Architects and their clients: relationship analysis using Habitus theory

The nature and quality of the architect-client relationship is critical for project success yet its management remains problematic. This interdisciplinary study draws theory from sociology to further our understanding of this built environment industry problem. The concept of habitus, developed by French sociologist Bourdieu, helps to demystify the architect-client relationship and explain the underlying cause of conflicts between architects and clients. Habitus theory explains that the nature of architecture as a specialised activity places architects within an architectural habitus, distinguishing architects from clients who are not trained as professional architects.