Additional Architectural Designers Revitalizes a Small Firm’s Competitiveness and Growth

The Client

The client is a small architecture and design firm in the construction industry. They work on a variety of projects, including residential, institutional and commercial.

The Challenge

In 2021, the client underwent a significant transition, with ownership being transferred to three new principals. The principal in charge of hiring quickly realized that they were at a disadvantage compared to larger firms that had dedicated talent acquisition teams. Without the necessary resources to source talent, they were forced to rely on the “post and pray” method, hoping that suitable candidates would apply. Unfortunately, this approach was ineffective, and the client struggled to attract the talent they needed.

Adding onto the issue was their lack of insight into proper screening techniques. This deficiency led to several critical problems: project deliveries were prolonged, existing staff were overworked and the company was unable to pursue new projects or grow. The situation was dire; if they couldn’t find a solution, they faced the risk of being unable to compete for and win new projects. This would result in delayed timelines for existing clients, erosion of client relationships and a significant loss of revenue.

The stakes were particularly high because the client primarily worked on school building projects. Delays in project completion could directly impact school operations, causing disruptions for students and staff. It was clear that without addressing these challenges, the client’s future and the timely delivery of essential education infrastructure were at serious risk.

The Actalent Solution

To effectively address the client’s challenges, Actalent took a comprehensive approach that began with gaining an in-depth understanding of the client’s unique needs. Recognizing the need for architectural designers, we meticulously sourced, screened and selected highly skilled talent, ensuring that the client had access to the best candidates. This thorough process allowed the client to identify and select four architectural designers who were not only technically proficient, but also a great cultural fit.

Additionally, Actalent provided continuous support throughout the onboarding process, facilitating smooth transitions and ensuring that the new hires quickly adapted to their roles. This approach not only met the client’s immediate needs but also contributed to their long-term success and satisfaction.

The Results

Actalent’s solution proved to be highly effective, delivering significant benefits to the client. By saving both time and money, our solution not only enhanced operational efficiency, but also revitalized the wellbeing of the existing staff. The improvement in staff morale and workload management enabled the client to focus on growth and maintain a competitive edge in the industry. The strategic hiring of four key personnel ensured that projects remained on track, preventing staff from becoming overworked and maintaining a balanced work environment.

The collaboration between Actalent and the client was a cornerstone of this success. Actalent’s deep understanding of the client’s company culture, strengths and values facilitated a seamless integration of new hires. Regular meetings and consistent communication kept the client informed and involved throughout the process. This collaborative effort resulted in the full-time hiring of three architecture designers, further solidifying the team’s capabilities.

The client expressed their satisfaction, trust and confidence in Actalent’s ability to deliver effective solutions and support their long-term success, indicating their intention to continue relying on Actalent for future needs.