A good architect brings creativity, dependable skills, and value to your project. But every professional brings unique strengths.
So the key is to find someone who demonstrates the skills you particularly want.
In 27 years as an architect, I've observed three types of clients—and three types of architects who work best with them. Determine
your type, decide who'll work best with you, and then make your dream building a reality.
The director
If you know exactly what you want in a remodel or a new building and have a clear layout in mind, perhaps even a prototype,
you're a director. You've studied the plans of other clinics and spent many hours with graph paper laying out the reception
area, exam rooms, and treatment areas. You've thought about how the building might sit on the site. But you're probably a
little uncertain about building codes and technical concerns. You need an architect to take the plan from sketch to reality. You need a coordinator, someone who'll work with a mechanical
engineer, structural engineer, and other consultants to take your layout from graph paper to construction level drawings.
This person will work with your local jurisdiction and make plan modifications to meet code requirements.
You're looking for a high-quality coordinator, not creativity. So when you talk to prospective architects' references, talk
with contractors and consulting engineers about his or her ability to coordinate work.
The collaborator
You have a clear vision of what you want to achieve with your project and a reasonable understanding of the building's functional
requirements. And while you're not inclined to try to layout the building yourself, you want to be very involved in the design
process.
You've looked at a lot of veterinary practices, and you like something about each one. You may also bring ideas to the table
that you've never seen built before.
As a collaborator, you need an architect who listens and involves you in the design process. You need someone who creates
responsive designs that suit your vision. This person considers you the expert for your project and listens carefully while
you describe your design goals.
When you're interviewing potential architects, remember that you're going to particularly value their listening skills. And
you probably want an architect whose project list includes many different building types. Be certain to ask references whether
they felt listened to and whether their finished buildings are technically sound.
The manager
You want to make the big decisions and be efficient with your time. In general, manager clients want the assurance of working
with an architect who's a recognized expert in building veterinary practices.
You know your key requirements, such as how much you want to spend and how much room to allocate for each employee. You want
to attend meetings, answer questions, and review the design work as it develops. You'll set the big-picture agenda and you
expect your architect to fill in the details.
Your architect should be a specialist. The right architect for you has designed many clinics and possibly written articles
or given seminars that demonstrate his or her expertise at building veterinary facilities.
John Perkins, AIA, owner of Perkins Architectural, in Portland, Ore., has 27 years of experience listening to and working
with these different types of clients. Send questions to ve@advanstar.com
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