2. Having retained many of its formative associates from 2008 the present Volumezero
team comprises 50+ highly skilled professionals with enviable skills in digital
architecture. Our colleagues hail from a range of universities and backgrounds
giving the practice a strong and varied knowledge base. The studio environment
allows regular internal peer reviews at key stages of all projects and engenders a
process that is as inclusive as it is enjoyable. The office structure promotes
meaningful input from the director and associates at each stage of the project. The
structure throughout includes close liaison with the client, user groups, and
governmental/private authorities to satisfy the special requirements of each project.
As we believe no two projects are the same.
6. Corporate Affairs & IT
Key Functions:
Regulatory
Compliance and
Governance
Corporate
Communication
and Public
Relations
Information
Technology (IT)
Management
7. Corporate Affairs & IT
Work Process: Regulatory Compliance and Governance
Legal Compliance:
Ensure that the organization adheres to all relevant laws and regulations governing the architecture industry.
This includes zoning laws, building codes, environmental regulations, and other legal requirements.
Ethical Standards:
Establish and enforce ethical standards within the organization, ensuring that all projects and activities are
conducted with integrity and in compliance with industry ethics.
Risk Management:
Identify and manage risks associated with legal and regulatory compliance. Develop strategies to mitigate
legal and financial risks.
8. Corporate Affairs & IT
Work Process: Corporate Communication and Public Relations
External Communication:
Manage the organization's external communication, including press releases, media relations,
and public statements. Build and maintain positive relationships with the media and other
external stakeholders.
Internal Communication:
Facilitate effective communication within the organization. Ensure that employees are well-
informed about corporate policies, projects, and other relevant information.
Crisis Communication:
Develop and implement crisis communication plans to address unforeseen events that may
impact the organization's reputation.
9. Corporate Affairs & IT
Work Process: Information Technology (IT) Management
Infrastructure Management:
Oversee the organization's IT infrastructure, including hardware, software, networks, and
databases. Ensure that the architecture team has access to the necessary tools and technology to
carry out their work efficiently.
Cybersecurity:
Implement and manage cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and intellectual
property. This includes regular security assessments, data encryption, and employee training on
cybersecurity best practices.
Digital Transformation:
Drive the organization's digital transformation initiatives. Identify and implement technologies
that can enhance efficiency, collaboration, and innovation within the architecture firm.
11. Design Studio
Work Process: Architectural Design and Planning
Conceptualization:
Lead the conceptualization of architectural designs for various projects, considering factors such
as functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability.
Space Planning:
Develop efficient and effective spatial arrangements within buildings. Optimize layouts to meet
the functional requirements of clients while adhering to relevant building codes and standards.
Design Development:
Progress from conceptual designs to detailed design development, refining the architectural
vision while considering structural, mechanical, and other engineering aspects.
12. Design Studio
Work Process: Project Management and Coordination
Project Planning:
Develop project plans that outline timelines, milestones, and resource requirements. Coordinate
with other departments to ensure seamless integration of design with construction and other
project phases.
Collaboration:
Facilitate collaboration among various stakeholders, including architects, engineers, contractors,
and clients. Foster effective communication to ensure that everyone is aligned with project goals
and timelines.
Quality Control:
Implement quality control processes to ensure that designs meet established standards and
specifications. Regularly review and assess design progress to identify and address potential
issues.
13. Design Studio
Work Process: Client Interaction and Business Development
Client Consultation:
Engage with clients to understand their needs, preferences, and goals. Incorporate client
feedback into design solutions, ensuring that the final product aligns with the client's vision.
Proposal Development:
Contribute to the development of project proposals, including design concepts, estimated costs,
and project timelines. Present proposals to clients and stakeholders.
Business Growth:
Contribute to the business development efforts of the organization by showcasing the Design
Studio's capabilities and attracting new clients. Participate in marketing initiatives and
networking events to promote the firm's design expertise.
14. Facility Management Service (FMS)
Key Functions:
Maintenance
and Operations
Space
Management
and Utilization
Sustainability
and
Environmental
Management
15. Facility Management Service (FMS)
Work Process: Maintenance and Operations
Preventive Maintenance:
Develop and implement preventive maintenance programs to ensure that building systems and
infrastructure are regularly inspected, serviced, and repaired to prevent breakdowns and extend
their lifespan.
Routine Maintenance:
Oversee day-to-day maintenance activities, addressing issues such as HVAC systems, plumbing,
electrical systems, and other facility components. Promptly respond to maintenance requests and
ensure a safe and comfortable working environment for occupants.
Emergency Response:
Establish emergency response protocols to address unexpected issues such as equipment failures,
power outages, or natural disasters. Develop contingency plans to minimize downtime and
ensure the safety of occupants.
16. Facility Management Service (FMS)
Work Process: Space Management and Utilization
Space Planning:
Optimize the use of available space within facilities, ensuring that it aligns with organizational
needs and goals. Coordinate with the Design Studio department to plan and implement space
modifications or renovations.
Occupancy Management:
Track and manage occupancy levels to ensure that facilities are utilized efficiently. Plan for
future space needs based on organizational growth or changes in work patterns.
Move Management:
Coordinate relocations or office moves within the facility. Ensure that moves are executed
smoothly, minimizing disruptions to daily operations.
17. Facility Management Service (FMS)
Work Process: Sustainability and Environmental Management
Energy Management:
Implement energy-efficient practices and technologies to reduce the environmental impact of
facilities. Monitor energy consumption, explore renewable energy options, and promote
sustainability initiatives.
Waste Management:
Develop and implement waste reduction and recycling programs. Ensure compliance with
environmental regulations and promote eco-friendly practices within the organization.
Green Building Certification:
Work towards achieving and maintaining green building certifications (e.g., LEED certification)
for facilities. Implement sustainable design principles in collaboration with the Design Studio
department during new construction or renovations.
19. Business Development
Work Process: Client Acquisition and Relationship Building
Market Research:
Conduct market research to identify potential clients, industry trends, and emerging
opportunities. Analyze competitor activities and market demands to inform the development of
targeted business development strategies.
Lead Generation:
Generate leads through various channels, including networking, industry events, online
platforms, and partnerships. Identify and qualify potential clients who may require architectural
and construction services.
Client Relationship Management:
Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with existing and potential clients. Understand their
needs, preferences, and challenges to tailor proposals and solutions that align with their goals.
20. Business Development
Work Process: Proposal Development and Presentation
Proposal Writing:
Collaborate with the Design Studio and other relevant departments to create compelling and
detailed project proposals. Clearly articulate the organization's capabilities, approach, and value
proposition to prospective clients.
Presentation Skills:
Develop effective presentation skills to showcase the organization's expertise and past
successes. Present proposals to clients, addressing questions and concerns to demonstrate the
organization's suitability for the project.
Negotiation:
Engage in negotiation processes with clients to secure contracts, taking into account project
scope, budget, and timelines. Work closely with legal and project management teams to ensure
favorable contract terms.
21. Business Development
Work Process: Strategic Planning and Partnership Building
Strategic Planning:
Develop and implement strategic business development plans aligned with the organization's
overall goals. Identify key growth areas, target markets, and strategies for expanding the
organization's footprint.
Partnership Building:
Establish and nurture partnerships with industry stakeholders, including architects, contractors,
developers, and other relevant entities. Collaborate on joint ventures, alliances, or strategic
partnerships to enhance the organization's capabilities and market reach.
Brand Promotion:
Actively promote the organization's brand through marketing initiatives, events, and thought
leadership. Enhance the organization's visibility and credibility in the industry through
participation in conferences, speaking engagements, and publication of articles.
22. Supply Chain Management
Key Functions:
Procurement
and Vendor
Management
Logistics and
Inventory
Management
Risk
Management
and Compliance
23. Supply Chain Management
Work Process: Procurement and Vendor Management
Sourcing and Supplier Selection:
Identify and evaluate potential suppliers for construction materials, equipment, and services.
Negotiate contracts and agreements that ensure the best quality, pricing, and delivery terms for
the organization.
Purchase Order Processing:
Issue purchase orders based on project requirements and organizational needs. Ensure accurate
and timely processing of purchase orders to maintain a steady flow of materials and services
throughout the project lifecycle.
Supplier Relationship Management:
Foster positive relationships with suppliers, monitor their performance, and address any issues
that may arise. Collaborate with suppliers to optimize delivery schedules and resolve supply
chain disruptions.
24. Supply Chain Management
Work Process: Logistics and Inventory Management
Logistics Planning:
Develop efficient logistics plans for the transportation and distribution of construction materials
and equipment. Coordinate with transportation providers to optimize delivery routes and
schedules.
Inventory Control:
Implement inventory management systems to track and control stock levels of construction
materials. Minimize excess inventory, reduce carrying costs, and ensure that materials are
available when needed for construction projects.
Warehouse Management:
Oversee warehouse operations, including receiving, storing, and dispatching construction
materials. Implement best practices for warehouse organization, safety, and security.
25. Supply Chain Management
Work Process: Risk Management and Compliance
Risk Assessment:
Identify and assess potential risks in the supply chain, including factors such as supplier
reliability, market volatility, and geopolitical issues. Develop strategies to mitigate risks and
ensure continuity of the supply chain.
Compliance with Regulations:
Stay informed about relevant regulations and compliance requirements related to the
procurement and transportation of construction materials. Ensure that the organization adheres
to legal and regulatory standards in all supply chain activities.
Ethical Sourcing:
Implement ethical sourcing practices, including considerations for environmental sustainability,
fair labor practices, and responsible sourcing of materials. Demonstrate corporate responsibility
in the supply chain.
26. Project Management Office (PMO)
Key Functions:
Project
Portfolio
Management
Standardization
of Project
Management
Processes
Risk
Management
and Issue
Resolution
27. Project Management Office (PMO)
Work Process: Project Portfolio Management
Project Selection and Prioritization:
Work with organizational leadership to identify and prioritize potential projects based on
strategic goals and resource availability. Evaluate project proposals and align them with the
overall project portfolio.
Resource Allocation:
Optimize the allocation of resources, including personnel, finances, and equipment, across
various projects. Ensure that resources are distributed efficiently to meet project deadlines and
objectives.
Performance Monitoring:
Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to monitor the performance of
individual projects and the overall project portfolio. Provide regular reports to stakeholders on
project status, risks, and achievements.
28. Project Management Office (PMO)
Work Process: Standardization of Project Management Processes
Methodology Development:
Define and implement standardized project management methodologies and processes tailored
to the organization's needs. This may include the adoption of industry best practices and the
development of customized project management frameworks.
Training and Development:
Provide training and support to project managers and project teams. Ensure that team members
are familiar with and adhere to established project management processes, tools, and
methodologies.
Quality Assurance:
Conduct regular reviews and audits of project management practices to ensure adherence to
standards. Identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions to enhance project
delivery effectiveness.
29. Project Management Office (PMO)
Work Process: Risk Management and Issue Resolution
Risk Assessment and Mitigation:
Collaborate with project managers to identify potential risks associated with projects. Develop
risk management plans and strategies to mitigate risks and address issues proactively.
Issue Resolution:
Provide a framework for identifying, tracking, and resolving project issues. Facilitate
communication and collaboration among project teams to address challenges and obstacles that
may arise during project execution.
Continuous Improvement:
Foster a culture of continuous improvement by collecting feedback from project teams and
stakeholders. Use lessons learned from completed projects to refine and enhance project
management processes and methodologies.
31. Engineering
Work Process: Design and Technical Expertise
Engineering Design:
Provide specialized engineering design services for construction projects. This includes
structural engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and
other disciplines depending on the nature of the projects.
Technical Analysis:
Conduct technical feasibility studies and analysis to ensure that proposed designs meet
regulatory requirements, industry standards, and project specifications. Verify the structural
integrity and safety of buildings and infrastructure.
Innovation and Technology Adoption:
Stay abreast of technological advancements and industry best practices. Integrate innovative
engineering solutions and technologies to enhance project efficiency, sustainability, and overall
performance.
32. Engineering
Work Process: Collaboration with Other Departments
Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
Work closely with the Design Studio, Project Management Office, and other relevant
departments to integrate engineering considerations into the overall project planning and
execution.
Coordination with Construction Teams:
Collaborate with construction teams to provide technical guidance during the construction
phase. Address any unforeseen technical challenges that may arise during the construction
process.
Value Engineering:
Collaborate on value engineering initiatives to optimize project costs while maintaining or
improving the quality and functionality of the design. Identify alternative materials or
construction methods that may enhance project efficiency.
33. Engineering
Work Process: Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance
Code Compliance:
Ensure that engineering designs and construction activities comply with relevant building codes,
regulations, and standards. Stay informed about updates to codes and regulations and
incorporate changes into project designs.
Quality Assurance and Control:
Implement quality assurance and control processes to monitor and assess the quality of
engineering deliverables. Conduct inspections and reviews to verify that work meets established
standards.
Risk Management:
Identify and assess engineering-related risks. Develop risk mitigation strategies to address
potential challenges and ensure that projects are completed safely and successfully.
34. Finance & Accounts
Key Functions:
Financial
Planning and
Budgeting
Financial
Reporting and
Analysis
Accounts
Payable,
Accounts
Receivable,
General
Accounting and
Record Keeping
35. Finance & Accounts
Work Process: Financial Planning and Budgeting
Financial Forecasting:
Conduct financial forecasting to anticipate future cash flows, expenses, and revenue. This helps
in identifying potential financial challenges and planning for the organization's financial
sustainability.
Capital Expenditure Planning:
Assess and plan for capital expenditures, including investments in new equipment, technology,
or facilities. Align capital expenditure plans with the organization's strategic objectives.
Internal Controls:
Implement and monitor internal controls to safeguard assets, prevent fraud, and ensure the
accuracy of financial records. Conduct internal audits to assess compliance with established
controls.
36. Finance & Accounts
Work Process: Financial Reporting and Analysis
Financial Statements:
Prepare accurate and timely financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets,
and cash flow statements. These statements provide insights into the organization's financial
health and performance.
Financial Analysis:
Conduct financial analysis to interpret and communicate key financial metrics. Assess
profitability, liquidity, and efficiency to guide decision-making and strategic planning.
Variance Analysis:
Analyze variances between budgeted and actual financial performance. Identify areas of concern
or opportunities for improvement and provide recommendations to management.
37. Finance & Accounts
Work Process: Accounts Payable
Invoice Processing:
Receive and process invoices from vendors and suppliers for goods and services received.
Verify the accuracy and legitimacy of invoices before approval for payment.
Payment Processing:
Coordinate and execute payments to vendors within established terms. Ensure that payments are
made on time to maintain positive relationships with suppliers and to take advantage of any
early payment discounts.
Vendor Management:
Maintain accurate records of vendor accounts, including contact information, payment terms,
and transaction history. Address any discrepancies or issues related to vendor invoices.
38. Finance & Accounts
Work Process: Accounts Receivable
Invoicing and Billing:
Generate and send invoices to clients for services rendered or projects completed. Ensure that
invoices accurately reflect the terms of the contract and project milestones.
Credit Control:
Monitor accounts receivable to ensure timely collection of payments. Implement credit control
measures, such as sending reminders and following up on overdue payments, to optimize cash
flow.
Client Relationship Management:
Work with project managers and other relevant departments to address client queries related to
invoicing and payments. Maintain positive relationships with clients to facilitate smooth
financial transactions.
39. Finance & Accounts
Work Process: General Accounting and Record Keeping
Bookkeeping:
Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records, including ledger entries, journal entries, and
other accounting documentation. Record all financial transactions in compliance with
accounting principles.
Financial Reporting:
Contribute to the preparation of financial reports, including balance sheets, income statements,
and cash flow statements. Provide accurate and timely financial information to support decision-
making.
Reconciliation:
Reconcile bank statements, accounts payable, and accounts receivable records to ensure
accuracy and identify any discrepancies. Conduct regular financial audits and reviews to
maintain the integrity of financial data.
40. HR & Admin
Key Functions:
Talent
Acquisition and
Workforce
Management
Employee
Relations and
Engagement
Compensation
Management
41. HR & Admin
Work Process: Talent Acquisition and Workforce Management
Recruitment and Staffing:
Manage the end-to-end recruitment process, including sourcing, screening, and hiring
candidates for various positions within the organization. Collaborate with hiring managers to
understand staffing needs and ensure the organization has the right talent.
Onboarding and Orientation:
Facilitate the onboarding process for new employees, ensuring a smooth transition into the
organization. Provide orientation sessions to familiarize new hires with company policies,
procedures, and culture.
Training and Development:
Identify training needs and coordinate training programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of
employees. Support professional development initiatives to help employees grow within their
roles and contribute effectively to the organization.
42. HR & Admin
Work Process: Employee Relations and Engagement
Conflict Resolution:
Address and resolve workplace conflicts or employee grievances in a fair and timely manner.
Act as a mediator between employees and management to foster positive working relationships.
Employee Engagement Programs:
Develop and implement initiatives to enhance employee engagement and morale. This may
include organizing team-building activities, recognition programs, and wellness initiatives.
Performance Management:
Administer performance appraisal processes, provide feedback to employees, and support
managers in setting performance goals. Contribute to the development and implementation of
performance improvement plans.
43. HR & Admin
Work Process: Compensation Management
Payroll Processing:
Oversee the accurate and timely processing of payroll for all employees. This includes calculating
wages, salaries, bonuses, and deductions, ensuring compliance with tax regulations, and
processing payments through the appropriate channels.
Implement and manage payroll software systems to streamline processes and reduce the risk of
errors in payroll calculations.
Benefits Administration:
Administer employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other
fringe benefits. Negotiate with benefit providers to ensure cost-effectiveness and employee
satisfaction.
Communicate benefits information to employees, address inquiries, and oversee the enrollment and
termination processes related to employee benefits.
Administration and Facilities Management:
Facilities and Workspace Planning: Oversee office facilities, ensuring a safe and comfortable
working environment. Manage workspace planning, including desk allocations, seating
arrangements, and office layout optimization.
Record Keeping and Documentation: Maintain accurate and confidential employee records,
including personnel files, timesheets, attendance records, and leave balances. Ensure compliance
with data protection and privacy regulations.