YOOPknows is the project management software born out of the needs of a growing architecture studio
In conversation with Gordon Evans of Yoop Architecture, we learnt about YOOPknows – the application that he built for his own practice, and now markets to other UK architecture firms
It is one thing knowing that your business process could be improved and streamlined through good digital organisation of project data – and it is another thing deciding to solve the problem yourself by developing your own app. And now the YOOPknows community is growing, providing a new revenue stream to an already profitable architecture business. So what does it do, and why?
Beedier: What is your background in the sector, and why did you set up Yoop Architecture specifically?
Gordon: My father was a contractor in New Zealand, he built many houses, and he was also a foreman on larger sites. So, it was a natural path for me to become an Architect. Easier on the hands than on the building site.
Beedier: What specific experiences in running your own architecture studio prompted you to develop the YOOPknows application?
Gordon: We were busy. I developed a number of niches, figured out how to get to work, and I even got a business coach. I was organised, but we were still missing the right tool to track our projects and do things consistently and also know what to do, and when to do it at the right time. And so BOOM we made our own tool.
Beedier: What does YOOPknows do that other applications don’t, and why is it especially suited to architectural studios?
Gordon: Most digital tools are aimed at everyone, they are very generic. The others that are specific to Architecture are all-in-one wonders. They do everything. They are a big investment in time and money, and for that reason are only really cost effective for practices with 50 plus staff. YOOPknows provides a solution for 5-15 staff. This is probably more than 80% of the market in the UK.
It is essentially a stripped-down cloud-based tool to get your architecture practice moving where you want it to go. More time to do different projects, more time off, or just achieving the feeling of being in control. It doesn’t do email (google and Microsoft have it covered), it does not do invoices, more practices have Xero or QuickBooks. We just provide the tools that are required and make it fun to use. It saves time and is not another burden.
Beedier: How has YOOPknows helped with your own business, and has it had measurable effects on your productivity, profitability, and process?
Gordon: We increased our revenue by 20%. We found we were streamlining our service, were ahead on jobs, ahead on invoicing. So much so, we went to a 4 day a week business for all staff. So that’s 20% boost to revenue and 20% more time off.
Beedier: Are there any future development plans for the application – new features in the pipeline?
Gordon: We are the developer of YOOPknows, and we are always coming up with ways to improve it. And now the community is pushing for new features, which is great. So at the beginning of the year, we added a “project on hold” function, as many of our community’s projects were in stasis. In this way, we can listen to what people want, and find the development time to tweak the platform accordingly. We have also added Slack integration, so it now notifies the team of activity in YOOPknows through the Slack messaging platform.
This month is going to be about the “metrics page” more automated statistics to see the health and vitality of your business, and next month we will focus on a new concept called “big board”. This will display your projects in a way that makes it look like your spreadsheet of old. A customisable graphic board with the stuff you want to see all the time. Essentially a customisable dashboard.
Beedier: What is the cost of YOOPknows, and what are the range of licences available?
Gordon: We work on about £50 per user per month. It’s like a gym membership for your architectural practice.
Beedier: Knowing what you know now – what advice can you give to small architecture companies looking to develop their practice? What are the key lessons learnt from your own practice?
Gordon: Focus on lead generation – my business coach says you should have 8, and getting consistent work. This leads to good cash flow, profit, investment opportunities and a proper business. Even if it’s only three of you.
Develop two or three niches, get good at them, and communicate that. And put your prices up. Stop being a commodity. If you’re a commodity you can be substituted for a lower price because you do nothing different or are perceived to do nothing different (think can of coke). Don’t be the can of coke.
We took a good look at YOOPknows, and we love the simple and straightforward approach that it takes to organising your architectural projects, by stage and by task. It is not expensive to run, and not overly complicated like many of the big-brand offerings. It is also very focused on the role of the architect in the UK specifically. If you think that you would like to learn more – then Gordon would be happy to talk you through the platform. Check out the YOOPknows website to make an appointment.
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