In the latest episode of the Designers Show, Chief Experts delve into two vital aspects of the design process: the technical workings of layout pages in Chief Architect and the delicate art of managing client expectations. With a wealth of experience, the hosts share real-world insights into balancing client dreams with reality, discussing budgets, and maximizing project potential. Kevin’s compelling case study about transforming a $75,000 basement remodel into a multi-million dollar home expansion provides a vivid illustration of the importance of guiding clients through every step of the process.

Here’s a detailed recap of the episode, along with some key takeaways that every designer can apply to their own practice.

1. Diving into Layout Pages in Chief Architect: The episode kicks off with Dan Baumann taking a deep dive into one of the most versatile tools in Chief Architect: the layout pages. For designers who work with architectural plans, understanding how to effectively manage layout pages is essential for organizing views, maintaining a clean workflow, and delivering professional presentations.

Dan walks listeners through the basics of layout pages, including how to use macros to manage page numbering and layout labels automatically. He emphasizes how tools like plan views and default sets streamline the design process by allowing designers to organize different views for printing and presentations.

Key Tip: Macros are a powerful feature that can simplify the layout process, particularly when it comes to page management. By using them to control layout labels and page numbering, designers can save significant time while maintaining consistency across complex projects.

2. Managing Client Expectations: A Delicate Balance: At the 28-minute mark, Kevin Transue transitions the discussion toward one of the most challenging aspects of any design project: managing client expectations. Drawing from years of experience, Kevin shares a story about a client who had dreams of a high-end kitchen remodel, but whose budget simply couldn’t accommodate the vision. He highlights the importance of empathy and guiding clients through the process without dismissing their aspirations, even when their goals aren’t immediately feasible.

Kevin’s story of helping the client understand the realities of her budget serves as a reminder that while designers are responsible for creating beautiful spaces, they also play a crucial role in setting realistic expectations. As Kevin wisely notes, “Everyone has the right to dream, we just dream at different levels.”

3. Navigating the Budget Conversation: One of the key takeaways from this episode is the importance of discussing the budget early in the process. Kevin explains that the “B-word” (budget) can often make both designers and clients uncomfortable, but it is essential to establishing the project’s scope. By framing the conversation in terms of the client’s investment in their home, designers can shift the focus from the cost to the value being delivered.

The team shares practical tips on how to approach budget discussions in a way that makes clients feel empowered rather than pressured. Kevin encourages designers to present options that are slightly above, below, and at the client’s stated budget, allowing them to make informed decisions.

Key Tip: Reframe the budget as an “investment” in the client’s home. This shifts the conversation from what something costs to how the project adds long-term value to their property.

4. Case Study: From $75,000 Remodel to $3 Million Expansion: One of the most fascinating parts of the episode is Kevin’s recounting of a basement remodel that took on a life of its own. Initially, the client approached him with a $75,000 budget to finish a basement. But as the project progressed, Kevin guided the client through various design possibilities that significantly expanded the scope. By the time the project was complete, it had evolved into a $3 million full-house expansion, complete with additional living spaces and custom play areas for their growing family.

This case study is a powerful example of what can happen when a designer helps clients see the potential of their space while being honest about the costs involved. Kevin’s ability to balance the client’s initial vision with the realities of the project led to a transformation beyond anything the client had initially imagined.

5. Establishing the Value of Your Time: As the episode wraps up, the team discusses the importance of charging for initial consultations to establish the value of your time. Kevin shares how he charges $250 for the first meeting to “dream” with the client and evaluate the project’s scope. By doing so, designers can weed out non-serious inquiries while also establishing themselves as professionals whose time is valuable.

The takeaway here is that setting a fee for the initial consultation can elevate the designer’s position in the eyes of the client, increasing the likelihood that they will proceed with the project.

Final Thoughts: This episode  is packed with valuable lessons for designers at every stage of their career. From mastering layout pages to managing client expectations and discussing budgets, the hosts offer a wealth of practical advice that can help designers create smoother, more profitable projects.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their workflow, client relationships, and project outcomes.

Key Learnings:

• Use macros to automate and streamline layout pages in Chief Architect.
• Approach budget discussions as an investment conversation to avoid discomfort.
• Guide clients through the realities of their budget without dismissing their dreams.
• Charging for initial consultations sets the tone for a professional relationship.
• Always keep an open mind about the potential of a project—it might evolve into something far beyond the initial scope!

Want to learn more? RSVP for the Designers Show

Timestamps:

0:00 - 1:29 | Introduction

• The hosts, including Dan, Kevin, John, Renee, and Robin, introduce themselves. Light conversation about Robin being in Hawaii.

1:30 - 3:09 | Recap of Chief Architect Event

• Discussion about the annual Chief Architect event, including highlights and a funny story about a muddy bike ride where two hosts crashed.

3:10 - 4:42 | Key Learning Takeaways

• The group emphasizes the value of helping others and how teaching helps them learn more. They also share brief insights into what they learned during the event.

4:43 - 5:11 | Joke Break

• A short, light-hearted joke: "Why did the general contractor stop making his own sandwiches? Because he liked working with his subcontractors."

5:12 - 6:35 | Main Topic: Layout Pages Overview

• Dan shifts to the main topic of the session: Layout Pages in Chief Architect. He starts by explaining what layout pages are, how they work, and their significance for organizing architectural plans.

6:36 - 9:06 | Plan Views and Default Sets

• A detailed explanation of how Plan Views and Default Sets work in Chief Architect. These tools help organize different views for printing on layout pages.

9:07 - 10:10 | Project Browser Overview

• Introduction to the Project Browser tool in Chief Architect. Dan discusses the advantages of using it for project management and the future of cloud storage for plans and symbols.

10:11 - 13:46 | Layout Templates and Project Management

• Dan walks through layout templates, explaining the basic elements like title pages and layout settings. He also explains how to manage blank pages, templates, and pre-titled layout pages.

13:47 - 17:59 | Managing Pages and Macros

• Discussion about macros in layout pages and how to use them effectively. Dan shows how to manage page numbering and layout labels automatically using macros.

18:00 - 21:14 | Page Numbering and Duplicating Pages

• The team discusses the different methods of page numbering and how to duplicate layout pages to avoid starting from scratch.

21:15 - 23:59 | Handling Callouts and Page Adjustments

• Explanation of callouts and how they dynamically adjust to changes in page numbering. Dan provides an example of how callouts update automatically when page numbers change.

24:00 - 26:34 | Using Multiple Layout Templates

• Demonstration of how to use different templates within the same layout file. Dan explains how to set up template pages for specific purposes like PDFs from surveys or engineers.

26:35 - 27:50 | Kevin’s Thoughts on Design Inspiration

• Kevin shares his thoughts on the early stages of the design process, balancing client aspirations with reality, and inspiring clients to aim for their dream designs while managing realistic constraints.

28:00 - 30:30 | Managing Client Expectations

• Kevin shares his experience with managing client expectations and emphasizes the importance of pre-qualifying clients and understanding their budget. He tells a story about a client who wanted an elaborate kitchen remodel but had unrealistic budget expectations.

30:31 - 33:00 | Discussing Budgets with Clients

• Kevin discusses the discomfort that often arises when discussing budgets with clients and shares strategies for navigating these conversations, including using terms like “investment” instead of “budget.”

33:01 - 35:11 | Establishing Value for Your Time

• Kevin explains how charging an initial consultation fee helps establish the value of your time. He highlights that once clients are willing to invest in that first step, they are more likely to proceed with the project.

35:12 - 39:00 | Case Study: Expanding a Client’s Vision

• Kevin shares a case study of a project that started as a $75,000 basement remodel but ultimately turned into a $3 million expansion. He emphasizes the importance of helping clients see the full potential of their space.

39:01 - 40:10 | The Lesson: Don’t Underestimate Project Potential

• Kevin wraps up by encouraging designers not to underestimate the potential of a project. He advises helping clients explore possibilities and guiding them through the process of expanding their vision.

40:11 - 41:30 | Hourly Rate Discussion

• A question is posed to the group about whether designers should share their hourly rates upfront. The hosts agree that it’s important to be transparent about rates during initial phone conversations, though they don’t publish rates online.

41:31 - End | Closing Thoughts

• The session concludes with a discussion about educating clients on the value of the design process and how different pricing structures don’t necessarily indicate differences in value.

About the Hosts:

• Dan Baumann

• John Schrader

• Kevin Transue

• Robin Rigby Fisher

• Rene Rabbitt

Connect with Us:

• Subscribe to our podcast for more in-depth discussions and expert advice on architectural design.
• RSVP for the Designers Show