Owners, developers and project managers have a lot at stake when they take on a new design project. They need to consider the overall impacts of budget and construction schedule as well as curate a space that is trend forward, timeless and speaks to the end user. Selecting the right design team is crucial to the overall success of the project. One might assume a large design firm is better positioned to take on this task. Yet, I would counter that point of view with the unique strengths of boutique design firms:
Adaptability - Boutique design firms have the freedom to innovate and try new things that meet the individual needs of their clients. They have the flexibility to offer tailored solutions to each and every client and an entrepreneurial spirit that drives them to meet challenges with unique solutions.
Senior Level Access - Boutique firms typically have only one or two small teams. The firm’s principal and founder is generally also the client’s daily point person; the one answering every email and phone call. They create an intimate relationship with their client’s project. Not only are they senior level, but they also know every detail about your project.
More skin in the game - Every client matters more to a boutique firm. Boutique firms live and die by their clients. In a boutique firm you are one of a select group of client rather than one of one hundred clients. Boutique firms are passionate about the success of each client and passionate about the process it takes to get there.
Boutique design firms are positioned to meet their client’s needs in ways that large firms can’t always accommodate. Many boutique firm principals and founders come from large firms and can fully understand the needs of your large scale project and the process it takes to get the job done while leveraging the strengths of a boutique firm.
