{"product_id":"the-architects-guide-to-small-firm-management-9780470466483","title":"The Architects Guide to Small Firm Management","description":"\u003cb\u003eBook Synopsis\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\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 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eTable of Contents\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\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","brand":"John Wiley \u0026 Sons Inc","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49402338804055,"sku":"9780470466483","price":62.06,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"url":"https:\/\/bookcurl.com\/products\/the-architects-guide-to-small-firm-management-9780470466483","provider":"Book Curl","version":"1.0","type":"link"}