How can you explain economic context to clients when presenting landscape architecture designs?

1 Why economic context matters

Economic context refers to the factors that influence the costs, benefits, and feasibility of a landscape architecture project, such as market demand, land value, environmental regulations, funding sources, maintenance requirements, and social impacts. Economic context affects the design process, the design solutions, and the design performance. For example, economic context can determine the site selection, the program scope, the material choices, the construction methods, and the evaluation criteria of a project. Therefore, it is important to understand and communicate the economic context to your clients, as it can help them appreciate the value of your design, align your goals and expectations, and justify your decisions and recommendations.

2 How to research economic context

Before presenting your design to your clients, you need to do some research on the economic context of the project. You can use various sources of information, such as market studies, feasibility studies, cost-benefit analyses, environmental impact assessments, stakeholder consultations, and case studies. You can also consult with other professionals, such as economists, planners, engineers, and contractors, who can provide you with relevant data and insights. You should aim to collect and analyze both quantitative and qualitative information, such as numbers, graphs, charts, maps, images, stories, and testimonials, that can support your design and demonstrate its economic viability and value.

3 How to present economic context

When presenting your design to your clients, you should not only show them the aesthetic and functional aspects of your design, but also explain how it responds to and influences the economic context of the project. You should use clear and concise language, avoid jargon and technical terms, and tailor your message to your audience's level of knowledge and interest. You should also use visual aids, such as diagrams, tables, infographics, models, and simulations, that can illustrate the economic context and its implications for your design. You should highlight the key economic benefits and challenges of your design, such as how it enhances the marketability, profitability, sustainability, and social equity of the project. You should also address the potential economic risks and uncertainties of your design, such as how it depends on external factors, such as market fluctuations, policy changes, or climate change, and how it can cope with them.

4 How to answer economic questions

During or after your presentation, your clients may have some questions or concerns about the economic context and your design. You should be prepared to answer them confidently and respectfully, using evidence and examples from your research and design. You should also be open to feedback and suggestions from your clients, as they may have some valuable insights or perspectives that can improve your design or its economic performance. You should avoid being defensive or dismissive of your clients' questions or concerns, as this can damage your credibility and relationship. Instead, you should try to understand their point of view, acknowledge their interests and needs, and address their issues and expectations.

6 How to improve your economic skills

As a landscape architect, you can improve your skills and knowledge in economic context by taking courses, reading books and articles, attending workshops and seminars, joining professional associations and networks, and participating in research and projects that involve economic analysis and evaluation. You can also learn from other landscape architects and experts who have experience and expertise in economic context, by asking them questions, seeking their advice, or collaborating with them on projects. By improving your economic skills, you can enhance your design quality, your professional competence, and your client satisfaction.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?