What a Developer-Focused Architect Really Delivers

I’ve known I wanted to be an architect since I was three years old. My mom gave me a sketchbook that showed how to draw a house—start with a square, add a triangle. I was hooked.

I spent my childhood sketching buildings down to the tiniest details, and over the years that early interest turned into a career built on my love for architecture. Today at archall architects, I focus on helping developers bring complex multi-family projects to life, from the initial site plan to the certificate of occupancy.

Over the past 25+ years, I’ve learned what really keeps a commercial development project moving, and it isn’t just drawings. Developers need architects who understand how their priorities, timelines, and risk factors play out over the course of a project.

Most importantly, they need someone they can trust to manage the complex coordination between all stakeholders involved, because the architect takes a much more active role than most people think.

1. Managing Consultants So Developers Don’t Have To

One of the most overlooked risks during development is poor coordination between consultants. These consultants are partners we work closely with throughout every project: general contractors, civil engineers, structural engineers, MEPs (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing), and others.

But who manages these relationships during the project? It’s the role of the project architect.

Consultant coordination is a critical role our team takes on for the developer. We are organizing meetings and working sessions, tracking deliverables, documenting important decisions, and keeping people aligned across all disciplines to keep the project on schedule. We take the initiative so the owner doesn’t have to relay messages between teams.

We worked closely with our structural engineer, general contractor, and masonry subcontractor to reconstruct the historic stone façade at Adelphi Quarter (Columbus, OH). This was an unexpected request from the local community during the design process that required coordination and collaboration from the entire team.

I’ve learned over the years that keeping consultants aligned isn’t just about the meetings. It requires a deep understanding of how each discipline’s work fits together. We know how to collaborate with these partners and speak their languages because we’ve been managing these relationships and problem-solving alongside them for years on this project type.

Site compliance is a perfect example. To get a project permitted, we work closely with the civil engineer, who develops a site compliance plan. These plans show us property lines and existing site conditions, such as steep grading or utility conflicts, that could cause project delays. We use these plans to begin laying out the building footprint. Working early with civil engineers and site compliance information helps ensure the site is constructible and can be developed in a cost-effective way. Otherwise, the owner ends up spending far more than necessary.

2. Integrating Code Compliance Into Design From Day One

Believe it or not, I’ve always loved researching building code compliance. It’s a fun puzzle for me! Every day, someone on our team brings me something new to figure out. Codes are always changing, and every municipality’s interpretation of said codes is different.

From occupant load calculations and required plumbing fixture counts to fire protection and egress strategies, every decision filters through a regulatory lens. You may want to design a building one way, but code compliance can significantly alter your project—from materials used to entire layouts.

Code compliance does not just protect the project from permitting issues; it shapes the building.

High-rise buildings, like One at the Peninsula (Columbus, OH), are more code-complex than most multi-family developments. This one stands out as one of the toughest, but most rewarding works I’ve taken on.

We act as the first line of defense when it comes to zoning, building, and accessibility code interpretation. We are not waiting for the local jurisdiction to tell us what’s wrong after drawings are complete. We are integrating code into the design from the start.

One of the most common areas where code compliance issues come up is occupancy type. On a recent project, we had to reduce the calculated occupant load in a courtyard to avoid triggering a second stair and more extensive fire protection requirements. We isolated specific zones, adjusted the load calculations, and made sure the design still worked—saving the developer a significant amount of money.

My team knows that there’s more than one way to solve a code issue. You just have to know how to look for it and talk through the options with the client.

The earlier we integrate code research in our planning discussions, the more freedom we have to design around it rather than redesigning because of it.

3. Making Smarter Decisions by Designing With Budget Clarity

Every project has the same goal: deliver a well-coordinated, buildable design that reflects the developer’s financial goals. Because at the end of the day, great design only works if it’s buildable and within the client’s budget.

Part of working within a budget is knowing which questions to ask—and asking them early. That’s how we find the best solutions.

One of the first decisions that shapes cost is the construction type of the building. We work with developers to evaluate options like podium versus Type III-B construction early in the design phase. That decision alone can affect everything from unit layout to fire separation strategy and, ultimately, the overall budget.

Using alternative product solutions in lieu of traditional brick masonry helped the Fifth X Northwest (Grandview, OH) project stay within budget and simplified the structural requirements.

Material substitutions are another way we create value for our clients. On one project, we initially planned to use traditional brick masonry, but construction requirements and cost prompted us to explore alternatives. We presented several options and did the research to confirm that the brick alternative would meet both waterproofing and design standards. It saved the owner a significant amount in construction costs without sacrificing the refined brick aesthetic they wanted.

I pride myself on being able to spot and solve budget issues before they snowball, and I work to pass along that same mindset to our team.

When cost challenges come up, we are always prepared with alternatives that keep the project moving without compromising the design.

4. Staying Engaged Through Construction

Our job doesn’t end when the finalized construction documents go out the door. During the construction administration phase, we stay hands-on: reviewing submittals, answering RFIs, and working with contractors to make sure what gets built matches the design intent.

Site visits are easily one of my favorite parts of the job. We walk the active construction site with the developer and consultants to check construction progress, identify any issues or roadblocks, and review together what’s coming next.

The truth is, issues always come up in the field. Having someone involved who understands both the code and the “why” behind every detail can be the difference between a minor adjustment and a major delay.

At a recent site visit, a stairwell was framed before required fire-rated sheathing was installed behind the walls. That’s a serious safety risk and would have resulted in a failed inspection, a code violation, and costly rework and delays. Because we were actively engaged on the project and visiting the site routinely, we caught the issue and worked closely with the general contractor to have it resolved quickly.

When I’m on a project, I know what’s under the foundation and behind the walls. That kind of familiarity is exactly why it’s important to have eyes on-site throughout construction.

Final Thoughts // Supporting the Vision Behind Every Development

After all the coordination and problem-solving, what stays with me is the purpose behind it.

I’ve always loved designing places where people want to actually live. Developers today aren’t simply putting up apartment buildings—they are creating communities. They want residents to enjoy where they live, to feel connected, build friendships, and to have a reason to stay. I’ve come a long way from sketching houses as a child, and it’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a team that designs places people can call home.

If you’re looking for a multi-family architect who understands both the technical details and the vision of mixed-use and multi-family projects, we'd love to talk.

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