Beta Design, Pinnacle Construction to share collaborative workspace in Grand Rapids

Deborah Johnson Wood

Beta Design and Pinnacle Construction will soon share a collaborative workspace along the Grand River as part of an initiative to drive business for the two companies. Beta Design will relocate from two floors at 70 Ionia SW, Grand Rapids to 5,000 square feet in Pinnacle's building at 1000 Front St. NW.

The two companies will remain separate entities but will share a conference room, library and reception area. However, both companies say the most significant reason for the change is to offer a single source for clients looking for design, construction and engineering expertise.

"We can learn from each other and share ideas," says Beta Design owner Adriana Bylsma. "Normally a client can hire an architect who will create tons of detailed drawings so the client can put in a bid. But if we work with the construction company right from the beginning, we can reduce the details because we can find better ways of doing things."

"We can team together and approach clients with a fully integrated approach," says Michael Garrett, president of Pinnacle Construction. "We're stronger together than we are as just individual firms. We'll be able to work together very quickly and bounce ideas off each other. Being in the same building, we can quickly get feedback on costs of a project as it's being designed so a client can consider it very quickly."

Pinnacle has been in the building eight years and has always had the extra space; Garrett says he was looking for a related business to bring in. Bylsma has searched downtown Grand Rapids for a space where Beta Design could reduce its carbon footprint and bring its 25 employees into a collaborative environment with a complementary company.

Bylsma and Garrett say both firms will continue to work with other outside companies on development projects.

"I can see that we will try to open opportunities for each other," Bylsma says. "It becomes more than just one person on the street trying to see opportunities."

Source: Adriana Bylsma, Beta Design; Michael Garrett, Pinnacle Construction

Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected]. Development News tips can be sent to [email protected].