What really happens in an initial consultation

Phoning an architecture practice takes some courage. Many of the people who sit down with us say the same thing afterwards: “We thought we needed to have clear ideas first.” The opposite is true: the earlier the conversation, the more options are still open. So here, written down honestly, is what actually happens in an initial consultation.

What to bring – and what not to

Whatever is there is helpful: photos, old plans, the address, a rough idea of budget or timing. None of it is a precondition. A vague idea is a perfectly normal starting point: “grandmother’s farmhouse is standing empty and we don’t know what should become of it” is as good an opening as any fully worked-out brief. What you don’t need: prior knowledge, technical terms, finished designs from others.

The 60 minutes

First, we listen. Not out of politeness, but because that is where the task lies: who will live in the house? What should it do, what may it cost, what worries you? Then we look: at your photos and plans, or straight away on site at the fabric, the structure, the roof, moisture, the surroundings. At the end comes a first honest assessment: what is possible here, what is realistic, what the next sensible steps would be, and in what order.

Honest also means that sometimes the right answer is “wait”, “think smaller” or “this doesn’t need an architecture practice”. We say that in the initial consultation too. A no at the start is cheaper than a surprise on the building site, for you and for us.

The money

We talk about the cost framework at the very first meeting, not the third. Not to the exact euro, as nobody can do that seriously at this stage, but honestly enough for you to decide whether the next step is worthwhile.

Afterwards

You go home with an assessment and a concrete proposal for the next step: that might be a survey of the existing building, a first study, or indeed nothing for the time being.

Whether and how things continue is your decision. There is no automatic follow-on and there are no follow-up calls.

If you are currently mulling over a house, a farmhouse or a plot of land: arrange an initial consultation – 60 minutes, at your place on site or with us in the Höttinger Gasse. We usually reply within one working day.