What's Motivating Your Project?

Why Most Projects Start

Almost every project begins for one of three reasons:

1. Timing - a baby on the way, a relocation, a milestone that sets the schedule

2. Failure - something in the building is no longer working - leaks, deterioration, outdated layout - and waiting would be more painful (or expensive) than moving forward

3. Cash Flow - the project has finally become financially feasible and responsible

These factors above are the motivators, now lets talk influencers…not the ones on Instagram either.

Influence drives decisions.

Once a project is underway, new influences emerge:

• budget tension

• new inspiration

• a desire for more customization

• (or the opposite) a desire to simplify

• lifestyle change

• decision fatigue

• shifts in priorities around privacy, resale, sustainability, etc.

You may say in month one that budget is the top priority - then in month six, customizations become the driver. These shifts aren’t unusual but they are important to acknowledge and manage.

Are you being reactive or strategic?

Reflecting on these questions will help us understand your priorities:

• What is the most important outcome of this project?

• Is your top priority staying in budget? or finish before a certain date?

• Is a unique property your top priority?

• Is functionality and sustainability the most important outcome?

• Is resale important?

• Is safety or privacy a factor to consider?

• How much of the design should be flexible? How long do you plan to occupy the property?

• What places make you the happiest? Are they filled with natural light or are they filled with objects, textures, art and color?

• How important are the items in your wish list? Rate and list them by importance.

You don’t need to know “design language” but your architect should understand your motivations and priorities so they can translate them into decisions.

How We Keep Goals on Track

1. Talk about budget often - open conversation around money keeps decisions grounded and aligned. Less surprises means less stress.

2. Structured Checkpoints & Client Homework - moments to pause and ask “Has anything shifted? Is this still the priority?” This is especially helpful for analytical clients who thrive on clarity.

3. Visualization Tools - our renderings, sketches and 3D models help our clients see the implication of their choices. We use them strategically to facilitate major decisions and keep track of ones that have been made.

Your project will evolve because your life evolves. A good architect doesn’t just design - they guide, translate, and realign as your motivations shift.

A good architect will help you build a strategy for the best results: the right layout, the right contractor, the right systems, the right long-term decisions.

When you understand why you’re doing the project, every decision becomes easier.