With 30 + years of experience, we have determined how to work to ensure the best outcome for all parties, especially the client. Centered around our valuable partnerships with the contractors and builders, we work as a team, with the clients best interests at heart.
CONTRACTORS FALL INTO DIFFERENT SUB-SETS
~ Large firms, who work on commercial and large scale residential projects
~ Custom Home Builders, who assign a site supervisor
~ Small ‘tool-belt’ firms – the contractors work alongside others on site
WHAT IS THE OL+ FORMULA FOR SUCCESS ?
Bring the contractors in early!
We respect their knowledge and opinions. These industry partnerships forged over the years allow us to design beautiful spaces that are always practical and budget conscious.
Let clients choose who they will work with
Once we determine the project scope, we are able to offer our clients a choice of contractors. We explain the way each works, and the client is then able to interview and tour their work to determine who is best suited to meet their requirements. Remember, you will be interacting on a regular basis with this person for many months. Its important that you have a rapport!
Architects with construction knowledge
Contractors prefer to work with architects who are well versed in construction techniques. This of course makes sense as there is a built-in common language and understanding, which helps to prevent pitfalls and keeps the project moving forward quickly. We marry our years of on-the-job experience working with contractors, with our ongoing commitment to researching and learning about new building methods and materials.
Relationships based on respect
In our experience, it is the architect/builder/client relationship which determines the outcome of a project.
The outcome?
With this method of working, each client gets an architect/builder team tailor-made to fit their needs!
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A BUILDER
All the contractors we work with have the following in common
~ creative problem solvers
~ put clients interests first
~ professional and good communicators
~ budget-conscious
Contractor differences to bear in mind
~ pricing process
~ speed of delivery: determined by the size of the team etc.
~ level of detail for delivery process (field reposts/budget analysis etc.) esp. if you are living off site during construction
~ craftsmanship – some contractors are known for specific types of home styles, i.e. historical verses contemporary
