“When I design a project for a client, my shoes are underneath their bed.” ~ Hugh Newell Jacobsen
At Visions for Architecture in early November – and with the current exhibition at The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design – we have celebrated the best designs by our organization’s members. And the work is truly exceptional. All this attention to our colleagues also led me to think about the special relationship that exists between architects and their clients. Very frequently, our ‘magic’ is made possible by these enlightened patrons of our work.
As an architect, I’m always eager to see our profession celebrated for the often extraordinary work we do at all scales, from ambitious transformational urban plans to single-family houses. And I know that one of the highest priorities of AIA members is a desire to cultivate a greater appreciation and understanding of the value of our work.
This focus on the power of our own design thinking is all well and good. But do we give enough credit to the critical role played by those who commission us? Yes, there is the fee for service. However, far more important to the quality of our work is the nature of the relationship between us and the client.
Who among us doesn’t have a horror story where communication between client and architect broke down over a misunderstanding or, worse, a stubborn demand to cut a corner? Nor is the experience any better when working for a disengaged client whose interest stops at cost per square foot and schedule. We can’t do our best work with clients who don’t challenge us, who don’t demand excellence.
Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting the owners of one of the featured projects in the exhibition at The Branch. They had traveled from Northern Virginia to view the exhibit and see their ‘cabin’ among the awardees. We had a lively conversation … and they were effusive about the wonderful experience they had with their architects and the pleasure they have derived from their new country getaway. They described what a magnet this well-designed second home has been for them and for their children and grand-children – a place where all gather for fellowship and for a battery recharge away from the hectic DC commute. For them, their architect-designed retreat had transformed their lives and enhanced their familial ties.
So while we applaud one another for work well done, let’s not forget one of the most important members of the design team—the engaged and discerning client. It’s their support that allows us to do more and better than we could do on our own.
Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA
Executive Vice President, AIA Virginia