Introducing Archipelago: A Professional Services Network for the AEC Industry

About Us

Archipelago is a professional services network for the architecture, engineering, and construction ("AEC") industry. We are working to solve challenges facing traditional and smaller consulting companies in this industry. The network comprises member firms that remain independent but can benefit from the resources, expertise, and established systems within the network.

Joining Archipelago allows member firms to:

• Benefit from a powerful project management platform that offers an array of resource management capabilities. This platform provides teams with dynamic task tracking, progress visualization, automation, and collaboration tools, and can help them create job plans and fee estimates easily, track time intuitively, and generate invoices automatically.
  
  
• Access CAD staff on demand, allowing them to scale up their team and take on additional projects quickly. This ability can help member firms grow and increase their revenue.
  
  
• Gain client referrals from network members who refer projects to one another. This benefit can help expand member firms' reach and increase their visibility in the market.
  
  
• Access expertise and established systems within the network, such as best practices, proven methods, and industry standards. This ability can help member firms to improve their quality and efficiency and provide better service to their clients.
  
  
• Take advantage of project partnership opportunities with other members who collaborate on projects and share resources and expertise. These opportunities can help member firms to take on larger and more complex projects and increase their competitiveness in the market.

Accelerating Infrastructure & Housing Development

Demand is Outpacing Construction

The speed at which new infrastructure and housing are currently being built has not kept pace with the demand, while the AEC industry has lagged other industries in drawing on technology.

This lack of infrastructure is quickly becoming a major limiting factor in the growth of GDPs worldwide. Without sufficient infrastructure, economies will struggle to support the needs of their populations. They will be unable to benefit from the increased productivity, economic growth, and enhanced quality of life for individuals and communities that comes from having well-developed infrastructure.

The AEC industry must significantly improve the speed at which it can design and construct infrastructure. This requires adopting new technologies and innovative approaches to manage projects, as well as having a greater focus on collaboration and partnerships between industry stakeholders.

Challenges for Traditional Consulting Companies

Traditional consulting companies face several challenges in today's constantly evolving technology landscape. These companies have a slow adoption rate of new technology, making it challenging to keep up with competitors or drive efficiencies internally. In addition, they can be slow to change their processes, which can be a disadvantage in today's fast-moving business environment.

The rise of remote work has also posed challenges for traditional consulting companies. Many employees prefer to work from home, making it difficult for companies to maintain a cohesive and productive team. In addition, these companies often have high overhead costs for office space and business administration, which can be a financial burden.

Finally, traditional consulting companies rely highly on a few key individuals, making it difficult for them to scale. If one of these key individuals leaves the company, it can significantly impact the company's ability to deliver services to its clients.

Challenges for Smaller Consulting Companies

Smaller consulting companies in the AEC industry often face challenges when competing against larger firms. These larger firms typically have more resources, allowing them to offer their clients a broader range of services. This disparity can make it difficult for smaller companies to compete, as they may not have the resources to offer the same level of service.

In addition, smaller consulting companies often struggle to recruit talent in smaller markets. This situation is particularly true for specialized roles, such as CAD technicians. These companies may not have the same recruiting capabilities as larger firms, which can make it difficult for them to find qualified candidates for these positions.

This lack of qualified talent can be a significant hurdle for smaller consulting companies. Without access to skilled CAD technicians, these companies may not be able to take on as many projects, or they may have to spend more time and resources training inexperienced staff. This dilemma can put them at a disadvantage compared to larger firms, who can find and hire qualified talent more quickly.

How a Professional Services Network Can Help

Archipelago was conceived of as a network of independent members who can help each other and where we help the members. We do so by offering technology solutions to streamline business processes, drive efficiencies and speed up project work and connecting member firms to each other.

Through its network, Archipelago provides access to a wide range of resources, expertise, and established systems to help member firms. Members can network & share resources, offload business operations, access CAD staff on demand, gain client referrals, access expertise and established systems, access accounting and project management tools and take advantage of project partnership opportunities.

Members remain independent, decide on the resources they want to use, and confidential information stays with each member company.

Apply now to join our network and start collaborating with like-minded professionals in the AEC industry.

About Archipelago

Archipelago is a professional services network in the architectural, engineering & construction (AEC) industry that aims to connect member firms, boost productivity, and harness technology to meet the increasing demand for infrastructure and housing. Our mission is to empower firms by sharing knowledge, resources, and expertise, fostering innovation in designing sustainable development for future generations. Join our network today, and let's collaborate to shape a better future for all.