Small-Firm Architects and AI in 2025
This post discusses the impact of AI for small-firm architects, particularly after the rise of ChatGPT in 2023, which sparked interest in the technology. The author shares insights gained over the past 18 months, noting the remarkable nature of AI and the mystery surrounding its functioning. Concerns about AI dominating the world appear increasingly unfounded, with the author asserting that its significance will rival that of the Industrial Revolution.
Vision-Mission-Goals
How useful are vision, mission, goals to the small-firm architect
Another Reason Architectural Firms Are Small
Architects need this strategy to grow, endure, and profit.
Delegating
Delegating is key to business success. Take my advice on how to do it right.
Organizing Your Files In The Cloud
If you are happy with your way of storing your files, then this won't help you. If not, you may get an idea or two here.
Systems vs Goals
I have disappointed myself for years with my goals. Dilbert showed me a better way.
The Technical Design Diagnostic
The best way to understand what a good design solution requires is NOT to start designing. Try the TDD instead.
Budgeting For Expenses
Managing expenses is key to having profits.
Why Are Most Architectural Firms Small?
Did you know that census statistics indicate that most architectural firms are small. I have been wondering about that. Why would that be?
Top Level Organizing
Organizing the 40+ subjects an architect works with.
Assembly Concept For Organizing Work
Using the ‘assembly’ concept makes organizing much better for many things Architects do.
Do You Have Unique Methods?
All Architects have unique methods. The real benefit comes from documenting them.
Profit Planning From All Sides
Profit Planning for architects. Download a Profit Planning Worksheet.
The Three Critical Aspects
Growing your architectural firm depends on mastering the three aspects.
The Three Aspects
In order to build a successful architectural firm you need to master the 3 Aspects.
Strategic Planning
A tool to help Architects create and implement strategic plans.
Scheduling And Grouping Design Decisions
Architectural design decisions - when to make them and how to group them for delegation.
Design Phase Checklist Examples
A tool to tell Architects what needs to be done to complete the work of a phase of design.
The Six Key Issues
Architects return to these six issues over and over during a project.
Publishing to Build Your Niche
How Architects can build a niche to be known for.
The 3 Ways Of Business Development For Architects
I think there are three ways to go with business development for architects.
The Four Value Propositions
Architects have four ways to focus their marketing efforts.
Constraints - A Checklist And Questionnaire
There are always constraints in architectural projects. This is a way to uncover them early.
CODA For Architects
There is a new tool that could be a game changer for your firm.
Read on to see what Coda can do for you.
Profit Planning
Planning for Profit increases your chances of actually having a profit.
The Table Of Contents Tool
Ways to use your specification Table Of Contents as a tool.
Architects Financial Model
The Financial Model of an Architect’s Office is a well-kept secret. Until now.
Working With A Building Committee
A Building Committee seems to be the preferred project management method for non-profits, church-based organizations and higher education.
Reception Counters
If a reception counter is needed, the first decision is to determine the full role of that person.