The George Clarke effect

12Sep09

An interesting phenomenon is spreading through the nation- ’The George Clarke effect’. This is where people have seen the Architect George Clarke on TV take complete control of building projects and produce fantastic results. Well people- this is exactly what all Architects can (and would like) to do! It is both galling and heartening to have clients saying- ‘oh, of only I could have George round to sort everything out!’ It is astonishing because for years I have been trying to persuade customers to give me complete control and let me get on with the job but they have refused to do so (and still do generally). What George demonstrates in his programme (The Home Show) is that a decent Architect, left to get on with the job can do amazing things. Whilst he is obviously a talented chap this is surely what all Architects are capable of doing, so clients of the world please listen-up: Have confidence in your designers- let them do a George- give them a clear brief, a decent budget and then let them get on with it.