Working with an architect
After working together previously I approached Jo shortly after starting my own Architectural practice. Given the challenge of balancing the numerous administration tasks of setting up and maintaining a small business and the necessary day to day fee earning responsibilities, I felt that I needed support to put the business in a position to clearly move forward with clarity and purpose.
With extensive experience in the industry and as practice manager for a larger architectural firm I trusted that Jo would be able to take on board my current situation and provide an external perspective and personal insight into the current health of my business, before offering a suggested route forward. Jo took my rough ideas for the direction of business, the mountain of tasks I had put on the back burner, and the to-do list I was in the midst of and gave me a clear route forward. Within a few months, I had a formalised business plan, clear goals for the short medium and long term, a new website, new accountant and achieved chartered practice status. In addition we regularly met either in person or by phone, and Jo assisted with both regular admin tasks and specialist research into alternative and growing markets.
Jo is methodical in her process allowing her to rigorously work through tasks and objectives which freed my time up for running the business and delivering to deadlines. However most importantly for me, she is broad minded in her scope and vision which meant that she could take in the bigger picture of my current and future business, and plot a path between the two. This versatility suits me perfectly and means that I can both trust her advice and guidance and also feel confident that she will always use her initiative to do what needs to be done.
In a short time Jo has become an invaluable part of my business, and although my need for support will change as the business grows I am confident that Jo will adapt with it and continue to push my practice on to higher things.
Chris Holt, EN Architects