The reason for any business to exist is to generate a profit and grow revenues, yet somehow architects are often separated from the equation and are focused primarily on generating design. Architecture is more than just creativity and design as a product. There is a lack of focus on the practice and financial fundamentals within the foundation of the architecture profession that starts at the architecture school, that then follows the career trajectory of emerging professionals. There is a critical need within the profession to reassess how we do business. There is a saying that one should not go into the discipline of architecture seeking money, because architects do not make a lot of money. We should reevaluate this statement because the level of education and skills required, architects should be valued more and that should be reflected in our fees and salaries. Over time, we have devalued the architecture profession by creating a work culture that leads to burn out which is a result of doing work outside of the scope and not having adequate time to effectively complete a project that will generate an appropriate profit. The product of the architect’s labor is easily dismissed and undervalued. It is time for the architect to act as a business-oriented person that offers design-focused services.

This session will focus on the business of architecture and understanding the fundamentals of the practice of architecture. The intent of this session is to educate and provide valuable insights on the business side of architecture that involve managing an architectural practice, negotiations & fee structure, staffing and operations, budgeting, billing and generating profits in a given scope of work.

Money manipulates the decisions we make about the built environment, and economic forces, profit schemes, and development plans depend on monetary returns. Architects often cannot yield power over the key decisions that influence how we live, but must work within the bounds of client demands. These are usually not inherently nefarious; instead, they respond to and take advantage of current economic conditions and trends. Architects equipped with knowledge of these trends, along with methodological approaches to leverage them, have an opportunity to gain agency and influence positive change. This session provides architects with the knowledge of emerging ideas, economic trends, and useful methods to enact change in their communities. And as these skills and tools can only be honed if put into practice, the session invites scholars and community leaders to use these novel approaches to the built environment on a real project in Savannah, GA.

As architects, we are entrusted with creating the places where our fellow citizens live, learn, work, and play. However, the cities are changing rapidly and evolving day to day, in most cases, with projects that are conceived in silos instead of taking into account the whole makeup of the urban and rural landscape. New buildings are being built every day and areas are being gentrified, but sometimes, the most important part of the makeup of the cities is being lost, its users and communities. It is important to prepares individuals to be both leaders in not only the profession, but also our communities. It is programs like this one that bring to the fore the challenges that our communities face as well as potential solutions to tackle them. Equipped with the knowledge of both people and place, architects are uniquely suited to helping our communities to build a better future.

Session 2 focuses on how emerging architects can begin honing their Rainmaking and Business Development skills. Participants will warm-up by sharing their thoughts & preconceptions on Business Development, Networking, and Marketing to gauge comfort levels & experiences.

Why is it imperative for Architects to be involved in advocacy? Architects and Designers alike bring a unique, and often absent, voice to discussions on public policy that affect our industry, economy, and communities. As defined by the AIA, Citizen Architects take a greater role in civic advocacy by providing insight, talent, training, and experience to policymaking focused on community and human condition. To effectively foster positive change, architects must learn to navigate different channels of advocacy and collaborate with other parties when issues effecting the built environment are at the forefront of our communities and learn to engage with public officials to develop meaningful change in public policy.