The client

We welcomed Hawkins\Brown to Cubic Interactive in 2019, when they introduced Rapport3 modules to their award-winning architectural practice. They took on our Project Costing and Contacts (CRM) modules, as well as Access Dimensions integration, Newforma integration and OpenAsset integration. They introduced our software with the aim of refining the information available for each project and making it accessible in one central location, so that each of their talented team members could view comprehensive overviews quickly. 

The COO of Hawkins\Brown, Alastair Roberts, explained why they chose these Rapport3 modules, “We had another system in place which wasn’t working for us - it wasn’t fit for purpose. Along with needing to replace this existing system, we also saw the opportunity to get more aspects of project management into one system. Previously, we had fee forecasting in Excel, resourcing in unconnected spreadsheets, and project planning and QA in separate Word documents. What we were looking for was to have the project as the central logic, with all the relevant information available in one place.” 

Their spokesperson explained that they searched for a new project management system with “due diligence.” After comprehensive research and recommendations from practices implementing Rapport3 already, Hawkins\Brown got in touch and developed a “great rapport” with the team. That paired with “good pricing” ensured they came on board. 

Requirements

The delivery of Hawkins\Brown’s projects focuses on accurate time and budget, with open communication and good customer relationships a real priority. Collaborations are their central focus, with the number of consultants, authorities, advisers, interest groups, specialists, contractors and subcontractors growing with the scale of each project. Managing, communicating with and motivating these groups consistently and effectively is a huge task, but concludes in projects that are developed in new, unique and exciting ways. 

With such a large network of clients, employees and collaborators, an effective CRM system was essential for Hawkins Brown. Having previously used Access' 'Focal Point' software, they decided to migrate to Rapport3 CRM. They needed a more comprehensive service, particularly to accommodate their growing team and success.

Our Rapport3 Project Costing module is a powerhouse encompassing all administration, project costing and project accounting needs. With handy features such as an intuitive project search, resource planning, business intelligence, budget planning, expenses, QA, team management and more all displayed on sophisticated dashboards, our Job Costing module keeps you in complete control. 

Hawkins\Brown's focus on providing an efficient and accurately budgeted service meant the Rapport3 Project Costing module was ideal for keeping track of all cost-related parts of a project. Their reputation for absolute quality and high standards also made our Rapport3 Quality Assurance feature an extremely useful tool to utilise. The Integration module with Access Dimensions was also included, to ensure all data is consistent and accurate throughout their systems. 

Hawkins\Brown’s spokesperson noted how fantastic it has been to have so many elements in one intelligent and clear dashboard , explaining “We moved a number of processes wholly into the system. Resourcing was a real headache before, but now we run all of our resourcing within Rapport3 and use the system to run reports on that. We also moved all of our QA into the system, making our lives much simpler by having everything in one place. The system has also improved our reporting greatly - we have created lots of reports already within the system, and the PowerBI integration has been great for running more timely and customised reports.”

The solution

With widespread remote working now a reality for most UK businesses, the ability to maintain business-as-usual regardless of location has become increasingly important. Hawkins\Brown’s spokesperson commented on the convenience of the Rapport3 system being web-based; “It’s fantastic because it means it is always available.” Additionally, with remote working bringing challenges to communication and collaboration, having one system which contains all the necessary information and data for every project, accessible to everyone, has been incredibly useful for Hawkins\Brown. Their spokesperson remarked, “With working from home, there is a pressure to have a single source of truth. Rapport3 is great for that, and enables us to keep a close eye on projects, wherever we are. We can access and understand project information much more quickly and easily.”

Hawkins\Brown chose Cubic Interactive’s Rapport3 after building a good rapport with the team; a rapport they appreciated in every part of the process. Their spokesperson complimented the “very good” customer service they have experienced throughout, remarking that the integration was “very smooth.” Upon purchasing Rapport3, their spokesperson explained that it was “very clear what they had to do; what they needed to provide, and what Cubic would be doing.” He continued, “Therefore, we launched on time and very successfully. The whole roll-out process was great.” We also provide comprehensive training on how to use the software, which can be administered remotely, which Hawkins\Brown also appreciated, “The training was great and our whole team can now use the software. We enjoy staying in touch with the team and talking about updates, improvements, and how we can use PowerBI."

We look forward to working alongside Hawkins\Brown as they continue to deliver inspiring projects across the UK and LA.