One thing I learnt last year was that it takes time to build a relationship with a hairdresser. I would dread sitting down in the chair and hearing the question ‘so, what are we doing today?’. A simple question, but one that drove fear into my heart. I felt put on the spot, like I had to whip out a presentation, filled with concept sketches and reference materials that would somehow convey the fact that all I really wanted was long layers and curtain bangs. I sat through the discomfort and over the course of a year, I got the haircut I wanted.

Hairdresser and architect are different services in scale, but at the heart of it they are the same. When you take on a building project, you take a seat in the same chair. You’re headed somewhere new and it feels uncomfortable and uncertain. It can feel daunting to have someone come into your home and analyse the way you live.  

When we’re feeling discomfort that means we’re usually getting to the right answer. It would be easier for me to simply draw exactly what you want, but this creates less impact, less change. A good architect will challenge you, guide you and help you through this transition. Just like choosing the right hair stylist, it can take some time to choose the right architect, one who will help you translate the vision in your head.