Your client is changing the project scope. How can you adapt to their new needs?

You have been working hard on a landscape architecture project for your client, but suddenly they inform you that they want to change the scope. Maybe they have a new budget, a different vision, or a new stakeholder. Whatever the reason, you need to adapt to their new needs without compromising your quality, schedule, or reputation. How can you do that? Here are some tips to help you cope with scope changes in landscape architecture projects.

1 Communicate clearly

The first step to deal with scope changes is to communicate clearly with your client. Don't assume anything, ask questions, and listen to their reasons and expectations. Explain the implications of the changes for the project's goals, timeline, budget, and deliverables. Negotiate the terms of the new scope and document them in a revised contract or a change order. Make sure you and your client are on the same page and avoid misunderstandings or conflicts.

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jaedyn gurupersad

BCIN | Construction Engineering Technologist and Architectural Designer | Transforming Visions into Reality | Advocate for Sustainable and Innovative Design
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Active Listening: Ask questions to understand their needs and expectations. Impact Assessment: Explain how changes affect: Goals Timeline Budget Deliverables Revised Agreement: Negotiate new terms and document them in a revised contract or change order.

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Eric Capistrano

Planning Analyst
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Um dos passos mais importante Ã© mensurar o aumento desse escopo.Toda mudanÃ§a de escopo deve ser devidamente registrada, e antes de qualquer tomada de descisÃ£o deve ser avaliado qual o impacto trarÃ¡ para o projeto, tanto quanto ao prazo, custo ou na qualidade do produto final.

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2 Evaluate your resources

The next step is to evaluate your resources and see how they are affected by the scope changes. You may need to adjust your team, your tools, your materials, or your subcontractors. You may also need to revise your work plan, your milestones, your quality standards, or your risk management. Identify the gaps and the opportunities in your resources and plan how to fill them or leverage them. Be realistic and flexible, but don't compromise your professional ethics or values.

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jaedyn gurupersad

BCIN | Construction Engineering Technologist and Architectural Designer | Transforming Visions into Reality | Advocate for Sustainable and Innovative Design
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Great point about identifying both gaps & opportunities in resources! Client scope changes can be a chance to assess your resources. Look for gaps (new expertise needed?) and opportunities (more efficient workflow?). This lets you address gaps (subcontractors?) while leveraging opportunities (cost savings?) for a successful project adaptation

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Elchonon Nussbaum

Practical civil engineer
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This is a very important step which I believe should be the first step, before even negotiation. First get a good Idea of what the client wants, then evaluate your resources and after that make sure to communicate with your customer properly what you can do and at what cost. If you are unable to accommodate then make sure that the customer understands this and arrive at an understanding with him how you will or will not continue together.

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3 Update your design

The third step is to update your design and align it with the new scope. You may need to modify your site analysis, your concept, your drawings, your specifications, or your models. You may also need to seek feedback, approval, or permits from your client, your stakeholders, or the authorities. Use your creativity and your skills to adapt your design to the new requirements and constraints. Be open to new ideas and challenges, but don't lose sight of your original vision and purpose.

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jaedyn gurupersad

BCIN | Construction Engineering Technologist and Architectural Designer | Transforming Visions into Reality | Advocate for Sustainable and Innovative Design
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Review your site analysis, concept, drawings, etc. and modify them to meet the new scope. Don't be afraid to seek feedback and approvals (client, stakeholders, authorities). Embrace creativity to adapt while staying true to your original vision and project goals.

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4 Monitor your progress

The fourth step is to monitor your progress and see how it matches the new scope. You may need to update your schedule, your budget, your scope statement, or your communication plan. You may also need to report your status, your issues, or your changes to your client, your team, or your partners. Use your tools and your methods to track your progress and measure your performance. Be proactive and responsive, but don't neglect your quality or your satisfaction.

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jaedyn gurupersad

BCIN | Construction Engineering Technologist and Architectural Designer | Transforming Visions into Reality | Advocate for Sustainable and Innovative Design
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Monitor how your project aligns with the revised scope. Update schedules, budgets, and communication plans as needed. Proactively report status, issues, and changes to clients, teams, and partners. Utilize your tools to track progress and measure performance. Stay responsive, but prioritize quality and team satisfaction.

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5 Learn from your experience

The fifth step is to learn from your experience and see how you can improve your practice. You may need to evaluate your outcomes, your processes, or your relationships. You may also need to document your lessons, your feedback, or your recommendations. Use your knowledge and your insights to learn from your successes and your failures. Be reflective and constructive, but don't forget to celebrate your achievements and your growth.

Scope changes are inevitable in landscape architecture projects, but they don't have to be stressful or frustrating. By following these tips, you can adapt to your client's new needs and deliver a great project that meets their expectations and yours.

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6 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that donâ€™t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Your client is changing the project scope. How can you adapt to their new needs?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Communicate clearly

2 Evaluate your resources

3 Update your design

4 Monitor your progress

5 Learn from your experience

6 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

Landscape Architecture

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Directory

Your client is changing the project scope. How can you adapt to their new needs?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Communicate clearly

2 Evaluate your resources

3 Update your design

4 Monitor your progress

5 Learn from your experience

6 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

Landscape Architecture

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