Naturally, every owner starts for a different place. Some have had vast
experience with design and construction and know what they want and how to go
about getting it. Many owners have much less experience.

Whatever your situation, it makes sense to begin with some self-examination to
assess what you already know about your project and what you will establish
with you architect's help. The questions outlined below can be used as a guide.

You don't need firm or complete answers to these questions at this point.
Indeed, we will help you think them through.

What activities do you expect to house in the project? Are you ready to translate
these activities into specific spaces and square footage areas. or will the design
program (the collection of parameters from which design is derived) emerge in
working with the architect?

Has a site been established, or will this decision also be a subject of discussion
with the architect?

Have you, or perhaps others, fixed a construction schedule or budget?

What are your design aspirations? What thought have you give to the design
quality or amenity you are seeking in this project?

What are your overall expectations for the project? What are you basic
motivations as a client, and what role does this project play in achieving your
overall goals?

How do you make decisions? Will a single person sign off on recommendations?
Are committees necessary?

How much information do you need to make decisions? Do you require a lot of
detail?

Do you have the resources to do this project? Where will they come from, and
what strings may be attached?

How much experience do you have in design and construction? Have you done
this before? If so, where have you been most successful, and when were you
disappointed?