Journal

In an increasingly risk-averse world clients are less willing to give jobs to smaller practices outright.

Instead, it has become commonplace for clients to pair up bigger, more experienced practices with up-and-coming, often more diverse, studios. In principle this is a healthy initiative that gives smaller practices exposure to larger projects and clients that they wouldn’t otherwise have access to, and allows them to learn from the more established practice.

But there are challenges;

• I’m seeing projects where the lead architect sidelines or dramatically reduces the scope of the smaller one.
• I’m seeing projects where the lead architect keeps the smaller practice at arms length from the client.
• I’m seeing projects where the smaller practice’s role is watered down to token elements.
• I’m seeing projects where the lead architect is using the smaller one for the sole purpose of winning the job and then effectively dumping them.
  

Both the client and lead architect have a responsibility. Smaller studios in this scenario are likely to have invested in additional PI Insurance and/or resources and/or IT in order to work on the project. If they are subsequently dumped, sidelined, their scope reduced, or the project prolongated they may well suffer an impact not a benefit, potentially leaving them in a worse situation.

So, some suggestions;

• If you’re the client or lead practice you need to SUPPORT the smaller practice. This is part of the deal. They are unlikely to have the ready-made experience and skills to do the work. That’s the point. Build this supporting role into your fee proposal when you bid for the job.
• If you’re the client or lead practice you need to maintain COMMUNICATION with the smaller studio. They are going to be more sensitive than the larger practice to changes in work flow and cash flow, so keep them informed, check in with them.
• If you’re the client or lead practice VALUE the contribution of the smaller studio. Accept that they might have a different approach. That’s the point. Give them their voice, allow them to contribute.
  

Smaller practices want to work on bigger projects. These projects will be a big deal for them. They will work hard, give it their all and make a valuable contribution if you give them a chance. But the quid pro quo is that they need your support, respect and understanding.