Respected LA Architects Grow With IT Managed Services From ClearFuze
Less than a decade ago, Woods + Dangaran was a two-man operation working out of a small LA office. Brett Woods and Joseph Dangaran were established architecture experts who knew that in order to grow their new business, they required network support and the right technologies to scale. This first-generation startup was looking for something turnkey that could give them the structure they required. “We needed someone who understood technology, understood security and spoke the language of architects,” says Brett Woods.
He continues, “We were a new company and knew we needed more infrastructure from a technology standpoint.” In 2013, the pair was referred to Jason Gilbert, CEO and Founder of ClearFuze. “We reached out to Jason, who came and gave us a presentation and showed us everything ClearFuze can do.” Their initial ask was for help in handling emails, computers, business VoIP phones and a number of complicated technological needs for architects who utilize data-heavy processes and work with huge, sensitive files. It was a good match right from the start. “When we met Jason the goal was to find an IT vendor that would be a long-term fit. One who could help us as our company grew, and could develop the right security and technology protocols. That has proven to be the case,” says Woods.
In 2018, the partnership took a big step forward when Woods + Dangaran signed on for ClearONE from ClearFuze, just as the architectural company was moving into a new Mid-City office that also served as a studio and design space for prospective clients. With interior designers, architects and an office manager now on the roster, they were open to placing all of their IT needs under the ClearONE scope. “Woods + Dangaran was so enthusiastic about it on the spot and said, ‘Absolutely, let’s do it.’ They saw the value that ClearONE would bring,” says ClearFuze CEO Jason Gilbert. “We knew their top concerns: solid high-CAD computers, high-speed data processing, a cloud-based stack, comprehensive security and responsive customer service. So ClearONE was a no-brainer for them.”
Woods says three years later he remains a big fan of ClearONE and how it removes daily micromanagement of IT from his plate. “From a business standpoint, I think it’s really smart because it’s scalable, but from a client standpoint, I’m obsessed with it.” He says it felt like going from receiving IT services as needed to gaining their own personal IT support team in the office. “It became more personalized and now whenever I pick up the phone I can get an answer to my problem, or have a new employee set up for onboarding.” Gilbert says putting Woods + Dangaran on ClearONE meant they no longer had to worry about issues such as getting billed by the hour and could focus on the big picture. “Now they can call us as much as they want and we will help them. They also had hardware needs and rather than having to lay out a ton of money, we included all of the hardware they needed when we signed them on to ClearONE and continue to do so,” says Gilbert.
ClearONE Managed Services For Architecture Technology
Architects working on multiple high-stakes projects simultaneously have very specific technology needs, which grew even more complicated when the pandemic forced the Woods + Dangaran team to work remotely for 11 months. “ClearFuze afforded us the flexibility to be able to work remotely. The technology is there and with their help we were able to transition out of the office for a time because we had to do so,” explains Woods. While it wasn’t their ideal setup to go remote, the transition was seamless.
Below is a closer look at the systems and applications put into place by ClearFuze. “ClearONE is a living, breathing solution and we add features to it all the time. We continue to evolve and scale our ClearONE platform and security in the best interest of our clients,” says Gilbert.
Moving to the Cloud
All ClearONE clients receive the standard network stack—whatever is required for their environment. Network firewalls, switches and wireless access points are all ClearONE cloud-managed equipment. Gilbert says he also set up hybrid cloud storage devices for the architectural team. “We tend to do that with architects because their data needs are pretty intense. It’s works as a replica that syncs its data up to the cloud.” And when the architects went remote, Gilbert rolled their projects into a cloud product that allowed them to collaborate even when they worked from their living rooms. “Any equipment that they need, we will roll into a ClearONE package. So if anything goes wrong with that equipment, it’s covered. We also refresh the equipment every three years. So they’re never running on old systems.”
The hardware included in ClearONE also covers computers. “We maintain a fleet of machines across all of our clients. We have business desktops, finance desktops, or laptops of either. There are CAD workstations and then high-CAD workstations. A high-CAD is a machine that’s used for rendering. These are used by the Woods + Dangaran team.” If a workstation at Woods + Dangaran fails, a replacement is sitting in ClearONE inventory and can be brought to them immediately to swap out at no additional charge.
AutoCAD
AutoCAD by AutoDesk is a favorite architect project management software option for many in the industry. ClearONE helps to maintain the individual licenses required for full CAD (computer-aided design) software support.
When we interview employees, they get to walk in and see a system that is confident and professional and they know they can trust it. It allows them to work faster, more efficiently and more confidently because they know they have all the tools that their fingertips to execute on. They’re not worried about technology bogging them down.” – Brett Woods, Founder
Core
Core by BQE is a comprehensive project accounting solution used by Woods + Dangaran for everything from time cards and holidays to HR issues. “The big thing I stress in architecture firms is efficiency. How do you know that you are getting 80% efficiency out of your team? A product like Core comes into play to deliver true project management so that they can see, ‘Well, this employee is turning out a lot more work than that employee is.’ Those insights enable the firm to make better decisions,” states Gilbert.
Revit
Revit BIM (Building Information Modeling) software is another priceless collaboration tool for the Woods + Dangaran team that also allows for remote access. 3D models can be built and shared for new builds and restorations.
“We have built our reputation on a commitment to developing timeless architecture. Many times, people seek out our services just because of how detailed our drawing sets are and how detailed our buildings are. Our designs are rational and built to last.” – Brett Woods, Founder
Bluebeam
Bluebeam is used by many architectural teams in tandem with contracting partners for collaboration on construction and design processes. PDF changes and edits can be made in real time as ClearONE provides tech support and install assistance for new team members.
In addition, ClearFuze ensures both email and phone systems are problem-free for Woods + Dangaran staffers, along with Microsoft Teams for chat and calls, and various Adobe applications such as Photoshop. These actively managed IT services make a big difference for this Los Angeles firm. “There’s no question that having ClearONE from ClearFuze as a part of our practice makes a huge day-to-day impact for our efficiency,” says Woods. What he finds most impressive is ClearFuze’s responsiveness. “They approach every problem with a can-do attitude and they’re very positive.”
This mirrors Woods’ own operational style. For every build, a partner is placed on the project and works hand-in-hand with the client. With ClearFuze, he doesn’t have to worry about IT needs falling through the cracks. “We look at working with them as having our own personal IT associate in our office. With the services provided by ClearFuze, it’s still more cost-effective than hiring someone. Our working relationship continues to grow upward. As long as we grow, they are going to grow.”
CTA:
Over the last decade, Woods + Dangaran went from startup to thriving architectural firm, weathering recession and a pandemic to become a respected powerhouse Los Angeles business. The implementation of ClearONE from ClearFuze for their IT managed services is celebrated as part of the reason for their seamless workflows and many happy, satisfied customers.
About the Client: Woods + Dangaran is a Los Angeles-based architecture firm. They specialize in high-end custom residences and interior design. “At Woods + Dangaran, we create modern homes through dialogue and exploration. By collaborating closely with our clients throughout the design process, we are better able to inspire them with the finished product. By working closely with trusted tradespersons, we can deliver work that is uncompromising in craftsmanship. We design holistically and at every scale: from integrating architecture and interiors to creating custom furnishings. The result are projects that are subtle and disciplined, pure in form, and focused on realizing sublime experiences of space and light. Each building is a carefully curated journey through indoor and outdoor environments that are quietly luxurious, elegantly fluid, and warmly modern.”