If you can get your DBA to review the SQL, they'll probably be able to advise on the most efficient tables/joins to use.
Try to hit Indexed fields in your attribute ID's (again, check with your DBA if you're unsure which are indexed).
Try to keep attributes simple (ie, don't complicate the functions used on the database elements if you can help it).
Avoid using too many report-end formats, view filters, etc.