Influence of client involvement on internal organization and performance of architectural design offices

• Published in: Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering
• Main Authors: Wilson Chiguano, Tito Castillo, Andrea Zárate, Alexis Andrade, Kleber Jaramillo, Rodrigo Herrera
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2026-05-01
• Subjects: design offices; client involvement; project performance; social network analysis (sna); team dynamics
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13467581.2025.2494093

This study investigates how client involvement impacts the internal organization of architectural design offices, focusing on team dynamics and project performance. A mixed-methods approach that combines social network analysis and Likert-scales is employed to evaluate communication, collaboration, and trust between clients and design teams. Key performance indicators are used to measure project outcomes, while correlation analysis examines the relationship between client involvement and project performance. The findings reveal significant correlations between client involvement and the internal organization of architectural design offices. High levels of client communication and collaboration are positively linked to improved project performance, including higher design quality and better adherence to timelines. Trust between clients and design teams further enhances communication and decision-making processes. The study also highlights the influence of project type, scale, and location on project outcomes. Larger projects face more complex communication and collaboration challenges, underscoring the importance of tailored management strategies. Client involvement is a critical factor affecting the organization and performance of architectural design offices. Effective management of client relationships can improve team dynamics and project outcomes, while strategic engagement practices are essential for addressing country-specific factors. This study provides valuable insights into optimizing client relationships to enhance project performance and team efficiency.