Architectural Advocacy
Assisting Architects with Claims, Business and Project Management ​
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Owner Advocacy
Assisting Clients with Owner's Representation and Project Design
Navigating the built environment is complex and challenging. It requires a unique blend of artistic vision and technical expertise, combining the creativity of a designer, the precision of an engineer, and the practical know-how of a contractor. Deep problem-solving skills, ability to engage diverse stakeholders, negotiation and risk management approaches, detailed project management, and adherence to building codes are essential to project success.
All of this must be balanced with tight deadlines and budget constraints. Pinzone Architectural Consulting (PAC) offers a comprehensive range of services and skills to meet these demands, focusing on your success. Inquire or explore to see how we can assist you.
Quality - Integrity - Trust
The Claim
When claims are asserted, they often evoke feelings of denial, disbelief, frustration, anger, and anxiety. Claims arise from issues such as errors, omissions, miscoordination, poor communication or management, schedule delays, cost overruns, and jurisdictional challenges. At PAC, we excel in helping architects evaluate the basis of these claims.
We assist firm leadership, counsel, and insurance carriers in crafting strategies that mitigate adverse outcomes during mediation, arbitration, and litigation. Beyond our standard analysis and defense services, we can manage the claims process with the intent that distractions to the business are minimized. With our proactive approach, claims can be turned into opportunities for improvement and growth.
The Project
Projects can derail for many reasons, such as the project manager's experience, workload, team capability, or client-contractor issues. The best way to mitigate damage is through an honest assessment and a comprehensive recovery plan that goes beyond just reducing hours. PAC excels at assessing projects, developing multifaceted recovery plans, and implementing solutions.
We can also identify process improvements that assist in spotlighting problem projects early enough to allow for effective course corrections. We have significantly improved every project we have assisted with.
The Firm
Architects are well aware of the numerous headwinds that can negatively impact a project or firm, and that those can seriously affect profitability. According to Deltek’s AE Clarity Report 2024, most firms saw an operating profit (EBITDA) of at least 15%, with high performers achieving around 27%. If your firm is not meeting your goals or aspirations, challenges exist.
These challenges, which may include poor cash flow, ineffective business development, rapid firm growth, chaos, misunderstanding of vision or direction, poor time management, low utilization, or operational inefficiency, can all be addressed. PAC has experience in assessing your business and developing pragmatic strategies to enhance your bottom line.
The Owner
Embarking on a building project involves significant financial commitments and inherent risks. Beyond cost overruns and schedule delays, owners face challenges like competing priorities, jurisdictional challenges, unforeseen site conditions and reputational damage if a project goes sideways. Selecting the right team is crucial.
In addition to providing design, documentation and permitting services, we also provide standalone Owner's Representation. Representation is made possible through our substantial industry knowledge and on-site experience. Our approach is focused on achieving client goals, minimizing disputes, negotiating changes when appropriate, and overseeing the entire project and team. Whether serving as your Architect or Representative, strong communication, cohesive project management and technical prowess are combined to reduce risk and lead to more successful outcomes. Our experience encompasses all scales and complexities of projects.
Who is PAC?
Joseph Pinzone, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB
ARCHITECT AND CONSULTANT
35+
Years of Experience
Leadership Excellence
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Joe brings over 35 years of experience in leading project teams and delivering innovative solutions for both private and public clients. His expertise spans historic, commercial, institutional, and mixed-use projects, showcasing his ability to guide diverse groups through complex and technically challenging endeavors.
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Joe excels in providing strong leadership and guidance to design teams, with a focus on effective communication, dispute resolution, and financial management. He fosters an environment that encourages innovative thinking, creative solutions, and pragmatic approaches.
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Expert Witness and Defense Strategist
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Joe is a distinguished technical architect known for his critical analysis and problem-solving skills. For over two decades, he served as the primary risk management and claims defense strategist for a large architectural firm. His ability to quickly analyze a claim, its context, and likelihood of duplicity has allowed legal counsel to prepare effective defense strategies. Joe’s ability to translate complex and technical issues in a straightforward manner for an impartial party, coupled with compelling graphics, has led to significant claim reductions and more favorable settlement outcomes.
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Recovery Specialist and Business Manager
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Joe has real experience in rescuing troubled projects and restoring them to profitability or, at least, significantly reducing their write-offs. He employs a structured process to understand project financials, project history, team dynamics, and determine if there are any other unknown issues. Once the research is done, he then develops and executes a recovery plan. His positive attitude, mentoring capability, and "compassionately direct" communication style have effectively diffused negative team dynamics and improved project outcomes.
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As a managing principal of a large architectural design firm, Joe achieved 224% revenue growth, a 2.5x profit increase, enhanced employee benefits, established an additional office in another state, and diversified the number of market sectors – all within eight years. He also worked with leadership to navigate the unique challenges of the 2008 "Great Recession" and the unprecedented pandemic of 2020.
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Architect and Construction Administrator
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Joe brings strong team leadership, technical knowledge, and coordination with consultants and contractors to every project. He truly enjoys the construction process and collaboratively working with contractors to solve project issues. His approach is always focused on the needs of the client, and it is his goal to make sure every element of the project is well integrated and executed. He does this by facilitating a collaborative team environment, navigating the complexities of the built environment, and balancing creativity and technical design to deliver the client’s vision - on time and within budget.
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Licensed in California and Oregon. NCARB Certified for easier reciprocal licensing​