Custom Residential Architects Network

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  • 1.  What Would You Do?

    Posted 02-15-2013 12:38 PM

    I was the original person who posted this. The original question was not would you charge for a first interview. This client wanted me to show him renderings for remodeling an 18,000 SF house for free! He wanted to know if I was "His Guy"! Much worse than a free hour or two! This property was close to a house that sold for $117.5 million! He got three architects to provide him with free designs! I walked away!
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    John Stewart AIA
    Stewart Associates Architects
    San Carlos CA
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  • 2.  RE:What Would You Do?

    Posted 02-20-2013 10:18 AM
    You most certainly did the right thing!

    Michael

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    Michael John Smith FAIA
    Owner
    MJS LIGHT
    Houston TX
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  • 3.  RE:What Would You Do?

    Posted 02-20-2013 10:18 AM
    Yes sir.  And well you should have.  We should not have to apologize for trying to earn a living.

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    Rand Soellner AIA
    Architect/Owner/Principal
    Home Architects
    Cashiers NC
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  • 4.  RE:What Would You Do?

    Posted 02-20-2013 10:18 AM
    Although maybe not completely applicable to your situation, design competitions for projects in the triple millions is not unheard of.  Depending upon the firms involved, budgeting for marketing through competitions can be considered.

    That said, there are plenty of people that want "free" ideas developed for "free" regardless of their financial resources.  Sniff testing may be necessary to weed out the trolls.

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    Ken Brogno AIA
    Architect AIA LEED AP
    San Francisco CA
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  • 5.  RE:What Would You Do?

    Posted 03-01-2013 01:53 PM
    I can't believe three architects, no less, fell for that scam! Are we really that desperate? I offer one hour, no-obligation, initial consultations to determine if the client and I will be able to work together. This is a two-way street. Some potential clients are completely unrealistic about their expectations, whether architectural or financial. This gives me the opportunity to weed out clients I don't want. This guy would definitely be one of them!

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    A. Atkinson
    A. Gordon Atkinson, Architect
    San Francisco CA
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  • 6.  RE:What Would You Do?

    Posted 03-06-2013 12:02 PM
    So let me see...  Hypothetically, you are an out-of-work, or under-utilized architect.  You have the opportunity to work on a residence worth many millions of dollars.  Client personality aside, you wouldn't put some effort into landing the project?  Depending on your talent level, you may be able to land the job with a couple of decent renderings.

    I honestly doubt that anyone fell for a scam.  If a client actually thinks that they are going to scam someone into providing services for a multi-million dollar project, then they are the ones that are naive, not the other way around.

    All that said, I completely agree with everything A. Atkinson wrote.  I offer the same one hour, no-obligation, initial consultations to determine if the client and I will be able to work together. 

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    Ken Brogno AIA
    Architect AIA LEED AP
    San Francisco CA
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    Original Message


  • 7.  RE:What Would You Do?

    Posted 03-06-2013 04:13 PM

    How can anyone possible argue with Ken given his avatar. Nice!

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    David Andreozzi AIA
    Owner
    Andreozzi Architects
    Barrington RI
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