Design by Arquitecto Maximiliano Hinojosa Visualization by ReihnerHouse
Architecture firms using Archicad for their virtual office platform are an attractive target market for specialized support contractors located outside North America. The difference in the cost of doing business can provide a competitive advantage. One of those companies is ReihnerHouse, based in Ciudad de Mendoza, Argentina.
When a small firm lands a big project, it either grows or outsources. Finding temporary staff who are up to speed on the Archicad platform can be a challenge, and sometimes adding long-term staff isn’t in the business plan. That’s the challenge Claudio Castroand his ReihnerHouse partners have stepped into.
Archvista does not endorse third-party contractors, but when Castro reached out for an interview, it was an opportunity “to provide information on how clients can use support contractors to build their practice,” said Tracie Simmons, Managing Director.
Design by Arquitecto Maximiliano Hinojosa Visualization by ReihnerHouse
Like many American architectural practices, ReihnerHouse grew out of connections made in college. Their practice includes Castro, his two partners and six additional employees based in Argentina and working virtually. “We have a few very small projects here. 90% of our clients are based in the States,” said Castro.
Castro welcomed the opportunity to network with Archvista clients. “If a company is new to Archicad and needs experts or just staffing in general, we can help.”
Castro suggested that firm principals considering third-party support start by asking themselves what they need. Is the issue production staff to meet deadlines? Higher quality renderings? Is the need better served by hiring a firm with a combination of talents they might be hard-pressed to find in hiring a single person?
Design by Arquitecto Maximiliano Hinojosa Visualization by ReihnerHouse
“Sometimes independent architects are starting to gain more clients and still doing everything,” said Castro. “They’re drafting. They’re meeting with clients. They’re designing, they’re in the field, they’re like a spider, so many arms trying to do everything, and it just gets a little bit overwhelming. And that’s where we can help a lot in the production area, where they could focus on looking for new clients, or just more in the management area, and leave the drafting to our team, or just help with the design presentation.”
Like hiring any other professional service, finding the right third-party contractor requires checking references. ReihnerHouse also offers a two-week trial period to explore the working relationship for a good fit.
Castro lived in Florida for 14 years before returning to Argentina. His family still lives in Florida, making him bi-cultural as well as bi-lingual. He and his partners attended architecture school at the University of Mendoza. As they were building their post-university practice in an unstable economy in Ciudad de Mendoza, Castro realized they were well-positioned to fill a niche in the US. “We currently have clients in Seattle, California, and New York,” said Castro.
Design by Arquitecto Maximiliano Hinojosa Visualization by ReihnerHouse
Coordinating across time zones can be a challenge with third-party support companies based in Europe or Asia. Argentina’s time zone is officially GMT-3, meaning it is one hour ahead of Eastern Time. The Congress of Argentina is currently considering a move to align the country with Eastern Standard Time.
Archicad users may work with third-party contractors, such as ReihnerHouse, on an hourly or project basis. Services can include drafting, rendering, animations, or training and support for US staff new to the Archicad platform. Castro said his team has been using Archicad for twelve years and is available as a resource for learners.
When asked for his advice to American firms considering outsourcing services, Castro cautioned about services serving as a middleman for cheap temporary staffing.
“At ReihnerHouse, we look to create connections to keep us together for the long term,” said Castro. “Some people we’ve been working with for four years. We see each other every day, you start to make friends and just feel like another team member.”
Written by Sue Lani Madsen, AIA Member Emeritus, Freelance Columnist
You can reach Sue Lani at [email protected]