Architecture has simultaneously become one of the most dynamically developing and fastest-changing industries in recent decades. Market expectations are often completely transformed in 4- to 5-year periods, following changes in the managerial sector’s mindset that determines market decisions. By 2008, the Great Recession brought significant new directions in design and construction, and these changes are now playing an increasingly important role as the COVID-19 crisis comes to an end.
New consulting directions in architecture
Investors have become more cautious, more aware, and want to cover market needs faster and more perfectly than ever before. This is a trend that directly affects the architecture, design, and construction sectors. Today, it is no longer enough to design a unique building in appearance or perfect in its functionality; it must also come with precise execution, budget planning, and adherence to budget plans, i.e., a professional and complex execution. There is no room for errors that seriously affect the final costs, deadlines, and quality, nor is there room for the later correction of conceptually bad solutions. The market must grow to meet these expectations. The traditional design and construction sub-processes have become more complex, and the professional supervision/consulting that has accompanied the entire process has taken on a critical role. Consulting has always existed in architecture, but traditional design offices have tried to provide it for themselves, which is not acceptable as an objective solution for investors and clients. There is a serious demand for independent consultants with the highest level of professional knowledge that monitor the work of design offices and construction companies and make proposals for amendments, keeping in mind the interests and goals of investors and customers. Within the consulting field, we distinguish three main areas based on market expectations.
HEARTURE
HEARTURE is the first independent consulting firm in the international architectural industry that can provide its clients with all of the latest architectural consulting fields at the same time. The joint application of the Performance Projection, Budget Guidance, and Sourcing Plan ensures that they can realistically plan their ideas and execute them without major, unplanned construction crises, all while optimising projects costs. HEARTURE’S specialised expertise is based on 25 years of experience from high-quality university research and more than 500 business development projects that have been successfully completed using this methodology. HEARTURE is a specialist in structural design and as such plays a key role in the design and construction phases of architectural projects. “The thorough and complete satisfaction of our customers has always been imperative for us, and thanks to this, we have built a system of strong relationships with construction and implementation vendors. It was clear to us that getting to know the customer’s ideas regarding planning, execution, and material and tool procurement is essential for running a successful project. That is why we have collected a team of specialists with significant experience in various fields, a team that makes decisions at the central strategic level yet can specifically monitor operational implementation” – explained CEO Ákos Pohl.
THE HEARTURE SCALE SYSTEM
Our consulting activity’s basic measurement system is a scaling solution that allows the partner to see the reality of their project’s feasibility in absolute values and based on an objective measurement tool. After an objective professional audit, HEARTURE evaluates the given project based on the aspects of the relevant field. The value is between 0 and 100% with the following guidelines:
In the case of a value between 0-30%, there were serious professional doubts and reservations regarding the project’s planning and the calculations for its implementation. It is definitely recommended for the customer to redesign the designated professional aspects.
For values between 31-70%, the design and implementation of the project are acceptable. There are elements to reconsider that can markedly improve the project’s effectiveness, efficiency, and quality. In any case, HEARTURE identifies the development opportunities and makes suggestions to improve efficiency and quality.
For values above 71%, the project’s design and execution are fully in line with professional expectations. The client can start the project with confidence, and there should be no professional doubts about it, although there may be unplanned quality or efficiency improvement considerations.
As the director advisor to investors, Hearture is now able to continuously and procedurally monitor design and construction companies working for the investor. They can oversee the process, point out the items that need to be changed, and define the points that will increase quality or reduce costs. The company can also define the differences between the design and the final execution. In fact, they can manage the entire project so that it implements the goals of the investor. As an external, objective control of design offices, with experience in construction and procurement, HEARTURE improves the feasibility of plans and ensure the project’s cost-effectiveness. To do this, they specifically define the needed changes and the recommended procurement channels. If necessary, the company can represent the office in procurement management. This ensure the implementation of the project as envisaged by the investors with the direct support of project managers. Moreover, HEATURE provides specific support in setting up and adhering to the budget. Finally, the company can act as a control point for the hired design and construction companies, providing ongoing professional information and oversight to the project manager throughout the project process.
“Our partners use HEARTURE’s consulting services for projects of various sizes. The use of the three consulting areas is not size or location dependent. For our partners, the common points are their expectations: all of them are professionally managed, controlled at the appropriate professional level, feasible in practice, and the implementation of the projects ensures the highest cost-effectiveness while maintaining the quality standard they envision”
– said the CEO.