Every successful project starts with careful planning and a clear vision. Before engaging a consultant, it’s important to establish a strong foundation that will guide the process from initial concept to completion. By preparing upfront, you can set your project on the right path and create a framework for success. In regards to the scope of the project, consider:
- Overall Square Footage – Knowing the approximate size of your project allows professionals to estimate material needs, resource allocation, and timelines accurately. Are you planning a new build or a remodel? This sets the foundation for a functional and efficient design.
*If you’re unsure about the overall square footage, a professional can assess your needs and help determine the appropriate size for your project.
- Owner/Corporate Buy-In – Ensuring all decision-makers are on board with the project before engaging a professional minimizes delays and revisions. Consensus upfront allows the team to focus on delivering results rather than revisiting decisions.
*A consultant can provide preliminary programming to help define project goals and secure corporate buy-in, ensuring alignment before moving forward.
- Long and Short-Term Goals – Identify the specific objectives of the project. Are you aiming to enhance productivity, improve sustainability, or expand capacity? These goals shape the design process, ensure the project delivers value, and provide professionals with critical insight into aesthetic preferences, functionality, and project scope to align with your expectations.
- Realistic Expectations – Communicate your expectations for timelines, deliverables, and communication. Setting these upfront helps establish a transparent working relationship and ensures that the professional meets your needs effectively.
*A professional can provide guidance on realistic expectations, offering insight into typical project timelines, deliverables, and potential challenges to ensure a well-informed process.
- Budget/Funding/Grants – Establishing a clear budget/means of funds helps professionals tailor their design and engineering solutions to your financial parameters. It ensures that realistic options are presented and avoids costly surprises later in the project. Withholding your budget from your consultant is a recipe for disaster. It opens the potential to miss the mark if communication is not transparent.
*Establishing a budget can be a complex process for businesses and individuals alike. Engaging a professional can provide valuable guidance in defining, refining, and developing a budget that aligns with your goals and financial strategy
- Establish Your Project Team – A well-defined project team streamlines communication, decision-making, and overall project efficiency. Assembling key teaming partners—such as A/E consultants, contractors, and end-users—ensures that all perspectives are considered and expectations are aligned from the start. A strong team helps prevent delays and miscommunication, keeping the project on track and within scope.
*If you’re unsure who should be involved, a consultant can help identify the right partners and establish a clear decision-making structure to support project success.
Planning these key aspects in advance can streamline your collaboration with a professional and set your project up for success! If you need guidance, a consultant can help establish these elements to ensure a clear and effective project roadmap.
For more information, reach out to The JDI Group team to discuss why you should engage a professional before buying land, designing a new building, or retrofitting an existing building.
