Working with Design Clients

Working with clients is one of the most valuable ways for students to develop their

professional design practice skills. This is a practical guide to working on real-life briefs

in the design studio—how to collaborate with and connect with communities, find and

retain clients, and manage real-world design problems. Using tools and frameworks

based on years of research and experience, the book is divided into four sections:

Why (industry connections, experiential learning, personal empowerment)

What (engaging with communities, client work, structure)

Who (work roles, client relationships, articulating value)

How (launching, logistics, planning)

The final section of the book covers information for those expanding into student-led

studios and includes information on strategies, financing, and how to plan for the future.

Supported by case studies and interviews, this is an essential guide to working with real

projects and clients, for both students and instructors alike.