Custom Residential Architects Network

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The Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN®) Knowledge Community develops knowledge and information to benefit architects who are engaged in, or who are interested in learning more about, custom residential practice. CRAN® presents information and facilitates the exchange of knowledge and expertise to promote the professional development of its members via discussion forums, national symposia and conventions, publications, and local activities.

2024 CRAN® Symposium

September 18-22

The Westin Seattle
1900 5th Avenue 
Seattle, Washington 98101

Registration will open in July 2024.

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2023 Symposium

The CRAN® 2023 Symposium was held October 11 - 15. View the schedule for more info>.

  • 1.  Client Presentations

    Posted 03-07-2013 04:35 PM
    This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Housing Knowledge Community and Custom Residential Architects Network .
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    I too work out of a home office and I have tried using my laptop when I met with client in their homes.
    I found that while showing the client sketches and plans that I had prepared in the office were of interest to the client, they were more concerned with telling me what they were thinking, showing me their ideas of their project. And more to the point, while I was busy using the computer, I was not LISTENING as well as I should have been.  It works much better  for me to send pdf's to keep an email stream of my progress going and that way the client is more prepared to push the project ideas forward.  Most interesting  aspect is that when I sent the pdf's ahead of my meeting, the husband and wife had had a chance to discuss my ideas and are ready with their responses to the design.

    I am now using Revit and some clients have asked to come to my office for a real time discussion of their project. And I am more comfortable using my software to show the same options that I have been working on.  It is really great to have clients respond to the 3D work on their projects.  

    As far as a home office, clients like to see how architects live, work so don't be too concerned with sharing your home with them.  The dining room makes a great conference room.

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    Ann Dunning AIA
    President
    Ann M. Dunning, AIA, Inc.
    Chagrin Falls OH
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    CRAN March AIAU Course