David P Goode Architecture is now licensed to practice architecture in Arizona andTexas. While we won’t necessarily solicit new business there (yet?), we have existing clients with interests in the states, so it made sense to broaden our reach.
Why DPGA Stays “Small”
When I went out on my own to launch David P Goode Architecture in 2009, I had a very specific philosophy behind it. You hire my business, you get me – now over 33 years (!!) of architecture, construction, and general engineering experience – all applied to every project.
I had worked for large firms: helping start a branch office in Colorado in 1994 which we grew to two locations and 38 employees; and heading up the 30-person Denver office of a national architecture firm. Each time, there were some things missing… the direct relationship with the client and the ability to swerve when needed to meet a client’s specific needs.
Seth Godin spells it out pretty well in this blog post.
So, DPGA stays small. The direct relationship with the client, the knowledge based on decades of experience, and the flexibility to provide just what the client needs on a project by project basis. Yes, there are folks working in the background – drafters, designers, engineers – but, your project is never “passed off” to a junior staff member. I will answer your call and I will show up to your meetings.
Details Matter
Why a photo of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge? Details. Every time I go to Disney, I am reminded of how details affect the overall experience of the guests, and the new attraction blew me away. Disney is about details.
Details in the architecture business include good plans of course, but the real difference maker is how clients are cared for. Timely calls and emails are a given, but do you go the extra mile in research and problem solving? Do you look beyond “your job” to find obstacles and potential pitfalls? There are dozens of opportunities every day to kill it on the details… embrace them.
Misconceptions – Not Just Small Projects
One thing I have heard over the last year or so is the misconception that DPGA only works on small projects…. This not the case! So, I thought it would be a good idea to provide some insight on recent work. Over the last 18 months, the following projects have been completed in this office and are at various stages of delivery:
Gateway Pointe Plaza – new 25,000 SF retail shell, wth a 12,000 SF liquor store anchor, opened November 2015 in Aurora, CO.
Stein Mart – new 32,000 SF retail shell and tenant finish turnkey delivery, opened October 2016 in Thornton, CO.
Michaels Arts and Crafts – 23,000 SF tenant finish, opened February 2017 in Boulder, CO.
Sable Center – new 9,500 SF multi-tenant retail shell, opened September 2016 in Brighton, CO.
Lot 10 Shops – new 14,000 SF multi-tenant retail shell, turnover to tenants May 2017 in Thornton, CO.
ULTA Beauty – new 10,000 SF, shell delivery May 2017 in Brighton, CO.
Lincoln Commons Bldg. C – new 20,000 SF, two story office over retail shell with turnover to tenants May 2017 in Lone Tree, CO.
Lincoln Commons Bldg. H – new 7,500 SF multi-tenant retail shell, scheduled for turnover Fall 2017 in Lone Tree, CO.
Tuesday Morning – new 12,500 SF retail shell and tenant finish, turnkey delivery scheduled for August 2017.
Retail Shops – new 7,500 SF multi-tenant retail shell, scheduled for delivery Fall 2017 in Northern Colorado.
Retail Shops – new 7,500 SF multi-tenant retail shell, scheduled for delivery Fall 2017 in Southern Colorado.
Grocery Store – 23,000 SF tenant finish, scheduled for delivery late Fall 2017 in Denver, CO.
Grocery Store – 25,000 SF tenant finish, scheduled for delivery Fall 2017 in Denver, CO.
This is just a list of the larger projects and does not include the smaller projects that pass through our office which include many restaurants and retail stores. We’ll get some pictures up on the website soon.
The bottom line is this: we have the horsepower to complete these projects, but we take a different approach to the business of architecture. Our approach allows DPGA to provide efficient, quality client service at more competitive fee structures for our clients. We have amazing sub-consultants that share our vision, and we’ve worked together seamlessly for years. I would love to have you give us a try, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
The DPGA model is working, as 80% of our business is from repeat clients.