The Effective Client: Why Being a Good Client is Smart Business in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Industries - Softcover

Skuodas, David

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1706240392 ISBN 13: 9781706240396

Publisher: Independently published, 2020

Synopsis

Have you ever wondered what designers and builders really think about their clients, or why it matters? David Skuodas spent the past several years asking vendors in the construction industry the following question: “Why does it matter to be a good client?” Skuodas interviewed over 50 consultants, contractors, and client project managers about this topic. He asked them what differentiates a good client from a bad client, and how the client affects the cost, schedule, and quality of a project. He also asked vendors what conditions allow them to do their best work, and conversely, what might an owner do that makes it difficult for vendors to do their jobs effectively? This book allows you to peek behind the curtain and find out how designers and builders really differentiate between good and bad clients. You will learn how client behavior affects the price and quality of work – and even how designers and builders choose their clients. That's right, just because you have a project to bid doesn't anybody has to bid it. This book offers practical advice on how you can improve your standing with designers and builders so you can become a client of choice. Make no mistake: owners are in competition with each other for a very limited pool of capable designers and builders. Being a desirable customer is smart business, this book will show you how.

About this title

About the Author

David Skuodas is a father, a husband, an engineer, and a storyteller. He takes pride in telling construction industry stories that shed light on larger systemic issues at play. This could relate to delivering design and construction projects, land use decisions, or communicating to the general public about the essential services that public works professionals provide.  

Skuodas holds a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Florida. He is a licensed professional engineer in the state of Colorado, a Certified Floodplain Manager, a LEED Accredited Professional, and a Toastmasters Competent Communicator.  

Skuodas works as a Watershed Manager for the Mile High Flood District in Denver, where he's worked since 2010. He works with local government stakeholders, consultants, contractors, and regulators to deliver stream restoration and flood control projects in challenging urban areas. 

Prior to entering the public sector, he was an engineering consultant for nine years in Kansas, Nebraska, and Colorado. 

David lives in Denver, Colorado, with his wife, Nancy, and their daughter, Cecilia.

From the Back Cover

Have you ever wondered what consultants and contractors really think about their clients, and why it matters?

David Skuodas spent the past several years asking vendors in the construction industry the following question: "Why does it matter to be a good client?"

Skuodas interviewed over 50 consultants, contractors, and client project managers about this topic. He asked them what differentiates a good client from a bad client, and how the client affects the cost, schedule, and quality of a project. He also asked vendors what conditions allow them to do their best work, and conversely, what makes it difficult for them to do their jobs effectively?

This book allows you to peek behind the curtain and find out how consultants and contractors really differentiate between good and bad clients. You will learn how client behavior affects the price and quality of work - and even how contractors and consultants choose their clients. This book offers practical advice on how you can improve your standing with the consultant and contractor community so you can become a client of choice.

Given the scarcity of labor in the construction industry, this topic could not be more relevant. Make no mistake: Owners are in competition with each other.

Edition details

• Publisher: Independently published
• Publication date: 2020
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1706240392
• ISBN 13: 9781706240396
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 139