What is a Client Advisor?

Why Have a CA?

CA’s are particularly important for any client who is undertaking a project with which they are not familiar.  In the case of Charlie Ratchford, we had worked on new care home projects with Camden and were employed to advise on the proposed extra care site as the client project team had little experience with this sort of project. We provided independent advice to achieve the best outcome and reviewed the designs both against the brief and with reference to best practices.

A CA can be invaluable on any project not only when the client team is not used to that building type, but also when the client wants help with formulating a brief and/ or wants an independent view of proposals.  The experienced eye will be able to explain concepts not usually encountered by a layperson and can answer questions the client may be too embarrassed to ask their architect; for instance, on one occasion several meetings into discussing the look of a proposal, the client asked ‘what is an elevation?’ which highlighted the need for clear and accessible vocabulary.

The use of a CA enriches the design process; they have the ability to think in 3D and an understanding of complex processes, as well as being able to help formulate an appropriate brief. For example, as part of this process on Charlie Ratchford, we went with the client to similar schemes to look at layout and details, such as accessible and interesting ways to signpost the rooms within the building.

What is Charlie Ratchford Court?

Charlie Ratchford Court is an extra care scheme in Chalk Farm, featuring 38 purpose-built flats, all with outdoor space and a range of accessible and adaptable facilities a shared lounge, a health and wellbeing suite and a guest suite. Residents are offered freshly cooked meals every day in the café area, which are prepared by chefs onsite.  Shared communal spaces have direct access to the outdoor courtyard and garden areas.

The care model is designed to support residents to maintain their independence and keep a connection to the wider community. The local community can also enjoy the facilities, with activity spaces available to hire and use the café-style space and courtyard gardens.

The Importance of Post-Occupancy Visits

Post-occupancy visits, especially after a year or two, are useful as they help to indicate how well-loved and successful a project is in use. As part of our recent practice day, we went back to Charlie Ratchford Court to critique and learn from the building and its occupants.

Through our visit, we found the building to be well maintained and little changed from the final drawings. Although part of the intended function has changed, the building appears to perform well, and the intention to provide an element of daycare that was lost when the building across the road was demolished has not been realised. Unfortunately, the street side open space shows signs it is used less than had been envisaged, it would be interesting to walk past at lunchtime on a hot day to see if this was merely an effect of the time of year we visited. In future projects, armed with this knowledge, we will advocate for stronger connections between inside and outside spaces. We will encourage clients and designers to address issues that make outside spaces more desirable to use throughout the day and through all the seasons.

We visited late afternoon when most residents would be in their apartments; those we met, however, said they enjoyed living in the scheme.  Walking through the day room, there was evidence of a range of activities being organised by the residents with support from staff and we were told these were well attended. Clues to how well-liked or how successful the building is used or cared for are easily seen—signs of a close community such as notices about activities, jigsaws left out to be finished, as well as well-tended plants in communal areas and a clean and welcoming atmosphere. Thank you to the people who work and live in the building for making us feel very welcome during our visit! 

If you want to read more on the subject of Client Advisors then the RIBA has a good resource to dive into. To speak with our team directly about supporting you with a future project, please call 0208 941 5161 or email enquiries@wwa-studios.com