Story

WERK | Building Modern is a group of Indianapolis Custom Builders and Construction Managers (CM) offering a clearly-defined construction process designed around client priorities with a heightened focus on achieving the design vision; undeniably, we are a direct extension of the creative process.

Who are we?

We are the Architects at HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, and we started building our own projects around 2004.

Why do we prefer building the projects that we designed?

Simply, we want HAUS projects built to client and architect specifications. To that end, building allows us to make that happen with oversight of every aspect of the project. It helps enhance our client relationships and simplify the design + build process with one point-of-contact.

So, what’s the backstory?

Having apprenticed at commercial, design-focused architectural firms, we became accustomed to a process of design and construction that was comprehensive and well-documented, with all design decisions going through the Architect. When we began working in the residential design marketplace in the late 1990’s, we quickly learned some important differences. In Central Indiana at that time, Architect involvement on residential projects appeared to be relatively rare, the market was dominated by custom builders who often led the process with or without design professionals involved, and we observed what appeared to be a general lack of design sophistication and documentation. Our most prevalent ongoing professional concern over the last 20 years in the residential market besides a lack of excellent design, involves errors, misinterpretations, or unapproved design changes that continue to occur during the construction phase. We created WERK | Building Modern to protect the design vision with seamless professional execution.

How could construction errors happen and why would owners and builders not correct them?

In commercial construction, it’s expected that the Architect be engaged during the bidding and construction phases of the project. In particular, the Architect is available to answer questions, provide supplementary details, and provide regular site visits to ensure construction meets design-intent (ie, protect the interests of the client). But in the residential marketplace where Architect involvement is less common, the client may choose not to involve the Architect during bidding/construction phases. This is when problems can occur, as mistakes may not be noticed at all or until it is too late. Or client may have agreed to alternates without the benefit of Architect review.

What are the advantages of having WERK lead the building process?

Having originated the design, the Architect has already dreamed it, drawn it, detailed it, and virtually walked-through it before construction begins. With Architect as Master Builder, execution of design concepts and alternatives along the way (ie, value engineering) receive the benefit of daily Architect oversight and clear communication at each step of the process, which is a major benefit of direct collaboration between Architect, trade contractors, and client. Clear communication by less parties may also translate into less time, less cost, and higher quality. With WERK, our clients get a 2-for-1 and better outcomes.

What do you care about?

Do you care about excellent design and protecting the vision during the construction phase? If so, then WERK may be the perfect partner in the oversight of your building process from beginning-to-end.

Obviously, we collaborate regularly with our sister company, HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, in a design-build arrangement.

Please contact WERK to begin a conversation and learn if we seem a good fit for one another!