Initial information is a set of data that the investor provides to the architect at the very beginning of the cooperation. It is with them that everything begins, because before the first line is made on paper, the architect must know who he works with, for whom he designs and under what conditions he can work. Well-prepared initial information reduces the time spent working on the concept and helps to avoid costly changes in the later stages.

What exactly should be included in this information? It is best to divide them into three groups:

1. Technical and formal data:

  • location and number of the plot,
  • extract and extract from the land register,
  • master map (if available)
  • local zoning plan (MPZP) or decision on building conditions (WZ),
  • technical conditions of connections,
  • access to the road, the armament of the site, the formation of the land plot.

2. Functional needs and lifestyle:

  • the number of household members, their age and rhythm of the day,
  • expectations regarding the number and type of premises,
  • preferences regarding spatial layout (e.g. open or closed kitchen),
  • priorities: e.g. lots of light, study to work, recreation area, garage, pantry.

3. Organizational and financial assumptions:

  • the approximate budget of the investment,
  • preferred method of implementation (commissioned or economic system),
  • planned schedule - whether the investment is to be phased or implemented in one go.

Do you have to have all this ready for your first meeting with an architect? No, but the more you think before, the better you will use your conversation time. Some documents an architect can help you obtain. But your thoughts - how you want to live, what you need, what worked or did not work in the previous apartment - are crucial and cannot be replaced.

If you don't know where to start, make a simple checklist. Write down what you know and what you are not sure about. Take a map from the geoportal, notes, inspirations - everything that will help tell about your idea. The architect will understand your needs better and the project will move faster in the right direction.

Imagine: the investor comes with the address of the plot and says: “I want a house, but I don't know what one yet.” The architect begins to ask questions, but without answers it is difficult to have a concrete vision. Time passes, misunderstandings arise, and the project does not move forward. Meanwhile, it would be enough to collect a few documents in advance, write down a few thoughts and be ready for an open conversation. It really makes a difference.