The architectural department of Domisi Development is located in Rethymno on the island of Crete, undertaking national projects focusing on Crete.
Domisi Development brings together broad-minded individuals from a wide range of disciplines and encourages them to look beyond the constraints of their own specialisms. This unconventional approach to design springs in part from Domisi’s ownership structure. The result is an independence of spirit that is reflected in the office's work, and in its dedicated pursuit of technical excellence.
Ultimatelly the goal is customer's satisfaction and upscale of the urban environment - according to building regulations and respecting the Cretan heritage.
Complete approach
The design departments is part of a wide range of services including the actual constraction and future management of the building to create a phisible investment for its owner. The actual design is affected by these disciplanes that Domisi is providing in house thus the accomplishment of a future goal is heavily supported at the same time.
Portfolio
Domisi's nature and market status allowed to invest in land aquisitions and provide complete solutions with a wide portfolio of ready made case studies, applicable in several locations along Crete. Designs suitable for a variety of tastes, desires and budgets.
This article was originally published by Archipreneur as "Reasons Why Architects Can Make Great Developers (or not?)."
#1 – Architects Understand the Process of Building
As architects come to learn about the different aspects of project development in the course of their education and throughout their career in the industry, most know what it takes to design and construct a building. They often have project management experience and understand the process of site and project analysis, construction techniques, acquiring building permits and controlling budgets.
This is particularly the case in smaller offices where project managers are often required to perform various roles, from leading the project team and administering construction contracts, through negotiating with clients and contractors, to scheduling and monitoring processes. Due to this versatility in their experience, architects can make sure that construction is completed on schedule and under budget.
In addition to these general skills and competencies, architects often become experts in various niches. Over the course of their careers, many practicing architects specialize in specific typologies, which can be a huge advantage when going into development in these specific areas.
#2 – Great Design Increases Market Value
The expertise that architects bring to the table can have a significant impact on the financial bottom line of a project. For example, sustainable design features can significantly increase the value of a property. Or, as Tyler Stonebreaker puts it in his interview on Archipreneur Insights: “At the end of the day, the market is placing the highest premium on things that are unique and special.”
People are becoming increasingly interested in energy efficient or high performance properties, which is why green design certification programs like LEED and NGBS can raise the selling price of a house. In addition to sustainability, experienced architects also know how to use designs to create quality spaces on limited budgets.
They can also reconcile profitmaking with a broader strategy for social change and an increased quality of life over a longer period of time. Architects that are working as property developers are more likely to consider innovative and creative solutions; solutions that ordinary developers might either overlook or reject.
#3 – Architects Know How Cities Work
Architects are trained to think in terms of place making instead of creating objects that are detached from their surroundings. An architect-developer is trained to consider how a project might sit within and relate to its context, ensuring long-term benefits for themselves, their clients and the relevant neighborhoods. Architects are taught to understand urbanism and recognize areas with development potential. They may, for example, see real opportunity in a vacant lot that doesn’t seem to offer any value to the untrained eye.
