Initiating the Process in Architectural CAD Drafting Services

“Well begun is half the job done”. The importance of ‘the first’ can never be undermined. In perhaps every relationship the impact of the first interaction goes far.
In the business of architectural CAD drafting services, the initial exchanges of information lead to setting of expectations (both stated and latent expectations).
This Blog looks at this stage of initiation. Sub stages are detailed out in subsequent blogs.
Exploration Stage
The most common causes for customer dissatisfaction are:

• Promises not kept

And

• Promise not met

While at first glance, these 2 statements look a reworded version of the other, but a patient look will leave a knowing smile on the reader.
The process of Exploration is an exchange between the prospective project manager of the client and the Architectural CAD drafting services firm. Its objective is to minimize the unstated. Hence, a series of questions are posed by the architectural CAD drafting services firm. This helps both the sides familiarize with the other’s work processes, communication methods and expertise.
Estimation Stage
In the AEC Industry, estimation is more of a technical than a commercial process. Price bands are discussed at the sales and pre-sale stage itself. Hence, a client who proffers a Request for Quote (RFQ) has already qualified the architectural CAD drafting services firm as competent and commercially viable. This stage of estimation, therefore, is a detailed exercise, and the end of which the client should have these answers on the proposed job:

• How much will it cost?
• How long will it take?
• What are the terms and conditions does the Architectural CAD drafting services firm expect in the contract?

This is, perhaps, the last opportunity for thearchitectural CAD drafting services firm to ask task specific questions. Holding back and deferring queries, or assuming answers is not advisable at this stage.
 Kick-off Stage
Once terms have been agreed upon, project teams from the client and the Architectural CAD drafting services firm meet (telephonically or on a video call) before the actual task commences. Doesn’t it appear like too much meeting over what is, basically, preparing a CAD drawing? Here are a few reasons that justify project teams meeting for a Kick-off, when they just met for Exploration, and exchanged information at the Estimation stage, too:

1. These are the actual people working on this job. Resources get earmarked at the pre-sales stage, but the team gets finalized after the contracts get signed. Prior to contract finalization, only the Project Managers interact, with some specialists.
2. The project also goes through changes or more information gets added.
3. The actual gap between the stages of Exploration, Estimation and Kick-off could be as much a 4 weeks.

Conclusively
While these stages are detailed out in ensuing Blogs, it is important to understand that these detailed stages are the product of mistakes in the past (also known as ‘experience’). Errors in a project can cause delay or losses, both unaffordable in today’s economic environment.
However, to make the most of these time and resource consuming processes, the exchanges must be documented.
Learn more about this in our ensuing Blog: Written communication in architectural CAD drafting services