Creating an architect-builder dream team
A builder and an architect can be each other’s best friends or worst enemies depending on the project. Two pros who have taken the former approach and found great success are Builder Mahmoud “Mike” Elayan of ECS Homes and Architect Dan D’Agostino, AIA, of Plan Architecture.
Too often, the architect and builder end up pitted against each other. What can be achieved when the architect and builder are true collaborators?
- Mike Elayan (M.E.): An exceptional product because it’s a team working together toward a common cause of creating an absolutely magnificent space. The process and timeline also become much more efficient, as I can just pick up the phone and get the principal, Dan, in five seconds. We can have a conversation, make a call, and move the project forward avoiding dozens of RFIs and wasted weeks of time.
- Dan D’Agostino (D.A.): We’ve created an optimized end-to-end experience. We’re dealing with 20-30 problems a day, that’s just the nature of building, but nothing ever gets escalated. There’s an easy flow of information. Mike’s already in my head and I’m already in his head. It’s almost like you’ve hired an architect-builder.
When there’s a positive relationship between architect and builder, what’s the greatest benefit to the client?
- M.E.: I’ll add that the homeowner is actually getting what they’re supposed to get, because a lot of times, a builder will just loosely interpret the architect’s plans and make a judgement call that’s based on making more money and getting done quicker. The client doesn’t even know they’re missing all these details until the architect walks through at the end. As a builder, sometimes you don’t necessarily understand why an architectural detail is there, but when you’re party to the conversation, it all starts to make sense and you understand the end goal.
- D.A.: Achieving a design that’s practical, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. We both feel like we weren’t hired to perform a task, we were engaged to provide the best product. We’re also able to get things done way faster. Right now, people care more about timing than they do about money, as crazy as that sounds.
What's the greatest benefit of working with an architect from the builder’s perspective?
- M.E.: Efficiency. Dan allows me the ability to build very creative homes and gives us a very detailed map on how to get to those finishes. He doesn't make our lives more complicated, and we don't look to simplify his design. So, the true design intent is being met because we have such a great relationship. We understand each other, and we're able to adjust as necessary while being faithful to the design.
What’s the greatest benefit of working with a builder from the architect’s perspective?
- D.A.: Insight into feasibility and cost-effective solutions, as well as having the confidence that a plan will be properly executed. I love that when a project we’ve done with Mike is complete, I don’t walk through and notice all the missing details. Everything hasn’t been value engineered down. This can happen, and when it does, the clients are left so confused. When Mike and I work together, I can design with an eye toward the correct budget — avoiding endless iterations. We have a joke that Mike can lift up a plan, weigh it in his hands, and tell us what it’s going to cost.
How did you meet? How did you know it was a good relationship?
- M.E.: We met early in our careers and just genuinely liked each other. We built a friendship before we built a business relationship. We continue to work together because we really enjoy the process.
- D.A.: We had trust, and it became very easy to segue into our business relationship. I know the level of quality Mike expects subcontractors to execute. When you’re seeking a collaborator, shared values are important. Looking at who else a builder or contractor works with can be an indication of the quality of their work.
Once you find a complementary pro to work with, what’s needed to maintain a good relationship?
- M.E.: You can’t look at a relationship like it’s a chess match where you’re trying to get something out of the other person.
- D.A.: Mike and I still say, we’ve never had an argument. Maintaining a good relationship basically comes down to clear, proper, and timely communication. Mike and I will talk more about a project before we need to. We also celebrate our successes. This is a very tough business, but we make it a point to share our joint and individual successes with each other.
