RE: Do you think it's wise to start an architecture firm in this economic climate?
Asked by 2011 Knowledge Scholar A. Lira Luis, AIA
Joel Sims replies, “Having a business boils down to a few basic issues: 1. Do you have people that will hire you (without stealing them from your current firm) 2. Do you have enough money to provide a buffer if income is not there (i don't encourage you going into debt) 3. Can you keep your expenses low?” Read the other six responses on the Small Project Practitioners discussion thread.
RE: Are native plants ugly?
Asked by Vishal Charled, AIA
In reply, David Schele, AIA shares this resource: http://www.wildflower.org/. The National Wildflower Center was started by Lady Bird Johnson and has grown into a national repository of information on native plants. Click on the "Visit" tab to see an extensive set of demonstration gardens at this research center. There is also a section that includes links to major resources in the other states. On the "Explore Plants" tab select the "Organizations" button to search for agencies specific to your area of the country. Read the entire Committee on the Environment discussion thread.
RE: Electronic Drawing Formats
Asked by Roger Retzlaff, AIA
Stephen Dunakoskie, in the preceeding message of the thread, mentions .pdf as the typical electronic media for drawings. An office I worked with a number of years ago used .dwfs for distribution and exchange. The files were much smaller and mark-up was much quicker and CADD intuitive. They relied on VoloView/Design Review for drawing mark-up to send to owners and consultants and for general distribution (the reprographics shop made prints from the .dwfs), but lately, all the firms I have encountered seem to be using .pdf. Does anyone still use .dwfs? If so, what advantages and disadvantages have you encountered? Is the format usable in other drafting software besides AutoDesk? View the thread to learn what five other architects shared.
RE: Who are the next political champions of good architecture?
Asked by 2011 Knowledge Scholar Suzi Smith, Assoc. AIA
Do you observe political leaders in your community who are championing architecture beyond their communities? Or has architecture established a significant enough presence in government to advocate for itself? Read the complete message and 2011 Knowledge Scholar Chris Hirai, Assoc. AIA’s response.
Strategic Alliances Best Practices: Lasting, deep relationships enhance and strengthen independent Architectural practices in the globalized economy
Article by Mark Buckshon
Can strategic alliances allow you to maintain independence and compete in a globalized environment of mega, multi-billion dollar architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) behemoths? Yes, if you look at the process from a deeper, longer-term perspective. However, success is difficult to quantify and is best measured through qualitative observations rather than absolute business development and marketing metrics. Read the entire article. View the complete issue of the Practice Management Digest.