I’ve spent a little time thinking about who or what would be my perfect client and/or project. I’ve been revising it for a while now and my list of the Perfect Clients is very simple:
- Is honest and forthright
- Pays invoices on time
- Recognizes the skill and experience my firm brings to their project
- Is willing to consider alternative solutions
- Realizes that intellectual property is not a commodity; additional value is gained over the long term (institutional memory a plus)
‑Lisa Stacholy, AIA
Comments (4)
1) listen to professionals (not contractors)
2) pay on time and in full
3) value design
4) respect the environment
5) make snacks for evening meetings
6) refer you to someone else afterwards
Posted by DMA | March 25, 2009 8:52 PM
Posted on March 25, 2009 20:52
Wanted: the perfect architect
Is honest and forthright
Invoice reflects work actually performed
Recognizes the opportunity I am offering them to realize a drawing into an actual structure.
Is willing to consider alternative solutions
Realizes that clients have paid good money for what you call "intellectual" property and therefore have the right to use it.
Posted by Anonymous | March 11, 2009 12:01 AM
Posted on March 11, 2009 00:01
I had a former client contact me back in December about two commercial projects. They were small by most firm standards but to me they were moderate/medium size since I'm a one-man-show. I gave him a proposal and then he called and said, "Why do I need an architect.". Well - he really didn't technically in this situation. And he was a difficult client that was going to argue every penny with me. So I gave a rather lame answer of why he should use an architect. He didn't hire me. Now I only have one project and I could use the money. But which would be better - work for a client you really don't enjoy working for (and maybe he takes time paying your bill too) or worry about money. Money is technically not an issue in my home-life so I still think I made the right choice. On the other hand I am too meek when it comes to selling my importance so I wish I had at least tried a little harder. How hard to you work for a job you don't want?
Posted by Tom Fallon, AIA | February 17, 2009 2:17 AM
Posted on February 17, 2009 02:17
My Dad was a salesman and gave me some good advice when I complained about "difficult" clients. His standards were simple and basic business sense. He would always ask me," Did you get the check?" When I responded yes he'd say, "Then they were good clients!"
Posted by Laura Montllor,AIA | February 12, 2009 7:28 PM
Posted on February 12, 2009 19:28