At briq.works we believe that by providing clients with the appropriate level of transparency you give them confidence and build trust in your ability to deliver their project successfully.  

What’s more…by using software to provide your client with an easy to access online view of their project timeline, tasks and key documents you meet the expectations of today’s increasingly tech savvy consumer.   

If you work with private domestic clients, you will know that many have no prior experience of a building project and therefore have no knowledge of the process or understanding of the costs and timescales involved.

As their architect, it is critical for the success of the project that you guide the client through the process in a structured and pro-active way. Being transparent about what is involved in a project is key to that.

In the UK the RIBA have provided help on this with the creation and publication of the Plan of Work which is designed to give a framework on which architects can create a project plan and programme of work.

We know from talking to many architects that projects don’t always have documented programmes or that maybe a programme is planned and created at the start of a project, but is not then kept up to date.

However, we also know from talking to clients of architects that they value having a detailed view of the project timeline, with an explanation of the stages and individual tasks.

Most clients want to know the detail of their project and want to be involved. They want to clearly see what tasks require their input, by when and the dependencies. They are keen to understand early in the process how delays may occur if certain tasks aren’t completed on time so that they can play a part in helping to avoid delays and problems.

You may feel that providing your client with this level of detail is unnecessary or could create more questions or problems. But the best project managers will tell you that working on a need to know basis and being reactive to clients is inefficient and feeling ill informed can create friction and disputes.

It doesn’t have to be a hard and arduous task to enable transparency. briq.works is a project management platform designed and developed specifically for architects and their clients to enable the sharing and tracking of project information and progress.  

Architect Adrian uses briq.works and he told us “I use briq.works for both task and client management. I check a few times a week when tasks need starting/completing and get my clients involved early on. Clients then have a much better handle on the steps involved in the project timeline. I find they love it as a method for information sharing and communication.” https://briq.works/users/

And finally in the words of Joe Thompson briq.works co-founder and trained project manager “No client has ever complained about having access to too much information”.

The post Your clients value transparency appeared first on briq.works.

Using briq.works helps architects to improve the client experience, and in turn it makes life easier for the architect.

Our latest video explains to your clients how you will use briq.works with them to guide them through their project.

I recently spoke to Carly who was in the middle of a project to build her forever dream family home in Anglesey. 

She was excited about the end result, but a little frazzled at this point! 

Here’s what she told me..

“Having recently come across briq.works I have recommended that my architects adopt the system. 

I am currently in the middle of a project to build our new family home and I am working with two architects. Collaboration on their part is really important. 

They are both brilliantly talented and I can’t wait for the building to be finished so we can move in. However, it is a real challenge to keep track of progress and I do find myself chasing them regularly for updates and information. 

I know that if we were to use briq.works things would be much clearer for me and I could stop harassing the poor guys who I hope will deliver our dream family home.” 

The post Using briq.works project communication platform with your clients appeared first on briq.works.

Architect Your Home offer services for home renovation and extension projects. They have a razor-sharp focus on ensuring their clients get the service they need, presented simply, and with the client experience being central to the offering.

Architect Your Home already make use of a bespoke software platform to ensure the architect and client can work effectively together. Adding the use of briq.works compliments existing services by now giving clients a clear view of their programme throughout the lifecycle of their project.

The Gantt Chart view of the programme, generated and edited easily in briq.works, allows the architect to show the stages and tasks that are involved in the project along with any dependencies.

briq.works is designed specifically as a project communication platform for architects and their clients. By providing clients with access to briq.works they appreciate the transparency and professionalism of their architect and feel reassured that they are in safe hands.

For more information on Architect Your Home please see their website https://architect-yourhome.com/

The post Architect Your Home trials briq.works appeared first on briq.works.

In this recording co-founders Joe and Tom talk very candidly about the story behind the creation of briq.works and the journey so far.

One of our favourite quotes from the podcast comes from Tom “It’s all about communication! Communication, communication, communication.”

Click the link below to access the podcast. We hope you enjoy listening.

We’d love to hear your thoughts.

The post Podcast with The Business of Architecture UK appeared first on briq.works.

Following on from making your choice (and being clear what the ROI should be in terms of time saved, cost savings, extra revenue generation, customer experience, the impact of doing nothing) it’s important to then ensure you get maximum value from the software you have invested in.

No system can magically solve all problems, it takes some effort to make them work for you. Any organisation large or small will only reap the benefits and see value if they put time in to set up, adoption and continual best practice use.

Many of us find change and the addition of new systems to be a challenge. It is therefore important to get your team on board, and bought in. All users need to recognise quickly that a new system will benefit them and/or the organisation as a whole.

New systems will likely mean some changes to processes and this should not be seen as a negative thing. New systems should help to streamline the way you work. It is important that everyone is open to this. Where there is resistance to change open dialogue should be encouraged to talk through concerns and overcome any hurdles.

Having said that many people don’t like change, there are those that relish it and love working with new systems. These people can really help to make the process of digital transformation and implementing systems and changes go smoothly. These people can be known as “Change Agents”. Identify your Change Agents and empower them to drive the adoption and spread their enthusiasm.

Following the initial adoption of a new system it is important to recognise that this is not the end of the process. Digital transformation is about continually reviewing and evolving what you do. This doesn’t mean regularly needing to change systems or adding more systems, it just means keeping a focus on how you do things. Encourage your Change Agents and tech savvy team members to look for continual improvements.

Ensure you read any information sent to you from your software providers…make the most of updates and new functionality provided. Also speak to peers and keep abreast of digital trends and what solutions others are working with and how they are getting the most from their systems.

Keep questioning, learning and striving for improvement. Those that do will reap the benefits!

The post Getting value from your chosen software appeared first on briq.works.

Carl heads up the Shorplans architecture practice in South London. The practice had been getting bogged down fielding calls from clients wanting updates and information on next steps for their projects.

He chose briq.works to help him both keep his clients in the loop and to give them a greater insight into the different stages and tasks that made up their projects.

‘We needed a more efficient way of managing our clients’

The Shorplans practice is an exceptionally busy one. Before using briq.works, much of Carl and his team’s time was taken up with admin, specifically dealing with client update calls.

‘We want to provide a great service to our clients and keep them up to date with what’s happening with their projects. But it was getting so busy dealing with phone calls that we really needed a more efficient way of handling things.’

‘On top of that, we also wanted to give our clients more of an insight into the different stages of their design, and briq.works helps us to do just that. Now, when we send a project plan to our clients, they can identify the key stages on their design and they can see that we’re being compliant with the RIBA way of working.’

“briq.works is intuitive to set up, with a supportive team on hand to help with any questions.”

briq.works is provided with the RIBA Plan of Work as a template, but Shorplans, like other practices, prefers to use their own templates based on the RIBA plan of work framework.

Carl explains; ‘We have two main project templates that we use, covering planning and building control. Once we’d set up these templates in the system we could use them again and again, making each new project set up quick and straightforward.’

‘And once we’ve set up our clients on the briq.works system, they know we’re progressing their projects and feel reassured from the start, confident that we’re taking care of the project for them. In turn, this has reduced the number of phone calls coming in from them.’

‘And when your clients are at ease and better updated, it reduces the pressure in the office.’

So what’s been the impact for Carl of using briq.works?

‘The office is calmer! We don’t have clients contacting us for updates so much because now they can see exactly what’s going on through briq.works. They know their project is in the system, and we’re just getting on with it. They are so much better updated in terms of what’s going on. And we’re more productive and less distracted by the phone ringing all the time, and able to get on with our own work.’

The post A practice owner tells us how using briq.works has helped his business appeared first on briq.works.

When you start looking for software solutions to help you it can be daunting. If you do a google search you will come up with lots of options but how do you know which to look at and how do you work out what each one does and how it would work for your business in reality.

My suggestions are that you should start by being clear what problem it is you are looking to solve. It is very unlikely that you will ever find an existing system that will do everything for you. Start with the most pressing problem and look for a solution. It is important when you do this that you concentrate on the end result and not on how a system enables you to get there. Be open minded. Systems will likely result in you needing to change your existing processes and that is ok.

When you start looking you may find that there are well known generalist systems available that aren’t designed specifically for your industry or job function, but with some clever set up they could work. And often you will find very specific solutions designed perhaps by peers or at least with a specific profession in mind.

It is worth looking at both options. But I would urge you to consider that even though certain business tasks sound similar across industries, they can vary greatly. Often industry specific software allows you to benefit from many other businesses such as yours who have had input into the development of the software.

I believe that we should now be opting for cloud based solutions. No need to install programmes on to your personal computer or a local network with the restriction that you can then only use the system when you are logged on to that specific computer, or when you are connected to the office network. Solutions should be available for you to login via the internet securely via multiple devices whenever you need to. This has become even more apparent due to the current environment we are working in.

Next I would ensure that any company you choose to work with is invested in making sure you get up and running with using the system quickly and painlessly. Do they offer set up training and support? Do they have supporting how to video’s and guides? Is someone available for you to contact if you get stuck?

Similar to this I would suggest checking what level of support you would get once you are live. Who do you contact and how if you have a problem? How will they communicate with you about bugs, bug fixes and upgrades?

I would also advise that when selecting a new system you look in to the business behind it. Who are the key people, what are their drivers, what’s the business about and what is the likely direction of that business. You want to work with companies you can trust and align with.

And finally the cost consideration. There are some free software solutions available out there, which in some scenario’s can do a job for you. However do be mindful that to develop and maintain good software does cost time and money and therefore it is fair to pay for that. I would urge you not to automatically opt for the cheapest options, and to always consider the value a system will bring to your business.

When faced with two possible solutions it can be tempting to go for the cheapest, however first think about any differences in the amount of work you may need to do to get set up, any additional charges for training and support, how easy is a system to use, how much time would one system over another save you etc.

And I would suggest where possible to opt for subscription license model’s so that you have flexibility to switch to another system if for any reason you become happy with the service or you become aware of an alternative that may offer even better value.

Do get in touch if you have any comments on this or would like any help or advice.

The post How to select the right software for your practice appeared first on briq.works.

You’ll be able to better respond to your clients

Think about it for a moment. Your clients are using apps and tech to manage most of their day to day life, from ordering their weekly shop, to planning their personal fitness journey and finding a new romantic partner.

Yet when it comes to working with an architect on their home renovation, they’ll find it run by shared spreadsheet, phone calls and email.

Using a cloud based project management tool that keeps them in the loop as the project progresses will not only reassure them that everything is as it should be, it will also reflect well on the professionalism of your practice.

You’ll add value to your clients

A recent report from RIBA talked about digital transformation being able to ‘bring together people, data and processes to create value for clients and a competitive advantage for practices in a digital-first world.’

What does this mean for you? We see it as being able to use tech products in the right way, to collaborate and communicate better with your client and your internal and external project team. Meaning a happier client and a team that’s all on the same page.

You’ll get more referrals

A recent report stated that 50% of clients choose their architect based on a personal recommendation from a friend or family member.

So delight your clients with a professional service supported by a great tech tool, and you’re likely to get more referrals.

You’ll attract new talent to your practice

Did you know that so-called ‘Generation Z’ are said to be the first digitally native generation? They are entering the workforce now, and expect to use technology that’s intuitive to use, enables them to collaborate with their team and work flexibly.

What’s more, research by Insight found that the majority of 18 to 34-year-olds say they are dissatisfied with their current employer’s technology, and will be looking for an improvement in their next opportunity. So if you want to retain the next generation of young architects, keep them motivated by adopting good, purpose built software.

You’ll get successful outcomes.

Let’s face it, admin can be hard. And although process, communication and collaboration  might be valued by clients, you might see them as things that keep you away from doing what you’re best at; designing and creating beautiful buildings.

Using a software tool to automate these processes will save admin time, freeing you up to do what you enjoy the most about your job – being creative.

Finally, we remember what social entrepreneur and business leader Bill Drayton said recently;

‘Successful organisations need to move from a world primarily driven by repetition to one driven by change.’

So continue to review, consider and evolve how you manage your projects. Embrace change. And keep questioning.

The post Striving for continual improvement appeared first on briq.works.

We launched briq.works last year, and since then we’ve done a fair number of meetings and demos in architect practices of different shapes and sizes.

Here’s what we’ve learnt so far.

_____________________

Firstly, we’ve learnt that almost every single practice manages their projects in a way that is unique to them.

We’ve seen projects managed by spreadsheet, post-it note, generic project management software, and even ‘it’s all in my head’. And despite all these systems working pretty well in many cases, there is always something not quite right.

So what is the missing piece of the puzzle? In an ideal world, what would architects like to see in their perfect project management system?

We’ve found that the majority of architects want a project management tool where form follows function. Something that’s straightforward and intuitive to use. That looks good. That suits how they work.

They’d also like a system that’s easily updatable. Because when project timelines are sent to clients early on in the process – prior to engagement – they frequently change.

We’ve learnt that architects would like a tool that can show them who in the practice has got a lot of work on at any one time, and also, how busy the practice as a whole is going to be over the spread of a year.

We’ve found that not everyone uses the RIBA Plan of Work, even if they are working to a similar plan. Most architects work to a framework that suits their practice, their projects and their clients.

And talking of clients, we’ve learned that some practices are wary of giving their clients too much information as a project gets underway. Are concerned that too much information might lead to overload, and an increase in phone calls and emails.

But conversely many wanted a system that would automate and manage that communication and were looking for something that would reassure their clients without overloading them.

We will continue to listen, learn and develop our product based on the feedback of our user community.

What’s your ideal project management system? Drop us a line on vicki@briq.works to see if briq.works might be right for you.

The post What we’ve learnt from listening to you appeared first on briq.works.

According to a recent survey on the Architecture Marketing Blog, there’s potential disconnect between what architects think their clients want and what their clients actually want.

The differences are small but significant, and any architect looking for a smoother client relationship should take note.

So, what do architects think their clients want? Architects say that what is most important to their clients is that they, as an architect, truly understand their clients’ needs.

But when it comes to what clients value, it’s slightly different, with good communication, relevant skills, and an ability to help the construction process run smoothly ranking highly.

A desire to improve architect/client communication and find a way to engage clients more deeply with the construction process were key drivers for our co-founders, Tom Gresford and Joe Thompson, when they set up briq.works, an online tool that produces professional and detailed project plans for architects and shares them with their clients.

Joe says, ‘briq.works is simple but effective, saving architects so much time and hassle. I’ve been through house refurbishment a couple of times, so I know from a client point of view how difficult it is to keep track of things, and how poor the customer experience can be.’

Carl Shorter, of Shorplans Architects in London uses briq.works to both reassure (and impress!) his clients and reduce admin time in the office. ‘Clients know we’re progressing their projects and feel reassured from the start and this has reduced the number of ‘catch up’ phone calls significantly’, he says.

Lianne, who’s working with an architect on a new build, says that using briq.works with him has made the whole process much more transparent. ‘With briq.works, I can see what’s  coming up. The project planning and information sharing worked really well.’

We’ll finish with a few words from our co-founder and architect Tom Gresford. ‘When there are problems in a project, it’s usually down to a lack of communication somewhere down the line. Clear communication and a shared understanding of the project goals is key for successful projects…and happy clients’

If you’d like to see how briq.works could save you time and improve your client comms, drop us a line at vicki@briq.works or book a demo on our website briq.works.

The post Do you know what your clients value most about the service you offer? appeared first on briq.works.