PowerTips Unscripted How to Structure and Run a Profitable Design Department with Chris Landis – [Best of PowerTips Unscripted]
Jun 22, 2023
In this engaging conversation, Chris Landis, the owner of Landis Architects Builders in Washington, D.C., dives into the art of structuring a winning design department. He discusses how the design process directly impacts project success and profitability. Chris shares insights on effective management strategies, the importance of metrics, and clear communication. He also emphasizes the role of design not just as a service, but as a profit center. Plus, get quick tips on enhancing client relationships and the significance of transparency in pricing.
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Starting a Design Department
- Start a design department when you're too busy to handle all design work yourself.
- This often happens when you outgrow the one-person-does-everything phase.
Evolution of Design Tools
- Chris Landis's firm started with manual drafting tools before computers.
- They adapted to evolving technology, including software, rendering, and faster computers.
Hiring a Design Manager
- Hire a design manager when your design team reaches 3-6 people.
- They'll enforce best practices, manage designers, and ensure consistent quality.
Jobs are won or lost during the design process. With so much on the line, it’s clear that your design department should be running at peak performance. But there are so many ways the process can get derailed. It all depends on how you structure your design department, and what metrics you use to hold […]