When an architect firm embarks on a new project, they are more than simply draw blueprints and oversee the construction. They also have to deal with those who employed them. It isn’t easy to manage these relationships however, doing it well will help encourage repeat clients and business referrals.
Let’s have a review of how top architectural firms handle clients.
Building trust before meeting
For many architect firms, clients’ relationships begin before the first meeting is scheduled. The clients are searching for a commercial architect that they can trust to complete the job correctly. If your firm doesn’t appear or sound professional certain clients won’t bother to contact you.
Architecture firms can aid in building confidence in their clients by creating an online presence that is strong. This can include elements like your website and social media pages, portfolio, and testimonials from customers.
Your social media and website are essential places to interact with potential customers. They must be current and properly designed. Take it this way When you go to an online site that appears like it was built in 2009, and is full of outdated information, would you choose to hire this firm? In the same way, if your business hasn’t updated its social media sites for months, your customers may wonder whether you’re still operating.
A well-constructed portfolio is essential for any architectural firm. It’s crucial to highlight your top work by using videos and high-resolution photos (wherever you are able to). Your portfolio, however, is an area where the quality of your work will be more significant than volume. Do not overwhelm your clients with every single thing you’ve designed. Select only the top samples of the work you’ve done and show them with care. Clients are always able to request more details if they’re interested.
Also, testimonials from satisfied clients can bring more customers to your architectural company. Reviews from customers are an important factor for many customers. You can highlight the top reviews on your site or request that customers leave a review on an online feedback platform of their preference.
Communication with clients is strong.
The way you deal with clients usually boils down to the way you interact with them. Architecture firms are able to use various communication skills to ensure their clients are content throughout the duration of their projects.
It is important for architects to keep in mind that not all people have the specific knowledge they have. Your clients may not know how to interpret the blueprint. They might not be aware of the difference between a portico versus port-cochere or what you mean when talking about walls that can bear loads. Avoid using technical or architectural terms and take your time with them in discussions.
Informing clients throughout the duration of the project could assist in managing the client-architect relationship. Certain clients are anxious when they don’t hear from you about their project on a regular basis. When you first meet discuss with your client what frequency they’d like to receive updates from your office and collaborate to come up with an appropriate plan for communication updating them.
In the end, confirming changes in writing will save you from costly errors or mishaps. Changes can occur during the course of a project and clients might be able to accept the changes in writing. If this happens then send a follow-up email outlining the discussion and request that the client confirm the modifications. This will help you and your client to ensure that you are on the same page.
Managing client expectations
Being realistic about expectations can assist you in avoiding many problems with your clients. Architect firm need to be innovative however they must not promise their clients something they can’t provide. Know what is and can’t be achieved at the beginning, especially in relation to the budget of a client.
Importantly, you should not over-promise what your business can accomplish. If a project falls outside of your field of expertise or experience It is acceptable to recommend prospective customers to an architect, or company who is better suited for the task. A lot of clients appreciate this honesty, and they may suggest your firm to others for projects that match your experience or expertise.
Making a project work
Sometimes, projects don’t run as planned. When this happens, interacting with clients in a positive and transparent way will go a long way in avoiding conflicts.
Before you start the project of the client, ensure you’ve conducted your research. You must be well-versed about construction codes as well as accessibility requirements and other standards that need to be followed legally or meet the needs of the client. Knowing these things at the beginning will save you the expense of having to start over or redoing parts of the design.
But if it’s still isn’t going as planned then it’s time to be imaginative! Provide solutions to assist the client in achieving the desired goals of the project (or achieve closest to it).
The insurance policy for professional liability for architects
Handling clients is a crucial aspect for any architect firm. However, there are occasions where a client might be dissatisfied with the work you’ve done regardless of how hard you attempt to change the circumstances. In these cases you might want to consider getting Professional Liability insurance for architects.
Professional Liability also called E&O insurance, safeguards your business from claims of negligent, false representation or error in addition to mistakes in paperwork or documents. The policy could provide crucial safeguards for architects, giving security when you work on projects for clients.
If you’re looking for professional Liability assurance for architects of an architect firm, then BizInsure could assist. Check out our web site to find out more information about Professional Liability for architects.
