ADAMSON UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

900 San Marcelino St. Ermita, Manila

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE 2

Research of Basics of Organizing and Managing an Architectural Firm

Submitted by:

De Borja, John Paulo (201914154)

Submitted to:

Ar. Janeth Joy Riosa

Dec 2023
 Introduction

An architectural firm is a business that hires architects, designers, and support personnel
to collaborate with clients in developing both the interior, structural aspects and overall design of
a building. The firm takes on the responsibility of overseeing various stages of the design and
construction process, encompassing tasks such as surveys, initial design concepts, obtaining
permits, and managing the construction phase. In essence, an architecture firm can be involved in
any aspect of the overall process, providing comprehensive services to clients. Specialization
within architecture firms is common, with some focusing on specific project types like residential,
commercial, institutional, or industrial. Alternatively, some firms offer a broader spectrum of
services, encompassing urban planning, landscape architecture, interior design, or engineering.
Additionally, collaboration is prevalent, with architecture firms often partnering with other
entities or consultants to establish joint ventures or multidisciplinary teams, especially for larger
or more intricate projects (Colonelz Constructions, 2023).

Valdes (2023) stated that, an architecture project typically consists of multiple phases,
and it's common for a firm to be engaged for specific stages. To identify the most effective project
management approach, it is essential to comprehend these distinct phases and the requirements
associated with each. This architectural design process consists of 7 phases where a construction
project is developed and analyzed in set stages. The architectural design process is how these
different parties work together, but for that to happen, there needs to be a process. The
architectural design process is made up of seven phases: pre-design, schematic design, design
development, construction documents, building permits, bidding and negotiation and construction
administration. These processes are commonly established in architectural firms which are the
professional way to construct designs of a building for the clients. By following these phases, the
architecture firm not only establishes order and review intervals but also facilitates a structured
release of design information. This method promotes efficiency and transparency in conveying
manufacturing details, ultimately minimizing the risks of costly or time-consuming delays. The
comprehensive nature of the architectural design process, encompassing everything from
conceptualization to construction oversight, underscores its vital role in the successful realization
of diverse construction projects.

In summary, architectural firms do more than just design buildings. They manage the
entire process, from planning to construction. This involves different stages, like coming up with
ideas, creating plans, getting permits, and overseeing the building work. Architectural firms may
specialize in specific types of projects or offer a range of services. The process usually consists of
seven phases, ensuring a structured and efficient way to turn ideas into real buildings. Overall,
these firms play a crucial role in creating well-designed and functional structures, blending
creativity with effective management. As we embark on this exploration of the basics of
organizing and managing an architectural firm, the next discussion will be all about organizing and
managing an architectural firm.
 Organizing and Managing

An architecture firm
partnership, a corporation,
differ based on factors such
market, and the expertise
(LePage, 2021);
can be set up in different ways, like a partnership, a limited liability
or run by a single practitioner. The size and focus of the firm can
as the types and quantity of projects it takes on, the demand in the
and reputation of its team. Different types of Architectural Firms

● Sole Proprietor - A common and straightforward choice for new architectural firms is the
sole proprietorship structure. In this setup, the business is unincorporated, meaning there's
no legal separation between the owner and the business itself. As a sole proprietor, you, as
the owner, are entitled to all the profits generated by the business. However, it's
important to note that you are also personally responsible for all the business's debts,
losses, and liabilities. This simplicity makes it an attractive option for those starting out on
their own, although it comes with the trade-off of personal liability for the business's
financial obligations.
● Partnership - A partnership is a business owned by two or more individuals, and unless
otherwise specified in a partnership agreement, all aspects of the business are shared
equally among the partners. To establish a partnership, the business needs to be registered
as such with the state.
● Corporation - A corporation is a distinct legal entity owned by its shareholders.
Shareholders enjoy protection from the business's liabilities, and they are not personally
responsible for the company's actions or debts. Corporations also have the advantage of
being able to raise capital by selling ownership shares through stock offerings.
● S-Corporation - An S-Corporation (S-Corp) is a special type of corporation designed to
avoid double taxation. It retains the limited liability feature of a corporation while
allowing profits and losses to pass through to shareholders' personal tax returns, similar to
a partnership.
● Limited Liability Company (LLC) - A limited liability company combines the operational
flexibility and tax advantages of a partnership with the limited liability protections of a
corporation.

According to the article about Organization about Understanding Firms in Archisoup (2023),
In smaller architecture firms, typically with around 5 to 10 employees or even fewer, the
organization is often informal and directly managed by the owners or principals. These firms rely
heavily on the expertise and efforts of their founders. In such small setups, employees, if they
choose, can gain diverse experience by participating in various aspects of the firm's work,
blending both architectural and business responsibilities. This exposure to different facets of the
profession might be broader than what employees in larger firms might encounter. As firms grow
into the medium size range, with 10 to 50 employees, a more structured organization emerges.
Departments and teams are established, overseen by senior staff members. These teams can be
organized based on factors like experience, project type, output and administration, or even
geographical location, such as state or country. In large architecture firms, consisting of 50 or
more employees, a global presence is common. These firms often have multiple practices situated
around the world. This not only allows them to take on projects on a global scale but also enables
them to operate continuously, taking advantage of time differences between their various
locations. This 24/7 working model reflects the expansive and multifaceted nature of large
architectural firms with a global reach.

Architecture firms, specializing in providing building, interior design, and construction

services, vary in size and service offerings. They may employ professionals from various career
fields or focus on a specific expertise. Here are seven common roles in an architecture firm, listed
in order of rank:

● Production Manager / Production Staff: Focus on creating and coordinating construction

documents, forming the backbone of the firm.
● Construction Administration: Ensures the execution of projects aligns with construction
documents through activities like reviewing submittals and visiting job sites.
● Specification Writer: Responsible for crafting and editing project specifications,
conducting product research, and offering technical advice.
● Business Development: Involves making connections, networking, and converting leads
into clients, contributing to the growth of the firm.
● Marketing: Identifies key differentiators, develops messages, and establishes a market
position through advertising, event promotion, and thought leadership.
● Designer: Responsible for the aesthetic and functional aspects of a building's design.
● Technical Designer: Focuses on building envelope design, detailing, and understanding the
technical intricacies of construction.
● Graphic Designer: Contributes to graphic design elements, often working independently of
the architectural team.
● Digital Practice Lead: Integrates design technology, BIM, visualization, and VR for design
intelligence and automation.
● Rendering: Creates presentation-level graphics, bringing the firm's projects to life visually.
● Project Manager: Coordinates project efforts, liaises with clients, manages budgets and
schedules, and ensures project success.
● Project Architect: Presents technical and design solutions, collaborates with Project
Manager, and supervises design and technical delivery.
● Principal/Partner: Responsible for overall goals, profitability, and long-term plans of the
firm, participating in growth and development opportunities.

These roles collectively contribute to the comprehensive functioning of an architecture

firm, covering design, technical aspects, business development, and project management. An
architecture firm is a group of experts, including licensed professionals and trained architects.
They use their knowledge and skills to come up with designs for buildings. These experts can also
be in charge of planning and making sure the construction of their designs goes well. Essentially,
they create and bring to life new and aesthetically beautiful buildings.
 References

Archisoup. (2023, October 15). Understanding Architecture Firms - archisoup |

Architecture Guides & Resources. Archisoup | Architecture Guides & Resources.
Retrieved December 5, 2023, from
https://www.archisoup.com/understanding-architecture-firms

Colonelz Constructions. (2023, June 2). The Work Of An Architecture Firm. Retrieved
December 5, 2023, from
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/work-architecture-firm-colonelz-constructions-private-lim

LePage, M. R. (2021, January 3). Which Business Structure is Best for an Architecture
Firm? - EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects -. EntreArchitect // Small Firm
Entrepreneur Architects.
https://entrearchitect.com/2017/10/10/business-type-best-architecture-firm/

Valdes. (2023, November 21). Architect’s Guide to Project Management . Monograph.

Retrieved December 5, 2023, from
https://monograph.com/blog/architects-guide-to-project-management