AN INITIAL MEETING
MEETING FOR THE FIRST TIME
Meeting for the first time can feel a little daunting, particularly if you don't have a finished brief, drawings, or a clear understanding of the process.
You don't need to have everything worked out.
Our first conversation is about understanding the project as it is today. I'll want to know what you're considering, what has led you to the project, what matters to you, and the questions you're trying to answer.
For many clients, this first meeting forms part of a First Step Engagement and is held at the project site where appropriate.
CONVERSATION INSIGHT
You don't need to know what to ask or arrive with a prepared list of questions.
I'll guide the conversation and ask about the things that help me understand your project, your priorities, and what may influence the decisions ahead.
These are some of the areas we'll usually explore together.
BY THE END OF OUR MEETING I WILL KNOW
01
What are you trying to achieve?
We'll start with the project itself. What has prompted it, what are you hoping to change or create, and what would a successful outcome look like for you?
You don't need a finished brief. Part of my role is helping you work that out.
02
How do you live or use the building?
Good design starts with understanding people. I'll ask about how you live, work, entertain, arrive home, spend your weekends, or use the building today.
Often the small details reveal more about what you need than a list of rooms.
03
What matters most to you?
Every project involves priorities. More space, better sunlight, a particular view, privacy, flexibility, low maintenance, sustainability, or simply making the budget work.
Understanding what matters most helps guide the decisions and trade offs that follow.
04
What are the practical realities?
We'll talk openly about budget, timing, the site, the existing building, planning requirements, and anything else that may influence the project.
You don't need to have all the answers, but understanding the realities early helps us make better decisions.
05
What happens next?
By the end of the conversation, I want you to have a clearer understanding of the project and what the next useful step might be.
That could be further investigation, specialist advice, early design work, or sometimes simply taking time to think.
How to prepare
You don't need to prepare extensively, but a little background can make our conversation more useful.
If you have them, bring a few images or examples of things you like, think about your essential and nice to have priorities, consider any timing requirements, and have an honest idea of the budget range you're working within.
Any existing plans, property information, reports, or previous advice can also be useful.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER
By the end of our conversation, I should have a much better understanding of your project and you should have a clearer view of the questions, opportunities, and likely next steps.
Where further investigation or specialist advice is needed, I'll explain what I recommend and why.
If the project is a good fit for my architectural services, I will outline how I could remain involved and what the next stages would look like.
There is no assumption that you need to continue. The purpose of the initial meeting is to help establish the right next step for the project.
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01
first step engagement
It all starts with a first step.
Ready to talk about your project?
You don't need to have everything worked out. Tell me what you're considering and we can start from there.
Enquiries are typically responded to within 1 business day during normal business hours.
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