Building the HR Foundation for a Growing Architecture Firm
Objective
Explore how a tailored HR overhaul empowered a long-standing architecture firm to modernize operations, enhance compensation strategy, and lead with confidence.
Background
Founded in 2002, this Midwestern architecture and planning firm had grown steadily to a team of 38 employees. While successful in its craft, the internal people operations had not kept pace. A leadership member was bogged down by manual HR processes, outdated compensation models, and limited internal HR expertise. The firm needed a total transformation to keep up with modern expectations, and future growth.
The Transformation
Key Challenges:
Entire HR function operated via spreadsheets, SharePoint, MS forms and email
No centralized system to track employee data, benefits, or performance
Compensation bands were unclear, outdated, and inconsistent
Lack of people operations leadership led to reactive decision-making
Leadership team lacked tools for coaching and managing employee expectations
HRbp Inc.'s Strategic Interventions
HR Process Design from the Ground Up
We led a full redesign of the firm’s HR operations, building custom workflows, checklists, and role clarity to support the team with day-to-day people management.
Custom HRIS Implementation
After assessing the firm's needs and budget, we recommended and implemented a user-friendly, scalable HRIS. This eliminated manual bottlenecks, enhanced employee experience, and reduced administrative strain.
Compensation Strategy & Salary Band Design
We conducted a market benchmarking study and restructured compensation across the firm, aligning pay with performance, roles, and industry standards—boosting trust and transparency.
Benefits Management + People Ops Support
We assumed oversight of benefit administration, negotiated better vendor pricing, and provided strategic advisory on people operations—from onboarding to performance reviews.
Leadership Coaching & Manager Training
We coached senior leaders and mid-level managers to lead confidently, address conflict effectively, and create a positive team culture that reflects the company’s design excellence.
Results That Reshaped the Business
✅ 90% of HR Processes Digitized
Streamlined, trackable workflows allowed the team to focus more on creative and client work, less on admin.
✅ Compensation Equity Achieved Across All Roles
Increased employee satisfaction and reduced pay-related turnover risk.
✅ Leadership Alignment & Confidence Boosted
Managers reported feeling more empowered and better equipped to lead.
✅ Improved Candidate Experience & Onboarding
Modern systems and clear roles created a smoother journey for new hires and a stronger first impression.