Collaboration

As defined in Compton’s Introspective Encyclopedia:  ”CO”-L-”LABOR”-”A”-TION

Collaboration is an “action noun” combining the key elements of:  1)  ”CO” – meaning to join minds in pursuit of and in line with a common goal;  2) “LABOR” – meaning (and willing) to work together to develop and implement a plan of action and;  3) “A”, meaning to have the experience to recognize, assemble and motivate an A-Team, thus maximizing the potential for success & enjoyment or the an ARCHITECTUAL journey, hence, the “action noun” classification..  Recommended action:  Find an experienced collaborative safari guide like R.Tom Compton, AIA.

Solutions Designed with knowledge of Process, Materials, Craftsman their Potentials & Limitations.

Compton Associates Architecture & Building History

With ownership experience in both DESIGNING & BUILDING businesses, R.Tom understands the metamorphic process of transforming the needs of a client into a realistic and creative building solution.  The design documents developed target delivering the type, and scope, of information  a contractor needs to guide his craftsman to the desired building conclusion… no more.  Additional support detailing is always available and most often promotes positive discussion and interaction between contractor and designer.  Unnecessary, over detailed or partially developed information, so common in documents from large production environments, only obscures and confuses the most important and critical elements intended to yield the desired building results.  This commitment to “Direct Intent Detailing” also allows the contractor freedom to apply his own input and skills providing him “ownership” and pride in the finished building project.  This promotes quality.

This total “team” envolvement from DESIGN to BUILD is key to a successful collaborative effort.  While this approach is most commonly employed in true Design/Build construction arrangements, the same “design team” involvement approach is applied to competitive bidding projects by seeking and assembling engineers and consultants specifically qualified or motivated to contribute there talent.  RTom has 30 years of experience working with contractors, engineers and design consultants, including building strategic alliances with other architectural firms across the country.  These types of architectural teams yield new energy and creativity into a project and are very manageable with ongoing advancements in electronic document development.

Initiation of this team building has been self initiated by Compton Associates, requested by the clients and often CA services have been initiated by the general contractor.  General Contractors appreciate the intuitive knowledge of building assembly that is the result of years or diverse construction experience.

Why has Compton Associates Remained a Small Practice

The ability to pursue a variety of diversity of business experiences and opportunity with the freedom to pursue and risk in the changes they present .  The emerging construction market offers many new potential areas for development.