Professional interviews: Alistair Watt of Alistair Watt Architectural Ltd

M: You’ve been working with Maddren for a long time now. What is it like to work with our clients?

A: It is blissful to work with Maddren clients. Before they come to me, your design and build consultants have already done a lot of preparation in the background, so most already know what to expect at our first meeting, and have a clear picture of what they would like to achieve.

M: Can you give me an example?

A: Well, there are so many variables with building a house. Even when looking at one floor plan, there are many different ways you can build a house from that plan, such as choosing a flat or a raking ceiling, a mono-pitch or parapet roof, different claddings and so on. The combinations are endless, and every element can change the overall picture of the project – sometimes it can be overwhelming. With Maddren clients, your design and build consultants have previously discussed all these options and details, so the clients have a good knowledge of what they need and what they like and don’t like. This way I can jump straight into the design phase.

M: What Is It like In the design phase?

A: When the design and build consultants have gathered all the client’s preferences and requirements prior to the first meeting, it is usually possible for me to nail down about 80% of the client’s vision from our first consultation. There are sometimes a few more rounds of changes ironing out specific details, but in most cases the changes are just minor adjustments. This shows the importance of getting the correct information at the outset and having that professional conversation with the client, giving them a chance to consider the different options beforehand.

M: So this is pretty good teamwork then, and is probably helped by the fact we have been working together for so long?

A: Indeed, and even though it is great to save time with good preparation, it is also important not to rush through this phase. I always recommend to clients that they take time to ‘digest’ the plan, write down anything they want to change and give themselves a reasonable amount of time to think it over. From my experience, changes made from rushed decisions often end up reverting back to where they started. Having said that, it is not ideal to drag the process on for too long either. Once the momentum is lost the project may end up going nowhere and then everyone involved starts to feel frustrated.

M: I totally agree. So what tips do you have to help clients fully enjoy the design process and things to consider?

A: Because we are not working on a spec plan, clients need to think carefully about the relationship between each area of the home, what the flow of movement is and the habits of the family and how they will use the spaces. For example, it is a very common request to have the kids at the far end of the house (smile), however, that may not always work well in practical terms. The best way to connect the children’s area with the rest of the house can be completely different for each individually family. A space for working from home is pretty much a base requirement nowadays, and another trend is to include a granny flat. Both of these need to be planned carefully as far as how they integrate into the home and suit the family lifestyle, as well as considering privacy and easy access. Personally I will say I think a toilet at the top of the stairs and a bathroom on top of the dining area should be avoid.

M: What do you love most about working with your clients?

Every family is different and that’s why I like working on residential design and build projects. Each home has individuality and needs to reflect the dynamic of the family and I help that happen. I love the challenge and it is very rewarding. I have a client whose house I designed 26 years ago and to date the house still works well for the family. My clients tend to live in their home for a long time and I am very pleased about that. I have private clients all across the country and every time I travel and encounter a house of my design it is very satisfying. Partnering with quality builders like Maddren also helps to earn me many House of the Year awards, which is super special, as 35% of the marks goes to the design and functionality of the house.