Alone We Can Do So Little; Together We Can Do So Much
I recently returned from Grand Designs Live where I shared the stage with Grand Designs TV presenter and guru Kevin McCloud and a number of other fantastic and knowledgeable professionals in the industry for a Q&A on all aspects of self-building.
But it wasn’t the memory of the glitz and glamour of the “experts” that kept me warm as I travelled back on the Birmingham to Manchester train, but some of the fantastic deep-and-meaningfuls I had with hopeful self-builders…
…ordinary people like you and I who are considering embarking on a life changing experience that only you courageous lot will ever have the experience of doing – the opportunity to shape your physical environment and create your ideal home!
It takes courage to begin the journey of self-discovery when re-designing or building from scratch your home. It takes much decision-making, pondering, researching, discussions and lots of lightbulb moments when things just fall into place and feel just right.
In my long experience, I’ve witnessed the most successful creations borne from genuine collaboration between architect and client. As Foster and Partners said while working with the French Architect Jean Nouvel on a commercial project in London, the ‘collaborative processes give us a view from outside and a view from inside.’
When I started the Pride Road franchise I consciously did away with the client/architect relationship and replaced it with an equal partnership – one where we learnt equally from each other.
I’ve always seen Pride Road Architects as primarily a ‘facilitator’ to the client’s vision.
With that in mind, here are my top 5 tips for a great project partnership:
1. Your architect should design with one eye on the future
Your design should reflect where you’re headed not necessarily how you live now. They should be asking what your goals are for the next 10 years and beyond.
2. True partnerships are ones that roll with debate and discussion
If you don’t feel you can talk freely or share opinion with your architect for fear of offending then rethink your architect.
3. Don’t feel obliged to accept the first draft version of the design
The architect almost expects a little push back from you as this encourages the creative process and usually results in a superior design.
4. Don’t be surprised if you end up becoming good friends with your architect
For those months they may well become almost part of the family if it’s a true partnership!
5. Always have a good bottle of wine in
When things go well you’ll want to celebrate the moment!
Helen Keller certainly had the vision when she coined “alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
At Pride Rd Architects, we know what it takes to turn a house into a home. A property into a sanctuary. We turn your ideas into architectural plans.
We specialise in designing the kind of bespoke architecture that says something about you, your family, your lifestyle and your individual needs and tastes – on a budget that suits you. Pride Rd will work closely with you to take the stress and confusion out of your design and build project, with experience and technical expertise to help deliver an affordable dream home with no compromise. In short, we care because you do.
Find a Pride Road architect from our ever-expanding network, covering areas like Manchester, Liverpool, and North Cheshire.
