Really interesting to read the responses so far! I am reminded of a story that I was taught during University about briefing individuals to do work for you. The story was about the brief that Michelangelo was given to paint the Sistine Chapel. It illustrates how important a brief can be to ultimately getting exactly what you are looking for.
this is the brief that Michelangelo was actually given (allegedly).
Please paint of ceiling for the greater glory of God and as an inspiration and lesson to his people.
This brief is both inspiring and provides direction for what he should paint. They didn't limit what or who he should paint, but contextualised it and gave him an area to paint within. Additionally, the second part gave him inspiration that his painting mattered because it would be a lesson for people who came to see the chapel.
Take the story with a grain of salt - more of a learning exercise than anything, but reading the above, I wonder how many would brief in vague ways, in excruciatingly detailed ways that neglects the overall purpose, or in uninspiring ways that leaves the designer unaware for how precious the job actually is!
Why don't we brief golf courses (and judge them for that matter) based on what purpose (hopefully grand) they fulfil, rather than defaulting to micro-detailing (or no detailing!). Surely WHY a golf course is built is more important than WHAT is built?!
Tim:
I can relate to this, both because I get different briefs from different clients, and because I will often leave my associates with a brief for working on a new green while I'm away. In both instances I am wary of the brief being too detailed, so that it will hinder creativity.
The main thing I need to know from a client is whether they are more interested in pleasing themselves [and their own golf game], or a varied membership, or a particular group of their peers [whether "retail golfers" or low handicappers], or tournament players, or raters.
If there are certain things about golf that the client particularly enjoys, or for that matter dislikes, I'd like to understand what those are. But hopefully it's in general terms so I see how it fits.