Small Project Design

This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Small Project Practitioners and Small Firm Round Table .
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I've had an initial discussion with well-connected individual (non-architect) in my markets about possibility of him working to boost market awareness and business development. I'm experienced, but an introvert (with compensating skills) and think I could use the help. I'd still bear primary responsibility as "seller-doer". If we pursue it, it will be a new experience for both of us. Any advice to offer regarding relationship, job description, performance measurement or compensation arrangements? Thanks!

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Ron Geyer AIA, NCIDQ
Principal
Good City Architects LLC
Greenville SC
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Ronald Halfhill Assoc. AIA
Verdant Ventures
Sunnyvale CA
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May I suggest you explore the association with someone in the profession who is familiar with both real estate markets and architectural practice to act as a catalyst for generating projects which you create yourself as a developer; find land, define appropriate market(s), assemble a team of consultants and involve the landowner as an equity partner. The object is to create work for your office and to increase your profit.  Structured correctly you may also
wish to participate in the continued cash flow from the rental of a project upon completion, if it is a commercial use.  Such an individual would represent you and coordinate the entire project into the CD stage as a member of your office staff. I've doing it now for my own office.  If the mountain won't come
to Mohammed, maybe Mohammed should go to the mountain, eh?

Ronald:  It's worth a look and may represent a good parallel effort. May also be some opportunity for architect-led design-build, which is whole different can of worms. Thanks for the ideas on project creation. REG

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Ronald Geyer AIA, NCIDQ
Principal
Good City Architects LLC
Greenville SC
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-16-2013 15:39
From: Ronald Halfhill
Subject: Business Development "Scout"



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Ronald Halfhill Assoc. AIA
Verdant Ventures
Sunnyvale CA
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May I suggest you explore the association with someone in the profession who is familiar with both real estate markets and architectural practice to act as a catalyst for generating projects which you create yourself as a developer; find land, define appropriate market(s), assemble a team of consultants and involve the landowner as an equity partner. The object is to create work for your office and to increase your profit.  Structured correctly you may also
wish to participate in the continued cash flow from the rental of a project upon completion, if it is a commercial use.  Such an individual would represent you and coordinate the entire project into the CD stage as a member of your office staff. I've doing it now for my own office.  If the mountain won't come
to Mohammed, maybe Mohammed should go to the mountain, eh?

Can't imagine how this would ever work, unless he were a full time marketing manager for your firm - but the firm will need to bill 20 - 30,000 hours a year to afford him. As a paid agent pattime, he doesn't have the credibility that gets architects jobs by recommendation. If you do residential, try Houzz - it is working for evreyone I talk to.  

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Allen E Neyman
Rockville, MD

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Allen: I don't think this works for more than gaining an introduction in a crowded market. Not doing residential, so I'm trying to go at it a little differently. Appreciate the warning. REG

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Ronald Geyer AIA, NCIDQ
Principal
Good City Architects LLC
Greenville SC
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-16-2013 15:36
From: Allen E Neyman
Subject: Business Development "Scout"


Can't imagine how this would ever work, unless he were a full time marketing manager for your firm - but the firm will need to bill 20 - 30,000 hours a year to afford him. As a paid agent pattime, he doesn't have the credibility that gets architects jobs by recommendation. If you do residential, try Houzz - it is working for evreyone I talk to.  

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Allen E Neyman
Rockville, MD

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I've worked at larger firms and smaller firms and part of the nature of a small firm is that everyone does everything. The beauty of a larger firm is that everyone only does what they are good at. So, in your case, it sounds like you want someone in front of you to introduce you to people. Don't get hung up on the concept of being the "seller-doer". If he sells you to them and you do the project, whats wrong with that?
On his side of things, he might be concerned that you will use his connections and not compensate him for the introductions. Are you planning to make him a full time employee? Marketing and BD are the toughest things to quantify as far as performance. The way that we dealt with it was to do a base pay and a bonus system based on improved office performance over some established baseline.
Hope this helps.
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Steven Kiss Assoc. AIA
SKA Design
Los Angeles CA
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