Strategy for streamlining the workflow in architectural offices

Abstract

Purpose: The workflow in an office plays a significant role for an effective and efficient work output. It is vital to prepare a strategy for streamlining the work process by eliminating errors and improving workflow for increased efficiency and work output in an architectural practice. To increase operational efficiency, a firm must first understand how to streamline their workflow that add value to their daily tasks and practice time and communication management. The primary purpose of this research is to prepare a strategy for streamlining the workflow within the office and with the consultants for efficient, effective and mistake free work output.
 Methodology: The research is approached by identifying the current trends of workflow management prevalent in architectural offices; identifying the issues and associated problems and finally developing an organized and streamlined workflow strategy. The research is structured initially with review of existing knowledge on the stakeholder and communication management, study of seven quality tools and their application in the given situation, followed by in-depth semi- structured expert interviews with practicing architects, and survey with a target population of practicing architects.
 Main Findings: From the analysis, it is evident that the primary issue lies because of communication gap with consultants and subcontractors and lack of coordination within the office, followed by lack of work experience; lack of visibility and inadequate number of projects and Hiring of Team members. The research concludes with a list of recommendations that can be beneficial for effective and efficient workflow management for a startup architectural firm to reduce conflicts at the site and increase work output.