Level Studio’s Book Recommendations for Aspiring Firm Owners
With the launch of our official podcast, “Emerging,” we thought it would be a good time to share a list of book recommendations for others looking to start their own architecture firm. Starting an architecture office is an exciting and challenging endeavor that requires a deep understanding of both design principles and business management. Below you’ll find a list of books that the Level Studio team devoured on our entrepreneurial quest. These books provide valuable insights and guidance for individuals embarking on this journey. Our team receives commissions from the links provided below however, we are not paid to promote them and stand by the educational value. Enjoy these books and reach out to Level Studio to let us know what you think!
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By combining Architect & Developer, you can command a greater sense of control, faster decision making, an efficient process, and the potential for a much better profit. The largest hurdle to becoming an architect as developer is that first project. An entrepreneurial mindset and willingness to take risk is required.
Art's Principles reveals the blueprint behind one of the most successful professional services firms, giving career-minded individuals the tools they need to excel in business. The book covers the essentials of leadership, talent acquisition and operations, while outlining the creative strategies that propelled a small business into one of the largest and most admired in its industry.
Although not architecture-focused, this book provides principles for running a startup efficiently, which can be adapted to an architecture practice.
Artist, musician, activist, and blogger Amanda Palmer relays the importance of reaching out and ‘asking’, and in turn giving help, from friends, families, strangers, and fans on the journey to building a successful network.
Part narrative, part business book; Architect + Entrepreneur is filled with contemporary, relevant, fresh tips and advice, from a seasoned professional architect building a new business.
This book delves into the entrepreneurial side of architecture, providing guidance on setting up a successful practice, managing projects, and fostering innovation.
As more and more clients shift to a formal Request For Proposal process, is your firm winning all the business it could—and should? The key to winning proposals isn’t really magic. But as RFP requirements become increasingly complex, and competition stronger, putting together a successful proposal does require a more strategic approach and a game-changing shift in thinking.
Keith Granet, a recognized expert in design business management, shares insights on how to run a profitable architecture firm while maintaining design excellence.
Too often a design or architecture degree is seen as a means to an end. But imagine for one moment that there are no employers, no firms to send your CV to, no interviews to be had – what would you do? How would you forge your own path after graduation?
While not specific to architecture, this book offers valuable advice on launching a creative business, including budgeting, marketing, and client relationships.
This comprehensive guide addresses the complete lifecycle of an architectural practice, from startup to growth to transition and succession planning.
Conventional accounting uses the logical (albeit, flawed) formula: Sales - Expenses = Profit. The problem is, businesses are run by humans, and humans aren't always logical. Mike Michalowicz has developed a behavioral approach to accounting to flip the formula: Sales - Profit = Expenses. Michalowicz shows that by taking profit first and apportioning only what remains for expenses, entrepreneurs will transform their businesses from cash-eating monsters to profitable cash cows.