[Fwd: Do you need a developer]
From: Jack Wilbern (jwilbernbutzwilbern.com)
Date: Tue, 18 Nov 2003 11:55:07 -0700 (MST)



-------- Original Message --------
Subject:        Do you need a developer
Date:   Tue, 18 Nov 2003 13:48:55 -0500
From:   Jack Wilbern <jwilbern [at] butzwilbern.com>
Reply-To:       jwilbern [at] butzwilbern.com
Organization:   BUTZ•WILBERN
To:     jimkacki [at] mb.sympatico.ca, CoHousing-L <cohousing-l [at] 
freedom2.mtn.org>



Jim:

As an architect-developer, let me give you an outline that I think is hugely related to the architecture profession (or to a general contractor for that matter).

The main roles of a developer are to manage and coordinate the people, paper and finances of a project. This job is just as much a mystery to most people as what does an architect do.

First, it takes enough basic insight and understanding of multiple specialties (zoning, sitework, design, construction, marketing, etc. etc.) to be able to look at land or buildings and see some sort of potential. Then having enough knowledge for appropriately selecting the proper professionals, negotiating real estate purchase agreements, mapping out the proper steps to obtain whatever approvals one needs - and who should get them. (there is no Dummy's Guide for developers).

Could an average individual do this ? Sure - just like, in theory, an average person could do what an architect does. One would assume that they would not do it as quickly, surely or with as reliably a quality result.

One other critical aspect to the developer's role is the basic financial reality that you have to have enough money in one place (and TIME) that you are willing to risk in order to get the ball rolling. In addition, the bank has to believe that the development group is capable of sticking through the whole process.

Just like a General Contractor, the developer may not swing a hammer at a single nail, but they have to clearly hold the whole picture in their head. Sort of like an architect ?

One point that I think cohousing groups need to do early assess is, what level of the developers work can or should the group do ? Traditionally the marketing is one main element. Some groups are also the source of the initial funding. Depending on the make up of the group's membership or the nature of the exact real estate timing perhaps more items of work could push from one side of the ledger to the other. We are following somewhat the path that Wonderland Hill and others have followed which, as I understand it, is to assign all the various roles of a development group, a dollar value with either the group or a hired professional for some components, an investor or a development agent taking those roles and the dollar value associated with it.

Being a developer is a real job that takes time, effort and skills. I would argue that all cohousing groups are developers - just with various levels of participation.

--
Jack Wilbern, RA
BUTZ•WILBERN
McLean, Virginia

Architecture
Planning
Interiors
Property Visioning




--
Jack Wilbern, RA
BUTZ¥WILBERN
McLean, Virginia

Architecture
Planning
Interiors
Property Visioning


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