Design Management for Architects

Book excerpt: This guide integrates theory and practice to offer practical solutions for architects to improve their design management skills. This unique guide helps architects improve their management skills by addressing the relationship between the management of the design project and the design office. The author demonstrates how a professionally managed project, conceived and delivered within a professionally managed office ensures that client values are translated into construction without loss of creativity. Design Management for Architects divides into two parts. Part 1: Managing Creative Projects covers the context and infrastructure of projects; looks at client values; describes developing, detailing and realising the design; and shows how to learn from projects. Part 2: Managing Creative Organisations describes the business of architecture; explains how to manage creative people and the design studio – covering communication and knowledge-sharing, information management, financial management and attracting/retaining clients. This second edition has been extensively rewritten in response to student feedback and to the rapid evolution of design management in architecture. New features include: the ‘Why Management?’ question addressed in a design context Vignettes to demonstrate the value of design management practical advice is incorporated into each chapter under ‘Project to Office Interface’ more specifics on the design manager role, and the contribution of ICTs (including BIM) to effective design management. By integrating theory and practice, and offering practical solutions for architects to improve their design management skills, this book provides clear guidance to all designers and (design) managers.