The development teams - Clients

Creating a new building involves contributions from many individuals, exchanging ideas and instructions as the project is developed. They can be grouped as clients, consultants, authorities and builders or contractors.

Clients

The client is responsible for commissioning the new building and must approve design decisions as work proceeds. Different types of client include the following:

•    Owners
Clients may be individuals, partners or shareholders who’s ownership permits them personally or collectively to make decisions.

•    Representatives
Directors, managers or in-house specialists responsible for day-to-day activity may have the power to make decisions, but may also be required to seek the approval of the owners.

•    Committees
Clients may take the form of a management committee, comprising professional or lay membership, making collective decisions based on professional advice or on their own experience or feelings.

•    Users
Prospective purchasers or even tenants may fill the role of the client, making decisions based on their specific preferences. For example, a residential developer may give their prospective purchasers the opportunity to determine aspects of the design and construction of their future house to suit their own particular needs.