ODA Architecture specializes in designing a variety of buildings, including public works, religious, higher education, corporate, hospitality, recreational and developer-directed buildings. Having worked with numerous developers, we have developed a “developer mentality,” which proves useful across all our projects. What is a developer mentality and how does this help us design other project types?
Developers are visionary and have built up American towns and cities. They look for opportunities, often in unobvious places. Developers are innovators who seek new solutions to long-standing challenges in the real estate community. They are practical, but are not opposed to taking risks.
- “Curb appeal” is extremely important. It is paramount to stay on the leading edge of design trends and materials. Developers understand that a newer, “shinier” development will be built down the street as soon as their development opens. Competition is fierce.
- Spend construction dollars where they get the most “bang for the buck”. Understanding efficient site planning and structural systems can save millions of dollars in areas that are typically not noticed by the public. Paying attention to the details is important.
- Spend construction dollars where they get the most “bang for the buck”. Understanding efficient site planning and structural systems can save millions of dollars in areas that are typically not noticed by the public. Paying attention to the details is important.
- Invest wisely in the future. Choose materials and systems that are low maintenance and have lower on-going utility costs. Initial costs are important but “return on investment” is essential to the sustainability of the project.
- Demand thorough and well-coordinated construction documents. Construction is complicated and the architect will make millions of decisions during the process. If the documentation is not clear and concise, it often leads to costly change orders.
- Embrace reduction. While meeting the programmatic needs of the project, discover ways to reduce square footage, materials, and systems. Analyze each space for ways to minimize resources. Reduction also leads to more environmentally friendly structures.
What’s the common denominator of all 5 lessons? Save construction costs! ODA Architecture embraces this overarching mantra. If the project doesn’t “pencil out”, there is NO project. Nobody likes to see creative ideas remain on the cutting room floor. Every click of the mouse (or in my case, every pencil stroke) represents ideas with a construction price tag attached. We treat each decision as if it were our money that is being spent.
ODA Architecture has enjoyed long-standing partnerships with many developers. We salute all of these visionary, innovative, practical, risk-taking developers who are making America great.
