How to design properties faster for your architect clients

Are you an architect struggling to design properties fast enough for your clients? It can be tough to balance the need for speed with the desire to create a unique, high-quality design. 

Unfortunately, this can create an artificial ceiling to your company’s growth, as you can only process so many designs simultaneously. It also limits your ability as a business owner to step back from the everyday running of your company and enjoy your success.

A lack of growth quickly leads to stagnation – which causes all kinds of issues in and of itself. For example, you and your team might let your heads drop and fail to match the standards you previously set for yourself. If a team isn’t setting ambitious growth targets, they can rapidly fall into bad habits and neglect to nail even the basics.

What’s more, you may find yourself overrun and understaffed – unable to adequately cater to your demand and look after each client properly. Resultantly, you may suffer frequent mistakes or deliver poor customer service, which creates a downward spiral that is tricky to extricate yourself from. 

But don’t worry; there are ways to streamline your process and get those properties designed faster. Here are some tips that can help:

Use visualization software

One of the easiest ways to scale your architect business faster and design more properties at once is to leverage the latest technology available. This is because tech software has made creating detailed models and floorplans of buildings and spaces easier. 

Using 3D visualization software will speed up the initial design process considerably and lessen the client’s chance of being unhappy with the results.

3D design software and floor planning tools allow you to visualize your ideas and make changes more quickly. These tools can also help you communicate your designs to your clients more effectively.

Collaborate with other professionals

When designing properties, you’ll often work with a team of professionals, such as engineers and contractors. 

By collaborating with these professionals and getting their feedback, you can move through the design process more quickly. Make sure to set up regular meetings or check-ins to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

What’s more, having multiple eyes on the same project will reduce the chance of mistakes or architectural oversights from happening. 

Streamline your workflow

The key to designing properties faster is to have a well organized workflow. 

Without this, your internal workflows will decrease in efficiency, and you will suffer backlogs at various stages in the design process. The likely result is a delayed delivery time and less satisfactory results. In turn, your business may also incur a drop in team morale or even an exodus of employees as they grow frustrated with the inefficiency of your business structure.

This could involve setting up templates for standard documents, using project management software to keep track of tasks, or dedicating specific times of the day to design work. By streamlining your workflow, you can stay focused and avoid unnecessary distractions.

Get feedback from clients early on

To avoid making changes or revisions later on that could slow down the process, it’s crucial to involve your clients in the design process as early as possible. 

Present them with sketches, 3D models, or other visual aids to get their input and feedback on your design concepts.

Not only will this make the design process easier and faster, but it will also enhance the quality of your finished plans.

Use pre-designed elements

While it’s essential to create a custom design for each property, certain elements can be reused or modified from project to project. 

For example, you might have a standard set of windows or doors that you use in multiple projects. By using pre-designed elements, you can save time while still creating a personalized design.

Take advantage of online resources

There are many online resources available that can help you design properties faster. You can find inspiration and ideas on design blogs and social media platforms or use online design forums to get feedback and advice from other professionals. You could also use online tools and apps to streamline your workflow and collaborate with team members and clients.

Stay up to date on industry trends and techniques

To design properties faster, staying current on the latest trends and techniques in the industry is crucial. 

This might involve attending conferences or workshops, reading industry publications, or taking online courses. You can learn about new tools and technologies to help you design properties more efficiently by staying up to date.