Residential architecture firms and commercial architectural firms should be involved in the building process early in the game. Before you even begin preparing the land for building, you should hire the design contractors. They can save you time and money and form your ideas in to concrete plans. The building design and landscaping all are part of the process that is incorporated into the complete project.

Residential architecture information can be used to solicit buyer inquiries before you turn the first spade of dirt. Commercial architectural firms can help you best utilize the space for your future tenants. Residential architectural design firms can work with your customer to provide the home of their dreams, while the commercial architecture professional also can help you meet green standards that soon will be law.

1. Bring commercial and residential architecture firms in early in the development process

2. Partner with commercial architectural firms for spec projects

3. Let residential architectural design firms work directly with your customers

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Turn to commercial and residential architecture firms for early guidance

Whether you are developing an entire subdivision or planning a new downtown high-rise, you should find your design contractors early in the process. Placement and exterior design will guide your most basic processes, from land grading to access. Experienced residential architectural design firms prefer to work on a project from conception to completion, while commercial architectural firms can bring prestige to your final product.

I recommend: Knudson Gloss Architects is a full-service residential architectural design firm with extensive commercial architecture information in their portfolio. They offer Internet access to which you can send your clients to view plans. Anshen and Allen provides building design services from conception to completion for international clients. They prefer a collaborative arrangement for their commercial architecture services.

Bring in your commercial architecture firm as a partner

By bringing in a real estate investment firm (REIT), you bring to the table the funding for your project and a partner that follows the commercial and residential architecture firms as well as every other facet of the project.

I recommend: Capri Capital brings a wealth of experience in multifamily, industrial, and commercial and retail real estate projects. The Blackstone Group invests globally in real estate projects that need special financing. They will review your commercial architecture information and make suggestions when necessary to ensure that your project is profitable.

Hook up high-end customers with residential architecture firms

Wealthy residential clients have ideas they want to incorporate in their dreams homes. By contracting with the finest residential architectural design firms, you can provide your clients with the kind of property they desire. As a contractor or builder, you should have an array of residential architecture firms on whom you can call for specific building design.

I recommend: Burns and Beryl is an award-winning residential architectural design firm that has designed more than 400 high-end homes nationwide. Scholz Design is a full service residential architectural design firm that specializes in large high-end homes.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  By developing a good working relationship with commercial and residential architecture firms, you can be on the receiving end of referrals that they may have for your services. The real estate industry is a highly reciprocal arena in which to do business.