Cooperation between an architect and a developer is not just an exchange of documents and plans. It is, above all, a dialogue in which each partner contributes his or her expertise to jointly achieve the goal – creating the perfect place to live. Using the example of a single-family housing estate in Ostroleka, which we had the opportunity to create together, we can see how a strategic approach to cooperation translates into project success.

Effective cooperation between architect and developer: An example of a single-family housing estate in Ostroleka

1. the beginning of the cooperation – clearly defined goals and absorption analysis

Every project begins with discussions. The architect and the developer must work out common goals from the very beginning. The developer brings his vision of profitability, functionality and market needs, while the architect is concerned with aesthetics, regulatory compliance and technical feasibility. At the planning stage, it is crucial for both parties to be clear on what their priorities are. The architect should keep in mind issues such as maximizing the use of the plot, the number of apartments, their functionality and square footage. The shape of the project should match its location in terms of potential buyers’ capabilities. Here an excellent solution that comes to the rescue is a reliably performed absorption analysis. It is useful not only before purchasing a plot of land, but also at the initial stage of work. You can read more about it in our post on plot absorption analysis. An experienced developer, on the other hand, knows that the investment is not only to be profitable, but also to attract customers with modern design and comfort. Often it is the balance between aesthetics and budget that determines success.

“Every project is a challenge, but the key to success is close cooperation with the developer. Only in this way can we plan and implement solutions that will be optimal for both the developer and future residents.”
– arch. Piotr Lewandowski,

2. checklists as a work enhancement

During cooperation, an invaluable tool is the preparation of detailed checklists. The architect should have a list of questions for the developer, so that as many issues as possible are raised at an early stage. Similarly, the developer should have a list of issues that are relevant to him and have been developed from experience and are proven solutions. An example of this is the document developed for a housing development project in Dzbenin, near Ostroleka. The checklist covered various aspects of cooperation, from technical details of the project to more general rules for the various stages of construction. It included several categories, such as:

• Technical aspects – e.g., thickness of thermal insulation, type of materials, methods of foundation of buildings.
• Legal aspects – contractual transfer of copyrights, payment tranches.
• Amenities for residents – such as dressing rooms, storage rooms or optimized floor space (PUM).
• Crisis management – e.g., Plan B in case of construction staging problems.

This approach not only facilitates the organization of work, but also minimizes the risk of errors and delays. Both parties can review progress on an ongoing basis, which promotes timely completion of the project.

3. responsible approach to space

Maintaining repeatable quality, for us, is a constant work in which we invest our attention and time. At Optima Home, we are guided by the Kaizen philosophy, which in practice means continuous improvement of our processes and execution. We constantly analyze the results of our activities, collect data from customer satisfaction surveys and carefully monitor each investment to implement improvements at all stages. Monitoring quality is a priority for us. Each project is overseen, from the start of the work to its completion and handover of the property, by Optima Home employees who know that they are playing to one goal. We use modern technology and inspection tools to make sure that every house and apartment we build is fully compliant with the highest standards. If any problems arise, they are quickly identified and fixed. We know that this pays off.

4 Efficiently obtain a building permit

An aspect that is often underestimated and invisible is obtaining a building permit. Particularly in the case of larger development projects, it is very important here to know the official procedures and to be aware of how much time it can take to obtain many agreements. Several months should be reserved for this stage, which has a key impact on profitability. In order to go through the process smoothly, it is necessary to anticipate all the risks that may be encountered before obtaining a building permit and to meet them in advance. In this case, meetings devoted strictly to formal matters and a clear flow of information work very well.

“The key to success with this project was the mutual clarity of each party’s needs and an understanding of the challenges faced during the building permit phase.”
– arch. Jacek Jurkiewicz

5. cost optimization without sacrificing quality

One of the challenges in any investment is to find a compromise between cost and quality of construction. An architect, with technical expertise, can propose solutions that will not affect the comfort of the user, while reducing expenses. Examples include the use of prefabricated lintels or the abandonment of balconies, which often generate additional construction and maintenance costs. In addition, costs can be reduced by introducing some repetition in the design. Large enough to save on building materials, but small enough so that the estate does not give the impression of a colony of identical buildings. It is cooperation, open dialogue and trust that makes such decisions easier to make. For a potential buyer, the first impression is very important, and this consists, among other things, of the quality of the construction of the building.

6. benefits of good cooperation

When the collaboration between architect and developer is smooth and based on trust, the results are impressive. In the case of a single-family home development, this approach achieves several key benefits:

• Timeliness – well-planned cooperation eliminates the risk of delays.
• Optimization of the plot – every square meter is used to the maximum.
• Functionality – the houses are not only pretty, but also convenient for future residents.
• Aesthetics – harmonious facades and thoughtful urban planning attract customers.
• A satisfied customer-investor gets a product that meets and even exceeds expectations.

Thanks to good work organization, responsible approach to space and mutual understanding, the project was completed on time. The result of the project is an estate, offering residents a high quality of life. The project is divided into 3 stages. Each of them consists of a total of 10 residential units in two development complexes. Between each stage gardens are spread out. The facades of the buildings are varied in color. The roofs are divided into small slopes, which, together with the elevations, adds variety to the body of the buildings. All these treatments give the development a cozy scale. Small courtyards between the buildings allow neighborhood ties to form. This is a perfect example of how effective cooperation can turn into a successful project.

“From the beginning of the project, we wanted the estate to be not only visually attractive, but also comfortable and functional for future residents. The A8 Architektura team perfectly understood our vision and together we created something unique.”
– Bartosz Niewiadomoski, Optima Home

Successful cooperation between the architect and the developer is the key to realizing functional and aesthetically pleasing projects. Good practices, such as the preparation of a detailed checklist, regular consultations and responsible budget management, ensure that the investment meets the expectations of clients and will be a market success.

Architects Piotr Lewandowski and Jacek Jurkiewicz
A8ARCHITECTURE

The entry was created in cooperation with the design office A8 ARCHITECTURE, as a summary of the joint project of the Harmonia Estate in Dzbenin.