I’ve recently had more than a few clients change critical project criteria after construction documents are complete. I’m puzzled, and I’m struggling with a number of issues:
- how to help the contractor maintain proper records on site; equipment changes are being made after the building permit has been issued
- help the client understand that a seemingly “harmless substitution” for a piece of owner-provided equipment requires rework of the mechanical system for proper building functionality
- how to charge for the additional services provided without my team looking like the bad guys
There are other issues, as well, too specific to mention.
It is frustrating. I feel like Charlie Brown trying to kick the football when Lucy pulls it out of the way; “AARRGGHH!”
Anyway, I understand that my client’s perception is their reality and I embrace that and typically work well with it. I also understand that my contract does at least two things: it is based on owner-specified equipment which my team designed to incorporate and it provides a mechanism for additional services compensation. I am continuing to work through the reality of assisting my client with their project goals.
I do have a few questions for my colleagues:
- Are you seeing an increase in client changes and/or redirections which are done to “save money” at the expense of the architect’s services? If so, how are you responding?
- When your clients ask for additional work to be done, are you handling the financial implications any differently than you normally would with the current economic conditions?
- Do you have any additional observations within your practice?
—Lisa Stacholy, AIA
Comments (3)
Hey all!
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Posted by Tamvepaquaree | August 13, 2009 12:40 AM
Posted on August 13, 2009 00:40
I'm not sure, but an architect/friend of mine here in Atlanta responds to her client's request with something like "That is great, we'll be glad to help you. How would you like for us to bill you for that?" She said they get the point, and stop a lot of the nonsense; real architecture can still emerge.
Posted by Lisa Stacholy, AIA, NCARB | November 19, 2008 2:17 PM
Posted on November 19, 2008 14:17
Lisa,
Is it possible to create an impact statement to review the change with the client where all those details of what happens next are spelled out. would that help?
lbs.
Posted by Louis Smith, AIA, NOMA | November 19, 2008 10:52 AM
Posted on November 19, 2008 10:52