Every once in a while, the lines of authority among architect, builder, and custom home client are skewed, misunderstood, or undefined. The actual responsibilities of each are often based on assumptions, and occasionally even on presumptions. And therein lies the kernel of this tale. It is based on events that I have witnessed and that have been related to me by other custom builders. You have probably seen similar occurrences as well.
The protagonist of this story is Lehman Custom Contracting, a builder with an excellent reputation countywide. Lehman Custom is a full-service custom home builder with 12 employees and a stable community of suppliers and subcontractors it uses for all of its work. Everyone understands one another and accepts the standards, services, and lines of responsibility. The energy of everyone on Lehman’s team is directed to serving the client, the actual buyer paying for their goods and services.
Over the years, the company had successfully built homes for many local professionals, including quite a number of medical doctors. As a consequence, the doctors were continually recommending Lehman to colleagues who were in the market for a new home.
One of Bud Lehman’s doctor-homeowners introduced him to a new potential client, a surgeon relocating to northern Arizona who had just purchased an existing home that needed some work. Though Lehman’s company usually steered clear of remodeling work, he and Dr. Bossun hit it off from the moment they met. Besides, the work wasn’t extensive and the client planned to build a new home in a few years, so this small job could lead to a bigger one down the road. They quickly came to an agreement about the design, cost, selections, and overall details of the work. Lehman Custom began immediately and delivered the finished remodel to the owners in record time, six days before the completion date. Everyone was happy.
Three years later, Lehman received a call from Dr. Bossun: “Hey Bud, I’ll get right to the point. We’re ready to build our dream house and we want you involved from the get-go!” “That’s great,” replied Lehman, “just let me know what we need to do to get started.” “Well, we’d like you to help us look for some appropriate land, then get going on the design with your architect, and then, build it!” “Sounds great,” said the builder.
They met the following week and began looking at property, both acreage and subdivision lots. Soon they identified a multi-acre piece of land that fit the clients’ requirements.
The project seemed to be developing on a fast track, and Lehman suggested they get an architect on board to begin the design process. He recommended one he had worked with on more than 25 projects. She brought to the table talent, practicality, an ability to update traditional elements, and a history of generating value for the client and the builder. Her plans were thorough, detailed, and practical. She had an inherent knack for translating client wishes into a design that would delight all parties. Her best attribute was that she listened—really listened—to the wants, needs, and requests of the clients she served.
The Bossuns had a different path in mind. “Bud, thank you for introducing us to your architect, but we really have our hearts set on working with an architect from a very prestigious design firm in Scottsdale. They specialize in eco-friendly, Prairie School design.” Lehman shrugged. “You’ve got to do what’s right for you. I have a proven history with Karyn and her staff, but just let us know what we need to do to work with Prestigious Architectural Design Associates.”
