Taylor Grows Staff by 30 Percent

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.  — Architectural health care firm Taylor reported a rebound from the economic downturn with a “remarkable surge” in new work and addition of staff at all levels.

The firm increased its staff by 30 percent, amidst a struggle by other design firms, according to Taylor officials.

In addition to working on a range of projects varying in scope and scale, the firm said their success comes from investing in a client survey that helped Taylor retool how the firm does business by refocusing attention on client priorities.

“We have kept the emphasis on being nimble so we can work effectively and make decisions quickly,” said Randy Regier, president of the firm. “During the recession we ‘leaned down’ but were able to keep our key staff and spent our energies strengthening our relationships with our long-term clients while developing new ones.”

Nimbleness was key in the firm’s move into Northern California, when Doug Childs and his team from Childs Mascari Warner Architects separated in late 2011, establishing Taylor’s San Francisco office.

Kristy Jordan, Taylor’s human resources manager, also credited the growth to the firm’s strong culture — resilience and their ability to attract and retain talent.

“The high levels of passion, loyalty and drive among the staff make our employees our best recruiters. They understand our ‘cultural fit’ and look for others who will be collaborative team players,” she said.

Jordan said more than 40 percent of the staff has been with the firm for more than 10 years, with 10 percent ‘boomerangs’ who came back to Taylor after leaving for another firm.

In addition to the original five-person team in San Francisco, Taylor has hired 17 new employees since April 2011.

“Everyone understands that we want to fill the future, not just a position,” she said.