Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1333960
30 e design process Understanding the space Understanding building structures Organising the space e human interface Sustainable design Communicating design Understanding the project e briefi ng Understanding the brief e briefi ng is the fi rst real chance that you will have to get a feel for a project. Some briefs are presented to you by the client as carefully constructed documents that fully convey the scope and detail of the project; other briefs may be li le more than a casual chat over a cup of coff ee. Although a wri en brief is likely to contain a good deal of useful information, quantity by itself does not necessarily mean quality. In 1657, French mathematician, physicist and philosopher Blaise Pascal wrote, 'I have made this le er longer than usual, only because I have not had the time to make it shorter.' Information that is succinct and relevant is the essence of a successful briefi ng document. In fact, brevity is o en a good thing. If the brief is focussed and clear, it will be easier for the designer to make incisive decisions and to formulate an eff ective design solution. It is quite reasonable to ask the client to produce a wri en brief a er their initial contact with you, and prior to the briefi ng meeting. is is a good tactic because it will force the client to carefully consider their request, and it will also make sure that they are serious about the idea of engaging an interior designer. e chance to talk about the wri en brief at a later date will allow both parties to sort out any problems or uncertainties that arise from it. e opportunity for mutual agreement is one that should be made the most of; time spent talking over the brief will give both sides a be er understanding of each other's position and can only have a positive eff ect on the business relationship. e more complete the brief, the easier your job should be, but you should remember that you may be dealing with amorphous feelings and ideas about the desired end point of a project, rather than a defi nitive list of needs. It 's entirely possible that the 'brief ' may consist of the client saying no more than, 'I just want somewhere that 's a great place to come back to a er a hard day's work'.