In his book, Architecture Through the Ages (G.P. Putnam's Sons, New York, 1953), Columbia University professor of architecture Talbot Hamlin points out that the imitative phase of early nineteenth century Classic Revival architecture was essentially a lay movement. "Again and again the architects themselves protested against it, for the great architects saw clearly the underlying stupidity of trying to imitate old buildings in new structures built for entirely different uses; but, after all, it was the client who paid for buildings, and it was his taste which must in the long run govern:" Professor Hamlin also notes that Napoleon was a Roman enthusiast, wished to have Paris made over, and personally chose architects who were inspired by ancient Rome. Jefferson and Washington agreed that their new capitol city should be "classic:"

Analysis of all eras in history reveals how powerful clients influence design. The architect seldom made design decisions alone, whether in Gothic, Renaissance, or Baroque times. This continues to be the case in modern times. Hitler imposed his personal taste on Germany. In recent decades, American corporation executives demanded modern architecture, and today many building developers and owners believe that post-modern design will make their projects more successful.

Frank Lloyd Wright's beautiful, innovative and appropriate houses were the product of his ability to work with clients who also desired to create beautiful, innovative and appropriate homes for themselves.

Mies van der Rohe inspired clients who made very important design decisions when they hired him. It is interesting to note that nearly all of Mies's buildings are being used and maintained as he planned them. That is one good measure of the success of a project.

Winnetka's Crow Island School could not have been a success without a community that cared about education, an enlightened board, good teachers, and a brilliant superintendent of schools.

We must conclude that "design decisions are also made by clients." This is both inevitable and proper. The architect does not and cannot work alone.The design process and the successful completion of a project require close cooperation between client and architect and other members of the design and construction team.

The client can, and often does, have a profound influence on design before, during, and after the work with the architect. Even in brief outline form, the many opportunities for making design decisions are impressive:

1. The client makes decisions before working with the architect: (a) discerning a need for a new or renovated building. (b) determining the budget, program, and aspirations, (c) selecting the site, and (d) selecting the architect.

2. The client makes design decisions while working with the architect: (a) discussing the project with the architect, (b) reviewing the approving consultants, builders or other team members, (c) making suggestions and demands (requirements and prohibitions), (d) approving and rejecting concepts, designs, plans and details, (e) revising and approving budgets, and (f) deciding whether to proceed with construction.

3. The client makes design decisions after working with the architect: (a) completing the project (interior furnishings, graphics, landscaping, etc.) with or without the architect, (b) making changes, at a later point, in interior spaces, (c) making exterior changes, and (d) determining the quality of tenants and maintenance.

Conclusion: The architect should not and does not work alone. Instead, the design process and successful completion of a project requires close cooperation between client and architect and at her members of the design and construction team.