Features

Think Globally
By Thomas S. Shiner, AIA
A small practice has, literally, a world of talent from which to choose. In many countries, architecture students must complete an internship to receive a diploma. Thus, a small practitioner working with an international intern creates the potential for a win-win professional relationship. The student fulfills an academic requirement and the practitioner gains inexpensive production assistance.

Collaboration and Consultants: The Value of Good Advice
By Kurt Lavenson, AIA
Collaborating with other architects, engineers, and specialists can be key for a small practitioner. Through temporary, serial alliances, the small practitioner can join forces with experts of comparable or superior skills to work on a project, then disband to work on their individual projects when their collaborative work is completed.

When CAD Collides: Staffing Production Without AutoCAD
By Louis B. Smith Jr., AIA
Working without AutoCAD may bring some surprisingly positive results to a small practitioner.

Joint Ventures and the Interdisciplinary Coordination of Construction Documents
By Jeff Rouse, AIA
Coordination of construction documents should be a continuous process. Beginning in the mind of the designer with issues of constructability, continuing through the construction documents, shop drawings, and, ultimately, to the tradesmen who do the final installation. But coordination problems will arise. Here are some suggestions, though, to ensure your project has minimal coordination problems.

Teaming with Interior Designers
By Joseph R. Gluse, AIA
Teaming with interior designers can enhance an architecture practice. An architect who joins with an interior designer can deliver a more complete project, with fewer changes to client. When the architect and interior designer work well together, and are willing to make adjustments to accommodate each other, everyone involved is a winner.

Hiring a Good Employee
By David M. Hite, AIA
Hiring good people can’t happen if all you do is put an advertisement in the paper or take any good-looking resume that crosses your desk in your hour of need. Hiring good employees takes months of developing relationships, meeting with different people, and knowing the type of person your firm needs.

Borrowing Staff from Other Firms
By Rosemary McMonigal, AIA
Borrowing staff from another firm can be a rewarding experience. The first time this author’s firm tried this approach was 17 years ago, and it has remained an important part of their staffing equation.

Tip1: Using High School and College Students
Bud Dietrich, AIA


Tip2: Working with Contract Employees
Thomas B. (T.B.) Wagner, AIA


Tip3: Designing for Fun
Peter J. Antinoro, PhD, Assoc. AIA, IDSA