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What are some good architecture firms?
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Luka Waskes (IV07489401)



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There are certainly a number of ways to structure any firm. An architecture firm will need (at least) the following specialties:

1. Design- An architectural firms needs a strong design focus. Will the firm be concentrating on one type of structure such as hospitals, sports stadiums, high-rise office buildings, or residential housing? A one-focus firm may only need one lead designer. It would be helpful to have at least one designer for each specialty. Will the firm have a focus such as energy efficient design or a certain style that becomes its trademark? It may be that you wish to have one lead designer who determines the direction of the company. It may be helpful to have different designers brainstorming different design ideas.

2. Management- Who does the hiring and firing? Who orders equipment, software, and office supplies?

3. Marketing- Who is responsible for marketing your firm’s design ideas and competing for commissions? Word-of-mouth only goes so far.

I was never interested in management (other than supervision of design work or providing input) or marketing. But sometimes they are unavoidable. Having designers be solely responsible for management and marketing decisions takes time away from their “core competency.” But often a small firm needs to be managed this way because it cannot afford to hire specialists. Unless there is a lot of capital to start a firm, most architects are looking at working long hours, at all of those specialties, until the firm earns enough that work can be delegated.

Do you plan to keep the company small or are you looking at growing the firm? In that case, you may wish to make compromises early on with the long-term goal of hiring more specialists and designers with diversity of design sensibility. Plan on a timeframe for these goals… or not.

I have seen many different firm structures. One of the most interesting was when I visited SOM in Boston. SOM is a very large international firm. They had a three-track process for increasing responsibility and becoming a partner. As I remember, they had a design division, a marketing division, and an office management division. It was possible to rise in responsibility through each of those three different divisions. The direction of the company was determined by consensus between the leaders of each of the divisions.
Tenma (IV09109801)



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Finding a good architecture firm is crucial when it comes to bringing your vision to life and creating spaces that truly inspire. In Sacramento, CA, there are several reputable firms that have made their mark in the architectural landscape. While I cannot endorse specific websites, I encourage you to explore reliable sources that highlight the best architecture firms in Architect Sacramento. Look for firms that showcase a strong portfolio of diverse and innovative projects, demonstrating their expertise and creativity in various design disciplines.
 
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