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"When I crush, I crush hard. After seeing the Connecticut poolhouse designed by architect Gil Schafer in AD's August issue, with its amazing double-hung windows, I started doodling his name in my notebook. Part of Schafer's talent is applying classic design principles to modern construction, a combination that makes my heart go pitter-pat. Could I be the girl for him? I slipped him a note to see just what he looks for in a client.\n\nBudget, I feared, would be number one on his list, which would immediately disqualify me. \"Budget is important,\" he says, \"but not the most important.\" Turns out the perfect architect-client relationship is like any other.\n\nTrust Me: \"The clients have to trust you to know what is best for them,\" he says. Schafer's attention to detail is remarkable; I could moon over his millwork for hours. How could a client not trust him? \"They can't always visualize what I'm thinking. Sometimes they have to take a leap of faith.\"\n\nCreativity Counts: Those who can visualize what their architect has drawn up have a distinct advantage. So does this mean I need to take a course in architectural drawing? No, says Schafer: \"Creative people, no matter what their outlet, can often appreciate what goes into the process.\" And as in other areas, experience can be a fine substitute\u2014those who have built something before also catch on quickly.\n\nKeep It Casual: It's such a bore when relationships are such a chore. \"It's easier when a client enjoys the process and has fun with it,\" notes Schafer. \"Not everyone is like that.\" Are we talking control issues? \"If a client is incredibly detail-oriented, he or she can obsess a little bit,\" Schafer admits. But he sees the good in everybody: \"It can be nice when they get as excited as I do about details, like the patina of the hardware.\" Gil, I can talk patina all day long.\n\nThe Other Man (or Woman): Schafer strongly suggests that interior decoration should not be an afterthought. It's best to bring the designer in as early as possible. \"We love to collaborate with decorators,\" explains Schafer. \"They bring something different to the process\"\u2014like thinking about which wall a sofa or the bed will occupy. It's much easier to accommodate these decor decisions early on.\n\nThe Blame Game: Though Schafer is a meticulous planner, things can and usually do go wrong in any relationship. When a crisis arises, Schafer cautions, the primary need is to correct the problem, not to afix blame. \"Accountability is important\u2014but the most important thing is to find the solution first. It's best not to panic.\"\n\nCreativity, trust, a positive attitude: check, check, check. Is my budget really not a problem? Ever the gentleman, Schafer reassures me: \"A large budget allows you to do some really unique and special things. It allows you to take your creativity to the next level. But no matter how big the budget, there is still a budget. Having that boundary actually helps the creativity.\" Dreamy."^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/architect-client-relationships-gil-schafer-patricia-shackelford-article>