In a populous area such as Long Beach, California, there are multiple architecture firms vying for the business of residential and commercial clients. Some firms are large companies that staff multiple architects, as well as project managers, drafters, interior designers, building code specialists, and support staff. With all of these resources in-house, it can make it seem like going with a large Long Beach architecture firm would be a no-brainer. However, you shouldn’t dismiss the smaller architecture firms in Long Beach.
Advantages of Smaller Long Beach Architecture Firms
While it may seem like a small architecture firm would have fewer resources than a large one, this may not actually be the case. A well-connected small firm will have all of the resources needed for just about any type of project—they just might not all be on the company’s payroll. This is how Mark Grisafe, owner of Grisafe Architecture in Long Beach, has set up his company. He has a small staff that can handle project management, code research, and other essential tasks, but he also utilizes outside resources, such as structural engineers, Title 24 experts, interior designers, and others when needed. Grisafe sees these independent contractors as valuable contributors to his clients’ projects, but not having them on staff allows his company to still run lean. He has less overhead and more flexibility.
Grisafe says, “Our small firm is set up to provide our clients with the expertise of a large firm, but with the service and client experience that typically only a small company can provide. We have a core team that works in our Long Beach office, but we also have an extensive network of experts that we can call on for more specialized work. This means we are able to complete the same types of projects that any large firm can—even ones that would be considered ‘complex’ projects.”
Not all small architecture firms will have access to these types of resources, so if your project is particularly large or complex, make sure the firm you hire is able and willing to successfully complete it.
If you value personalized attention and great customer service, working with a smaller architecture firm is likely the way to go. Small firms will have fewer clients to manage and also have a greater incentive to make sure their clients are extremely satisfied with the work and service they receive. You will also likely have direct access to the architect in charge of your project and can contact him or her directly with your ideas, changes, or questions.
Finally, working with one of the smaller Long Beach architecture firms could save you money. Small firms tend to have lower overhead costs, allowing them to keep their fees lower.