The professional architect’s business management bible has been completely revised and radically overhauled to reflect the very latest practice in today’s cutting-edge architectural environment. Rewritten with an emphasis on the practical aspects of working as an architect, this new edition combines clear and comprehensive guidance with a focus on new directions in practice management which will give a modern practice that vital commercial edge. Topics range from starting up a practice and developing a business strategy, to how to win clients, manage people, and handle fees. It includes new sections on topics such as knowledge management, QA, IT and project management too. With its clear, accessible layout, and no-nonsense style aimed at busy architects, this is a must-read for practices of all sizes and the ideal companion to the 8th edition of the Architects Job Book. The professional architect’s business management bible has been completely revised and radically overhauled to reflect the very latest practice in today’s cutting-edge architectural environment. Rewritten with an emphasis on the practical aspects of working as an architect, this new edition combines clear and comprehensive guidance with a focus on new directions in practice management which will give a modern practice that vital commercial edge. Topics range from starting up a practice and developing a business strategy, to how to win clients, manage people, and handle fees. It includes new sections on topics such as knowledge management, QA, IT and project management too. With its clear, accessible layout, and no-nonsense style aimed at busy architects, this is a must-read for practices of all sizes and the ideal companion to the 8th edition of the Architects Job Book. The professional architect’s business management bible has been completely revised and radically overhauled to reflect the very latest practice in today’s cutting-edge architectural environment.

Table of Contents:
Foreword Preface Part 1: The industry 1 The construction industry 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Contracting and procurement 1.3 Future trends 1.4 Key roles in the construction industry 1.5 Key representative bodies 02 The profession 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Future challenges 2.3 Practising as an architect 2.4 The role of the ARB 2.5 The ARB Code 2.6 ARB disciplinary procedures 2.7 Structure and governance of the RIBA 2.8 The purpose of the RIBA 2.9 Membership benefits of the RIBA 2.10 Control over entry to the RIBA 2.11 Control over the professional conduct of members 2.12 Enforcing the Code 2.13 Continuing professional development 03 The law 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Claims in contract 3.3 Claims in tort 3.4 Legislation 3.5 Some key statutes 3.6 Relevant texts and sources of information 3.7 Legislation related to environmental sustainability Part 2: Practice management 04 Setting up a practice 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Making the decision 4.3 Forms of practice 4.4 Developing a business strategy 4.5 Business advisers 05 Marketing and business development 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Drawing up a marketing plan 5.3 Where are we? 5.4 Where do we want to be? 5.5 How do we get there? 5.6 Did we achieve our goals? 5.7 Pitching to clients 06 People management 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Legal and contractual aspects 6.3 Appointing, managing and motivating staff 07 Financial management 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Establishing the practice 7.3 Establishing a financial system 7.4 Day-to-day financial management 7.5 Conclusion 08 Office management 8.1 Introduction 8.2 The office premises 8.3 Managing the premises 8.4 The office manager 8.5 Outsourcing and consultancy 8.6 Insurance 8.7 Health and safety requirements Part 3: Project management 09 The architect’s appointment 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Receiving, assessing and responding to potential commissions 198 9.3 The appointment 9.4 Appointment documentation 10 Procedures and processes 10.1 Introduction 10.2 The office manual 10.3 Quality systems 10.4 The quality management system: BS EN ISO 9001 10.5 Quality and sustainability 10.6 Information management and library services 10.7 Project-based communications 10.8 Project drawings, specifications and schedules 10.9 Presentation and numbering systems 10.10 Project records 10.11 Email 10.12 Archiving 11 Risk management and insurance 11.1 Introduction 11.2 Risk management 11.3 Professional indemnity insurance 12 Computing, CAD, BIM and IT 12.1 Introduction 12.2 Choosing a set-up that suits the business 12.3 Building information modelling (BIM) 12.4 The internet 12.5 Networking 12.6 Backing up 12.7 Digital information standards 12.8 Software and information management 13 Knowledge management13.1 Introduction 13.2 What is knowledge management?13.3 How is knowledge retained and communicated?13.4 A plan of action 13.5 Knowledge management at the project level Index