What Does The Future Hold For The Profession?

On my daily travels I am often asked ‘What Does The Future Hold For The Architectural Profession? This is a multi-faceted question and not particularly straight forward to answer but it’s certainly worth exploring some of the aspects in a bit more detail. So here goes at 1 or 2 of the aspects.

The Profession, for at least 10 years has undoubtedly enjoyed a huge growth period with many small Practices becoming absolute giants, seemingly overnight. Yes, it was fantastic to be part of that boom but Architects in Scotland are now faced with the challenge of developing and reacting to new pressures the likes of which many have not seen before. Sure some Practice’s may have seen recession before but not at the pace and scale witnessed over the last year.

In today’s market place Architect’s in Scotland need to be evermore proactive in hunting down work. There is work out there but it’s a fight to secure it and yes there are many shifts in many if not all of the market places with many of the larger consultancies downscaling at rapid pace.

At Block Architects we believe that sticking rigidly to our market sector, despite it’s shrinking size, will in the long run pay dividends when the market grows strong. Our focus to maintain high customer standards for projects up to £2m will I am sure allow our Client Base to stay true. Many of the larger Practices have moved into our market place and they are securing some commissions however we believe that their systems, procedures, skills and people will be severely tested. I afterall came from this side of the Profession and it took us 3 years of hard graft to perfect our systems and we are still learning more every day.

These smaller projects are often very demanding, often much more so that the large projects on a large clean site. If you are considering a small project and require an Architect then you do need to think carefully about matching the right Practice with the Right Project. It’s a bit like trying to get a fighter pilot to fly a commercial jet. Yes he could do it but he would probably throw the commercial jet around a bit and make a few errors before getting a handle on the thing!

So, don’t delay and think carefully when you are choosing an Architect. If you need any more advice on Choosing An Architect, and hopefully a Block Architect, please feel free to telephone me on 01698 422358

Interior Design Partnership - Smith And Brown Glasgow

We are delighted to announce that Block Architects, Glasgow have newly joined forces with Interior Design Practice Smith and Brown, Glasgow. Kenneth was aware that during the last few years of trading that some of his Clients were seeking a one stop shop in offering architectural and interior design services. With this in mind Kenneth has been working hard to find an Interior Design Consultancy who could meet his high expectations.

Kenneth would like to welcome Smith and Brown to his Team of Professional Consultants and is sure that this is the start of positive things to come.

Director of Smith and Brown, Donna McBeath Smith stated: "Its great to collaborate with an Architectural Consultancy who has the same Design ethics as ourselves. We are sure that this will be a fruitful Partnership and look forward to completing many projects with Block Architects."

What I Did Before Block Architects - Livingston FC

This is the second article ‘What Did I do Before Block Architects’ which features 2 buildings at Livingston Football Club completed when I was an Associate Director at GCA, Coatbridge. I spent 5 years at this Practice and made a few friends some of whom I keep in contact with today.

It was an interesting time working at Coatbridge. There was a smallish team of approximately 10 technical staff and 3 admin staff working on various small to medium sized projects. Many of the Projects were football based as the then Owner of the Practice, Mr Gerry Connolly was involved with a Development company which specialised in the redevelopment of Football Stadia.

I’ve attached a photograph which I took personally on Saturday whilst driving past the stadium. This is a 5 storey Office Development which was one of two proposed identical buildings were to flank opposite corners of the Main Stand. In the end we only ever built one of the office blocks.

At the time I was also responsible for delivering a detailed planning approval for a 60 bed hotel and leisure development which was to be located in front of the main stand. This development unfortunately was never realised by the Club but certainly it reflected the Strong Vision by then Chairman, Mr Dominic Keane.

As part of the Masterplan exercise we also considered some housing located on the site and also a 3 storey NightClub and Hospitality Wing which was to be set behind the West Stand, In the end up we built only the ground floor of the Night Club, known as (from memory) the NightSpot (quite original).

Unfortunately, there has been much negative press associated with Club in recent months but nonetheless I am proud to have been part of a Team who shared and attempted to deliver a Super Stadium for a well supported local Team.

House Projects by Block Architects, Scotland

I thought that I would add a couple of images by block architects, scotland. I want to show you some of the house designs that we have completed over the last year or so. These houses were designed by us specifically to meet the Client's brief.

They are relatively standard family homes situated within everyday streetscapes and reflect a standard of work which we are happy to deliver.

For these Clients we provided a design services, planning & building warrant, tender process and architectureal sign off all for bank monitoring etc. We have a few houses going through similar processes right now and we think it would be great for you to see them so here goes.

Kidney Transplant Update

I thought I would drop a quick update blog re the Kidney Transplant. Dad was back in hospital earlier this week getting a wee operation on his heart. All is well and nothing to worry about with this but because of this unforseen operation the Transplant Team have decided to put the operation back until early next year. Nonetheless we are keeping our spirits high knowing that Christmas will be a good one!

Appointing an Architect - Tip #5

Your Architect should have Case Studies... Get references and testimonials from your Architect. This will ensure that your Architect has the right experience to meet your requirements and that he can deliver your project...

Business Is Booming

If you have been reading this blog you will be aware that Block Architects, Hamilton continue to work alongside actionCOACH. Last night I was at the 'Business is Booming' Seminar at Glasgow. Approximately 300 guests turned up to the FREE event where Brad disclosed 28 Ways to Boost your business. I find the teaching of actionCOACH to be fascinating.

Some of the topics that Brad covered included The Business Chassis, Customer Retention, Buy Build Sell, Gratitude and Celebration.

I have now worked with my Coach Mr Iain McKillop for over 4 years and as much as we have progress I need once more to get my head down and get back into growing a business. The economic cycle is changing. We all enjoyed the summer months ie economic boom and most of us suffered during the autumn and winter months. Well guess what! Spring is coming and yes the economic cycle is coming full circle. It's going to be summer time again and I am getting my head down and getting on with growing my business so that I can enjoy the good times. Why will I be able to enjoy the good times? Simply because I have planned for them! Get yourself a coach.

Appointing an Architect - Tip#4

Your Architect should have Contacts... Many Architects work in isolation especially those who are one man practices. This is not necessarily a bad thing but an Architect must have contacts to resolve any upcoming matters. Make sure your Architect has several years experience within your geographical area and has established good working relationships with professionals in various disciplines who are all at the top of their game. This network is then available at your fingertips. Block Architects, Hamilton have many local contacts whom we can refer any building related questions.