Knowing who will handle conversations about money is essential for every firm. This week, we asked four architecture and design firm leaders—Yasmine Ammar, Sadie Beachy, Lisa Copeland and Chanae Richards—which team member discusses finances and budget with the client.
The Coordinator
“We design and build under one roof, so our team works together to collect data, communicate and stay organized. From initial conversation to final presentation, we are making sure expectations and priorities are clearly defined on big-picture investment levels. Our project manager leads budget conversations with clients after the lead designers help the customer [determine] what level of finishes to prioritize, all before any design work begins.” —Sadie Beachy, S.Flynn Design + Build, Millersburg, Ohio
Partner Led
“The partner in charge typically discusses the cost of work, budgets and schedules directly with the clients at the onset of the project. We have this discussion early with transparency to ensure we are aligned prior to contracting with the client, and to responsibly set appropriate expectations throughout the design process.” —Lisa Copeland, KAA Design Group, Los Angeles
All In
“We all talk money at our firm. We understand the investment that prospective clients make in choosing a team to partner with. I believe those conversations should feel clear and comfortable from the very beginning. Because our fees are transparent, every member of our team is equipped to discuss pricing during initial conversations and explain exactly what clients can expect in return for their investment. We’ve found that transparency builds trust. Rather than treating pricing as a final hurdle, we approach it as part of the collaborative process. Our clients are not simply paying for a service—they are investing in thoughtful strategy, creative expertise, responsiveness and a team that is deeply committed to delivering work that reflects their vision. By having open conversations early, we help clients make informed decisions with confidence. It also allows us to ensure we are the right fit for one another, which ultimately leads to stronger partnerships and better outcomes for everyone involved.” —Chanae Richards, Ọlọrọ Interiors, Philadelphia
Ongoing Conversation
“The money talk is often viewed as separate from the design process, when in reality, the two are inherently interconnected. In my experience, the most effective conversations about budgets and fees happen when clients clearly understand the value behind the work being proposed. Whether it’s a principal, project manager or designer leading the discussion, trust matters more than titles. The best teams I’ve worked with don’t wait until there’s a budget issue to discuss money—they make it part of an ongoing dialogue, which creates transparency and ultimately leads to better outcomes for everyone involved.” —Yasmine Ammar, Miami
