Susan Doban Architect, PC

Company Name: Susan Doban Architect, PC

Industry: Architect

Number of Employees: 10

Contact Name and Information:
Susan G. Doban, AIA
President
424 Bergen Street
Brooklyn, NY 11217
Phone: 718-857-3488
FAX:   718-857-3493
sd@susandoban.com

Though the architectural profession offers a wide field of opportunities and possibilities Susan Doban a Manhattan based architect felt out of sync with traditional firms. After returning from maternity leave the feeling was more pronounced and her entrepreneurial spirit was born. "After I had my first child I didn't feel as if I were on the same wavelength as everyone at the firm."  There were a number of factors that motivated Doban to move out on her own—the desire to work in more meaningful ways and the desire to control when and how to work were primary.

The Challenge

Originally set up in Manhattan Doban experienced time challenges after her second child was born. The industry requires professionals to work long hours and though Doban herself put in long hours she also did so flexibly around times that suited herself and her growing family. Not wanting to compromise between her family responsibilities nor the professional reputation of her business Susan opened shop in a Brooklyn brownstone which could be home to both. Though Brooklyn was a fertile market it was a risky venture relocating to the borough.  Most of the successful architect firms had Manhattan addresses and she would be competing with those firms for customers and talent. Her fears were unwarranted however, as Brooklyn is experiencing unprecedented growth and is also home to skilled architects.

A more complex challenge awaited her — a clash between traditional work styles and non-traditional. How does a small business cultivate a workplace that is simultaneously supportive of like minded professionals who value working differently with more flexibility and those who desire a more traditional work culture?  People with a preference for a traditional work culture are not always comfortable with a more flexible workplace.

How Do They Do It?

Working flexibly is an intrinsic part of Doban's personal philosophies rather than an established company policy and it was surprising to her that others who worked for her didn't relate to this style of management. She realized that people who don't see people working are of the belief that work isn't being done.  To tackle these perception issues Susan communicates daily about the ongoing work with all employees.

• On a daily basis she takes the time to give updates on projects to point people and touches base frequently with those not in the office.

• The firm benefits from offering flexibility and is mindful of the talent they've been able to recruit. A senior architect who desired a flexible schedule chose to work for Susan Doban Architects because he wants time with his grandchildren. His work is done remotely and he is often assigned to jobs in locations near where his grandchildren live

• Doban demonstrates how flexibility works to the benefit of all staff. The firm's staff reflects global diversity and some have families living half way around the world. Doban respects that they need to go home periodically and that due to the distance, they need more time off. They must have the flexibility to visit them

• Flexibility has been used to lure talent to her firm. A recent hire included an architect who had once worked for Doban and in recent years was with a more traditional firm. Doban needing talent to support a new project called the former employee and invited her to come back to work for the firm. Upon hearing that she could work a flexible schedule she eagerly returned to Susan Doban Architect, P.C.

Lessons Learned

Doban has learned much from managing her own workplace. Her primary lessons are these:

1. Respect individual's personal work habits.

2. Be diligent in keeping all employees informed regarding the progress of all projects.

3. Provide evidence of co-workers productivity.

4. Make flexibility available to all employees if possible and demonstrate how it can be beneficial.

5. Look for ways to remind employees that work and life are intertwined and work should be structured in ways that make the most sense for individuals.

Future Plans

Doban's major concern about recruiting talent and building a customer base out of a Brooklyn brownstone has not materialized. As Brooklyn is experiencing major growth so too has Susan Doban Architect, PC. This fall the company will be moving out of the original space in Doban's brownstone into a more formalized office space in Brooklyn. Doban expects to continue to work flexibly and will encourage staff to do so as well.