Staying Small Successfully: A Guide for Architects, Engineers, and Design Professionals - Hardcover

Stasiowski, Frank A.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0471506524 ISBN 13: 9780471506522

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, 1991

Synopsis

Human Resources Management The Complete Guidebook for Design Firms Mark C. Zweig According to Mark Zweig, a successful author and management consultant to top design firms, human resources management offers more opportunity to improve firms’ productivity and performance than any other area of professional practice. In this book, Zweig describes in a practical, how–to format the basics of HRM for architects, landscape architects, interior designers, and other design professionals. The book proceeds logically from the hiring process, orientation, and career development to important information on performance appraisals, compensation, and law. Also included are useful forms from leading design firms—all current—and several key case studies. 1991 (0 471–63374–7) 320 pp. Building Construction Inspection A Guide for Architects Jay Bannister Construction inspection is a vital function in the construction process—as vital as the design itself. While most inspection is just good common sense, there are aspects that call for special expertise. This is a practical guide to site inspection for architects and other building professionals that reflects the author’s 27 years of hands–on personal experience. It is organized following the general sequence of construction, and includes a series of detailed checklists called "memory joggers" to help the reader review the various stages of on–site construction. The book also covers the various relationships and practical aspects of being on the job site, and consistently reminds the reader to refer to the drawings and specifications. Includes over 40 drawings and 60 on–site photographs. 1991 (0 471–53004–2) 320 pp. Practice Management for Design Professionals A Practical Guide to Avoiding Liability and Enhancing Profitability John Philip Bachner Based on the experiences of the Associated Soil and Foundations Engineers, this book discusses the methods civil engineers, architects, builders, contractors, and other professionals can use to lower liability insurance rates. The ASFE—formed to control the insurance rates of geotechnical engineers which were the highest among design professionals—created and disseminated a series of programs and other information that lowered their members’ insurance rates in less than 20 years to the lowest in the design industry. The book details and demonstrates how to apply these methods to other design professions. 1991 (0 471–52205–8) 400 pp.

About this title

About the Author

About the author Frank A. Stasiowski is President of Practice Management Associates, Ltd., a consulting firm with clients from among the top 500 design firms in the country. A registered architect with several advanced degrees, the author brings a unique perspective to design firm management, balancing practical design experience with managerial expertise. In his twenty years of practice, Mr. Stasiowski has advised over 40,000 architects, engineers, landscape architects, and interior designers on a variety of management problems. His newsletters, Professional Services Management Journal. A/E Marketing Journal, and Project Management, are read throughout the industry. Mr. Stasiowski is also the author of Negotiating Higher Design Fees, Project Management for the Design Professional, and Financial Management for the Design Professional.

From the Inside Flap

In this new book by a veteran of the design industry, proven strategies are mapped out for setting up a small business or guiding an existing one to success. Using miniprofiles of successful small design firms, Staying Small Successfully pinpoints exactly what has enabled them to flourish. You ll learn:

• How to develop effective plans and strategies. Many firms flounder because they have no vision, or plan, for the future. Chapter 1 outlines the six elements of the strategic planning process.
• How to focus your practice. Many firms spend years struggling with only "average" profit levels. Chapter 2 shows you how to double the average profit levels by focusing on a specific niche.
• How to service the client. Retaining repeat clients is one of the toughest challenges for a new company. Chapter 3 shows you how to build a loyal clientele as well as a solid reputation for impeccable service.
• How to hire the best and the brightest. Chapter 4 describes how to make your company a magnet for top talent.
• How to manage the bottom line. Chapter 6 shows you how to measure the financial health of your firm with key financial measures using only a one page report.
• How to master the psychology of winning. Chapter 9 details the tough choices you must make when running a small firm and their impact on your firm s style, flow, and ultimate success.

You ll also have instant access to useful resources like checklists and flowcharts plus numerous appendices containing a listing of design firm management consultants, a typical marketing plan, a survey of typical marketing costs, and a survey of successful small firms that will put your firm quickly on track. Insightful and assuring, Staying Small Successfully shows you how to meet your profit goals and manage your growth rate by staying small.

Edition details

• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
• Publication date: 1991
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0471506524
• ISBN 13: 9780471506522
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 320