jc,

There may not be in reality multiple choice, and I agree no equal
choices, but in the mind of a residential client (which is primarily a
one-off relationship in many cases, and does not come with a built in
"reason") there can often be a whole slew of questions that need to be
fielded in order to bring them to rest on an optimal path. Example: I
put in a proposal for painting of a cast iron facade that we will
off-tint the undercoat, in a two coat application (w/ 3rd being primer),
in order for everyone to be able to distinguish that two coats of paint
have actually been applied, then suddenly the client assumes that I have
also extended the offer to "pick" undercoat colors and takes twice as
long to select the undercoat as they took for the top coat - multiple
choices of color (this is why I absolutely hate the rash of overnight
home decorating programs on the television). Example: I propose using
product A and they come back asking why we do not want to use products
C, D and two weeks later product F. We either get into a bogus set of
product comparisons for which we are ill prepared, for which
communication process we could not really give a fig, or we throw up our
hands and tell them to go find an architect (though in some cases a
shrink may be more appropriate though a less tactful professional
suggestion) to help them make up their minds.  Example: client asks
contractor if they know about the wonderful new magic waterproofing
product made by the amazing new XYZ Company. We don't. There seems to be
a fine line between, "We have always done it this way," and, "We have
always done it this way, because it works. But we are open to new
solutions."

But the gist is that I take it that this very essential element of the
design process in the built-environment, the tactful, diplomatic,
strategic, patient, ever enduring role of the architect in providing
guidance to a property owner, in negotiating another human through the
process of multiple choice, is NOT taught in architectural programs. In
which case, I would also assume that the ethics of the negotiation
process, and the role of architect as just and skilled mediator is also
not taught.

][<


John Callan wrote:

> Ken,
>
> The multiple choice approach is a myth.

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