Running your own practice can bring immense job satisfaction, but it is not without its risks. Do you have all the information at hand to set up confidently on your own? Comprehensive, accessible and easy to use, Starting a Practice helps architects navigate the pitfalls associated with establishing a successful business. This fully updated 3rd edition is mapped to the RIBA Plan of Work 2020 and approaches starting a business as if it were a design project, complete with briefing, sketching layouts and delivery. It features new material on professionalism and ethics, sustainable development and achieving a net-zero carbon emission built environment. Invaluable for Part 3 students, early practitioners and those considering setting up from scratch or wanting to consolidate an existing business, Starting a Practice gives architects the tools they need to thrive when setting out alone. Features essential guidance on:
- Preparing a business plan
- Choosing the right company structure
- Setting aspirations
- Monitoring finances
- Getting noticed
- Securing work
- Retaining and developing staff
- Planning for disaster.
Stage 0 Strategic Definition
Stage 1 Preparation and Brief
Stage 2 The Outline Business Case
Stage 3 The Business Plan
Stage 4 Business Design
Stage 5 Starting up
Stage 6 Keeping Going
Stage 7 Evaluation and Looking Ahead
Conclusion
Biography
Simon Foxell is Principal of The Architects Practice. He was lead design adviser to Birmingham City Council’s Transforming Education programme from 2007 to 2010. He is a core member and co-ordinator of the Edge, the built environment think tank. He is a former member of the RIBA Council and Board and was Chair of both Policy and Strategy and RIBA London region. He sat on the RIBA’s recent Ethics and Sustainable Development Commission. He has authored multiple books, most recently Professionalism for the Built Environment (Routledge, 2019).
