they come back later someone will have answered them. The communication back and forth is contained in a module unique to a job, so nothing gets lost in the shuffle. Whatever the question, it is the definitive source for the final answer," she says. Another valuable benefit is that Rod
Cullum has been removed as a middle man. "Our new process has freed me up to do more business development, to find the next deal, to be concerned about cli- ent relationships and not what their paint color is. I know that process is being managed properly, so I can focus on the big picture," he says. The new communications system
works so well, Cullum Homes promotes it as a differentiator. "In our first meeting with a prospect, we show them the pro- cess and urge them to ask our compe- tition how they will be managing their communication," Cullum explains. "People expect excellence, quality, and they expect things to be done on time. Unless there's a system to ensure that, to communicate timing and selections, it can't happen. We have cut our cycle time down and can hold everyone accountable and stay ahead of selec- tions, and as a result clients have had spectacular experiences." ■
Ç The team at Cullum Homes uses the big screen to demonstrate its project communications system to potential clients.
2012 Business
EXCELLENCE AWARDS Community Involvement
Ç Newport, R.I. is filled with historical architecture like this, and Ross Cann AIA does what he can to educate the community about its importance.
An appreciation for architecture
The citizens of Newport, R.I., cultivate a growing sense of architectural appreciation thanks in part to one architect's efforts
S
urely, the citizens of one of the most intact historical archi- tectural cities in America appreciate the beauty that sur- rounds them. Not always the
case, says Ross Cann, AIA, who founded A4 Architecture in Newport, R.I. in 2004. Upon
F o r R e s i d e n t i a l P r o s . c o m r esidential design + build
relocating to the city, he quickly realized that many, if not the majority of the community, took these important structures for granted and failed to accord the protection, care and honor they deserve. Cann first had been introduced to the architecture of Newport in the class of
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