Practice, Management and Responsibility

Written by an experienced practice manager and professional practice lecturer, this addition to the Technologies of Architecture series provides the business aspects of the architectural design process.

Running a design practice demands many skills, which include the ability to manage staff, an understanding of financial decision making and a sound appreciation of the legal and ethical system within which the professions operate. Acquiring the necessary expertise is a vital element of professional education, and a necessary prerequisite for attaining professional status.

A useful and informative text for students, Practice, Management and Responsibility also provides a useful reference for practitioners.

Part 1: Setting up a Practice  1. Funding  2. Premises  3. Hiring and Firing Staff  4. Obtaining Work  5. Public Relations  Part 2: Clients  1. Establishing a Relationship  2. Written Agreements  3. Establishing the Brief  4. Progress Reports  Part 3: Costs  1. Capital and Revenue  2. Techniques of Budgetary Control  3. Relationship of Time to Money  4. Tendering Procedures  5. The Cost of Variations  Part 4: Law  1. Ownership of Land  2. Contract Law  3. Professional Responsibility  4. Building Control  5. Health and Safety Issues