In the commercial construction space, especially when focusing on multifamily housing and senior living projects, the path to a successful and profitable project is paved with careful planning, strategic partnerships, and meticulous execution. Working for a General Contractor with nearly 50 years of experience specializing in these sectors, you learn very quickly what components can make or break the profitability of a project. In this series of blog posts, we’ll delve into the five crucial staples of a profitable project that can ensure success and efficiency with your next build. When starting a new construction project, whether it’s a multifamily housing development or a senior living community, one of the most critical decisions you’ll make is selecting the right architect.
At The Douglas Company, a leading name among general contractors in Ohio, we understand that the architect you choose plays a pivotal role in the success of your project. Based in Toledo, Ohio, with a presence in Orlando, Florida, and serving markets across Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Florida, we’ve seen firsthand the profound impact a strong architect can have on the overall outcome of a project.
Why Choosing the Right Architect Matters
The foundation of any successful construction project starts with a solid design, and that’s where a strong architect comes into play. They bring a wealth of design expertise and creative vision to the table. A well-chosen architect doesn’t just create aesthetically pleasing structures; they ensure the design is functional, feasible, and aligns with the project’s goals. In multifamily housing and senior living projects, this means considering everything from accessibility and safety features to creating spaces that foster community and comfort. However, there’s more to it than the beautiful and functional design of the building. From the perspective of the general contractor, a strong architect is defined in a number of ways.
What Defines a Great Architect?
Regulatory Compliance
Navigating building codes, zoning regulations, and other compliance issues can be a complex task. A strong architect is well-versed in local regulations and can ensure that your project adheres to all necessary codes and standards. By working with an architect who has a thorough understanding of these requirements, you can avoid costly delays and revisions due to compliance issues. While our preconstruction team is well-versed in codes and regulations as well, compliance starts with the design team. These features should be included in the designs from the very start to ensure that the project can move forward smoothly.
Providing a Detailed and Complete Set of Plans from the Start
At The Douglas Company, we pride ourselves on our preconstruction management services. It’s during the preconstruction phase that a majority of cost control measures take place. But we know those same cost control measures start during the design process. When an architect provides a detailed and completed set of plans from the start, the bidding phase of preconstruction is able move quickly and concisely with the best subcontractors being selected for the job. Without that complete set of plans, subcontractors aren’t all on the same page about what they’ll need and may come in with incorrect assumptions and bids as a result. Having an experienced architect that understands the importance of a detailed set of plans is key to getting a project started on the right foot.
Seamless Integration with General Contractors and Owners
The success of a construction project heavily relies on the collaboration between the owner, architect, and general contractors. A strong architect works hand-in-hand with general contractors to ensure that the design is executed as intended. Effective communication and collaboration between the architect and the construction team help in addressing potential challenges early on and finding practical solutions.
For instance, in the case that the construction documents aren’t as detailed as we’d need, we send out RFIs – also known as requests for information. Having a design team that responds quickly and thoroughly is important throughout both the pre-construction and construction phases. Without these RFI responses, assumptions get made that can be detrimental to the project. It can cause both delays to the timeline and a direct hit to the bottom line.
Another process that requires collaboration would be submittals. Every product that you’ll be able to see and touch inside your next build will have to be submitted to the architect for approval. The timeframe for submittals varies depending on lead times for each item. Post-pandemic, lead times are still extended beyond the norm for many items. Thus, every day is crucial to getting our hands on material and having it installed in the field. Nothing destroys progress quicker than having to wait on items to arrive onsite. Working with a collaborative architect minimizes the risk of misunderstandings and design flaws, leading to a smoother construction process.
Client Satisfaction and Long-Term Value
Ultimately, the goal of any construction project is to deliver a result that meets or exceeds client expectations. A strong architect focuses on understanding the client’s vision and goals, ensuring that the final design aligns with their needs and preferences. This client-centric approach contributes to higher satisfaction levels and long-term value for the project.
For The Douglas Company, client satisfaction is one of our top priorities. By partnering with architects who share our commitment to excellence, we ensure that every project is designed with the client’s needs in mind, leading to successful outcomes and lasting positive impacts.
Our Suggestions for a Strong Architect
Throughout our nearly fifty years of experience, we’ve worked with quite a few architects and have a lengthy list of recommendations. However, with working across the Midwest and Southeast United States, it’d be hard to list a comprehensive list of great architects without writing a novel. Instead, if you’re looking for a great architect to work with on your next project, reach out to us and we’d be happy to send you a list of our favorites.
Conclusion
Choosing the right architect is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your next construction project. As one of the top construction companies in Columbus and across Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Florida, The Douglas Company emphasizes the critical role a strong architect plays in achieving project success. From innovative design and regulatory compliance to seamless integration with general contractors and enhanced project management, a skilled architect is key to realizing your project’s full potential.
If you’re planning a multifamily or senior living project and need expert preconstruction services or commercial construction management, reach out to The Douglas Company. Our expertise, combined with the insights of a talented architect, will help bring your vision to life and ensure a successful and rewarding construction experience.
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