Navigating the design and construction of a building envelope can be as intricate as the facade itself. Architects in the Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana region know that specifying the right products is critical to both aesthetics and performance. But what if you could have a partner who streamlines the entire process from design to delivery? That’s where an exterior envelope supplier like Altiers steps in. Here are five compelling reasons to partner with a dedicated supplier for your next project.
Manufacturers typically don't offer direct pricing, which can leave architects guessing until bids roll in. Suppliers, on the other hand, know the dealer network and can offer accurate price forecasts early in the design process, and often have seen those products installed and at what rates. This foresight allows for better cost control and fewer surprises down the road, as well as discover creative options to use more quality materials for less overall costs!
Your specs might be outdated, overly specific, or tied to materials that no longer offer the best value. A supplier provides a curated view of the market's current offerings—across brick, metal, stone, and more—tailored to your design intent and budget constraints. We know what new products come on the market, and which have been tested with success. It’s like having a constantly updated library of what's practical and beautiful.
When budgets tighten, suppliers can pivot quickly. With access to alternative materials and system options, they can present VE solutions that maintain the design vision while easing financial stress. They understand product equivalency, substitution standards, and can help ensure compliance without sacrificing aesthetics. Send your project out for permit knowing all bets are hedged.
Every product interacts differently with substrates, fasteners, and adjacent materials. Suppliers understand these nuances and can guide product selection based on how it will be installed. Often, suppliers can even coordinate free installation support from the manufacturers directly to the installers on your project! This foresight and support leads to cleaner details, more accurate shop drawings, and smoother field execution.
From clarifying spec language to resolving product availability concerns, suppliers support the full journey of your design. They work with both installers and dealers to eliminate ambiguity, reduce change orders, and keep the project on schedule. For next-level support, architects put the supplier in the construction document in the specs to route questions to the supplier rather than unnecessary / redundant RFI's.
Whether you're renovating a school in Lexington, designing a healthcare campus in Columbus, or specifying a mixed-use development in downtown Cincinnati, partnering with an exterior envelope supplier can simplify your process and elevate your project. Altiers is here to help from inspiration to installation.