After selecting an Architect (see 'Choosing an Architect'), it is advisable to be well prepared when you go for the first meeting with him, as it will enable the Architect to understand your requirements and ideas better. Here are a few tips on how to be well prepared before the first meeting:







PROJECT BRIEF -

 Ideally, formulate your project brief before meeting with your Architect.

· Wish list: To formulate the Project Brief, first get all the decision makers together. Include everyone - husbands, wives or even children with an interest in the building. Write down your complete wish list.

·  Ideas: You should have some ideas about what you would like in your house. You can visit some finished houses or you can consult professional magazines, catalogs and architecture books to get ideas and to show the Architect what you like and dislike.

· Budget:  You need to be very clear about your budget and any constraints that may exist.

· Future:  Also you need to be clear about any future plans. This will enable the Architect to assess your project realistically and design for future expansion.

· Priorities: Your initial brief should contain information regarding general priorities e.g. better natural light, more play room, the number and sizes of the rooms, the overall size and theme of the structure, features you would like to have and key functional or special inter-relationships of  spaces etc. This will make it easier for the Architect to understand what you have in mind.

Once the actual project begins, go back to your project brief at regular intervals. so as to not lose sight of your original goals (and budget).



REALISTIC ABOUT BUDGET:

 Be realistic and honest about your budget from the start. The relationship between you and your Architect should be one of mutual trust. If you are not clear or dishonest about your budget, it might only lengthen the design process to get to a viable solution, thus costing you more in Architects' fees or you might end up with a house design that is beyond your budget limits and a project that you may not be able to complete.
STYLE OF THE HOUSE: 

· Try not to impress any specific style or theme according to the latest trends, for your house. These themes are often short lived in property markets and you might have difficulty or not get the best resale value when it comes to the selling of the house. A good style is one that is unique but has longevity and remains contemporary.

· A good Architect will not try to enforce his own tastes in design, but instead try to get a good feel of your taste and guide you to a realistic building solution.
THE FIRST MEETING:

· Professional credentials: When consulting your Architect for the first time, ask for professional credentials, recent references and project photos. There are lots of so called 'Architects' who are not even registered with the Council of Architecture (India) as they do not have a valid architectural degree or have not successfully completed the architectural degree or have been removed from the Register of Architects for professional misconduct.

· Project brief: Have your project brief ready. Explain exactly what it is you want and don't hold back. If you have pictures or photographs of what you like and dislike, bring them as there will be less chance of misunderstandings. Pictures speak more than a 1000 words. It also helps the Architect to figure out whether they are feasible within the budget. No matter how good your project brief is, an experienced professional will pick up the details that you've and so be prepared for detailed questions about your project brief.

·Open mind: The first session with the Architect will largely consist of discussion and questions about your requirements and ideas of you house and site and your priorities and preferences. During this session the Architect might present you with suggestions, ideas or solutions that might not sound pleasing to you at first, but might make sense later on in the planning stage. So try to keep an open mind.

·Information: Find out as much as you can in the consultation phase about possible causes of over runs.

· Good communication:  is necessary for a smooth project conclusion. If you feel the Architect will not listen to and respond to your concerns, explain what's going on and keep you updated, then it might not be a good idea to engage him for your project



NEGOTIATING FEES: 

·When negotiating fees with your Architect, you might have a choice to use only a part of his service or a 'full service'. If your budget does not allow the full services of the Architect, he might be willing to provide you with advice and ideas for a reduced fee. The services of an Architect are not rigid and most will be willing to taper services to suit you needs or budget.

·However do not try to bargain too much with the Architect, as he might reduce the fees just to get the project, but later show less interest in your project or may not be very co-operative.