Smith & Company Architects :: Philosophy
At S&C, we position ourselves to develop solutions that support our client’s organizational missions, plans, and goals. We know how to define the parameters of the problem before specific information is available. We have the know-how to prepare detailed scope of work that zero in on our client’s particular circumstances, understanding that they need a thorough understanding of available tools and procedures in order to analyze and solve the problem at hand.
At S&C, we deliver projects to our clients through what we call Partnering. Partnering is a way of doing business that helps the providers of design and construction services and their customers-project owners-work together to achieve their mutual and individual goals and objectives. The idea of partnering is a simple one. The parties to the process agree to two things:
- jointly confront and manage the risks involved in creating a project
- establish and promote a nurturing partnership environment.
At S&C, we value our close working relationships with clients and contractors and consider these to be part of providing quality service.
At S&C, we utilize successful process criteria that focus on a positive attitude and proper preparation among the participants. This includes:
- Commitment – supporting the intent and goals of the relationship and entering into the partnership with a winning attitude.
- Trust – Teamwork depends on a mutual trust that stems from clear and consistent words and actions.
- Understanding – Respecting each other’s responsibilities, expectations, limitations and differences in a point of view.
- Excellence – Strive to create the best possible project; this is sometimes stated as: meeting or exceeding the project requirements.”
Successful partnering depends also on preparation on each partner’s portion, which includes:
- Clear expectations – Each stakeholder must establish and communicate the needs, expectations and agenda that drive participation in the project.
- Mutual goals and objectives – Each participant must be willing to work to define common ground among the party’s needs and expectations in service of the project’s goals.
- Execution and responsiveness – Partnering works when the stakeholders are prepared, do their jobs in a timely way and commit to resolving issues.
- Communication and feedback – Consistent communication is necessary to evaluate progress and acting on feedback can help achieve project success.
At S&C, we challenge the program, schedule and budget. Even when these have been developed through painstaking effort, it is in our client’s best interest to encourage this challenge. In this way, we come to understand project requirements. This analysis may also reveal existing or potential problem areas.