Scott Anthony, author of the new book, The Silver Lining, contributed a recent HarvardBusiness blog post about “loving the low end”. Few architects are seeking the “low end”, but maybe there is something we can learn here. Is there a way we can restructure our basic architectural service and provide an alternative “stripped down” version […]
The Process of Architecture?
At Fivecat Studio, our process of delivering architectural services includes a very highly developed set of construction documents. Every possible decision is made. Every product is specified. Every fixture is scheduled, ready for purchasing. Our intent is to obtain very competitive bids from general contractors, minimize change orders and reduce construction time by eliminating delays […]
Surviving in an Economic Downturn
The AIA has created the Navigating the Economy Web site, bringing you the latest resources–podcasts, articles, financial tips, best practices, and economic reports–to help you and your firm through these tough times. A link from the site will send you to this article from SmallBusinessNotes.com: Mark Vitner, a senior economist with first Union Corporation has […]
LEED AP… Just Good Business
With almost every prospective client I meet, the subject of green building is raised. Sustainable architecture is quickly becoming a top priority for clients. Architects need to listen carefully and respond with services meeting owners’ expectations. It’s just good business. This thursday and friday, I am attending a LEED accreditation workshop provided by AIA […]
Pushing Past the Dip
One more juicy The Dip tidbit from Seth Godin. ChangeThis Manifesto: Pushing Past the Dip: How to Become the Best in the World
The Dip
Tonight I met with my Academy group. We were discussing how pushing though the tough stuff of business will ultimately lead to success. Every business reaches a tipping point when things start to click. The systems are in place. The people are in place. Your market know who you are and what you do. And […]
Be Nice!
Besides creating wonderful residential architecture, marketing our firm well and encouraging our clients to spread the word about Fivecat Studio, I believe a major part of our success is “likeability”. Clients expect architects to design well. They expect us to provide a quality service at a reasonable cost. It is actually rather difficult to distinguish […]
Organic Growth
Over at Brand Autopsy, John Moore has a preview of the new book, The Road to Organic Growth by Edward Hess. From Hess’ book: “Growth achieved through a commitment to customer satisfaction, employee engagement, and core profitability—organic growth—is a smart long-term strategy for any company. Organic growth represents the underlying strength and vitality of the […]
www.YourFirm.com
When I launched our firm’s website back in 1999, there were few architects online. We started Fivecat Studio with no clients and no cash. A few friends commissioned us to design small residential, retail and restaurant projects. We photographed them, launched Fivecat.com and the rest is history. From those early projects to this day, the […]
A “Sticky” Manifesto
The Heath Brothers, authors of the new bestseller, Made To Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die, walk the walk in their ChangeThis manifesto about three straightforward ways to make your strategy work. They preach the power of concrete language and stories to communicate your strategy effectively. Missed the Heath Bros. on “The Today […]