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Questions and Answers
What is one of the key steps in launching an architectural practice?
What is one of the key steps in launching an architectural practice?
Strong-service firms rely primarily on routine assignments.
Strong-service firms rely primarily on routine assignments.
False
Name one of the responsibilities of an architectural practice owner.
Name one of the responsibilities of an architectural practice owner.
Hire and manage qualified staff.
Strong-idea firms rely on __________ expertise to deliver innovation on unique projects.
Strong-idea firms rely on __________ expertise to deliver innovation on unique projects.
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Match the architectural practice style with its description:
Match the architectural practice style with its description:
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Who is responsible for leading the project architecture and supervising the work related to the design?
Who is responsible for leading the project architecture and supervising the work related to the design?
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An architect can manage a project without any external professional services.
An architect can manage a project without any external professional services.
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What type of services might architects require from external providers?
What type of services might architects require from external providers?
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An architect must establish a professional relationship with a _______ for legal services.
An architect must establish a professional relationship with a _______ for legal services.
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Match the following external professional services with their primary function:
Match the following external professional services with their primary function:
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What does the style of architectural practice primarily define?
What does the style of architectural practice primarily define?
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A business model and a business plan are the same thing.
A business model and a business plan are the same thing.
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What is the primary purpose of the business model in architectural firms?
What is the primary purpose of the business model in architectural firms?
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The _____ model canvas is a tool for exploring how a firm approaches doing business.
The _____ model canvas is a tool for exploring how a firm approaches doing business.
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Match the following components of the business model canvas with their descriptions:
Match the following components of the business model canvas with their descriptions:
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Which approach may help architectural firms avoid losing influence in the design-construction operation supply chain?
Which approach may help architectural firms avoid losing influence in the design-construction operation supply chain?
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Architectural firms should only rely on traditional business models to succeed.
Architectural firms should only rely on traditional business models to succeed.
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What is one primary reason for obtaining professional advice when preparing an agreement for an architectural practice?
What is one primary reason for obtaining professional advice when preparing an agreement for an architectural practice?
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A sole proprietor has shared control over the business with other partners.
A sole proprietor has shared control over the business with other partners.
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What is the main responsibility of partners within a partnership?
What is the main responsibility of partners within a partnership?
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A ______ is a single, unincorporated owner of an architectural practice.
A ______ is a single, unincorporated owner of an architectural practice.
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Match the following types of business ownership with their characteristics:
Match the following types of business ownership with their characteristics:
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Which statement is true regarding partnerships?
Which statement is true regarding partnerships?
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Municipal regulations do not affect the ownership structure of architectural practices.
Municipal regulations do not affect the ownership structure of architectural practices.
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What should be included in a partnership agreement?
What should be included in a partnership agreement?
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Most architectural practices in Canada are ______.
Most architectural practices in Canada are ______.
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Which type of ownership structure requires compliance with provincial and territorial requirements?
Which type of ownership structure requires compliance with provincial and territorial requirements?
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Study Notes
Owners of an Architectural Practice Responsibilities
- Develop and market firm's value proposition
- Attract clients and sell services
- Negotiate terms and compensation in client-architect agreements
- Hire and manage qualified staff
- Performing full range of architectural services efficiently and effectively
- Work with construction industry and administer contracts
- Operation profitably and provide stability to practice
Key Steps in Launching an Architectural Practice
- Assess one's abilities
- Set long-term goals
- Develop a business model, business plan, and strategic plan
Styles of Architectural Practices
- Strong-idea (brains) firms are organized to deliver singular expertise, innovation on unique projects
- Strong-service (gray-hair) firms are organized to deliver experience and reliability, especially on complex assignments
- Strong-delivery (procedure) firms are organized to provide highly efficient service on similar or more routine assignments
The Business Model
- A description and illustration of what value the business will offer the marketplace, how a business will serve clients and generate income
- Resources and partnerships needed to provide services
- The business model precedes both business planning and strategic planning.
Business Model Canvas Approach
- Explores from the ground up how a firm approaches doing business and generating value
- Rethinking traditional systems and assumptions
- Focusing on what is important in service delivery.
Types of Architectural Practice Structures
- Sole proprietorships
- Partnerships
- Corporations
Sole Proprietorships
- Single, unincorporated owner of an architectural practice
- Full personal control over all aspects of the practice
- Most architectural practices in Canada are sole proprietorships
Partnerships
- Comprised of two or more partners
- Most provincial and territorial associations impose restrictions on whom an architect may form a partnership with
- Each partner is both jointly and severally liable for the partnership’s full obligations.
Corporations
- A legal, collective entity authorized by statute to act as an individual business unit.
- Most provincial and territorial associations of architects have regulations that restrict the share ownership and the qualifications of directors of architectural corporations.
Other Professional Services Needed to Support an Architectural Practice
- Legal services
- Accounting and tax planning
- Insurance providers
- Investments and retirement planning
- Human resources
- Information technology
Legal Services
- Establishing a partnership or corporation
- Preparing annual minutes for the corporation
- Entering a lease or purchasing office property
- Preparing certain employment agreements with staff
- Reviewing professional liability insurance options and claims
- Reviewing non-standard client-architect agreements or amendments to standard agreements
- Reviewing non-standard owner-contractor agreements or amendments to standard agreements (on behalf of the client)
- Assisting in the collection of accounts which are in dispute
- Handling other disputes or legal issues (such as filing and processing liens and mortgages)
- Human resources problems
Accounting and Tax Planning
- Establishing a practice
- Establishing financial terms of a partnership or shareholders’ agreement
- Preparing periodic balance sheets and profit/loss positions
- Preparing annual financial statements
- Preparing personal and corporate income tax returns
- Assisting in the preparation of sales and value-added tax returns
- Assisting a lawyer in the preparation of a corporation’s annual minutes
- Analyzing the financial position of the practice
- Providing tax planning advice
Insurance Providers
- Professional liability insurance: general coverage, special project coverage, add-on insurance or “excess” coverage
- Office premises and automobiles: theft and vandalism, accident, fire and other damage, owned and leased vehicles
- Life and accident insurance: personal, business partners and directors
- Disability insurance: office overhead, loss of business, personal income (income protection)
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Description
This quiz covers the essential responsibilities of owning and managing an architectural practice. It includes steps for launching a practice and explores different styles of architectural firms. Test your knowledge on effective practices for client management and operational success.
