Abe on… the secret to a happy client
What’s been one lesson you’ve learnt over the years that remains at the core of Mohsin Cooper’s business ethos?
It has to be keeping our client’s ambitions as the central focus on a project.
Creatives are often criticised for getting carried away with a vision. For architects it’s tempting to run away with what they would do on a site or see a project as an opportunity to try out a new construction technique or enhance their portfolio.
From the outset of setting up Mohsin Cooper, Justin and I have always felt strongly that we didn’t want to fall into that trap. We wanted Mohsin Cooper to be an architectural firm that reliably keeps to brief and really listens.
How do you do that?
At the outset of any project, we make a point of really getting submerged into a brief. We get to know our clients and understand their story – where they’re coming from – so that we can stand in their shoes (well, as much as one can expect your architect rather than your therapist to!).
We get that it’s a big thing building your dream home or making major changes to turn a house into your dream home.
It can feel like a lot of pressure to get it right, so we make sure that we take the time to talk through their ambitions and concerns – and, importantly, their budget –before we put pen to paper.
A good architect offers support and realistic guidance on how the client can achieve what they want.
Does that sometimes mean sacrificing good design?
No, never.
Good design is principally about the user experience. We listen carefully to how clients want to use a space and then we can offer design suggestions that meet that need.
And, don’t forget, there’s no point designing something avant-garde if it won’t get planning consent, it’s completely beyond the client’s budget or it’s beyond the capabilities of the construction industry to build.
We do care about creating beautiful designs but what we’ve learnt is that when we focus instead on realising our client’s vision, we actually end up creating the most beautiful and unique designs in the process.
What do your clients make of this approach?
Well, from where I’m sitting, it’s working! It’s not rocket science, but putting your client’s objectives first always pays off. You can see it in the five-star reviews that our clients have given us on Houzz and Google. I must admit, it does feel fantastic knowing we’ve really helped people realise their dream homes – and they do say the nicest things!
