But in any case, it is vital that we listen first, whether it is a minor matter of repair, or designing a new organ of four manuals for a special requirement. The second step is to form a partnership with the client to achieve their goals. Every client has special conditions which must be met - a certain budget, a given amount of space, a list of priorities, a time frame, etc. It is our job to inform the client how to achieve these goals, and even, in some cases, to tell the client whether or not all of the goals can be achieved within the conditions. We have to determine where the organ will go.
Placement is very important to the success of all organ.
It must be where its sound carries to every listener without forcing. If it is to be used with a choir, it must be near the choir, and also the console should be oriented so that the organist can direct the choir. All of the pipes must be located in the same climate zone in the building so that they will stay in tune together. Careful consideration must be given to other architectural elements in the room, so that all fit together harmoniously, and each is given its due importance. For a new organ we begin from the ground up, taking measurements of an existing building, or studying the plans of one yet to be built.