Organizational optimization isn’t just a cost-saving measure – it’s a strategic imperative.
Elegance is often defined as the quality of being pleasingly simple and effective. It’s not just about appearance – it’s about the seamless, effortless way something works. When I think of elegance in business, I think of exactly that: achieving simplicity through smart, strategic refinement. I like to use the example of a well-engineered car – every part works in perfect harmony, designed not for excess but for efficiency. There’s no wasted motion, no unnecessary complexity – just smooth performance. In the AEC world, this kind of elegance appears when firms consolidate and streamline, creating an operation that runs like a finely tuned engine, delivering results with precision and minimal friction. In my opinion, there is beauty in a well-honed structure that delivers laser-focused results without wasted effort.
However, the reality is that organizational optimization is often viewed as something to put on the backburner – a nice-to-have when there’s enough time to tackle it, but not necessarily a priority. Yet, the benefits of refining and optimizing organizational structure, especially in today’s ever-evolving AEC landscape, are too significant to ignore. This isn’t just about reducing costs, though that’s certainly part of the equation. It’s about simplifying your firm to make it more nimble, more streamlined, more focused, more synergistic, more relevant, more successful, and more... beautiful. As Coco Chanel once said, “Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.”
Zweig Group recently took a page from Coco’s playbook (who would have thought?!). We just completed a consolidation of our consulting services into four core areas: Talent, Transition, Growth, and Performance. At first glance, this might seem like a mere internal restructuring to streamline our own operations – and that’s not untrue. But our greatest inspiration came from wanting to send a clear message that we see the needs of AEC firms shifting, and we intend to ensure that our clients get the most efficient, impactful, and elegant solutions possible. Our mission at Zweig Group is to “Elevate the Industry,” and in the spirit of that mission, we want to lead the narrative on the importance of simplicity, agility, and focus.
Does your firm have a framework that allows for maximum efficiency and effectiveness? Or are you bogged down by internal silos, legacy systems, or processes that no longer serve the best interests of your clients or your bottom line? Here’s the thing: refining your organizational structure doesn’t have to be a massive, overwhelming overhaul. In fact, the idea isn’t to throw everything out and start from scratch. It’s about taking a clear-eyed look at how your firm operates – where the inefficiencies are, where you’re duplicating effort, and how you can better streamline your services to provide clients with faster, more efficient project delivery. Firms in our industry often have numerous specializations all working on different aspects of a project, sometimes in isolation from one another. Each group has its own expertise, which is crucial, but it can also lead to inefficiencies. When information is siloed, collaboration becomes more difficult, and the flow of a project can be interrupted. By refining the way your teams work together, and perhaps consolidating overlapping functions, you can create a more unified front. This not only cuts down on unnecessary delays but also makes the client experience more seamless. After all, the last thing a client wants is to be shuffled between departments because no one is clear on who’s responsible for what.
The cost benefits of optimization are obvious. With less time wasted on redundant work and a more streamlined approach to project management, you can reduce overhead and ultimately offer clients better value. But there’s another benefit worth considering: how this shift can make your firm more competitive. In an industry where margins are often thin and competition is fierce, the ability to deliver high-quality work quickly and efficiently can set you apart from your competitors. Clients notice when a firm has its act together, and they’re more likely to return for future projects when they’ve had a smooth, efficient, “elegant” experience.
It’s also worth noting that a more optimized structure can help attract and retain top talent. When people work in an environment that feels cohesive and efficient, where they understand their role within the larger framework and can see the impact of their efforts, job satisfaction increases. People want to be part of an organization that’s going somewhere, and they’re much more likely to stay if they feel like they’re contributing to something meaningful rather than navigating a convoluted or inefficient system.
So, where do you start? This article wasn’t intended to give you a step-by-step guide, a blueprint, or a manual. Instead, it’s an invitation to start thinking critically about your own firm’s structure. The key is to start small and think strategically. Ask yourself: Which areas of the business are causing the most friction? Where are the inefficiencies that are slowing down project delivery or driving up costs? Are there areas where teams are duplicating efforts? Once you’ve identified the pain points, you can begin to refine and consolidate your services in a way that makes sense for your firm.
Optimization is about subtracting the obvious and adding the meaningful. If there’s anything to take from Zweig Group’s recent strategic consolidation, it’s that simplicity and focus are the keys to agility and long-term success. By consolidating our consulting services into four core areas, we want to make a clear statement that even in the world of consulting, less can be more. Focusing on the areas that truly make a difference – Talent, Transition, Growth, and Performance – ensures that our clients get the best, most targeted support possible. In a sense, that’s exactly what every AEC firm should be striving for: a structure that not only works efficiently but also delivers the highest possible value to clients.
Ultimately, organizational optimization isn’t just a cost-saving measure – it’s a strategic imperative. It’s about creating elegance in how your firm operates. Your clients expect more than just expertise; they expect your expertise to be delivered efficiently and effectively. By optimizing and refining your firm’s structure where necessary, you position yourself not just as a service provider but as a partner who can deliver projects with the precision and speed that clients are looking for. And in an industry as competitive as ours, that might just be the “elegance” you need.
Jeremy Clarke is COO and managing director of Talent consulting at Zweig Group. Contact him at jclarke@zweiggroup.com.
