Diversify Your Firm’s Project Portfolio
It has been many years since the profession has seen this deep a trough in business conditions. Nonetheless, points out Perkins + Will Managing Director Paul Eagle, planning for long-term success requires developing a long-term view that recognizes the cyclical nature of construction markets and, therefore, the profession of architecture. He offers his insights for developing a plan for diversification.

Architect’s Office Becomes Party Central
For more than two decades, Askew Nixon Ferguson Architects has been a center of community activity as a hub for a wide variety of civic, social, and business functions in Memphis. The architects use their office as an art gallery, a venue for large-scale parties that generate hundreds of thousands of dollars for local children’s charities, and for many other community meetings and events. In the process, they have placed themselves at the center of art and architecture and at the core of Memphis’s social fabric.

Taking Care of Business
When companies are scrambling to find for-profit work, taking the time to find pro bono opportunities might seem counterintuitive, and indeed, the financial climate doesn’t mean it’s easy. Michael Pinto, design principal at Osborn architects in Glendale, Calif., says that it’s easier for his company to take on pro bono work when there’s plenty of fee-generating projects happening as well. However, the kinds of benefits firms report they get from donating their services occur in any economic climate and can extend beyond the economic crisis.

Social Media Sites May Help Build Networks, Connections
In an economic environment where no business lead or possible relationship should be left unturned, communications directors of firms and AIA components say they are increasing their presence on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, and LinkedIn. It is part of a strategy to seek connections and an extension of their brand and the way they already do business.