Even though modest growth is projected for the healthcare construction market in 2013, developing and offering non-traditional supplemental services is recommended as a viable business strategy for healthcare design firms. 

From commissioning and energy monitoring to indoor air quality consulting and parking planning services, firms may have more expertise to offer than they realize. 

Currently being promoted by the American Institute of Architects via its Supplemental Architectural Services program, such specialized offerings can be a great way to bolster revenue, particularly in cases where full commissions aren’t an option. 

In fact, the AIA has identified no less than 135 different supplemental services, 48 of which are detailed on its site with resources and information, including excerpts from 

The Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice and AIA Contract Documents. In addition, the knowledge and skills for each service category are delineated and the reason why such services are in demand. 

For example, because healthcare organizations frequently need to assess existing space or proposed designs to determine if they meet ADA requirements, accessibility compliance can be a desirable niche market. 

Or consider the challenge hospitals face when relocating departments, healthcare firms can rise to the occasion with move management services. 

For those firms that have already developed expertise in building information modeling, they may actually find their model rendering services to be of interest to healthcare institutions that need to present high-quality renderings in its pursuit of project funding or regulatory approval. 

In addition to driving new streams of revenue, such supplemental services can also increase the firm’s value through diversification and help attract new business, according to AIA. 

Additional suggested niche areas include architectural acoustics, building measurement, contract administration, construction defect analysis, construction documentation, detailed cost estimating, energy analysis and design, expert witness services, facility evaluation, historic preservation, land surveying, postoccupancy evaluation, project financing, security evaluation and planning, seismic analysis and design, space planning, and zoning process assistance.