27 problems architects bring us, each with the cause, what it costs and what we build to fix it.
Architects discover a RIBA stage overspent only after it ends. We build weekly tracking from timesheets and invoices, with warnings to the project architect.
Architects chase staff every Friday for missing timesheets, then guess the gaps. We build timesheets pre-filled from calendars and files so filling in is quick.
Architects rewrite fee proposals from old Word files for each enquiry. We build a proposal builder with stage-by-stage scope, fees and exclusions you control.
Architects lose hours to homeowner enquiries that do not fit their work or budget. We build an enquiry form and triage that shows who to visit first.
Architects collect the client brief in meeting notes and emails, and wishes get lost. We build a structured brief the client fills in and the team maintains.
Architects design to a client budget that does not match their wishes, then redesign. We build a cost reference from your past projects for early conversations.
Architects spend hours on council sites checking planning history and constraints for each site. We build a site pack that gathers the public data in one place.
Architects lose weeks when a council returns a planning application as invalid. We build a pre-submission check against each council's local validation list.
Architects check each council portal by hand for consultee comments and planning decisions. We build a tracker that watches live applications and alerts you.
Architects track planning conditions in their heads and some get missed before work starts. We build a conditions register from each decision notice.
Architects track building control plans submissions, queries and inspections by email. We build a tracker so every query, response and inspection is visible.
Architects rely on meeting chat and emails for client design approvals, which are disputed later. We build stage sign-off records clients approve online.
Architects fill in drawing issue sheets in Excel and lose track of who has which revision. We build an issue record from the drawing files and who they went to.
Architects export door and window schedules from the model, then fix them in Excel. We build checks that find bad data in the model and publish clean schedules.
Architects rebuild area schedules by hand after each design change and figures drift. We build a live schedule from the model, checked against the brief.
Architects reuse old specifications and find products discontinued or changed at tender. We build a product library that flags stale data before you specify.
Architects waste time hunting for precedent images and past project photos in folders. We build a searchable image library tagged by material, type and project.
Architects lead design team meetings where actions are minuted and then forgotten. We build an action log that chases each owner between meetings.
Architects acting as contract administrator produce instructions and certificates in Word and track dates by hand. We build a register with dates and drafts.
Architects take site photos on their phones and they rarely reach the project file. We build an upload that files each photo by project, date and location.
Architects write snagging lists on paper, retype them and chase contractors for weeks. We build a snagging tool with photos, locations and contractor sign-off.
Architects chase homeowners for tile, tap and finish choices while the builder waits. We build a selections schedule with deadlines tied to the programme.
Architects chase contractors for warranties, certificates and manuals after completion. We build a handover tracker that collects each item during the build.
Architects field constant 'any news?' emails from homeowner clients. We build a client project page that shows stage, next steps and waiting items.
Architects leave their best recent projects off the website because updating it is a chore. We build a portfolio workflow from project records and photos.
Architects pay planning fees, printing and travel for clients and forget to recharge them. We build expense capture that tags costs to projects and invoices.
Architects issue drawings with wrong title blocks, missing revision notes and odd scales. We build automated pre-issue checks so a person reviews the flags.