Repositioning the Architect

As we have seen in numerous posts, most people don't know what an architect does.  Recently an old friend of mine got into a business venture where they need to build an office and utilitarian building. I asked him for a written description of what they needed ....  a request for proposal and took a weekend visit to talk about the project and what a RFP was and what should be in it for their use. During the visit we determined that a metal building may suite his need (I have some experience with "butler" type buildings). I said I would give them a proposal letter after I received the info and a survey and suggested they get other proposals as well (but I didn't dwell on that issue!). Over the course of a few weeks I asked about the progress of the RFP. Several months later, I actually got a response:  a plan he "drafted" and sketch from a pre-fab building manufacturer that formed the proposal they made to the entity that owns the site. The plan has no vertical or horizontal circulation and forget about egress.  Design wise the sketch is terrible and poorly drawn. They also bought a used agricultural greenhouse frame to use for part of the project. They are now in love with this scheme they concocted ...........you get the drift; you probably have all been there.  Now for the question: Is there any prepared document or brochure available to give to clients on how to work with an architect?  I explained it to him but it went in one ear and out the other, assuming he was even listening in the first place (my friend has attention issues).  The most important thing in this case I needed to convince them of was to get the architect involved from the start, but they just don't get it. I have all but written off this project but I don't want it to happen again. Help!

As we have seen in numerous posts, most people don't know what an architect does.  Recently an old friend of mine got into a business venture where they need to build an office and utilitarian building. I asked him for a written description of what they needed ....  a request for proposal and took a weekend visit to talk about the project and what a RFP was and what should be in it for their use. During the visit we determined that a metal building may suite his need (I have some experience with "butler" type buildings). I said I would give them a proposal letter after I received the info and a survey and suggested they get other proposals as well (but I didn't dwell on that issue!). Over the course of a few weeks I asked about the progress of the RFP. Several months later, I actually got a response:  a plan he "drafted" and sketch from a pre-fab building manufacturer that formed the proposal they made to the entity that owns the site. The plan has no vertical or horizontal circulation and forget about egress.  Design wise the sketch is terrible and poorly drawn. They also bought a used agricultural greenhouse frame to use for part of the project. They are now in love with this scheme they concocted ...........you get the drift; you probably have all been there.  Now for the question: Is there any prepared document or brochure available to give to clients on how to work with an architect?  I explained it to him but it went in one ear and out the other, assuming he was even listening in the first place (my friend has attention issues).  The most important thing in this case I needed to convince them of was to get the architect involved from the start, but they just don't get it. I have all but written off this project but I don't want it to happen again. Help!

As we have seen in numerous posts, most people don't know what an architect does.  Recently an old friend of mine got into a business venture where they need to build an office and utilitarian building. I asked him for a written description of what they needed ....  a request for proposal and took a weekend visit to talk about the project and what a RFP was and what should be in it for their use. During the visit we determined that a metal building may suite his need (I have some experience with "butler" type buildings). I said I would give them a proposal letter after I received the info and a survey and suggested they get other proposals as well (but I didn't dwell on that issue!). Over the course of a few weeks I asked about the progress of the RFP. Several months later, I actually got a response:  a plan he "drafted" and sketch from a pre-fab building manufacturer that formed the proposal they made to the entity that owns the site. The plan has no vertical or horizontal circulation and forget about egress.  Design wise the sketch is terrible and poorly drawn. They also bought a used agricultural greenhouse frame to use for part of the project. They are now in love with this scheme they concocted ...........you get the drift; you probably have all been there.  Now for the question: Is there any prepared document or brochure available to give to clients on how to work with an architect?  I explained it to him but it went in one ear and out the other, assuming he was even listening in the first place (my friend has attention issues).  The most important thing in this case I needed to convince them of was to get the architect involved from the start, but they just don't get it. I have all but written off this project but I don't want it to happen again. Help!