While reading the AIA recently released "Firm Survey Report 2020[i]" and the November "Architecture Billing Index[ii]" (ABI), there were two corollary findings. First, the Firm Survey reported a decrease in profitability for 2019. The ABI reported the..
Can Architectural Firms Improve Profitability?
by David Stutzman | Jan 8, 2021 | Budget, Estimator, Architect, Specifier
Pre-Con: The Critical Conference
by Steve Gantner, RA, CSI, AGCMO, CCS, CCCA | Oct 30, 2020 | Construction Administration, Construction Manager, Contractor, General contractor, Architect, Construction Alliance, Division01, Pre-Construction
Later this month, we will begin the holiday season with Thanksgiving, a great time of year to reflect and be thankful for the many gifts in our lives. Many will cook, eat, watch parades, eat, watch football, eat, visit with family and did I mention..
To Inspect or Not To Inspect....That is the Question
by Steve Gantner, RA, CSI, AGCMO, CCS, CCCA | Jul 31, 2020 | Contractor, inspections, Owner, Quality Control, Architect
Last month I introduced you to the "Construction Alliance" with reference to "Classified Excavation" and left you to fend for yourself. This month we will dive into the August guideline of the month, which is "Inspection of the Construction Project"...
The Need for Speed!
by Louis Medcalf | Jul 14, 2020 | Architect, Specifications, conspectus cloud
What do you do when a repeat client calls you and says "I have the need, the need for speed!"? Meaning, he needs a specification in less than a week to meet its milestone commitment. Our valued client, SOSH architects, needed specifications for..
What's the Project Budget?
by David Stutzman | Jun 16, 2020 | Budget, Architect, design decisions
The Problem
Solutions for Revolutionizing the AEC Industry - Dispersed Project Teams
by Tina Montone | Jun 2, 2020 | Contractor, Design Team, Owner, Project Team, Architect, Pandemic
Do you know where your architect is? Of course you do. It is common is for project teams to be located all over the world. What is uncommon is for the architectural team members to be geographically dispersed. It is also uncommon that the project team..
When Are Your Bulletins Planned?
by David Stutzman | May 19, 2020 | Architect
As projects approach the date designated as "Issue for Construction (IFC)," design teams begin planning what portions of the design will be completed in a bulletin. The level of effort needed to complete the documents is usually underestimated,..
Cartoon the spec - Just like the drawings
by David Stutzman | Apr 28, 2020 | Engineer, Architect, Specifications
Saving time is great. Improving firm profitability may mean a promotion. Is it worth a try?
Changing How We Work During the Pandemic
by Elias Saltz | Apr 13, 2020 | Consultant, Contractor, Owner, Professional Practice, Architect, design decisions
Over the years there has been a lot of talk and writing, including by me, about fixing the things wrong with the construction industry. Budget and schedule busts, bad workmanship, and designs that don’t respond to owner requirements are some common..
Introducing Solutions for Revolutionizing the AEC Industry - Rise Above Survival Mode
by Tina Montone | Apr 10, 2020 | Contractor, Owner, Architect, Pandemic
I am going to state the obvious, and say what you already know - we are living in a crisis. Every person has entered into or is preparing to enter into survival mode, from how they purchase groceries, to how they pay mortgage/rent and other bills, to..