This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Project Delivery and Practice Management Member Conversations .
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Many have reported that management training is too generic and not focused at architectural practice. I have found that Lean principles can be applied to managing both design and production. The Lean Constuction Institue based at Berkeley offers specifics for Architects and Builders.
Just last month the AIA and LCI had their first joint conference - Lean Design Forum. Many contractors are adopting lean practices in construction, but there are many Lean practices that translate well for Architecture. At the AIA, Markku Allison is the contact for improving process and project management. He has been assembleing and developing many resourses to improve management of Architectural projects and understand the benefits that the evolving collaborative work flow produces.
I recently made a presentation at the TAP sessiion at Build Boston giving an overview of how lean fits in the Architects world. See Design Management a Lean Approach.
See:
http://network.aia.org/AIA/CenterforIntegratedPractice/Go.aspx?c=ViewDocument&DocumentKey=ce91fc09-f2d9-4405-a2a9-0f6d455ae3c0 Also see a podcast by Boulder Assoc. Romano Nickerson "Learning How to be Lean" presented at KA Connect conference last year. While all these practices are evolving they offer powerful mangement practices and tools that anyone responsible for impoving thier firm's project delivery must see. Another good resourse for coaching Lean implementaion is Kristin Hill. See her web site at
www.insideoutconsulting.biz Good Design Makes a difference --
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Bruce Cousins AIA
Principal
Studio V, Ltd
Denver CO
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