Searl Lamaster Howe Architects

The most common structures to be found in this area of northeast Wisconsin are modest, efficient, functional wood-frame vacations cabins dating from the 1940s and 50s which were built as spots of respite for weary city dwellers. This new, clearly contemporary house shares much in common with these earlier structures. While lifestyles and building technologies have evolved, the desire to escape the everyday and appreciate the beauty of nature remains as strong today as ever. The painted lap siding and gabled form of the house harken to the local vernacular while subtle moves such as tweaks to the geometry of the house’s volume...

Searl Lamaster Howe Architects

The head scratching question on this project came from the client at the initial meeting: what form does a house take that is both contemporary in spirit yet reflective of traditional Mediterranean design concepts?

Key to the design was the recognition that what has developed as a “Modern Mediterranean” style in this country is neither all that modern nor does it accurately reflect the diversity of building stock from this vast region; for the most part the term has come to describe an unrestrained pastiche of clichéd, predictable elements.

By Kevin Harris, FAIA

As architects, we are all familiar with the process and benefits of modeling our designs prior to construction. Models are an effective medium to study proposed creations and help communicate those concepts to our clients.

Constructing a model takes time however, it can give us an opportunity to take a break, reflect on new insights, and manipulate the parts until all seems right. Working with a model is a process that helps us elevate our plans from good to better.

By Ann Casso, Hon. AIA

Architects at all career stages need to assess their finances and plan accordingly

In order to be successful in your professional and personal life, you must understand how to manage money. Good financial management requires effective decision-making in order to accomplish the objectives of your firm and family; this includes raising and allocating funds, long-term budgeting, and allocation of short-term resources such as current liabilities.

By Mark LePage, AIA

How to rewrite the story of our profession

With a twisted sense of pride, too many architects today accept the small firm stereotype of “starving artist”. Seeds planted in architecture school bloom into a full-on virus as professionals launch their own firms and find their way to small business. New firms are launched every day without proper planning, without an understanding of basic business fundamentals and often with an eager acceptance that life as an architect will be a difficult struggle.

I was born an entrepreneur. I learned from doing, working with my auto mechanic father as soon as I was old enough to lift a push broom. At the age of 13, I launched my own businesses detailing vehicles from the shop’s side lot and “flipping” American muscle cars, starting with my first purchase; a navy blue 1972 Camaro.

By Jeff Echols

If your firm uses social networking and digital marketing properly, there's work out there for the taking

During a conversation at a recent AIA Convention, right after my presentation on social media marketing, someone asked me if architects can actually find work through those channels.

This is a question I get a lot, not just from architects but all kinds of business owners: Can using social media actually bring more business through the door? The short answer is “yes.”

By Lora Teagarden

The background & the why that drives you

I wrote in my mentorship series on the importance of my digital network in helping create relationships, continuing to learn, and finding mentors. I’m still learning and feeling my way through the different platforms, but thanks to a lot of articles read on the subject and friends who specialize in AEC (Architecture Engineering Construction) marketing, I continue to make progress. I thought I’d spend this blog post (and the next four to follow) giving some background on what I’ve learned these last two years in the digital / social media world and sharing some tips and tricks for the different platforms. This week’s social media primer: the background and the why that drives you.

What are AIA Best Practices?

AIA Best Practices are a collection of relevant, experience-based knowledge and expert advice on firm management, project delivery, contracts, and more, aligned with the Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice, 15th edition. You’ll find:

• essential knowledge based on deep experience
• expert advice that is immediately usable
• new content and recent updates to definitive articles

Best Practices are freely contributed articles written by practicing professionals, allied professionals, strategic partners, and industry consultants. The Best Practices are an opportunity for AIA members and other allied professionals to contribute to the advancement of the practice of architecture and the profession. Each article should be viewed as a living document, and new, relevant articles are actively desired.

See the chapter designated for Financial Management, which includes topics on accounting basics and developing budgets.

Contribution by Caitlin Kolb

Editorial Note: There are many types of historical buildings, including single family houses. There are tax credit programs available which can assist a client by providing an additional funding source. The following links provide additional information on these programs. These links address national tax credit programs, note that state funding may also be available.

Nolo.com provides a basic overview of the historic credit programs. The National Park Service administers the program at the federal level.

See the tax incentives available for preserving historic properties.