results in the form of a design illustration, however, understanding the value of setting out a good brief can save you running into issues down the line.



Planning an Architectural Project Brief with the Client.
Establishing the client brief.

In this essay, we are going to explore the value of Architectural Project Planning, and how site indicators and importance of developing a good project brief with your architect helps to streamline the design process and mitigate the risk of late design changes and abortive work that could delay the completion of your project and cost you money.




Site indicators are the characteristics inherent in your site – things like sun orientation, wind direction, views, the slope of land and geotechnic stability of the soil. Indirect aspects of micro urban context, like neighbouring buildings and character are also indicators that can inform a design approach.  Together these aspects are super helpful because they influence our understanding of how your building will interact with its surroundings in the best possible way. For example, if you've got a breathtaking view to the West, we'll want to find a solution where you are able to take full advantage of the view without creating uncomfortably warm summer evenings due to solar heat gain.


Now, constraints are like the rules of the game. They're the limitations we have to work within, whether it's local zoning laws, building codes, and physical obstacles like existing structures or trees. For the most part, constraints dictate the size, mass and type of a building allowed onto a site. While these may seem like obstacles, they often become opportunities for us to find innovative solutions that can make your building stand out. Knowing these up front means we can best advise you regarding possible options available to achieve the design you want.


Finally, there are client requirements and outcome. What are the important aspects you want to achieve in the design? This might start out as a simple list of accommodation goals you wish to incorporate into your building or achieving a certain look and feel. Working closely with us would help you understand and unlock more important long-term aspects that directly affect and complement the lifestyle you want to create. We also delve into more business-related aspects, such as feasibility, timeframe, and budget.


By discussing the impact Site indicators, Constraints and Client needs might have on the design of the project, we create an outline of The Project Brief, the outcome we wish to capture in the design.

Developing the project brief in 3D using site indicators and constraints to inform the design development.
Illustration: Showing evolution of building massing and impact of site indicators and constraints on one of our projects.

Architecture is often about finding the most elegant compromise to balance client requirements with design constraints. As architects our value lies in putting our imagination and skill to use to find the hidden gems and opportunities such constraints and indicators offer by incorporating them into our designs.  With 3D design modelling, we provide clients predictability to be able to understand and visualize the site and how a proposed design might fit onto a property and connect into its surroundings.


Being able to plan this out long before the actual construction takes place give clients the most control over the project outcome, reducing their risk. Without such a service, clients are often only able to start seeing and understanding the proportions of a space and how it connects to its surroundings after construction starts and after walls have already been set out on site. Making changes at this time, after the building work has started can not only become costly, but often cause issues in continuity of finishing once work is completed that in turn could become maintenance headaches.


If the thought of listing out a project brief sounds like a daunting task, don’t be discouraged. As architects we are devoted to leading you every step of the way.  Developing a good project brief from the start of the project is time well spent. Think of it as the roadmap for your project. It's where we hash out your goals, needs, and wishes so we can tailor the design to fit you like a glove.


Why does this matter? Well, imagine if we started designing your dream home without knowing you wanted a home office or a big backyard for your dog to run around in. We might end up having to backtrack, which costs time and money.


By working together upfront to nail down the project brief, we can streamline the design process and avoid those late design changes that nobody likes. Plus, it helps mitigate the risk of having to redo work later on, which saves you stress and keeps the project on budget.


So, let's get started! Together, we'll make sure your project not only looks great but also works seamlessly for you and your unique needs.



 

Visit our services page for a detailed breakdown or contact us if you need advice to help kick off your next project.





Kindly note that posts created on our website and social media accounts is for entertainment purposes and does not constitute professional advice. Any conclusions drawn from this post or use derived is at the discretion of the reader and at their own risk.


This post was created by Wilko le Roux for Rossouw Le Roux Architects, all rights reserved. Rossouw Le Roux Architects are Registered Professional Architects in Cape Town, South Africa.

37 views

Comments


bottom of page