In the diverse and dynamic profession of architecture and construction, it is becoming a norm to hire and work with dedicated remote architects to upscale architectural workflows and enhance efficiency.
The advent of technology and globalization is commonly visible in the AEC sector, making remote working a common business format for professionals. The firms can tap into a reservoir of talented architects globally and hire the most suitable match for the project.
A market study shows a significant growth of $8.9 billion in 2022 to $16.5 billion in 2030 in the market size of the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. As we stand on the brink of this transformative era, architecture and construction companies are experiencing a dire need to hire dedicated professionals who can cater to fluctuating project demands.
This article will embrace the benefits of Hiring Dedicated architects and explore the appropriate method to navigate its challenges.
The Advantage of Hiring Dedicated Architects
The AEC sector, traditionally reliant on in-office collaboration, has experienced a shift towards a dedicated hiring culture driven by technological advancements and the demand for flexible work arrangements.
Let's explore the key benefits of hiring and managing dedicated remote architects in the AEC industry
Access to Global Talent Pool
One of the significant benefits of hiring dedicated remote architects is employers have access to a bigger talent pool from all over the world. In the past, AEC firms established their human resources pool within their local regions, refraining from recruiting from the global pool due to being skeptical about remote working.
However, with the surge in remote hiring culture, organizations are switching towards dedicated remote hiring irrespective of their geographical location.
Access to Expertise and Elaborated Skillset
Delving into the global talent pool provides access to expertise not readily available in the local region. Hiring architects who are highly skilled and specialize in specific niches regardless of their location is the new transformational stride for the industry.
The AEC firms can stay in the lead on the competitive front by integrating the best architectural references and standards from other geographical domains.
Cost Efficiency
Hiring dedicated architects poses notable advantages by producing immense cost benefits, particularly for an organization that requires skilled professionals but is tight on a budget to recruit a full-time, in-house team.
With remote architects, the firms can avoid office running expenses including office space, infrastructure, equipment, and other overhead costs.
This flexibility of hiring helps the business organization track its financial resources while procuring quality architects. Additionally, firms can adopt flexible hiring models, such as:
Project-based hiring
A business only employs an architect on a project basis, eliminating a fixed pay and indemnity expense in the long term.
Hourly contracts
Companies can hire architects on an hourly basis to only pay for the number of hours invested in completing the work.
Scalability of Teams
The workflow of different projects in the AEC industry varies depending on project duration and client demands. Hiring a team of dedicated architects offers the flexibility to scale the workforce whenever necessary.
Firms can get on board additional resources for short-term requirements without committing to long-term employment contracts. The flexibility to scale up and down is beneficial during project peaks or when dealing with tight deadlines.
Diverse Perspectives and Innovative Solutions
Hiring Dedicated Architects from different geographical locations enables the firms to bring diverse perspectives and fresh ideas. This allows the firms to create more innovative and culturally sensitive architectural designs.
For projects of international or multicultural relevance, a diverse team can provide unique and creative design solutions, reflecting a broader range of influences.
Overcoming the Challenges of Hiring Dedicated Architects
With the multiple benefits of hiring dedicated architects, there are several challenges that AEC firms must consider to avoid failures in the remote working culture.
Let's delve deeper into the challenges of hiring dedicated architects and their preferred solutions:
Communication and Interactions
Disruptive communication and unclear discourse cause delayed project completion and compromise with desired results. Whilst architecture is a discipline that relies on an effective team, leading a remote team can be particularly challenging.
Remote architects may struggle to feel like a part of the team, especially when they’re not physically present for meetings, brainstorming sessions, or design reviews. This can create a sense of isolation and hinder team collaboration.
For instance, normal working conditions give the issues more directness, as the engineers, designers, or project managers could easily be approached.
Nevertheless, in remote situations, the architects have no physical contact and therefore are compelled to utilize technologies and applications. A few challenges include:
Time zone differences
Considering time zone differences, if a firm hires dedicated architects globally, communication issues may be troublesome. Synchronous meetings could be an issue since the confusion might lead to project delays.
Lack of real-time interaction
Some architectural decisions have time constraints in terms of decision-making. For teams positioned remotely, it is a difficult task to communicate instantly and effectively.
Solution: Use project management applications including software where design documents and other related data can be shared in real-time for review and feedback.
Maintaining Quality Control
Quality of work is also a major concern in projects involving dedicated architects. Due to the widely adaptive concept of remote hiring, managers face difficulty monitoring the remotely positioned architects in real-time, thus compromising work quality. This can cause delays, cost overruns, and other negative consequences.
Solution: Set quality standards right from the onset, and communicate them to the remote architect. Schedule regular meetings with all stakeholders to review progress and discuss work quality.
Whenever possible, use cloud-based design and building information modeling tools to track work in progress and promote transparency.
Onboarding and Integration
Another challenge that accompanies hiring dedicated architects is the seamless integration and onboarding of the new hires into the company. Disconnection, ambiguity in task allocation, and inadequate collaboration may arise when dedicated remote architects lack alignment with organizational and project frameworks.
Solution: Develop strong check-in protocols that facilitate the alignment of remote architects to the environment and operations of the company. Organizing virtual interactions and pro-architect team-building activities allows remote workers to be in closer touch with the internal team.
Legal and Compliance Issues
Hiring dedicated architects can be a complex process, especially when considering remote architects from other countries with distinct legal frameworks governing the hiring process.
Companies need to research and understand the degrees of employment legislation, tax, and property rights in each country or region to ensure compliance with the applicable laws.
Solution: Consult legal experts to determine the contracts, patents, and employment conditions and terms for enactment without contravening regional legal provisions. Using global payroll platforms is suitable to streamline international hiring and ensure employees’ payroll, taxes, and compliance.
Dedicated Resource Model(DRM): Overcoming Challenges and Embracing the Benefits
The dedicated Resource Model by Virtual Building Studio has the AEC firms covered with the required expertise. From finding the top 1% of experts including architects, structural engineers, mechanical engineers, plumbing engineers, electrical engineers, and fire-protection engineers to proficiency in advanced AEC tools to a flexible engagement model that works best for the company, DRM caters to all the necessities of the clientele.
Perks of Integrating DRM Solutions
- Top 1% US-trained architects and MEP engineers.
- Saves costs but also increases work efficiency by 4X.
- Hire from an experienced staff dealing with similar projects for more than 9 years.
- Flexibility of scaling according to long-term and short-term goals.
- Eliminate the burden of sourcing, recruiting, training, and retaining talent.
- Immediate access to a high-quality talent pool.
- Experts are available to join the team within 3 days of onboarding time.
- The architects and engineers are evaluated on soft and behavioral skills to ensure seamless integration and cultural fit.
- The expert architects and engineers have experience working with companies across the US.
Success Story of DRM integration
A US-based architecture firm- Heights Venture expanded the team of dedicated architects and MEP engineers from 1 to 3, with an average onboarding time of 3 days.
By adopting the Dedicated resource model the firm witnessed a total of 55% cost savings compared to their prior working approach.
Key Benefits to the Client- Top 1% Dedicated Architects & Engineers
- 3 Days Onboarding
- Culture Fit Dedicated Team
- Available in MYT Time Zone
- Knowledge Retention
Conclusion
Hiring and managing dedicated remote architects offers firms a range of benefits along with certain challenges. By addressing these challenges through technology, clear communication protocols, and strong team integration strategies, firms can successfully leverage the advantages of remote architectural talent to enhance their projects and improve overall performance.
As the AEC industry continues to embrace remote work, firms that adapt to this trend will be better positioned to stay competitive and attract top architectural talent.
