E98 - How to Brief your Architect (and other consultants)

Oct 22, 2021

In this episode of the podcast, Frances outlines the many reasons why you should write a brief for your architect (and your landscaper and interior designer), and why it’s so important. She also provides an outline of what to think about when creating your brief, how to start creating one, and what to include, and who should be involved. 

As a starting point for the vision of your home, the brief is a reference document that is referred back to many times throughout the process of creating your Forever Home, so is a logical starting point to get the process moving. 

SHOWNOTES

Why is Creating a Brief Important? 

1. Allows you to create a vision of what you are trying to create, the core things that you need to include in your home, and what's really important for you.  

2. It creates a dialogue for everyone who’s involved in the project – all family members, including the kids!  

You're able to sit down as a family and go through what is it you are trying to create and what's important to each of you. 

3. It allows you to assess 'what you need Vs what you want. It allows you to identify key priorities. 

4. You can refer back to the briefing document throughout the process to assess floorplans, landscaping, and interiors and how those consultants have responded to the brief 

• Has the briefing requirements been met by what's come back from each consultant? 

 

Who is your brief for? 

• Architect/ building designer 
• Landscaper- Interior Designer- What is the feeling you want to create? What sort of functionality do you need, the aesthetic and style you want to live in. 

  

What do you need to include in your brief? 

Think about your vision 

• What's the overall objective of the home? 
• Create a visual brief 

A visual representation of what you want really helps to show what you love 

Overall look and feel  

• How do you want to feel when you walk into your home?   

Overview of the site 

Provide details of the site.  

• Lifestyle requirements 
• How do you live in the home?  
• How your home is to be used 
• Essential rooms required 
• What do you need to store in your garage 
• What's needed in the space for each room 

 

 

 

For instance, wanting a desk for your child's bedroom or a guestroom that can be turned into a separate office.  

Essential Vs Non-negotiable items 

Make a list of what's essential Vs Nice to Have (space or budget permitting) 

Sustainable Features 

• What energy efficiency or sustainability measures are you going to incorporate into this design? 

External components 

 

For instance: 

• Pool 
• Any trees you want to retain 
• Is there going to be a fire pit or do you want to have a trampoline? 

 

Budget 

Be honest with your budget. Your architect should know what will be achievable with your budget. Get the experts involved so that you get an idea about what it's going to cost.  

Always have a contingency. Allow10-20%  

Ensure you're clear about budgets either being inclusive or exclusive of GST (VAT/tax). 

Timeframe 

• What are your expectations about when you want to move into your completed home? 

Design references 

Create a digital portfolio or a hard copy of the things you like, and architectural styles you love. This provides direction for your consultants. 

 

FREE RESOURCES AVAILABLE  

Creating a brief is a good exercise to get everyone on the same page and to ensure your thoughts and ideas are captured as cohesively as possible so it’s able to be followed. 

Download our FREE Briefing Template here.  

 

Join my webinar- 'The top 5 costly bathroom design mistakes and how to avoid them' as I prepare and arm you with critical information that will save you time and money creating your new bathroom. 

This will be on Wednesday, 24th November 2021 at 7PM- 8PM AEDT. 

Click here to register.  

Book a free 15-minute chat to discuss your project and how we may be able to assist.