Clarify your values, thoughts, feelings and goals:

Decide what you would like to do, and know why you would like to do it.  The "what" is often called the scope or program for the project.  The "why" is your values.  Write it down, and prioritize the different elements within the scope.  Give this to your architect or potential architect.

Save photos and clippings.  Put sticky notes on them saying what portion of the photo you like the most, and what you don't like, if anything.  Show it to your architect.

How would you like your spaces to feel?  Write this down for each different space and include this with your list of priorities.

What is your timeline?  Is there anything that impacts the schedule like a vacation, baby due, party, wedding, family visit, work project?  Let your team know as soon as possible.

What level of quality are you looking for?  Can you describe this for your architect and contractor?

Decide on a budget-what fits with your financial goals?  Is it realistic for your scope, the quality level you expect, and the timeline?  Your architect can help you with this.

Ask questions:

If there is anything that is not clear or that you are concerned about during the design process---ASK right away.

Ask that your architect repeat back to you what you've requested her or him to do.  This helps clarify communication and make sure you're on the same page.

Request meeting notes---at live-work-play we usually send a meeting recap soon after a meeting, to make sure we've all understood the same information.

Be decisive:

There will be many decisions you make during the design process with the help of your architect.  It is okay to say you don't know the answer to a question immediately, and take some time to think about it.  Feel confident about your answers when you give them so you can move forward with the process.

Be Open:

One of the great benefits of hiring an architect is you will see ideas that are different from your own.  Our projects are often a collaboration of the Owner's ideas and ours.

Work with someone you like and trust:

Many people can do design work.  Is the architect you're about to hire the one you want to work with?  Do you trust her or him?  At live-work-play we work with people who trust us and who we trust.

An example: 

On the Kitchen Art project, the Owners were well prepared, which helped immensely. 

"Before we met with Sheri we put together a binder of images we found in magazines. We included images of what we liked and things we didn't like so Sheri could have a clear understanding of our style. We talked about our house and how we used it now and how we would like to use it when the remodel was complete. We took the time to dream big." 

During the design process they were clear about what they liked and did not like and were also open to new ideas.  They trusted us to work with them on their vision. 

Now they have a beautiful space they love! 

 the new kitchen.