Client Testimonials

We appreciate Venue’s thorough approach to Cost Consulting. The ability to anticipate the complexity of the construction early in the programming and design process long before the project documents can capture it all is a kind of superpower. Rounding that anticipation with hard work exploring the local environments and connections to the specialty contractors that know the project type results in confidence with which to make good decisions. It is not inconsequential that along the way there is humor and an ability to enjoy the journey!

Scott D. Pfeiffer

Partner, Threshold Acoustics LLC

There is no better firm than Venue if you need cost estimating services. Have worked with them for 20 years. Highly experienced, smart and proven. You will be well served.

Joe McKenna

President/CEO, Sarasota Orchestra

Venue understands the complicated design issues, special systems and equipment required for a successful performing arts hall and this truly makes the difference between cost estimating and cost management. I have rarely worked with a consulting company that proved themselves as committed, knowledgeable and responsive.

Vicki G. Dickerson

President/CEO, The Project Group , Tobin Center for the Performing Arts

Arts Consulting Group has collaborated with Venue on various performing arts facility planning projects over the years. We deeply value their commitment to a thoughtful approach to capital cost analysis that takes into account the complex nature of these multi-year endeavors. Their experienced team partners effectively with clients — along with architects, theater planners, and fundraising professionals — to ensure a comprehensive understanding of these major projects and the lasting impacts they will have on the communities they serve.

Bruce D. Thibodeau, DBA

President, Arts Consulting Group

I have worked with Venue Cost Consulting to generate capital costs on numerous museum and cultural facilities. Their results are accurate, thoughtful, and careful. Venue Cost Consulting’s process includes discussions of the ways the buildings will be operating, they take into account permutations in local costs as well as considerations for future cost escalations. They and their reports, explain every word. There is no jargon or confusion. But most important, they are lovely colleagues that I would recommend every time.

Joy Bailey-Bryant

President, Lord Cultural Resources

We work with the team at Venue Consulting regularly to help our performing arts clients become more knowledgeable about the likely capital costs of their building projects.  Venue always provides rigorous data paired with extensive experience helping organizations make good decisions to achieve their goals within their financial resources.

Jon Faris

Managing Director, AMS Planning & Research

As an acoustician with four-plus decades of consulting experience, working with the Venue team is always reassuring: We know that early and final cost estimates for a sound-sensitive project will be as accurate as possible for each phase. Many cost estimators price what they see on drawings and supporting information. Inherently, the design process means not all information is available immediately. However, Venue has the experience and insight with important performing arts projects to anticipate cost associated with final acoustic development, products, and details inherent with these specialized buildings.

Rick Talaske, FASA

Principal Acoustics Consultant, Consonant Design

We have had a long and successful relationship with Venue Cost Consultants on several of our performing arts and entertainment projects. Sean and his team help us proactively manage cost from the very beginning of a project. They do more than provide reactive cost estimates; they guide from the very beginning of a project allowing us to grasp the interplay between design, program, quality expectations, and cost, so that we and clients can make intelligent choices. Every one of the projects we have worked on together with Venue has had a very positive outcome in terms of scope, quality, and budget.

Steve Knight NCARB, AIA, SARA

Principal, David M. Schwarz Architects

…Venue have been trusted and valued collaborators with Ennead on multiple projects. Their collaboration goes beyond Cost Consulting. Venue’s expertise and sensitivity to design drives us to uncover the best solutions. Their comprehensive knowledge of cultural and performing arts typologies and ability to interpret local and trade cost particulars have been invaluable to us as we develop our projects.

Francelle Lim

Principal, Ennead Architects

“I have had the pleasure of collaborating with [Venue] on a range of performing arts projects for over two decades.  I can think of no one in the world as equipped as [Venue] to help owners navigate the complexities of project costing for performing arts venues.”

Michael Heeney, FRAIC

, C+O Advisory Inc.

“I have worked with Venue on several projects and their advice and estimating has been invaluable as is their ability to explain complex cost issues to a range of stakeholders. I’d recommend them without hesitation including for complex cultural projects.”

Deborah Frieden

, Deborah Frieden & Associates

“Working with Venue on the Arts Commons Transformation over the past four years, I’ve found their team to be personable, professional, attentive, and committed.  They meet their deadlines and are collaborative as evidenced by their willingness to discuss in detail the basis of their estimates and to undertake comparative analysis when a construction manager has prepared their own numbers at the client’s request”.

Carolyn Haddock P. Eng, PMP

Project Director, Colliers Project Leaders

I highly recommend Venue Consulting based on their accuracy and professionalism in delivering detailed and reliable cultural estimates. Throughout our past collaborations, they have consistently provided precise cost breakdowns, ensuring that our projects stayed on budget and met financial expectations. Their attention to detail and commitment to thoroughness has been invaluable in providing a clear financial outlook, which has helped the client make well-informed decisions.
Timeliness is another key strength of Venue. They consistently deliver their work on schedule, allowing us to proceed with projects without unnecessary delays. Their efficiency in providing accurate estimates within the agreed-upon timelines has been instrumental in keeping our operations on track. I have always appreciated their ability to meet deadlines while maintaining the quality of their work.

Ron Austin

Managing Director, VVA LLC

We are doing a little dance here at Writers! It is thanks to your hard work that the bids came in so close to our budget. Thank you to all of you. We are where we are because of you.

Elaine Tinberg

President, Writers Theatre, Glencoe, IL

I have found Venue to be extremely proficient in their attention to detail and making sure our project’s budget numbers stay on target. I have found the accuracy of the financial analysis of Venue to be extraordinary. The work impressed our Board, our Design team and myself.

Rodney Smith

Managing Director, The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, San Antonio, TX

I would say the Venue went the extra mile to help educate our most recent client on the rising cost of market conditions while providing relevant benchmarks to help right size our project and manage their expectations.

David B. Greenbaum, FAIA, LEED AP

Director of Culture and Museums, Gensler

[Venue] is the best in the business. Hands down. …[their] work product is exceptional. And he doesn’t pay me for the endorsement.

Matthew Clear, AIA, LEED AP

Director, Partner, HKS

It is Venue’s expertise in the performing arts that is most extraordinary. Being able to read into early programs and drawings and anticipate hidden cost centers such as theatre and acoustic requirements, helped us ensure our project was built around sound cost assumptions.

Kevin P. Bergeron, LEED AP

Senior Associate, William Rawn Associates - , Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, CT

The Joslyn engaged with Venue Cost Consulting at the very beginning of a major renovation and expansion project. They were at the table as we discussed program needs even before the architects put pencil to paper to help us benchmark what was possible. Along the way Venue was a trusted partner at each stage of the design process offering insightful feedback and collaboration with the team.

Jack Becker, Ph.D.

Executive Director & CEO, Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha NE

Venue Cost Consulting has been our go-to estimator for complex performing arts projects at all stages of design. [Venue] truly understands what goes into spaces for theatre and music. In addition, they are truly great people to work with, bringing a great attitude and tremendous expertise to everything they do.

Alec Stoll, ASTC

Partner, Stages Consultants

We just had a great experience with the Venue team on our study in Osceola County. They were diligent and methodical in the development of cost estimates, responsive to the many questions raised by the client as to how those estimates were developed, and also willing and able to develop additional estimates based on requests from the client to project the cost of modified facility concepts.

Duncan Webb

Founder, Webb Management Services, Inc.

“Venue has become our trusted partners on virtually all of our cultural projects. With their deep experience in the requirements of these specialized buildings they anticipate and incorporate the unique systems, construction assemblies and aesthetics required to make these projects successful. They follow current trends across the country and know what specific factors are impacting these costs. They communicate well with owners and contractors and guide early budgeting and estimates that helps keep our projects on track as they move from early concepts through design.“ 

Michael Tingley, FAIA

Principal, Bora Architecture & Interiors

“Having Venue Cost Consulting as part of our performing arts design team is a necessity toward keeping a project on budget, start-to-finish.  Their experience, knowledge and expertise in understanding this unique building type, along with their staff’s exceptional professional integrity and character are big reasons for ESa’s long-time relationship with Venue.”

Randy Nale, AIA

Principal, ESa

I have worked with the team at Venue on multiple large, complex projects and can enthusiastically endorse their depth of capabilities and the usefulness of their work product. Additionally, they are a pleasure to have as a member of the team.

Dennis Irvine

President and CEO, Irvine Team

Venue has been nothing short of miraculous in their ability to identify and analyze costs quickly and thoroughly and recommend solutions that preserve the integrity of both the Architect’s vision and the schedule and budget…Their work ethic is first rate; they have never not been available when I called with a question – whether on weekend or holidays. Their reports are clear, concise and timely and create comfort around this project with our trustees; a not insignificant matter. Plus they are a pleasure to work with.
Willard Holmes
Chief Operating Officer , The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, TX

Willard Holmes

Chief Operating Officer, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, TX

What has impressed me the most is Venue’s collaborative approach both during the early phases of design with the architects and engineers and they take that same approach when reconciling with construction managers during the later design phases or even when bidding or developing a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for the project. I would highly recommend Venue for cost estimating services, especially for complex cultural arts projects.

Matt Edwards

Senior Vice President, Garfield Public/Private LLC

For over 20 years, we’ve relied on Venue’s expertise and wisdom to accurately forecast costs for complicated performing arts projects. Their ability to take initial concepts and schematic drawings and “fill in the gaps” to determine real world pricing is a huge benefit to both the design team and the client. Venue understands how the details and the total project interconnect. We trust they will intelligently guide us to the right decisions.

John Fontillas, AIA LEED AP

Principal, H³ Architecture

Thank you [Venue] for the work you all have done in support of Legends projects. [Venue] have been flexible [sic] with the ever-changing landscape of design and budget. You all have provided invaluable insight into the costs of the design that has facilitated client decision making on project program that was never anticipated at inception of project.

Matthew Snellgrove

SVP Project Development, Legends

Venue’s knowledge of performing arts structures is unparalleled. Their responsiveness is fantastic… They are without a doubt the best Cost Estimating consultants I have worked with… in almost 25 years of architecture.

Dan Wood, AIA

Partner, WORK Architecture Company - ,Assemblée Radieuse International Conference Center Project, Libreville, Gabon, Africa

The Accenture team has worked collaboratively with Venue for many years on cultural projects and we find the Venue team very knowledgeable about the complexities of these types of buildings.  This level of comfort we find with the team helps support our process in managing these projects to a successful conclusion. We look forward to continuing this collaboration with Venue in the future.

Phillip Johns

Cultural Director, Infrastructure & Capital Projects

“We engaged the team at Venue to provide cost consulting services for the complete transformation of our historic theatre’s mainstage and backstage support spaces—a $35M once-in-a-lifetime capital improvement project.  Venue provided invaluable insight throughout the design process and into construction that allowed us to make timely and informed decisions regarding project scope and timeline, as well as manage budget expectations with our team.”

Sean M. Smith

Director of Operations, The Muny

As an architect that specializes [sic] in the design of cultural facilities both as the founder of MNArchitects and as head of the performing arts studio of the internationally renowned firm of Zeidler Partnership Architects, I have worked with [Venue] on many arts projects for more than twenty years. These have ranged from minor renovations/additions to major performing arts centers across the United States. I have consistently found [Venue’s] ability to accurately predict and manage the cost of these facilities to be exceptional, especially during the early phases of design. Working with Owners and often with very large and sophisticated regional and national construction managers, Venue consistently have educated teams to ensure [sic] that the unknowns of project costs are accounted for, so that costly project delaying and even project destroying mistakes are not made along the way. I would recommend the team at Venue without exception.

Michael Nelson

Partner, MNArchitects, LLC

The early stages of project planning are a cart-and-horse process, where defining the scope and envisioned budget goes hand-in-hand with conceiving initial solutions on paper. These solutions provide the basis for a cost model, but the biggest decisions about the project’s feasibility often have to be made before many cost-impacting aspects are fully defined. This is where Venue excels, leveraging their deep understanding of arts projects and their ability to ask the right questions. By accounting for possible directions and regional market forces, they help create a cost model that drives informed and meaningful conversations.

Adam Shalleck, FAIA

Founder, The Shalleck Collaborative Inc.

…I wanted to write to you to express my thanks for Venue’s help and guidance over the past 10 years that I have been with Wilson Butler Architects. …I could always count on your group to provide sound and objective cost models for the complex performing arts projects on which we teamed. More importantly, Venue understood the specific aspects of arts centers, and as such, allocated costs that were always needed but not always identified in the early stages of design. This only results from a group with understanding and experience.

Paul Vaivoda, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, NCARB

Principal, Wilson Butler Architects