william moore, aia
sprocket design–build, denver
www.sprocketdb.com age of firm: 10 years (in June)
firm specialty: Urban infill, (including row houses and condos), mixed-use, and commercial
staff: 16 (2005); 22 (2008); 12 at beginning of year, 5 at end (2009); 7 (2010, projected)
total revenue: $7.5 million (2005); $17 million (2008); $2 million (2009); $3 million (2010, projected)
completed projects: 15 (2005); 20 (2008); 5 (2009); 1 (2010, projected)
From single-family to multifamily to light commercial, last year saw contracts across project types crumble for William Moore, AIA, founder of Sprocket Design–Build, Denver. Two projects stalled when the developers lost financing, but there were success stories too. The firm designed rental apartment buildings, the headquarters for a technology company selling solar products, a tenant fit-out, and six single-family infill homes.
Sprocket’s construction arm held it aloft last year, as work commenced on projects that had already been designed. “We bid and build for other architects, but last year they were just our projects,” Moore says. “Now we’re bidding on other architects’ projects too.” Prospects are brighter now: Last year the firm had only two starts, compared to eight so far for 2010. New design/build contracts, which run on a one- to two-year cycle, include a mixed-use infill project, a 10-townhome project, a commercial-building renovation, a single-family home, and a 13-unit multifamily renovation.
Looking ahead, all Moore can say is that there is the potential for things to loosen up. He’s seeing some uptick in opportunities for small office and retail spaces, small infill houses, and tenant space for new small businesses. Indeed, small is the way of things now. Having parted with most of his staff in 2009, Moore is down to five employees. “Good riddance to 2009,” he says.