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Before switching IT providers, an architecture firm should ask 7 questions in 4 areas: AEC software expertise, service guarantees, cost and contract terms, and the transition plan. For a 10-50 person firm, a well-run switch typically takes 30-90 days and should cause no project downtime. The key is scheduling the cutover around your submittal deadlines and getting full admin access from your current provider first.

Below are the exact questions to ask, the red flags to watch for, and a checklist of what to collect before you make the move.

The 7 Questions to Ask, in 4 Categories

Expertise

  1. Do you currently support architecture or AEC firms?
  2. Do you handle vendor calls with Autodesk and Bluebeam for us? Your project architects shouldn't be on hold with software support.

Service

  1. What's your guaranteed response time? Look for 30 minutes or less during business hours.
  2. What percentage of issues do you resolve on the first call? Strong providers track this and share it.
  3. Can you be on-site the same day? Workstations, plotters and network gear sometimes need hands-on work.

Cost and contract

  1. What's included in the monthly fee, and what isn't?

Transition

  1. What does your onboarding process look like?

Bonus question: do you have experience with hostile onboardings where the current IT support company was uncooperative in the transition? Hint: We do!

5 Red Flags in a Provider's Answers

  1. What they say: "We respond as quickly as possible."
    What it usually means: No guaranteed response time
  2. What they say: "We support all business software."
    What it usually means: No specific Revit or Bluebeam experience
  3. What they say: "Pricing depends on what comes up."
    What it usually means: Hourly billing and unpredictable invoices
  4. What they say: "We can switch you over this weekend."
    What it usually means: No discovery phase, so problems surface mid-project
  5. What they say: "Our backups run every night."
    What it usually means: Backups may never have been test-restored

What to Collect From Your Current Provider Before You Switch

Your firm owns its systems, so make sure you also own the keys. Collect these before you give notice:

  • Admin credentials for Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace
  • Domain registrar and DNS logins (where your website and email point)
  • Firewall, router and Wi-Fi admin passwords
  • Server and NAS admin accounts
  • Autodesk, Bluebeam and other software license account access
  • Backup system access, plus the date of the last successful restore test
  • Network documentation: diagrams, IP addresses, vendor contacts
  • A list of every service you're paying the current provider for

Why Katy Architecture Firms Choose Alexaur

We've supported architecture, engineering, and construction firms across Katy, TX and Greater West Houston since 2001, and we're still family-owned. The person who answers your call knows why the trailer machine matters.

  • 98% of support tickets resolved on the first call
  • Average client tenure of more than 10 years
  • 100+ combined years of cybersecurity experience on staff
  • Clients who have implemented our full security and business continuity recommendations have not reported a business-disrupting security incident.
  • Fluent in the software you actually run: AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam, SolidWorks, Procore, Navisworks, ProjectWise, and OnScreen Takeoff.
  • Dell & Lenovo Partner
  • Managed Protection Security Suite Associate Accreditation
  • MSP Pro
  • Keeper Sales Professional
  • Network+ Certified
  • SonicWall Certified

Thinking about a switch? Book a free Discovery Call and we'll walk through these questions with you. No audit fee, no obligation.