Basics Project Management Architecture


Book Description

The core task of the classic architect, in addition to architectural design and planning work, is management of the construction project: from planning operations and tendering, to scheduling and cost planning and construction management. These important practical tasks are usually only covered during studies by one subject: Construction Management or Construction Economics, and thus treated as less significant. But every architect must master these abilities in order to manage and realize his or her own projects successfully.




Project Management for Design Professionals


Book Description

In the fast-paced, big-stakes design industry, schedules are accelerated and client expectations are high. Literally, time is money and the responsibility for project success or failure rests squarely on the shoulders of one individual: the project manager. Since design professionals rarely receive formal training on project management, the complex discipline can be a sink or swim proposition. For the first time, veteran architect William G. Ramroth, Jr., taps the resources of his 30-plus years of project management experience to offer practical advice, instructions, and techniques to help you think strategically, plan carefully, and troubleshoot problems. Project Management for Design Professionals is written for architects, designers, landscape architects, urban planners, interior designers, engineers and others looking to plan and complete multidisciplinary projects successfully.




Construction Administration for Architects


Book Description

An On-the-Job Construction Administration Resource for Architects Co-written by an architect and an attorney, this is the ideal desktop guide for architects, engineers, and other design professionals in need of expert advice on navigating the construction process and anticipating, avoiding, and managing liability risks. This invaluable construction administration resource leads you, step-by-step, through a typical project--from contract to closeout. Construction Administration for Architects provides tested techniques for proactively minimizing potential construction problems, and responding strategically when unforeseen events occur. Covering private and public sector work, this comprehensive handbook contains essential information for emerging professionals as well as in-depth strategies for experienced industry veterans. Useful tips, checklists, and real-world examples are included throughout the book. Construction Administration for Architects covers: Agreements and contracts Construction document details, such as specifications, drawing notes, project scope, credits, and cost estimates Requests for proposal, bidding, and construction contract negotiation Field testing, inspection, and certification of work Documents management, including requests for substitution, requests for information, submittals, and applications for payment Problems and disputes, such as poor workmanship, hidden conditions, and change order requests Contract closeout details, including schedule claims, retainage, and liens Post-construction warranty work and records retention Managing and limiting liability risk




The Architect's Guide to Small Firm Management


Book Description

The definitive guide to management success for sole practitioners and leaders of small design firms Owning 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 The Architect’s Guide to Small Firm Management, a no-nonsense guide to repurposing daily demands into workable, goal-directed solutions. Crucial 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. The Architect’s Guide to Small Firm Management addresses how small firm owners can: Deal effectively with unexpected circumstances and shifting work requirements Meet the demands of the marketplace while creating a satisfying workplace Set and achieve goals in an environment of constant change 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.




Handbook for the Architectural Manager


Book Description

The essential resource for becoming more effective in the highly competitive architectural marketplace Handbook for the Architectural Manager offers architects a comprehensive resource that brings together critical information on four interlinked areas: managing the architectural office, projects, stakeholders, and learning. Unlike other books on the topic that only stress management of the business or the management of projects, this book offers a guiding framework that encompasses the architectural manager's role in developing the practice’s competitive strategies and overseeing the project portfolio. Written by noted experts in the field, Handbook for the Architectural Manager is grounded in current research in which, for the first time, the components of architectural management have been analyzed systematically, tested, and developed for practical application. Designed to explore typical architectural management issues, the book provides clear and concise direction with practical step-by-step guidance as well as helpful checklists, templates and scenarios, and case studies to illustrate best practice. This essential resource: Offers a groundbreaking handbook that contains a comprehensive management framework for architectural practice Contains new insights and guidance based on solid research on managing the architectural practice Brings together in one book the best management techniques of the office, projects, stakeholders, and learning Includes a well-grounded critical review of the existing literature on the topic Designed for professionals in the field but written in accessible language suitable for students Handbook for the Architectural Manager offers a practical guide for overseeing the development of architectural designs and associated activities and ensuring all work is consistent (i.e. adheres to current standards, legislation, client specifications, and office protocols) and completed on time as well as information on staff development and learning.




The Architect's Guide to Running a Practice


Book Description

This is your essential one stop shop for information on starting and running a practice. Case studies and advice from practitioners, big and small, run alongside outlines of all the key topics, to give you an insight into the problems and challenges others have faced when setting up a design business. Accessible and informative, this handbook is the ideal first point of reference when starting a practice. Architects have many different reasons for setting up in practice; equally, there are many ways of running your own business. This handbook helps you consider whether or not you should set up on your own, examining issues such as financing, office space, recruitment, IT and workingo ut a business plan. Some architects want to stay small, while others have ambitions to grow into large businesses. Some grow big accidentally. And then there are those who pick and choose their work carefully, and even turn down undesirable contracts, while others will grab at everything possible. This book woudl explore these different models and illustrate how different kinds of practice develop into successful businesses. Importantly, the book will stress that these issues are crucial - you may be the best designer in the world, but unless your business is well managed you will fail. On the other hand, some successful architects spend a lot of time looking for new work and attending to management issues, rarely finding the time for design work. This book would illustrate how architects have struck a balance between these two extremes.




Design Management


Book Description

This is a design guide for architects, engineers and contractors concerning the principles and application of design management. This book addresses the value that design management and design managers contribute to construction projects. As part of the PocketArchitecture series, Design Management is divided into two parts: Fundamentals and Application. In Part 1, Fundamentals, the chapters address the why, what, how and when questions in a simple and informative style, illustrated with vignettes from design management professionals. In Part 2, case studies from Colombia, Norway and the USA represent unique examples of the application of design management. This book offers a concise overview of design management for postgraduate students and early career design managers.







Architectural Records


Book Description

"Architecture and design records are exciting resources for historical research and vital for documenting and maintaining the built environment. Yet their temporal nature often makes them difficult to preserve, and managing collections of these records can be a challenge. In addition to addressing preservation issues, this resource helps archivists, curators, librarians and researchers understand how to assess the value of architectural records" -- Publisher's description.