Schimberg Group
Architecture & Interior Design
1421 5th Street, Unit D
Sarasota, FL 34236
How owners/developers can avoid common pitfalls when working with architects
Over the past 17 years, we’ve spoken with a number of developers and owners about potential projects. It’s not uncommon for them to approach us after previous and sometimes “traumatic” experiences working with other architects.
We hear a lot of stories and unfortunate situations that include but are not limited to:
- Limited or poor communication from the architect to the owner or other team members
- Architects who “disappear” or “ghost” their clients after being hired on a project
- Lack of attention to project details from architecture firms too busy attending to other priorities
- Unnecessary frustration and cost overruns due to incomplete or poor quality construction documents
- Negative impact to the client’s proforma and project schedule due to missed deadlines
- Additional or unexpected fee requests from the architect
- Architects who disrespect their clients’ budget by designing for their own personal fulfillment
- Poor coordination and communication due to architects not involving interior designers
At Schimberg Group, we have long taken these concerns to heart. Our approach is about building solid relationships built on communication, transparency, trust, and reliability with our clients, and the entire project team.
To avoid these pitfalls, our team adheres to five core principles to guide us in our client interactions.
1. Communicate Constantly
Our internal systems and organizational tools are deliberately set up to ensure that all team players, including the client, contractor, the design team, and everyone involved are aware of the status of the project at all stages. Learn more...
2. Be Accessible
As the owner of the firm and the person initially hired, I am always accessible. How? By not overextending ourselves. We only take on as much work as we can effectively handle. We say no to projects or clearly set a reasonable timeline that fits into our workload. As the owner and lead architect, I do not suddenly disappear halfway through a project. A key advantage to this approach is that the entire team works collaboratively to ensure the project is a success from beginning to end. Learn more...
3. Build Relationships
Relationships are the cornerstone of any professional services firm, but especially for architects. Great client relationships are built on trust and a deep commitment to delivering results, by doing what we say we will do. Some architects cast a “proverbial net” in order to acquire as many projects as possible. Our focus is on quality, not quantity. By staying focused on our client’s needs and developing strong relationships with them, our projects have become more varied and interesting, while also more enriching and fulfilling for our clients and for our team. Learn more...
4. Focus on Quality
Drawings and construction documents, what we used to refer to as blueprints, are probably the most common deliverable that people associate with architects. It is imperative that these documents are of the highest quality and detailed properly. Complete documentation is the key to eliminating confusion, saving time, and reducing on-site cost overruns. Drawings, sketches, models, renderings, and 3D visualizations like virtual reality are also a key to communicating our ideas and helping the client understand how we will solve their problems. We use Revit, an integrated building modeling program that holistically and completely coordinates all aspects of the design and construction including architecture, interior design, structural, and all mechanical and electrical systems. Quality is at the core of our success as a firm. Learn more...
5. Save Time, Save Money
For our clients, design and construction scheduling can have a major impact on revenue. Tenants or businesses must be up and running to avoid losing time and money. At Schimberg Group, deadlines are created from the beginning of the project and issued to all team members, and updated throughout the project’s development. Our team is committed to helping our clients move quickly, efficiently, and effectively to complete their projects, so they can start generating revenues as soon as possible. Learn more...
By adhering to these five core values, Schimberg Group sets itself apart. Our commitment is to our clients, not our egos.
We approach every project with open communication, a collaborative spirit, and an effective and efficient cost management system. We want you to see us as an integral part of your own team. Of course, and without question, we look for ways to create the highest level of design, no matter what scale project or what type of client.
We take deep pride in our commitment to our clients. We don't want to just be any architect, we want to be YOUR architect.
If you'd like to discuss an upcoming project, give us a call on (941) 894-6888, or to share your thoughts, email barron@theschim.com.
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Photo by younes farfra on Unsplash
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