Contractor Growth Network #474 Lessons from 30 Years in Residential Architecture (ft. Chris Landis)
Logan sits down with Chris Landis, co-founder of the award-winning Landis Architects/Builders in Washington, D.C. With over 35 years of experience, Chris shares how his architecture background shaped the firm's design-build approach—and what remodelers can learn from their detailed, phased design process.
From feasibility studies and pre-construction agreements to hiring in-house designers and scaling team structure, this episode is a masterclass in how to elevate the design side of your remodeling business.
Whether you're just starting to charge for design or scaling up to larger, more complex projects, Chris offers clear takeaways on how to structure your process, train your team, and charge what you're worth.
🔑 What You'll Learn-
Why Landis' design process includes 3 clear phases: schematic, DD, and CD
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How feasibility studies help pre-qualify projects and set expectations
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What to look for when hiring designers—and how to train them
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How a team leader role bridges sales and design for smoother execution
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Why charging properly for design leads to better clients, work, and profits
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How Landis keeps clients excited and engaged throughout long design timelines
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What it looks like to run a design department that actually makes money
00:00 – Intro to Chris Landis + Landis Architects & Builders 01:30 – From Wall Street offices to handyman work: how the business started 05:30 – Why drawings matter (and why they should never be free) 11:00 – Overview of Landis' design services: feasibility, pre-construction, full design 15:00 – Three phases of design: schematic, DD, and CD 20:00 – Aligning sales and design with a "team leader" role 27:00 – How Landis prices design and stays ahead on billing 30:00 – In-house vs outsourced design teams: pros and cons 36:00 – Matching designers to project types and geographic regions 38:00 – Keeping clients excited during long design and permitting windows 45:00 – How Landis markets high-end projects (and the power of awards) 47:00 – Design isn't a loss leader—it's a profit center 52:00 – Why charging for design leads to better hires, better clients, and a stronger brand