Q.
There are 4 general development stages of a construction project. What do you understand by the 'briefing stage'?
A.
Client Brief to Initial Design (Briefing Stage)
THE BRIEF: IDENTIFYING YOUR REQUIREMENTS
At the start of your project you and your architect will meet to discuss in detail your requirements and aspirations. It is important that you advise your architect of your budget, time frame and any other parameters, as these will impact on the design. The information you provide for your architect is called ‘The Brief’. Time spent at this initial stage is invaluable as a design is only as good as the brief. There are many possible design solutions for each project and a detailed brief with enable your architect to identify the most appropriate for your needs.
In preparing for your initial discussions and the formulation of the Brief, draw up a list of priorities and ask yourself a number of
IMPORTANT QUESTIONS:
- What do you want to achieve with this project? Why do you want to extend or renovate?
- Describe your current home. What do you like about it? What's missing? What don't you like? Do you want to change the space you have?
- What do you envisage in your extended or renovated home that your present home lacks? What functions / activities will be housed in a new space?
- What is your lifestyle and what kind of spaces do you need? For example, are you at home a great deal? Do you work at home? Do you entertain often?
- How much time do you spend in the living areas, bedroom, kitchen, study, utility space, garden?
- How much time and energy are you willing to invest to maintain your home?
- Do you have strong ideas about design and materials? What do you think the extension or renovation should look like?
- How much can you realistically afford to spend?
- How much disruption in your life can you tolerate to extend or renovate your home?
- How soon would you like to be settled into your new home or extension? Are there rigid time restraints?
- Is there anyone in the family with a disability or do you envisage staying in the house for a long time so that the mobility problems of aging may need to be addressed?
- Energy efficiency is considered an integral part of any extension and refurbishment. Do you have any specific requests, for example for using energy from renewable sources (solar hot water, wood pellets etc)?