Sarah - Value Architects Group

Approach an architect the way to do a GP. I bring the expertise you need to align your building with your life. For homeowners and NFP business.

ARBV 18335.

[Sarah - Value Architects Group @Architectrix]

@RBernstone @clairegcoleman I read it at 18 and thought it was amazing. I realised as I got older that its heros lack any emotion. They are not real people. It is a fantasy. Yes, we should be responsible for our own actions and to cruise along off the backs of others is morally inferior...but/and...!

[Sarah - Value Architects Group @Architectrix]

@dmarieolsen *I do not agree with your decision to eat cinnamon rolls with your chilli, but I will defend to the death your right to eat it." Samuel L. Kant

[Sarah - Value Architects Group @Architectrix]

@OurNewHomecoach You're worthy.

[Sarah - Value Architects Group @Architectrix]

@AKorSyd @OurNewHomecoach @tweet_frankie @planning_portal @AusINSArchitect @NSWCustomer @nswdphi @archcontext But I'm back and better than before!!! https://t.co/sqH0iuANdJ

[Sarah - Value Architects Group @Architectrix]

@OurNewHomecoach @tweet_frankie @AKorSyd @planning_portal @AusINSArchitect @NSWCustomer @nswdphi @archcontext Yep, I'm featured in that one. Sarah Lebner wrote a good piece

[Sarah - Value Architects Group @Architectrix]

@mwmoedinger Saw 5 on a recent trip to the U.S. the first was in Hawaii covered in a lava print vinyl wrap.

[Sarah - Value Architects Group @Architectrix]

@mwmoedinger Boston smells a LOT like Mary Jane.

[Sarah - Value Architects Group @Architectrix]

@Roya_Khatiblou Four non blondes

[Sarah - Value Architects Group @Architectrix]

@VitruviusGrind Roster mealtimes

[Sarah - Value Architects Group @Architectrix]

@VitruviusGrind Humans. We don't make much sense from afar.

[Sarah - Value Architects Group @Architectrix]

@DrJessTaylor @white_owly What?? No! Examine the reasons for the new attraction and why you are no longer feeling satisfied in your current relationship.

Examine your feelings.

If there is violence and control in your relationship, then yes, find a way to get out!

Attraction is human. Go gently.

[Sarah - Value Architects Group @Architectrix]

@Peter_Fitz Oh my!

[Sarah - Value Architects Group @Architectrix]

@OurNewHomecoach Good. Goon. Whatever!

[Sarah - Value Architects Group @Architectrix]

@OurNewHomecoach I hope so too. Goon news

[Sarah - Value Architects Group @Architectrix]

@mmjarchitects If only I could! But I am neither an AIA member nor a new south Welsh-woman!

[Sarah - Value Architects Group @Architectrix]

@mmjarchitects @right_livin Clearly not an accredited course.

And no, I am not 'considering to study' Architecture online.

[Sarah - Value Architects Group @Architectrix]

@KillJamesBond You're so naughty.

[Sarah - Value Architects Group @Architectrix]

Yes yes yes! Alignment between scope and budget. It is THE thing to get right from the start. Marilyn says it beautifully.

[Marilyn Moedinger @mwmoedinger]

Reminder: "budget" and "cost" aren't the same thing.

In every meeting with a potential client, I ask them what their budget is.

9/10 times, custom home and small biz clients say "well I don't know what things cost, so I don't know what my budget is."

Wrong answer....unless you have unlimited funds!

You don't have to know anything about what stuff costs to set a budget, bc your budget is driven by factors that have nothing to do with what stuff costs.

If I walk into the grocery store, and I know my shopping budget for that trip is $100, that's the amount I have available to spend, regardless of what stuff costs. I'll likely have to make adjustments to my shopping list to make sure I'm still able to buy enough to eat - say, not buying one tin of caviar for $100 and blowing my whole budget.

Owners often feel sheepish that they don't know what construction costs, and it's a reason they're hesitant to tell me their budget.

I encourage them to forget about what stuff costs, and think about their financial situation...what works for them personally or for their business. What's a comfy number?

Then we talk thru the scope of the project - aka what they want to do. (Spoiler: everyone's scope exceeds their budget!!) My job is to coach them thru aligning their scope expectations with their budget.

It's OK to have scope and budget misaligned at first - that's what I'm there to help with! And, while the decisions can be hard, the concept isn't: if scope exceeds budget, then either decrease scope or increase budget.

In summary...back to the grocery store:

What a project "costs" is what the checkout lady at the grocery store tells you when she rings up the contents of your cart.

Your "budget" is the dollar amount you enter the store intending to spend.

The "scope" is all the stuff in your grocery cart that you're hoping to buy.

Working with good professionals who can speak openly, plainly, and honestly about these concepts is the surest way to a quality project that doesn't stretch you or disappoint you!

[Sarah - Value Architects Group @Architectrix]

@arch_lintel Fabulous!

[Sarah - Value Architects Group @Architectrix]

@OurNewHomecoach I noticed that at Officeworks this week too!