In 2002 Jack Ball and Associates Architects PC made the decision to relocate their offices to downtown Springfield. Firm President J. Christopher Ball, AIA recognized that this move presented an opportunity beyond that of just physically occupying a new space.  The move quickly became a platform for several transformations which would eventually redefine the image and environment of Jack Ball Architects PC. 

Internships in college and exposure to several types of firms, including his fathers were influential in the type of tone Chris wanted to set for his firm.  A piece of history that Chris wanted to preserve was the firm’s foundation as a small firm offering personalized service.  Chris determined that in order for Jack Ball Architects PC to function efficiently, and provide personal service to each client, the firm would need to operate in the range of eight to twelve employees.  A minimum of eight employees being desirable in order to achieve diversity of opinions, while surpassing twelve employees, in Chris’s opinion, deteriorates the ability to have personal relationships with employees and clients. 

Among the changes Chris decided to implement were a new company logo, new marketing materials and new office hours.  Employees come to work at 7:30 and leave at 5:30 Monday – Thursday and subsequently only work from 7:30 – 12:00 on Fridays, providing all employees an “extended weekend”.   Chris strives for diversity and positive relationships with each of his employees.  His goal to establish a group who could interact both in and out of the office has resulted in a high retention rate and unprecedented collaborative efforts on behalf of the team.

Overall, these changes have made for a more relaxed work environment which is both evident in the dynamic of our team as well as our projects.