This post found its origins in a recent architects’ discussion in Linkedin when I realized the old John Sullivan expression was up for revision.

‘Form follows the money’ should not be taken as the architect designs for the budget available, as in my opinion the same design outcome can come with different cost tags; instead it should be seen as the necessity of the designer to understand the client financial expectations for the project. It helps a great deal if these financials are understood at early concept stages so things flow and a solid investment can be delivered to a client.

I often advocate that building assets is at the core of what architects do. Good design should reflect a positive ROI. Taking things one step further one can say that great design equals a fantastic ROI which leads to the conclusion, in my opinion, that the form should follow the money.