Business Need
As this 150-person architecture and design firm tackles larger and more complex projects, and expands its geographic presence beyond its Massachusetts base, its traditional operating structure and systems required a major redesign with a focus on increased staff specialization.

Undertaking organizational improvement and change is a particular challenge in design and construction firms where project demands are relentless and inhibit efforts to convene and focus staff on individual and organizational development.

Our Role
We have worked with ADD Inc through three phases of strategic development: reformulating its business strategy, redesigning its operating structure and systems to support that strategy, and institutionalizing those changes.

To create a permanent mechanism for continuous improvement at the firm, we helped conceive and create Development Days – a two-and-one-half day event occurring every four months. Engaging staff at all levels in the firm, Development Days is helping achieve these goals:

• Replacing legacy management practices with a streamlined system tailored to the new structure and systems.
  
• Establishing a consistent, yet flexible, method for problem solving, planning, and leadership development.
  
• Bringing five new practice “domains” together to solve problems collaboratively.
  
• Engaging staff more fully in the stewardship and success of the firm.
  
• Creating a rigorous method for follow-up and accountability based on short-term improvement initiatives tied to the four-month cycle.