#503 - DAVID PRUTTING, Founder and Owner of Prutting & Co
SUMMARY
This week, David of FAME Architecture & Design is joined by David Prutting, Founder and Owner of Prutting & Co. The two discussed David’s background, his career journey, starting his own business as a contractor, working on new builds, arrogance and ego in design, communication and alignment with clients, Grace Farm project by SANAA, good architect contractor partnership, pre-construction service, change in construction costs, most challenging project, and more. Enjoy!
ABOUT DAVID
David Prutting founded Prutting + Co. with his wife, Deborah, more than fifty years ago. Based in Connecticut and New York, the high-end custom building firm constructs and crafts modern, contemporary homes. The team consists of experienced builders, architects, and design graduates. It works with award-winning architects, designers, and landscapers across the United States, and has won numerous awards for its work.
TIMESTAMPS
(00:00) David's background.
(11:30) David's career journey.
(14:16) Starting his own business as a contractor.
“My advice to architects and builders [who want to start their own business] is don't be shy. Don't be afraid to hear “no thanks.” Be ambitious and go find the work you want. Try advertising. There’s a saying, “Advertising pays, it doesn't cost.” I think it's wise, but only tasteful advertising. Let the photographs do the talking and associate us with the constructed building.” (15:41)
(21:31) Working on new builds.
“When in doubt, which is a lot when you are the client, turn to the professionals. That's why you hired them. If you don't know how many windows or how high the ceiling should be, as laypeople, we aren't schooled in design, so have faith in the architects. The designer has to earn that trust by being a good listener. Find out what the client is saying. What do you hear they really want [and what will make them happy?] If they ask a specific question like, “What's the difference between this showerhead and that showerhead?” Your answer should be truthful, like, “I don't know, but I'll find out, and I'll get back to you.” If you do that, then the clients feel that you’ve heard them and understood what they were anxious about. That kind of customer service is what it's all about.” (27:33)
(30:18) Arrogance & ego in design.
(36:12) Communication & alignment with clients.
(45:47) Grace Farms project by SANAA.
(47:28) Good architect, contractor partnership.
“I need an active partner that has answers for us. Because the biggest boo-boo on a job site is when the plumber shows up and asks, “Where do you want the sink?” And you're like, “Well, we're waiting for the architect to tell us.” That just kills momentum; it kills the schedule. At least give us the location. The more detail and information that you can provide, and then be accessible for questions, interpretation, and follow-up, the better. That tells me you are listening to us and understand our needs.” (51:36)
“Early in my career, I would make suggestions. Then I realized, it's not my job to suggest where the outlet should be. It's fine to participate if we’re needed, but the less we have to think on our own, like, what did the architect intend here? It's better from our standpoint because it makes our job easier. When the plumber walks in and asks, “How should I lay out this bathroom?” That's your job to have a plan ready. You're the one making most of the layout decisions. We'll certainly help you and work with you to make suggestions based on the situation on site, but most builders and tradesmen just want to walk into a job and follow a plan.” (53:53)
(56:19) Pre-construction service.
(01:08:03) Change in construction cost.
(01:12:40) Most challenging project.
(01:16:57) David's favorite building.
