Architects

Client Requirements Analyzer & Gap Identifier

Systematically analyze client requirements from consultation notes or a client questionnaire to identify gaps, conflicts, and ambiguities before design begins. This prompt helps architects surface unstated assumptions, flag contradictions between budget, program, and schedule, and generate targeted follow-up questions.

This prompt takes pasted consultation notes or questionnaire responses and returns a structured gap analysis that categorizes requirements, flags budget-program-schedule contradictions, surfaces unstated assumptions, and delivers ten targeted follow-up questions for the next client meeting. The output is a diagnostic memo the architect uses to set the agenda for a clarification session before any design work begins. It is designed for licensed architects who have completed an initial client consultation and need to resolve ambiguities before schematic design commences.

Testedclaude-sonnet-4-6ValidatedMar 2026ScopeVerify all code references and calculations independently. T…TierProfessional
AI Role
You are a licensed architect with expertise in client consultation, project prog…
Models
Claude
Confidence
Professional
Constraints
Verify all code references and calculations independently. This does not replace licensed professional review.
Cost and schedule assessments are heuristic observations, not professional estimates — never present AI output as a fee proposal or construction cost estimate.
Conflicts identified are analytical observations; final project feasibility requires professional evaluation including site investigation and engineering consultation.
Tested Models
claude-sonnet-4-6
Uncertainty
If the consultation notes are sparse or contradictory, identify the most critical missing information first and note that a comprehensive analysis is not possible without additional client input.
Last updated
2026-05-28 — Published

The prompt

1,501 characters
client-requirements-analyzer.prompt
You are a licensed architect with expertise in client consultation, project programming, and scope management for complex building projects.

Analyze the following client requirements and consultation notes to identify gaps, conflicts, and items requiring clarification:

Consultation notes / client inputs:
[PASTE CONSULTATION NOTES OR CLIENT QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES HERE]

Project context:
- Project type: [PROJECT_TYPE]
- Budget (if stated): [BUDGET]
- Timeline (if stated): [TIMELINE]
- Site constraints (if known): [SITE_CONSTRAINTS]

Provide your analysis in the following format:

## Requirements Summary
A concise restatement of what the client has requested, organized by priority.

## Identified Conflicts
Areas where stated requirements conflict with each other — e.g., large program area vs. constrained budget, aggressive timeline vs. permit complexity.

## Unstated Assumptions
Requirements that appear to be assumed by the client but not explicitly stated — document these before they become scope disputes.

## Information Gaps
Critical information that is missing and must be obtained before design can proceed.

## Prioritization Assessment
Based on the inputs, rank the client's apparent priorities (program, cost, schedule, quality) and note where these may need explicit discussion.

## Recommended Follow-Up Questions
10 targeted questions to ask the client to resolve gaps and confirm priorities.

Flag any requirement that appears unrealistic given typical industry parameters.
WAITLIST

Runner beta coming — join the waitlist.

In-product execution isn't live yet. Leave your email and we'll let you know if the Runner beta opens.

How to use this prompt

1

1. Paste your full consultation notes — include rough quotes and paraphrased client statements; the more raw material provided, the better the gap analysis.

2

2. Review identified conflicts carefully — these are the items most likely to become scope disputes later if not resolved now.

3

3. Use the recommended follow-up questions as your agenda for the next client meeting or a written confirmation request.

Customization tips

Add 'Focus the conflict analysis on [budget / schedule / program] — these are the areas where I expect the most tension' to direct the analysis.
For repeat clients, add 'This client has previously worked with our firm on [project type] — note requirements that differ significantly from that project scope.'
Append 'The client is making decisions by committee — flag requirements that may reflect different stakeholder preferences and need group alignment.'

Sample output

Mar 2026Professional
CLIENT REQUIREMENTS ANALYSIS — Thornton Residence PROJECT: Modern Farmhouse | 3,800 sq ft | Jefferson County, Colorado ANALYSIS DATE: March 23, 2026 BASED ON: Initial client meeting notes and intake questionnaire PURPOSE: Translate the Thornton family's expressed preferences into a structured requirements framework that will guide schematic design. SPATIAL REQUIREMENTS — PRIORITY RANKING: HIGH PRIORITY (must-haves): - Open great room connecting kitchen, dining, and living with mountain view orientation - Primary suite on main level — privacy, generous bath, walk-in closet - Dedicated home office with exterior window and door access (James works from home 4 days/week) - Mudroom with integrated lockers for 4 family members — direct connection to garage - Minimum 3 secondary bedrooms; at least 2 with private baths MEDIUM PRIORITY (strong preference, design to achieve): - Covered outdoor living space — rear porch with fireplace, connection to kitchen - Loft or homework zone adjacent to secondary bedrooms — must be visually connected but acoustically separated - Finished basement with home theater and guest bedrooms - 3-car garage; Thorntons have 2 vehicles and 1 EV — need dedicated charging outlet LOWER PRIORITY (desirable if budget allows): - ADU above garage (future — design to allow structural and utility rough-in) - Wet bar in basement - Outdoor kitchen integration at rear porch BUDGET AND SCOPE ALIGNMENT: Initial budget conversation indicates the Thorntons are targeting a total project budget of $1.8M–$2.2M. Based on current construction costs in Jefferson County, a 3,800 sq ft custom home of this material quality is estimated at $350–$450 per square foot for construction alone. This places construction at $1.33M–$1.71M before soft costs, leaving headroom for site work, landscaping, and contingency. The ADU rough-in and basement finish are achievable within this range if primary scope is tightly managed. POTENTIAL SCOPE RISK AREAS: - WUI (wildland-urban interface) requirements will add cost and may affect exterior material choices - Geotechnical investigation required before foundation design — cost TBD - Jefferson County building review timelines are currently 8-12 weeks — budget schedule accordingly NEXT STEPS: Confirm priority ranking with clients at next meeting. Develop space adjacency diagram and lot survey review before beginning schematic design. This analysis is based on preliminary client conversations and should be reviewed and updated after the formal programming session.

Related prompts

client briefingProfessional

Architectural Project Brief Generator

Generate a comprehensive architectural project brief from client inputs and initial consultation notes. This prompt guides an AI to structure a professional project brief covering program requirements, design goals, site constraints, budget parameters, and schedule expectations — establishing a clear foundation for the design process.

Testedv2.3Reviewed
Claude · ChatGPTOpen prompt →
client briefingAdvanced

Architectural Program Document Drafter

Develop a detailed architectural program from client requirements and space planning inputs. This prompt generates a structured program document with room-by-room area allocations, functional adjacency requirements, special system or equipment needs, and circulation allowances — providing the quantitative foundation for schematic design.

Testedv2.3Reviewed
Claude · ChatGPTOpen prompt →
client briefingBasic

Client Design Preference Questionnaire Generator

Generate a tailored design preference questionnaire for a new architectural client. This prompt creates a structured set of questions that reveal the client's aesthetic sensibilities, functional priorities, spatial preferences, and tolerance for design risk — giving the design team actionable intelligence before presenting any design concepts.

Testedv2.3Reviewed
Claude · ChatGPTOpen prompt →

Frequently asked questions

Read the Architects AI Guide
Professional Disclaimer

This AI-generated content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace the professional judgment of a licensed architect. Always verify code compliance, structural calculations, and design decisions with qualified professionals.