Is bigger always better? In some cases, yes—but definitely not in all cases. For example, if you wanted a large selection of items from which to choose, you would go to a big retail store. But many times, working with a smaller company will provide you with better service and a superior end result.
This can often be the case when working with architecture firms in Long Beach, CA. When you have a residential or commercial project that needs an architect, you may initially think it would be wise to hire a large architecture firm. After all, a large firm will have an extensive staff in house who can dedicate their skills and expertise to your project. While this is true, a small architecture firm will typically have access to the same types of experts. The only difference is, theses experts might not be on staff at the architecture firm, but rather, outside contractors who the architect calls on when they are needed for a specific project.
This is the approach Mark Grisafe takes at his Long Beach architecture firm. At Grisafe Architecture, they have a small team of architects, drafters, and project managers in house, but they also have an extensive network other experts they can call on for some of the more complex projects they work on.
Grisafe says,
In our more than 20 years in business in Long Beach, CA, we’ve assembled a great team of industry professionals who are great at what they do and provide timely service for our clients. We don’t use ‘cheap’ contractors and we generally don’t outsource any work overseas. Instead, we work with local professionals, each of whom has a solid reputation in the area and proven abilities in their respective fields.”
Grisafe continues, “By utilizing our local, trusted network of contractors like structural engineers, Title 24 specialists, ADA compliance experts, and others, we are able to provide the same level of expertise as larger architecture firms in Long Beach, but because we are a still a small firm, we are able to provide the personalized service that many clients crave.”
In other words, a homeowner or business in need of an architect doesn’t need to hire a huge architecture firm to get a great end result. Instead, they can hire a smaller firm that will likely charge less, but provide superior service during the process.
One of the keys to hiring the right firm is to find an architect with whom you can communicate well. You want to make sure the architect will listen to your ideas and concerns, so you end up with a space that reflects your personal style and functions how you want it to. Before signing a contract with one of the architecture firms in Long Beach, CA, be sure to schedule a consultation where you can meet the architect with whom you will be working to assess their communication style and learn more about how they will approach your project.
