In my experience with committed couples the main breadwinner most often makes the design decisions. As a consultant who often gets to specify lots of whiz bang controls/toys I may be getting a slightly slanted view of the process.
Sometimes the main breadwinner will "allow" the other half of the couple to work with the design team until a pricing set is issued and bid. Depending on the resulting bids some things may be "value engineered" away. Can't believe I used those words. And sometimes things can go forward as envisioned by the team.
If funding for the project is not from inheritance, the design process may become a reflection of the success and aggressiveness of the Client. The house and its gardens are their greatest symbol of success. The challenge for us is to overcome the often used weapon/tool of budget and to educate the Client to the possibilities of a life enriched by good design for them and their family. It can also be a matter of knowing when to push for finer quality and when to let go - knowing the project is better for our input even when the budget won't allow for the finest of everything.
Experience can almost always find a less costly way to achieve an improvement in the quality of a home, BUT part of the process is to illustrate what is lost or gained by a yea or nay.
Sometimes a construction manager is engaged by the Owner. That can make for difficult challenges if money is the primary deciding factor and the Owner's aesthetic responses are kept at a distance. It can still be a gratifying experience when the balance point is achieved. It is good to see the CM as an ally.
Sometimes the Owner will let the design team go with the flow after they have set out their requirements to a team made up of good listeners. We may meet the Owner only after they have moved in and we are supervising the aiming of the lights and programming of the controls.
The really successful clients with multiple homes can be the greatest challenge. The house may be one of many environments that include the part of the country or globe as well as the intimate environs of the dwelling. They will often be less attuned to the details and subtlety of design and think of the home as being somewhat a personal hotel with local staff on hand to have all in readiness for the next stay. Sometimes that can be a blessing and the Architect can more fully realize his/her vision for that particular client and site like a custom suit of clothing.
Michael
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Michael John Smith, FAIA
Owner
MJS LIGHT
Houston TX
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-12-2013 15:27
From: Dawn Zuber
Subject: What Women Want In A Home
How funny, Brenda - the author interviewed me for (I assume) this piece in November. We talked for quite a long time, but I was uncomfortable with the premise of the article and really hedged about saying anything that (apparently) she found relevant. I have noticed that, of the heterosexual couples I work with, the women are generally much more involved in the design process, but to say that it's because they want easy-to-clean surfaces and convenient laundry facilities is really simplistic.
I wish I could recall more of what we talked about. The final article makes me REALLY glad she didn't include any of my quotes!!
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Dawn Zuber AIA
Owner
Studio Z Architecture
Canton MI
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