All great points here and I really enjoyed reading all the responses.
I asked this particular question for a few reasons. 1. I have run my practice as a virtual office since 2008. I currently have 6 licensed architects as independent contractors located all over the US working on my projects with me. They all seem to enjoy the flexibility of our work culture where they are working on their own projects and filling in their schedule working on mine. I'm curious about how unique is my business model 2. I belong to several architectural forums like this one where I see emerging professionals in the field of architecture discuss issues that pertain to them. Often, I hear complaints from many that their office is "forcing" them to return to in person work and that they prefer to stay at home. Some state that they will no longer work for any firm that won't let them also work from home. I wonder how firms are coping with this issue.
As I read the replies here, I saw that there were some questions about whether independent contractors meet the definition "responsible control" or even whether remote staff meet that. Well, there's no where in the definition that states that someone needs to be in an office or that they need to be an employee. (from California: The phrase "responsible control" means that amount of control over the
content of all architectural instruments of service during their preparation that is ordinarily exercised by architects applying the required
professional standard of care.)
My independent contractors use my BIM template and follow my written production standards. I review and red mark their work for revisions. I control what is expected to be seen in the output of the instruments of service. And when they meet my standard of care, I stamp them. Thus I control the instruments.
But I do not control when they work, where they work, how they work, what they use to work, and who else they work with. I have an HR attorney that helps me to properly classify my independent contractors so that I meet the requirements of law.
Utilizing technology to its fullest to aid in project and task management is now easier than ever. Platforms like Monday and Podio give supervisors access to let staff know what they need to work on and when it needs to be done. Communication platforms like Slack and Basecamp can be instantaneous and be more fluid than texting or emails. Whiteboards/Pin up boards for design collaboration and charettes can be held in real time using Miro. These are very few of the many, many options out there.
From what I see, the entire culture of work is changing. I noticed that since this pandemic started, my business model is no longer perceived as odd to my clients. Prior, I wouldn't specifically say that all my workers are remote. But now, I tell every potential client that we've been working this way for 13 years and that the pandemic didn't change anything for us. We are completely capable of working with clients remotely and that my team is well practiced in this structure and all experienced and licensed.
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Jennifer Kretschmer AIA
Principal Architect
J. Kretschmer Architect
Los Gatos CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-24-2021 04:42 PM
From: Jennifer Kretschmer
Subject: Hybrid Practice Policies
Has your firm decided to adopt hybrid or all virtual practice moving forward? I'm just wondering about how many firms have actually decided to make permanent policies regarding a combination of working in the office and WFH or have even decided to remain all remote. Are those new policies becoming written statements as part of the entire firm culture? Will employees leave firms that require work in the office every day for those with hybrid (in office some days; work from home other days) work schedules?
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Jennifer Kretschmer AIA
Principal Architect
J. Kretschmer Architect
Los Gatos CA
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