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Time Tracking
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Time Tracking for Architecture Firms

For architecture firms struggling with project management and billing, Harvest offers precise time tracking and invoicing to enhance productivity and profitability.

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How much revenue is your team leaving on the table?

Most agencies run at 55-60% utilization. Even a small improvement means significant revenue. See what closing the gap looks like for your team.

Number of people who track billable time
$
Blended rate across roles (junior, senior, lead)
55%
Percentage of total hours that are billable. Industry average is 55-60%.
75%
A realistic target for service businesses is 70-80%.
Monthly revenue gap $0
Revenue at current utilization $0/mo
Revenue at target utilization $0/mo
Extra billable hours needed per person/day 0h
Annual revenue opportunity $0

Start tracking team utilization

Walk through the entire flow below. Start a timer, check your reports, and create a real invoice — all in three clicks.

Go ahead — start tracking!

One click and you're timing. Try it right here: start a timer, add an entry, edit the details. This is exactly how it feels in Harvest.

  • One-click timer from browser, desktop & mobile
  • Works inside Jira, Asana, Trello, GitHub & 50+ tools
  • Duration or start/end — your call
  • Day, week & calendar views to stay on top of it all
  • Friendly reminders so no hour gets left behind
Acme Corp
Website Redesign
Homepage layout revisions
1:24:09
Content Strategy
Blog calendar planning
1:30:00
SEO Audit
Technical audit report
0:45:00
Brand Guidelines
Color system documentation
2:15:00
Logo Concepts
Initial sketches round 1
1:00:00
Today's total 6:54:09

The Indispensable Role of Time Tracking in Architecture

Time tracking is a crucial component in the architecture industry, essential for managing the diverse range of tasks that architects handle, from conceptual design to construction management. In fact, approximately 79% of architects believe that digital tools will significantly enhance their productivity and project outcomes. This reliance on technology is further amplified by the fact that 67% of construction projects are now supported by cloud-based tools, facilitating seamless collaboration.

Accurate time tracking in architecture not only ensures precise billing but also aids in effective project management and boosts profitability. The unique demands of architectural workflows, such as client relations and site visits, necessitate a robust system for tracking time. Harvest, with its comprehensive time tracking capabilities, supports architects in capturing every billable moment while managing project phases efficiently.

Maximizing Profitability: Billable vs. Non-Billable Hours

For architecture firms, distinguishing between billable and non-billable hours is vital for maximizing profitability. Billable hours involve activities directly related to client projects, such as meetings and deliverables, while non-billable hours include tasks like administrative work and professional development. Top-performing firms achieve a billable utilization rate of 75-85%, significantly enhancing revenue potential.

Untracked hours can severely impact a firm's bottom line, with manual tracking methods often leading to errors and lost billable hours. By using Harvest, firms can efficiently track both billable and non-billable hours, ensuring accurate invoicing and improved financial outcomes. For instance, increasing billable utilization from 65% to 75% for an architect billing $100/hour could add an estimated $20,800 in annual revenue per person.

Key Features of Specialized Time Tracking Solutions for Architects

When selecting time tracking software, architecture firms should look for features that cater specifically to their unique workflows. Essential functionalities include phase-based tracking, which allows firms to break down projects into manageable phases, and detailed reporting for comprehensive project analysis. Mobile access is also crucial due to frequent site visits and client meetings.

Harvest stands out by offering these specialized features. It integrates seamlessly with project management tools like Asana and Trello, which are commonly used in architecture, and supports phase-based tracking to align with project phases. Additionally, Harvest's reporting capabilities allow architects to calculate profitability for different project types and track time spent on tasks such as revisions and client meetings separately.

Implementing and Sustaining Effective Time Tracking Practices

Successfully implementing time tracking in an architectural firm involves a clear, structured approach. Begin by defining the firm's goals, such as improving project management or increasing billable hours. Choosing appropriate software like Harvest, which supports phase-based tracking and integrates with existing tools, is crucial.

Firms should educate their staff on the importance of time tracking and establish best practices for daily entries. Regularly reviewing and analyzing time data helps identify inefficiencies and refine processes. Harvest not only supports these practices but also provides customizable reports to reflect specific architectural metrics, ensuring projects stay on schedule and within budget.

Time Tracking Solutions for Architecture

See how Harvest helps architecture firms improve project management with precise time tracking and integration capabilities.

Screenshot of Harvest time tracking for architecture firms

Time Tracking for Architecture Firms FAQs

  • Time tracking is crucial for architecture firms as it ensures accurate billing, enhances project management, and boosts profitability. It provides real-time insights into project progress, allowing for efficient resource allocation and improved forecasting.

  • Architecture firms track billable and non-billable hours by using specialized software like Harvest, which allows for clear categorization of hours. This ensures that all client-related activities are billed accurately, while non-billable tasks are monitored for internal efficiency.

  • Key features include phase-based tracking, task categorization, detailed reporting, and integration with project management and accounting tools. Mobile accessibility is also important for architects frequently on the move.

  • Time tracking improves project management by providing real-time visibility into progress, identifying bottlenecks, and ensuring projects remain on schedule and within budget. It allows for better resource allocation and enhances forecasting accuracy.

  • Harvest offers robust time tracking with integrations and detailed reporting to manage complex projects effectively. It supports phase-based tracking, distinguishes billable from non-billable hours, and integrates with project management tools commonly used in architecture.

  • Harvest helps prevent scope creep by monitoring project budgets against actual time spent. It provides alerts and detailed project analysis, allowing firms to make timely adjustments and ensure projects remain within budget.

  • Yes, Harvest's detailed time reports enable firms to track time spent on specific tasks like revisions and client meetings separately, ensuring accurate billing and better project insights.