Working local vs. national

I'm often asked by new contacts whether it makes sense to work with a contract design engineer who is not in the immediate area. There are definite advantages to having the client and contractor within driving distance, and if you prefer the interaction, I do recommend you find someone nearby for the relationship.

That said, I have worked with clients from across the country. I currently have projects going in TX, CA, TN, and MN, as well as several in the Denver CO area. I do like the advantage of local clients; there's nothing like the face-to-face time to work through details and brainstorm options.

Achieving the same interaction by phone and email is a challenge I take seriously, and I've gone to great lengths to make sure the same quality of relationship is maintained. If you search your local area and just can't find the contractor that feels right, by all means expand your search. With some in-depth inquiring, you may find that working with someone across the state or across the country can be practical and successful.