What common practice is followed by clients to ensure availability of architectural services?

The practice of using a retainer is common among clients to ensure the availability of architectural services. A retainer establishes a contractual agreement, whereby the client pays a predetermined fee in advance to secure the architect's services for a specific period or for future projects. This arrangement provides clients with priority access to the architect, ensuring that their needs can be addressed promptly as they arise.

Retainers also foster a stronger working relationship between clients and architects, as they indicate a commitment to collaboration over the long term. This financial arrangement can also help the architect manage their workflow and availability, which is essential in a profession where timing and resource allocation are critical.

In contrast, reimbursable expenses and per diem or hourly basis arrangements focus more on the payment structure for services rendered rather than securing ongoing availability. Full-time supervision pertains to oversight of a project rather than ensuring that architectural services are readily accessible, which could limit the flexibility required in many design processes.