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Expectations of immediate gratification and top-notch customer service are the norm today. As architects, we need to study our companies and determine how we can create a mind-set of "it'll be ready for you first thing in the morning." We can re-examine our delivery approach to move from first client meeting to breaking ground in short order.
Architects provide one of the most expensive products available, yet our industry is traditionally poorly compensated. If we are able to produce in greater volume by becoming more efficient, we will reap the benefits of an improved bottom line.
There are many stops in the assembly line of a custom home. The first thing you need is some control of the architectural design process.
If you're working with an outside architectural firm, it is imperative you make it a "can do" relationship rather than a "you want it when?" battle. Work with a company that prioritizes your needs rather than relegates your design projects behind a long line of other clients. If your company is directly responsible for the design, make sure you have enough resources at the level of both design and production to move quickly through this process.
To start, take the order and get the client's needs right. An extensive questionnaire completed by the client, coupled with old-fashioned listening skills and copious note taking, will help the architect properly assimilate the client's requirements. Clients may not be able to adequately express their needs or concepts to the architect, but they probably will not be short on words to criticize an inadequate design. Nothing will waste more time during design than if the preliminary has to be reworked due to miscommunication between architect and client.
During assembly, you need a mature, well-experienced, well-paid architect directing the preliminary design phase. This kind of creative/managerial individual is hard to find because in many cases, this type of talent is tied up running a firm. Do what you can to expand the team at this level and watch your project start-rate increase steadily.
Once the preliminary design is in place, you will need a good production team to efficiently convert preliminaries into highly detailed sets of drawings. To be successful, utilize an extensive resource library of standard architectural details that can be reused. When project volume is low, these production architects can stay busy doing research and producing new, reusable details.
Another important team member is an overseer of the production process to ensure that details, design development and drawings are properly coordinated with the specifications, including selections. Don't wait for an interior designer to come along before addressing these fundamental parts of your team.
An estimator is another critical element to fast-paced production. The product will sell more easily if you know the cost. Running all this good design work past the people in charge of costing is imperative to avoid further delays. Cost as you design and you will have a happier client.
We can improve the bottom line of return if we deliver a quality product with faster turnaround. If you're working with an outside architectural team, be willing to pay for quality and fast service. The investment will pay off. If your design/build firm includes an in-house architectural team, hire quality people and be ready to train them and compensate them well. You'll make your clients, your staff and yourself proud by being the best in the industry.
Luis Jauregui, AIA, is a registered architect and a member of the local and national chapters of the American Institute of Architects for more than 20 years. He has been an active leader within the Homebuilders Association of Austin, Texas, serving as president in 1999, and as director at the local, state and national homebuilders' association levels. Jauregui was appointed to the National Committee on Labor Shortages and was instrumental in the formation of Austin's Custom Builder Council and served as its chair in 1997 and 2001. He has served as chairman for HBA's Parade of Homes committee for several years, and is regularly solicited to judge residential award competitions throughout Texas and the United States.
author: By Luis Jauregui, AIA