Nuts and Bolts

Bottom Up: Management Tools that Support Strategy and Vision

I use powerful tools and processes—effective at any level of firm development—to support the management of your firm and projects.

Launch your practice

I often begin our work together by building an easy-to-use revenue model. We consider the cost of operating the business and its impact on revenue. We identify whether the firm is profitable or running at a loss and then we can model future growth and increased revenue potential.

Design Fee Management

We employ tools that enable you to anticipate and plan for the inevitable tapering-off of revenue as projects are completed. We compare projected revenue to actual revenue on a monthly basis. Did you hit your projected targets? Do we have to adjust our projections to ensure you end the year in the black?

Contract and Fee Negotiation

Economic cycles ebb and flow. We can study and implement fee and scope negotiation strategies adapted to current trends in practice and client preferences.

Project Management Mentoring

We implement clear project monitoring practices that permit busy principals and project leaders to track changes in project scope, schedule, design fees, and construction budget. See Every Project Has Four Corners.

Firm Structure and Growth Strategies

Firm growth is not just focused on increasing firm size or project complexity. Do you recognize the value of supporting the professional growth of your staff? Investment in staff development is a retention strategy. We develop strategies for inspiring high-level employee performance with an eye towards growth and advancement.

Marketing and Networking Strategies

Move your network from one based on transactions to one founded on relationships. Your network can lead you to new prospects. We start by brainstorming a list (or generating a map) of everyone you know, giving priority to those who are most likely to lead to prospective work. Who is in your network? How often should you make contact? What is the most effective and authentic way to make a connection? How are you present in your community?

The Culture of Transition and Succession

You have created a company and a culture. Do you want to pass it on to others? What is the most authentic and appropriate method of creating a transition strategy for the business you have carefully grown, one that acknowledges your investment and that encourages the growth of others that might follow in your path?

all photos by Michael Bernard except architecture office team by NoSystem images

Virtual Practice