A Program Consultation is generally undertaken to help the Architect understand what the required uses and functions the building or space will need to serve. This varies with every client and building, though multiple clients may have the same business model they each can conduct and emphasize different aspects of their business in the designed space.
A Needs Assessment is very similar to a Program Consultation and in some instances they support each other. A Needs Assessment is undertaken to determine exactly what is absolutely going to be required to in the building or space being designed. This is generally done in redevelopment or adaptive re-use of existing buildings or spaces.
A Narrative Program is everything you need to know before you draw. The longer answer is that programming is a process that an Architect leads a client through to identify and articulate what the projects objectives and constraints are now and in the future. This process will involve our asking questions then listening. At the end of the process we will establish the project design objectives a list of your needs, wants, and priorities in written and numerical form. The result will be a detailed work plan that will guide the Planning and Design process. Good, detailed programming is imperative to a successful project.