Architectural firm

.

History

Architects (master builders) have existed since early in recorded history. The earliest recorded architects include Imhotep (c. 2600 BCE) and Senemut (c. 1470 BCE). No writings exist to describe how these architects performed their work. However, as nobles it is reasonable to assume they had staffs of assistants and retainers to help refine and implement their work. The oldest surviving book on architecture, "De architectura" by the Roman architect Vitruvius describes the design and construction of buildings, towns, clocks, and machines, but provides no information about the organization of the architect's assistants. It is generally accepted that throughout most of human history, most architects were wealthy individuals who derived their primary income from activities other than design and who practiced design as a part-time pursuit, employing assistants on a project-by-project basis.

It was only in the 19th century that architecture began to be practiced as a full-time profession. In the United States, Charles Bulfinch is the first person believed to have worked as a full-time professional architect. Henry Hobson Richardson may have been one of the first to have an established office and McKim, Mead, and White may have been among the first to resemble the large, modern architectural firm. ["Stanny: The Gilded Life of Stanford White", Paul Baker, 1989] In Australia, Bates Smart opened his architecture firm in Melbourne in 1853, making it the oldest architecture firm in Australia and one of the oldest in the world.

Licensure and legal form

In the U.S., architects are licensed by the individual states. Licensure is usually achieved by a combination of formal education, internship, and examinations. Although architects are licensed individually, state laws allow them to join together in firms. All U.S. states allow architects to form partnerships, most allow architects to form corporations or professional corporations, and some allow limited liability partnerships (LLPs) or limited liability companies (LLCs). Some states require the firm to obtain a registration to provide architectural services. Others merely require that the architectural work of the firm be performed under the direct supervision of an architect licensed in the state. A few states allow corporations to provide architectural services provided that a licensed employee of the firm serves as architect of record for any project. ["Architects Handbook of Professional Practice", American Institute of Architects, 13th Edition]

Organization

Small firms with less than 5 people usually have no formal organizational structure, depending on the personal relationships of the principals and employees to organize the work. Medium-sized firms with 5 to 50 employees are often organized departmentally in departments such as design, production, business development, and construction administration. Large firms of over 50 people may be organized departmentally, regionally, or in studios specializing in project types. Other permutations also exist. ["Architects Handbook of Professional Practice", American Institute of Architects, 13th Edition]

Advances in information technology have made it possible for some firms to open offices or establish alliances with other firms in different parts of the world. This makes it possible for some portions of the work to be performed in the US or UK and other portions in locations such as India or The Philippines, for example. In addition to utilizing lower-cost, high skill professionals in Asian countries, it also enables some firms to work, in effect, two or three shifts due to time differences.

The long term and wide spread effects of these practices on architectural firms (in all parts of the world) remain to be seen.

See also

* List of architecture firms
* List of architects

References

Reflist