4 TIPS FOR ARCHITECTS
ARCHITECTUAL GREATNESS
TIPS FOR ARCHITECTS WHEN SPECIFYING
Architects’ jobs are inherently stressful. Everything must be taken into consideration, from legal requirements to the end user’s likes and dislikes.
Additionally, tighter budgets also play a major role in decision making, as the quantity surveyor team will query every specified product. The last thing an architects wants is to be bothered by external sales representatives, but they do require information and updates about products on the market.
We’ve put together 4 Tips for Architects when Specifying Products, to help you achieve a relatively stress-free specifying process!
WHAT TO REMEMBER
1. DIGITAL PRODUCT LIBRARIES AND SAMPLES
Most architects are moving away from libraries that are overstocked with samples. It is also challenging to keep track of which samples are still available in the market and which ones have expired already. The latest trend is to digitalize the library, and one of our recommended tips when specifying products is to search your supplier’s websites for time-saving downloads.
This digital solution offers current products, beautiful inspirations, and won’t clutter your office with outdated samples. Most digital copies include pictures which inform the user how the product can be applied. When an architect likes a specific product, they can request those samples from the local supplier. The supplier will then proceed to bring enough samples to the architect and clients. The supplier will immediately prepare supporting documentations and technical information.
2. BE SPECIFIC AND COMPARE APPLES WITH APPLES
For one specific application, there are a wide variety of similar offerings in the market. Many products may be similar, but certain elements can influence the price. For instance: some products might contain more chemicals that make the product stronger and more durable.
Simple things may also influence a product’s look and make it appear more expensive than others, for instance the actual sheet sizes and thickness of the product.
Be specific in your description and sizes of the product that you are specifying. This will ensure that your local supplier offers you the correct product for the specific application. Also request the required technical information from the start.
3. CONSIDER STOCK AND LEAD TIMES
Please be aware that although local suppliers offer brochures and samples with multiple colour ranges, the suppliers often don’t carry stock of each and every item, with most suppliers only carrying stock on fast-moving items.
Lead times to bring in stock from overseas takes between 10 to 12 weeks. Overseas suppliers take 3 to 4 weeks to manufacture the product, and then there is the 6-8 weeks of shipping, until they reach their destinations. It is possible to fly in stock however; remember that this is a more expensive option.
Always make sure you know how long you have before you need the specific product for your project, and chat to your supplier about stock availability and lead times.
4. INFORM YOUR SALES REP
Architects often specify a product but overlook lead times and stock availability. Inform your sales representative immediately that you have requested a specific product- this enables the sales person to calculate quantities and negotiate better pricing.
The sales representative will furthermore close the circle from the product being specified to communicating with the fabricator/installer, discussing budgets with the quantity surveyors and ensuring that the stock is available on time. Finally, the sales representative will also look at the application to ensure that the product specified adheres to the correct finish and required technicalities.
Specify with Salvocorp
Salvocorp makes the specifying process easy for architects. Salvocorp supplies world-leading FunderMax HPL Laminates, Interior Compact and Exterior Compact finishes, as well as STARON Solid Surface solutions.
We can negotiate better pricing for our customers, and are able to work within client budgets. We are also able to hold stock based on roll-outs, and can secure corporate colours for specific brands.