Seeking Solutions

As experienced and professional Architects, we often have clients coming to us seeking solutions to their design problems. Sometimes it is related to functional issues like getting more usable space or create a higher occupancy within a certain confine. Often it is code compliant related where a client is trying to get a specific use from a built structure or even to get something rezoned to accommodate a new end user. There are even those times when a client is seeking a great looking design - pure aesthetics - so we get to work our magic and come up with a new look for an old thought.

However there are times that a client comes to us and asks...HELP! We made a terrible mistake and cannot find a solution. What do we do? That happens when a client has hired an irresponsible architect, designer or builder that has promised them something impossible. This is so irritating to me. I hate when people are taken advantage of, it makes us all look bad in the profession and creates doubt in the consumers mind. I would do anything to help these people find a resolution, after all that is what we do. Unfortunately, fixing a mistake like this usually costs the client more money and in most cases we cannot use anything that was performed previously. A complete waste of time and money. We have to start from scratch. We have to create a confidence that was so ruefully broken by others. We have to create excitement to something that has become an uneasy task now. We have to show them how they should have been treated originally and not used. All of these tasks are not easy and takes extra care and attention to make our new client feel confident once again. Trust once broken is very difficult to rebuild, even if it wasn't your fault to begin with.

Here are a 7 STEPS to take into account before you begin your next project:

1. Research your designer to determine if they have had any experience with your type of project in the past. It isn't necessary for them to have 100 projects of this type, after all you do not want to be just another number to this firm.
2. Determine a clear scope of what work will be required. Have it outlined in the proposal provided to you. Don't use just a handshake, get a signed agreement. AIA contracts are the most detailed and equally balanced between owner and architect.
3. Set up your project to be paid in progress payments. A retainer is expected, but certainly do not provide the entire amount unless the project is completed 100%. Monthly progress payment can be issued should the project be a lengthy one extending over several months.
4. Get an expected time frame from your designer. A clear expectation by both parties should be understood before work begins. Some areas of service may be predetermined due circumstances beyond either's control. Surveys, rezoning, variance hearings, drawing reviews and others may delay the project if not properly planned for or anticipated.
5. Find out if the principal of the firm is going to be involved in the work or is it going to be handed off to an intern. Involvement from a principal is most desired at some level.
6. Don't cut your services short. Many times the owner will limit the services necessary for a designer to properly perform their services. For instance, Contract Administration is a valued service that insures the designer has provided guidance and instruction through the completion of the project's construction. Yes there is a fee, but a VERY important cost that many owner feel, "They can handle it themselves."
7. Does your designer have professional liability insurance, current professional licenses or even if they belong to local professional organizations.

Seeking Solutions is what you are looking for. Don't cut yourself short without properly preparing yourself first. If you would like an opinion, feel free to give us a call, we would be happy to guide you through not only the first steps of your project but walk with you all the way to the end. Customer satisfaction is what we pride ourselves in my friends....even when others don't.

Opportunity

Today's word is OPPORTUNITY. This sounds a bit like Mr. Roger's Neighborhood or Sesame Street. That may not be a bad idea though as many of us have forgotten the basic principles of business and how we can take advantage of those little blessings that come along. Those OPPORTUNITIES!

Webster's Dictionary defines the word:
1. A favorable juncture of circumstances.
2. A good chance for advancement or progress.
Certainly makes it sound very promising when there is an opportunity around. We all know that over the last few years most of us has seen opportunity on the endangered list. They have been a rare bird for many business owners. We, like so many others, found it difficult for the last few years to find work. However we had to take a different look at things in order to stay positive. There was only so much doom and gloom that I could take from the media. We needed to find our own opportunities in areas that didn't exist for us before. These principles have been outlined below that has helped us through the tough times.

1. "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." Thomas Edison. A great quote and so true. I hear of so many that just do not want to WORK for what is currently available out there. Our office took the stance that we would handle anything. Anything to keep us going and keep us fed. No, it may not be glorious work, but it pays the bills....or most of them. We have always taken smaller projects that other firms have passed on or considered beneath them. We always believed that "everyone needs an architect"! One of our earlier clients asked us to do color studies for the outside of a few of their properties.....very small fee. $250 - $500. We took it....and did it very well. Probably went over board but made the best of it. We ended up doing do 40-50 of these projects. Later we did, two libraries, interior office plans, building upgrades and more. All from a few color sketches.
2. "Seize opportunity by the beard, for it is bald behind." Bulgarian proverb. If you haven't ever seen a picture of me, let me share. I am bald and have a long goatee. Now what possibly can this mean? I am not from Bulgaria, but I like the saying. Well, I cant pull my hair out....it already is. Goatee is longer now and you can now get a grip on it.....ouch! hurts even thinking about that. How about this? Have you spent time thinking about ...just if.....If we get this project....if we had a little more money....if we had a better job...if...if...if. Remember the TV commercial "Met Life"...In the middle is the word "if". Don't miss out on the LIFE that is passing you by. Make the best of what you have and laugh the rest off. Enjoy the now....not the later. I will share a humbling experience. Things got tight...lost our cars. had to buy a used car. Recently daughter ran into tree. Not enough damage to do anything but make it look ugly. Passenger door for some reason wouldn't open from the outside...sometimes.....sometimes it would. Not sure what was wrong with it but oh well, we will just open it from the inside......Driver's door got the same virus.....what is going on here! A bit silly to have to leave the window down so you can reach in and open the door without looking like a criminal.....or worse yet....having to climb in the back seat, reach over and open the front door so I can get in the car.....how embarrassing.....how humbling. How lucky I am to have a car! I just laugh it off and deal with it. Make jokes about it and i am sure I will never forget the experience. By the way the doors did get fixed...lol. wouldn't pass inspection without!
3. "Turbulence is life force. It is opportunity. Let's love turbulence and use it for change." Ramsay Clark. There certainly has been some rough times. For us, we saw opportunity. Opportunity to reinvent ourselves. Opportunity to make new friends, relationships, business partners. We had to think out of the box even more than we ever did before. Not just about 'design principles' but about 'practice principles'. We launched a new engineering consulting opportunity in the middle of the down turn. Made connections through professional associations. Never turned down a project, time frame or opportunity to help anyone and everyone. We squeezed by to make it past it each and every payday. Oh, don't let me make it sound like it was easy. It wasn't! It was turbulent to say the least. The Chinese use two brush strokes to write the word 'crisis'. One brush stroke stands for danger; the other for opportunity. In a crisis, beware or danger, but recognize opportunity.

Things are changing out there in the work climate. We have been blessed with the opportunity to practice endurance and perseverance. Neither are fun, but both appreciated. Appreciated because we know and acknowledge how wonderful we have it now. May not be perfect, but we are still standing. Let us know how we can help you. How we can encourage you and why we feel IONIC DEZIGN STUDIOS is so different than any other architecture practice in the area.
The best to each and everyone of you during this holiday season. Make sure my friends that you enjoy the journey....not just the destination!