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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