(continued)

DCSW president Marc Schiff recognized an opportunity for mutual benefit and offered more than a space. He proposed a trade. If EDI would help produce drawings on certain projects, DCSW would give them materials to remodel the tenant space and a free lease for three months. DCSW's financial support has also enabled EDI to invest in computers and networks.

In fact, however, DCSW has given the young firm much more. Schiff and his partners have become mentors, offering advice on matters that one normally learns about only through bitter experience.

McGee says: "From them we've learned how much to charge for certain kinds of services. How to approach someone about getting a particular job. How to write a good contract. How to know when to stop doing free design work and to start billing a client."

He adds: "It's an interesting relationship. It's not often a firm actually helps another firm become established in the same city. It could become potential competition for them."

But for now, there's no competition, only collaboration. DCSW does not maintain its own department specializing in residential design, but its collaboration with EDI serves that purpose. The two firms work together on many projects and even share a computer network. Together the firms are pursuing Mills Corporation and related retail work nationally.

Backed by the older firm's credibility and willingness to play a consulting role, EDI is able to secure larger jobs than they otherwise could. EDI has recently been short-listed on a large government contract for which they are the principal architect, while DCSW would do the quality, cost, schedule, and budget control. At the same time, the young six-person firm is able to go after small jobs that the older 60-person firm would not be interested in.

As Schiff recalls, his early days of founding an architecture firm were not always bright. This explains his willingness to protect EDI from the struggle normally associated with beginning a new business. "DCSW guarantees them a base level of income," he says. "They have a great start-up space, and they can focus on learning the business of architecture and honing their skills."

Schiff adds: "If someone had done this for us when we were starting out, that would have been wonderful. If we can help another group avoid some of the pitfalls, then that makes us feel like we're giving something of value to the next generation in our field."

Since it was founded in 1984, DCSW has promoted sustainable architecture, convincing clients to invest in energy conservation and renewable materials. Examples of these projects include the award-winning Lockheed Martin Headquarters in Albuquerque and the country's first straw-bale post office in Corrales, New Mexico.

McGee explains that his generation is now taking advantage of a renewed environmental awareness among clients. He and his partners have been actively experimenting and doing research with different materials and methods. "We've been working with engineers who think differently: not about the least expensive way of doing something, but about the most sustainable way."

The result? "Both firms have different niches," McGee says, "but a strong common philosophical ground. This opens up opportunities for both of us."

B.J. Novitski is managing editor of ArchitectureWeek.

Stace McGee of EDI and Marc Schiff of DCSW collaborate on architectural projects. Photo: DCSW The Houston retail mall is organized around an interior core which connects specialty tenants with "anchor" retailers on the perimeter. Photo: DCSW Floor detail. Photo: DCSW DCSW provided interior design services for the specialty shops. Photo: DCSW Katy Mills Photo: DCSW Katy Mills Photo: DCSW   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.