Have you had bad experiences outsourcing your architectural drafting work? Don't give up yet! In this episode Jon talks to Derek Timms about avoiding common outsourcing mistakes and finding the right partner. Derek, a chartered architect with 25 years of experience, shares tips on building long-term, trusted partnerships and the benefits of early planning. Derek also talks about his role as a school governor and the importance of communication and setting clear expectations. If you're a small practice leader or sole practitioner in architecture, this episode will help you understand how to make outsourcing work for you.

Today's Guest...

Derek Timms is a Chartered Architect with 25 years of experience working at practices like Farrells, Gensler, and Sheppard Robson. He’s the Managing Director at The Sourcing Collective - a support studio for the AEC industry. The Sourcing Collective collaborates with surveyors, architects, interior designers, contractors, and property managers, providing architectural drafting support in BIM environments tailored to your systems and processes. This allows you and your in-house team to focus on design and add value to your projects. They also work with AJ100 practices, integrating into their teams across multiple large-scale projects.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:40 Meet Derek Timms and The Sourcing Collective

04:17 Common Outsourcing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

06:49 Finding the Right Outsourcing Partner

10:04 Importance of Clear Communication

11:48 Setting the Right Expectations

16:36 Early Planning and Avoiding Last-Minute Decisions

25:31 Low-Risk Outsourcing Trials

32:54 Final Thoughts on Outsourcing

38:39 Derek's Favorite Travel Destination

41:30 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Key Takeaways...

✅ Think Long-Term

Treat outsourcing like a partnership, not just a one-time job. When you work together over time, you can learn each other's styles and create a smoother way of working that benefits both sides.

✅ Keep Communication Open

Regular updates, even on small things, help everyone stay on track. Good communication builds trust and makes outsourced teams feel like they’re part of your own business.

✅ Plan Ahead

Outsourced teams need time to learn your processes, just like new employees. Avoid last-minute decisions that can lead to rushed results. Early planning gives you better results and a less stressful experience.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Visit Derek’s website (The Sourcing Collective)

Connect with Derek on LinkedIn

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