Claude Prompts for Architectural Practice

[Paste client meeting notes]. Build programming brief: spaces required + sf, adjacency requirements, performance criteria (acoustic / thermal / lighting), aesthetic direction, budget alignment, schedule alignment, sustainability targets, accessibility requirements. Flag where client said opposing things — needs reconciliation.

Write SD narrative for [project]. Output: design intent (vision in plain language), site response, organizational concept, materiality direction, sustainability strategy, key design moves explained, departures from program (with rationale). Client-presentable + permit-suitable.

[Paste design description or attach images]. Pre-pinup critique: design intent vs execution gaps, material/detail issues, organizational logic holes, programmatic violations, code concerns, what jurors will press hardest on. Honest critique = better presentation than peer compliments.

Justify material palette for [project]. Materials: [list]. Per material: design intent it serves, performance basis, durability + maintenance, sustainability profile, cost positioning, alternatives considered + why rejected. Client + sustainability-minded reviewer expects justification.

[Project type, jurisdiction]. Research applicable codes: IBC occupancy classification, fire/egress requirements, accessibility (ADA + state), zoning + use, energy codes, structural standards, mechanical/electrical code intersections. Output: applicable codes + sections, key constraints driving design, where I might conflict, expert review recommended.

[Paste plan + occupancy info]. Verify egress: occupant load by room, egress paths, travel distance, common path of travel, dead ends, exit width, exit signs + emergency lighting. Flag code violations + suggest fixes. Always verify against current code; this is brainstorm-and-check.

Project: [describe]. Help build LEED/WELL/Living Building scorecard: applicable certification level, points easily achievable, points requiring design changes, point cost (design effort + capital), realistic certification target, where to push for higher level. Honest: stretching for cert without budget = abandoned mid-project.

[Paste design/plan]. ADA + state accessibility audit: common-fail areas (door clearances, lever hardware, mounting heights, slope, parking, restrooms), risk areas, suggested fixes. Flag where designer-default isn't code-compliant. Always cross-check with current ADAAG + state amendments.

Client meeting agenda for [phase]. Output: pre-read materials, agenda items in order (decisions needed first, info-share later, action items last), decision rights per item, time allocation, expected outcomes, follow-up commitments. Meetings without agenda = circular conversation + no decisions.

Decision document. Decision: [describe]. Output: decision being made, options considered (3 typical), pros/cons each, recommendation with rationale, deadline by which client must decide, consequences of delay. Sign-off line. Verbal decisions get re-litigated; written ones don't.

Need to deliver bad news to client: [describe — over budget, schedule slip, code constraint changed scope]. Help me draft message. Output: lead with the news (no burying), context for why, options going forward (3 with tradeoffs), my recommendation, ask for response. Honest + solutions-oriented.

[Paste site visit notes]. Convert to formal site visit report. Output: date + attendees, observations by trade, deviations from drawings + severity, clarifications needed, action items + owners, photographs reference, next visit. Documents what + when + who said. Permit + claim trail.

Fee proposal for [project type, scope, schedule]. Output: scope of services per phase (SD/DD/CD/CA), fee per phase, additional services framework (with rates), reimbursables, schedule milestones, payment terms, exclusions. Legal-precise + readable.

Write CSI MasterFormat spec section for [system]. Output: Part 1 (general — scope, references, submittals), Part 2 (products — manufacturers, materials, performance), Part 3 (execution — installation, testing, cleanup). Specific products named where appropriate. AIA-compatible.

RFI from contractor: [paste]. Help draft response. Output: clarification of intent, design decision if needed, drawing/spec reference, who else needs notification, schedule impact assessment, fee impact (if any). Architect liability concern: don't guess; if uncertain, defer to engineer.