Architectural Project Management

Business Planning and Operations

• A document that describes the operational systems to deliver products and services is called a business plan.
• A business plan typically includes strategic plans, business models, and operational systems.
• The purpose of a strategic plan is to define the firm's goals and objectives.

Business Models and Planning

• The purpose of a business model in an architectural firm is to deliver products and services.
• The main focus of a business plan is to outline the firm's goals, objectives, and operational systems.

Strategic Planning

• A common tool used in strategic planning is the SWOT analysis.
• The purpose of strategic planning is to define the firm's goals and objectives.

Business Ownership and Structure

• A corporation is a legal, collective entity authorized by statute to act as an individual business unit.
• A joint venture is a temporary partnership between two or more firms to achieve a specific goal.
• A partnership is a type of business ownership where two or more individuals share ownership and responsibilities.
• A sole proprietorship is a type of business ownership where a single individual owns and operates the business.

Resources and Tools

• Key resources required for strategic planning include financial, human, and technological resources.
• Common information gathering and analysis tools for strategic planning include SWOT analysis, market research, and competitor analysis.

Architectural Practice and Industry

• The potential value of using building information modeling (BIM) in architectural practice is improved efficiency and accuracy.
• Multi-disciplinary firms in the architectural industry offer a range of services, including architecture, engineering, and construction.
• The purpose of establishing branch offices overseas for Canadian architectural firms is to expand their global reach and services.
• External professional services likely to be required to support an architectural practice include legal, accounting, and marketing services.

Insurance and Professional Liability

• Professional liability insurance is required for architectural practices to protect against errors and omissions.
• The Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) provides professional liability insurance to architects in Ontario.

Career Development and Mentoring

• Establishing a relationship with an accountant is important for an architectural practice to manage finances and taxes.
• The book "The Making of an Architect" discusses the growth and changing roles of professionals in their architectural career.
• The role of a mentoring relationship is to support career transitions and growth in architecture.
• The ethical responsibility of architects is to mentor and support the next generation of architects.
• Architects become capable practitioners as they grow and develop their skills and expertise.

Books and References

• The book "The Making of an Architect" was published in 1997.
• The book "The Architect's Handbook of Professional Practice" is mentioned in Appendix Chapter 1.4.