{"product_id":"the-architects-guide-to-small-firm-management-isbn-9780470466483","title":"The Architect's Guide to Small Firm Management","description":"\u003cb\u003eThe definitive guide to management success for sole practitioners and leaders of small design firms\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cp\u003eOwning and operating a small architectural design firm can be challenging, with tight project deadlines, on-the-fly meetings, rush proposals, and fluctuating workloads as part of the firm’s day-to-day activities. To help small firm owners cope with the chaos and prepare for the unexpected, here is \u003ci\u003eThe Architect’s Guide to Small Firm Management,\u003c\/i\u003e a no-nonsense guide to repurposing daily demands into workable, goal-directed solutions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCrucial topics such as self-aware leadership, people management, technology, financial health, scenario planning, sustainable practice, and future trends are examined using real-life case studies and business model paradigms. This definitive text explores the whole system experience of a small firm practice to deliver organizational strategies proven to keep a firm’s creative mission on a steady, productive path. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Architect’s Guide to Small Firm Management\u003c\/i\u003e addresses how small firm owners can:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeal effectively with unexpected circumstances and shifting work requirements\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMeet the demands of the marketplace while creating a satisfying workplace\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSet and achieve goals in an environment of constant change\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e This book is a must-have for those facing the often harsh reality of managing small design firms in a difficult and changing economy. Entrepreneurial architects and designers will discover how to define their own personal and professional meanings of success, as well as how to refocus their business approach to replace long, unrewarding hours with manageable, satisfying ones. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAcknowledgments xi\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIntroduction xiii\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart I: Managing In An Unpredictable Environment 1\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 1: Bringing Order Out of Chaos 3\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eProfit and Satisfaction 4\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDesign Firm Business Models 6\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEfficiency-Based Firms 6\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eExperience-Based Firms 8\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eExpertise-Based Firms 10\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAny Project That Comes Through The Door 13\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSmall Firm Archetypes 14\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eArchetype One: Everyone is Dissatisfied 14\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eArchetype Two: Administrative Breakdown 16\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eArchetype Three: Unintentional Enmity 18\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 2: Whole Firm System 21\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLinear Thinking and Systems Thinking 22\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRecognizing Patterns 24\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTracking Trends 25\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSymptomatic and Fundamental Solutions 26\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSummary 28\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCore Incompetence 28\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhole Firm System Diagram 29\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTime Management 31\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCommunication Effectiveness 32\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eJob Satisfaction 33\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 3: Routinize The Routine 35\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOperational Effectiveness 35\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Typology of Work 37\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnalyzability and Variety 38\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSituational Leadership 39\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMatch Management Style, Staffing, and Work Types 40\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHow To Routinize 41\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eProject Management\/Accounting Software 42\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eProject Startup Process 47\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCapacity Utilization 50\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 4: Leadership Matters 53\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFirm Culture 53\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eField Theory 55\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSelf-Aware Leadership 55\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eControl Versus Trust 56\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCareer Contentment 58\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWorking With Creative People 61\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEffective Firm Retreats 62\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlan Nonbillable Hours 64\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePartnerships 65\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhy Partner? 65\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhat Makes Partnerships Work 66\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRules of The Road 67\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhat Makes Partnerships Fail 68\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e“Unintentional Enmity” Revisited 69\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSuccess In Group Work 70\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart II: Best Laid Plans 73\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 5: Lifecycle of A Small Firm 75\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWealth or Control 75\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Principals’ Dilemma 76\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGetting To The Next Level 78\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBe What You Want To Become 79\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Pyramid Problem 79\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Matrix Solution 79\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTransforming Mental Models 81\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEveryone is Dissatisfied Revisited 81\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 6: Transition Times 83\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe 10-Year Itch 83\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhen Partners Grow Apart: J\/H Architects 84\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA Cautionary Tale 86\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eApproaching Retirement 87\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e10-Year Rule 88\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eExpanded Choices 89\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNarrow Choices 89\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOwnership Transition Options 92\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInternal Sale At Retirement 92\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTaking On A Minority Partner 97\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 7: Financial Management: Beyond Intuition 99\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMacroeconomic Influences 100\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEconomic Indicators 100\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Construction Business Cycle 101\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHow Small Firms Survive An Economic Slowdown 103\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinancial Terminology 107\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinancial Performance Indicators and Benchmarks 108\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinancial Management Tasks 109\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTrack Firm Profitability 110\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTrack Chargeable Ratio and Direct Labor Expense 110\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTrack Break-Even Multiplier and Multiplier Achieved 111\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTrack Overhead Expense and Budget Variance 112\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTrack Backlog and Outstanding Proposals 114\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eYear-End Financial Checkup 114\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAdditional Financial Checks 117\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 8: Scenario Planning 121\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInfluences On Profitability 122\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eClient Expectations 123\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOverhead Expense 125\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStrategies For Increasing Profitability 125\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRealizable Revenue 126\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIncrease Hours? 127\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIncrease Billing Rates (Fees)? 128\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIncrease Billable Hours? 128\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAdd Intern To Staff? 129\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAdd Skilled Staff? 130\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eScenario Planning Story Problem 131\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStory Problem Challenge 132\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMove To A Larger Office? 133\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlanning Firm Growth 134\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart III: Looking Toward The Future 137\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 9: Strategic Thinking 139\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBusiness Planning For Small Design Firms 139\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarketing Plans 142\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eValue of Participatory Process 144\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSample Business Plan Template 145\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLearning is Job One 155\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLearning By Design 155\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLearning As Competitive Advantage 157\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 10: Small Design Firm Practice Models 159\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSolo Practice 159\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEconomies of Small Scale 160\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChallenges and Opportunities For Solo Practitioners 162\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFirms Owned By Married Couples 164\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eComplementary Skills 164\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEase of Communication 165\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLessons Learned 165\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSmall Firms In International Practice 166\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFirm Size is No Barrier 167\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnother Calling 168\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Virtual Office Option 169\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTwenty-First Century Opportunity 170\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConsider The Possibilities 171\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 11: Technology and Integrated Practice In Small Firms 173\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAdopting Building Information Modeling 173\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIntegrated Practice and Integrated Project Delivery 177\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eArchitect-Led Design-Build 178\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eArchitect Developer 181\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCreating Pocket Neighborhoods: Ross Chapin, Aia 181\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGreen Development: Tony Case, Aia 183\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 12: Big-Picture Trends 187\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDiversity In Practice 188\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGeneration Gaps 189\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBoomers Out, Millennials In 190\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTechnological Tethering 190\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA Mixed Bag 191\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHow To Manage Millennials 192\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWomen In Design Firm Leadership 193\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e“Brain Drain” Revealed 194\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLabyrinth To The Top 195\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTwenty-First-Century Workplace 197\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Teleworking Option 197\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 13: Sustainable Economics 203\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTriple Bottom Line 204\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSustainable Design Firm Practice 206\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGreening The Workplace 206\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eValues-Based Practice 207\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnother Point of View 208\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSustainable Economics Applied 208\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConstruction Industry Impact 209\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTurn Red Business Blue 209\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinal Words 210\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndex 213\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eRENA M. KLEIN, FAIA,\u003c\/b\u003e is principal of RM Klein Consulting, a Seattle-based firm offering business planning services, meeting facilitation, and management education to leaders of small design firms. Building on her graduate degree in management and her twenty years of experience as the owner of a small architectural firm, Rena regularly presents seminars on small firm practice. Her innovative work in this area has appeared in print and Web publications, including AIA’s online Architects’ Knowledge Resource.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe definitive guide to management success for sole practitioners and leaders of small design firms\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOwning and operating a small architectural design firm can be challenging, with tight project deadlines, on-the-fly meetings, rush proposals, and fluctuating workloads as part of the firm’s day-to-day activities. To help small firm owners cope with the chaos and prepare for the unexpected, here is \u003ci\u003eThe Architect’s Guide to Small Firm Management,\u003c\/i\u003e a no-nonsense guide to repurposing daily demands into workable, goal-directed solutions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCrucial topics such as self-aware leadership, people management, technology, financial health, scenario planning, sustainable practice, and future trends are examined using real-life case studies and business model paradigms. This definitive text explores the whole system experience of a small firm practice to deliver organizational strategies proven to keep a firm’s creative mission on a steady, productive path. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Architect’s Guide to Small Firm Management\u003c\/i\u003e addresses how small firm owners can:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeal effectively with unexpected circumstances and shifting work requirements\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMeet the demands of the marketplace while creating a satisfying workplace\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSet and achieve goals in an environment of constant change\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e This book is a must-have for those facing the often harsh reality of managing small design firms in a difficult and changing economy. Entrepreneurial architects and designers will discover how to define their own personal and professional meanings of success, as well as how to refocus their business approach to replace long, unrewarding hours with manageable, satisfying ones. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wiley","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47990159114469,"sku":"NP9780470466483","price":87.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/7735\/files\/9780470466483.jpg?v=1761786729","url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/products\/the-architects-guide-to-small-firm-management-isbn-9780470466483","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}