The most common question I get in the cannabis industry is how I would design and plan a new building. The key to this question is something I go back to all the time in cannabis: the only thing the same about all cannabis grows is they are all different. This is one of my favorite and earliest lessons in cannabis facility design and automation.
Questions, Anyone?
When a client comes to me asking about planning their next grow, the questions are usually similar, but our direction changes based on the desired outcome. The most important aspect of planning your new grow is starting at the end and working backwards. What is going to make this project successful? Does the client understand the risks of their decisions, or am I deciding for them? Is money an issue, or is the budget unlimited? What about quality, and what is the project’s timeline? Who is going to run the building?
The questions surrounding cannabis facility design seem never-ending, but we can get to the bottom of most of them with time and patience.
To borrow a line from a friend, “crawl, walk, run,” seems to be the key to success in industry.
Take time to develop your game plan, know how your company will work, and make enough capital to function. We have already watched the “run, stumble, crash” model from so many in the industry, and we don’t want to see it again.
Hire The Right People
The physical building aspect of your project will be the easiest part of your cannabis career, assuming you work with a reputable company (like Stratus Designs!) that has designed over 50 facilities and made enough mistakes not to make them again. It has taken a lot of patience and energy to get to where we are now designing buildings. We are the first hired and the only ones left after the building process. My company represents the facility owner and deals with the project’s suppliers, cities, engineers, salespeople, etc. We work with those people and foster a healthy partnership to work together as a team. We are here to make the building work and help it continue successfully.
Relationships Are Everything
Relationships will be critical to your future success, assuming you already have an appropriate business plan and a way to get your products to market. You need to be close to everyone, be it equipment vendors, consultants, suppliers, or your competitors. This industry is big enough for us all, but we must focus on our goals and market segments. We have all seen that large-scale operations (Aurora, Canopy, etc.) are not necessarily a model that is working in cannabis. People want craft flowers and locally sourced products that are consistent in quality and unique. Everyone has smoked enough ‘Blue Dream’ for a lifetime.
Be The Best
Planning your next grow involves hard work and being close to many people. Your relationships will help you survive and enjoy the industry, but your product and business plan will pay the bills. Our industry has just had its first five years of legalization/change. Do what you do well and be the best. Strive to excel where others aren’t, and don’t be afraid to be different, as the only thing the same about all cannabis grows is they are all different.
