Reinvent Yourself To Become A Building Doctor
By William Henry PhD
Solution to Economic Setbacks Suffered by Architects and Interior Designers in Current Downturn– Reinvent yourself to “Become Building Doctors”
Design and Construction Industry is inherently Cyclical
The construction industry economy has always been typified by cyclical ‘ups and downs’. However this latest economic downturn has not been succeeded by a robust rebound.
A more rounded business education in addition to a strictly technical one can serve as a platform for re-invention
In order to withstand these tumultuous times I stumbled on a new business approach to smooth the surges and plunges of our industry. This approach required both the firm and I to re-invent ourselves. This approach derived from my educational back ground which was atypical for an architect.
During my early years I worked for John Portman of Hyatt Regency fame who’s firm’s slogan is “we change skylines”. They accomplished this by acting as both real estate developers and architects. Since the approach had created unimaginable opportunities I wanted to tackle both design and real estate simultaneously. To do this I needed a different skill set then I had attained as a registered architect. Therefore I decided to attend The Wharton School of Business. I used this platform to study such non-design oriented subjects such as entrepreneurship, microeconomics, operations research, contract law and other business oriented subjects. In short I began working on an analytical approach to design which dovetailed with a pragmatic business approach.
A refocus on existing buildings and real estate emerge
Later in my career, in lieu of a focus on ‘ground up real estate’, we’re-focused and streamlined our services to address the challenges associated with existing real estate. We then applied many of the same analytical techniques I had learned at Wharton. We studied under performing properties and the reasons that they often couldn’t attract quality credit worthy tenants.
Deficiencies could be both real and/or perceived. These are the result of deferred maintenance, building code violations, as well as a tired appearance. In short while there may be little or no demand for new ground up building construction– there is a very real and CONSTANT DEMAND for addressing challenges associated with existing structures. The services to address these building challenges may derive mostly from an analytical mind set, such as the one I attained studying business related topics.
This is especially true if and when litigation enters the picture. Then little discretion is left. A sense of urgency arises, especially when a court hearing date is imminent.
The Building Doctor displaces the Master Builder
We used the operational approach learned at business school to become ‘Building Doctors’ who address existing problems identified and related to existing structures.
In response to these new market dynamics, we at RGA have devised the following services to address these very real on-going, non–discretionary demands. Diagnose the building problem—-Prescribe a building cure via design solutions—Operate by executing building construction—and attempt to– Recover funds via grants or claims against parties responsible for the deficiencies. In short since I had eventually attained the degree of PhD I became a sort of a ‘Building Doctor’.
After I assumed this role I found that income became more consistent. While gross income levels haven’t yet approached the volume we had with new ground up design commissions they became steadier. The only limitation to greater income is the amount of staff availability—given that quality remains high. Revenue is now tied more to billable hours typically at a higher rate than designers can charge. For instance forensic expert witnesses may be able to bill at rates twice what designers can justify to clients, especially during depositions or trials.
Further fees are not ‘bid out’ and capped. Invoices resemble those tendered by attorneys which are open ended. As with both attorneys and physicians unforeseen issues may arise which must be addressed during a procedure or trial. There is often little discretion in undertaking measures to rapidly respond to these challenges AS THEY ARISE.
The Building Doctor Approach is Counter Cyclical. When the demand for new construction goes down the demand for Building Doctor services go up.
In short, as owners in a recessionary period defer building maintenance, restoration needs increase. With outdated edifices the need for appealing building façade ‘facelifts’ also increase to remain competitive in attracting new tenants. And unfortunately as building deficiencies become more apparent due to deferred maintenance, litigation is often instigated in order to recover offsets to real or perceived damages. If you go to www.rga-design.com [1] (Reliable Group LLC Architects website) or www.buldingdoctorfl.com (Building Doctor) you will see the results of this changed mind set. The offerings address 21st century realities.
[2]Reliable Group, LLC Architects AA# 0003523 is a well-known architectural and construction management firm based in Tampa, Florida. RGA is headed by Dr. William Henry, both an architect and certified expert witness who issues opinions and testimony concerning design and construction related matters. Having designed over 250 landmark buildings in the state of Florida, he has represented and testified for both plaintiffs and defendants in cases involving code violations such as associated with design and construction defects as well as American Disabilities Act – ‘ADA’ violations. William Henry, PhD (Bill) may be reached at (813) 226.2220 or bhenry@rga-design.com [3].
Copyright © 2012 REAL Magazine
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