By Tommy Minh Nguyen / November 6, 2021

ARCHITECTURAL
FIRMS

https://archihacks.com/3-things-you-need-to-know-about-architecture-firms/
What is Architectural firm?

Architectural firm or architecture firm is a company that

employs one or more licensed architects and practices the
profession of architecture; while in South Africa, the United
Kingdom, Ireland, Denmark and other countries, an
architectural firm is a company that offers architectural
services.
DADS – Detailed Architectural Design Services
DAEDS – Detailed Architectural & Engineering Design Services
2
Small architectural firms

Small firms (defined here as "under 50 employees")

make up the vast majority of the market, and while
many were started by designers with high levels of
expertise and competence, it is still their task to
convince prospective clients that their firms have
both the brains and brawn to crank out a meaningful
design while meeting an anticipated schedule and
budget.
3
3 Things need to know about architectural firms

The three major topics will be broken into smaller units

to highlight the different aspects of the business. While
this information does help support your decision when
considering a firm, it also provides insight into how an
architecture firm is structured if you want to open a
firm. Can you imagine yourself opening up your design
firm? Yes, no, or maybe? It’s not for the faint of heart!
Whether you plan to start or join a new firm, this
information is often overlooked or rushed in most 4
architecture curriculums, so let’s get to it!
Studio Size

1. +-Studio/ Atelier (1 - 10 People)

2. +-Mid-size (11 - 50 People)

3. +- Large-size (51+ People)

5
1. Studio Size

1. +-Studio/ Atelier (1 - 10 People)

a. Like to wear multiple hats.

b. employees need to be more self-reliant
c. very conscious of the team balance.
d. large amount of responsibility,
6
1. Studio Size
2. +-Mid-size (11 - 50 People)

a. tend to combine both small and large

incentives
b. break into smaller teams that focus on more
specific areas of work
c. receive support from other teams within the
office 7
1. Studio Size

3. +- Large-size (51+ People)

a. more resources, diverse project portfolio, and

more personalities.
b. break down into smaller teams
c. Roles and responsibilities tend to be more rigid
and defined. 8
Organizational Type

Studio-Based Department-
Based

9
Organizational Type

Studio-Based:
a. preliminary design to
construction.
b. each team is
specialized and
understands the nuances
of the typology

10
Organizational Type

Studio-Based: Department-Based:
a. preliminary design to a. efficiency and optimization
construction. of projects.
b. each team is specialized b. production and quality are
and understands the high and fast.
nuances of the typology

11
1. Studio Size

1. +-Studio/ Atelier (1 - 10 People)

a. 1 - Principal Architect (CEO)

b. 1 - Senior Architect (COO)
c. 2 – Admin & Clerk
d. 2 - Junior Architect
e. 2 - DRAFTSPERSONS/OJT
12
STUDIO BASED:

13
Department-Based:

14
What’s inside the Architectural firm?

▪ Production Manager / Production Staff – the backbone of any architectural firm. Everyone in this
area is focused on the creation and coordination of the main deliverable of the firm . . . the
construction documents. This is also the department of the firm that makes up the largest
percentage of staff and effort. Typically this area is where most new graduates start their careers.
▪ Construction Administration – There is actually an entire department within this category. All the
work in this department is concentrated on the execution of the products created by the production
department. The effort of making sure that the project is built according to the construction
documents by reviewing submittals, visiting the job site, and overall involvement in the process of
construction.
▪ Specification Writer – Until I came to my current office, I’ve never had a dedicated specification
writer. I have either written and assembled all the specifications or we hired a third-party to handle
it for us, which for the record, never worked out very well. Reviews drawings and other project
information to write and edit project specifications. Uses a thorough understanding of project
design requirements to translate project needs for specific materials, equipment, installation,
certifications, testing, and methods applicable to the project. Performs product research, assists in
material selection, develops and maintains relationships with vendors, performs quality 15
management reviews, and provides technical advice to project teams.
What’s inside the Architectural firm?

▪ Business Development – While this doesn’t have to necessarily be an architect, I think it helps. To a
certain extent, all the people in leadership positions do business development just be doing good
work and making clients happy.
▪ Marketing – the idea of marketing in my past working life was pretty much non-existent. You did
things in the community, you volunteered for roles in professional organizations, sat on boards, etc.
In my new office, the marketing efforts are tackled by 4 full-time people who write proposals,
coordinate the firms message and how it’s delivered, and help business development efforts to
work efficiently.
▪ Rendering – Some people love this stuff so hard that they exist in the 5th dimension. This position is
dedicated to the creation of the presentation level graphics for the firm. They could be considered
the technical “artists” of the firm. The time spent here is all about creating a visual world that brings
the firm’s projects to life. Mastery of multiple software applications would be a required skill set.

16
What’s inside the Architectural firm?
▪ Project Manager – Responsible for coordination of all project efforts, administrative and technical,
to ensure the most efficient and cost-effective execution of assigned projects. Prepares strategic
plans for project success. Serves as primary liaison contact with clients to complete projects on
schedule, within budget, and with maximum client satisfaction. Actively manages client budgets,
schedules, and programs; budget and schedule; project communications and documentation;
office administrative tasks; and project team assignments. Estimates fees, determines the scope
of work and prepares proposals and contracts on the most complex projects. Provides oversight
and monitoring of the work of less experienced project managers.
▪ Designer – my perception of the title “Designer” is that this is the role that most people who finish
architectural school want to be … or was that just the school I graduated from? Designers do exactly
what you think they would do – they are responsible for all, or some part, of the design process that
results in how a building appears and functions.
▪ Technical Designer – building envelope design, expertise in detailing (we have such a role in our
interiors department who creates details all day long and is a repository of knowledge). The
technical intricacies of the built environment are at the core of this position. Working through the
manner in which a project is put together and detailed is an integral part of all firms.
17
What’s inside the Architectural firm?
▪ Graphic Designer – while this might not normally be the first thing that comes to mind when you are
thinking “architectural graduate” … it’s a thing. I’ve actually had this role in two different jobs. Many
larger firms have a separate department that is solely dedicated to graphic design. It does a wide
variety of work that is often independent of the architectural part of the firm.
▪ Digital Practice Lead – I have to admit that this is a new thing to me but it is a thing. We have a
mutual friend – Evan Troxel, international man of all things amazing, and that’s also true, I’m not
pandering here. So I emailed him a few days ago to send me the description of his role, which is
actually titled “Director of Digital Practice” and in true Evan fashion, he over delivered. He sent me
enough information that I think I am now prepared to open my own Digital Practice Consulting Firm.
▪ Project Architect – present directly to the client on technical and design solutions. Works closely
with the Project Manager to execute project plans. Coordinates with the Project Manager to directly
supervise the teams’ design and technical delivery.
▪ Principal /Partner – Responsible for establishing overall goals and objectives and coordinating
implementation plans. In conjunction with other senior leaders, is responsible for the realization of
profits compatible with the interests of clients and the firm. Develops and promotes the firm’s
vision, mission, core values, and long-range plans.
18
What’s inside the Architectural firm?
▪ Project Architect – present directly to the client on technical and design solutions. Works closely
with the Project Manager to execute project plans. Coordinates with the Project Manager to directly
supervise the teams’ design and technical delivery.
▪ Principal /Partner – Responsible for establishing overall goals and objectives and coordinating
implementation plans. In conjunction with other senior leaders, is responsible for the realization of
profits compatible with the interests of clients and the firm. Develops and promotes the firm’s
vision, mission, core values, and long-range plans. Oversees and controls operations and activities
to promote the achievement of the firm’s objectives. The Principal also implements policies
established by the board. Participates in creating and positioning the firm to take advantage of
opportunities for growth and marketplace expansion. Ensures profitability, quality enhancement,
and professional development.

19
END OF
PRESENTATION