Architecture 645: Architectural Practice in Canada

Study Guide

Unit 10: Architecture as a Career Path

Commentary

Unit 10, the final unit in the course, encourages you to take a long view of your personal career path and develop either a personal career plan or a hypothetical strategic plan for an existing architectural practice. It examines the components of the strategic plan for an architectural practice (CHOP 2.1.1, p. 1) and encourages regular updates of every strategic plan.

Learning Outcomes

After completing Unit 10, you should be able to

1. Describe strategic planning and the development of a long-term vision in terms of importance to the success of an architectural practice.
2. Describe the human resource process and strategic planning in taking over management of an architecture firm.
3. Identify your goals for personal career development.

Required Readings

1. Read the following in CHOP (2009):
   • Chapter 2.1.1, Organization of an Architectural Practice
   • Chapter 2.1.2, Succession Planning
   • Chapter 2.1.3, Public Relations and Marketing
   • Chapter 2.1.7, Human Resources
2. RAIC, Becoming an Architect
3. RAIC Practice Builder, Strategic Planning = Market Share
4. RAIC Practice Builder, Ownership Transition

Self-Study Questions

Work through the following self-study questions. Use the Course Discussion Forum to post comments/questions.

1. What is a strategic plan and how can such a plan help in the success of an architectural practice? What are some components of a strategic plan? What is a SWOT analysis?
2. What is succession planning and why is it important? What are some ways a firm can evolve over time and over generations? What is goodwill?
3. What are some roles for architects in society beyond traditional practice?

Assessment

1. Complete and submit Assignment 4: The Business of Architecture and Setting Career Goals.
2. Complete and submit Assignment 5: Final Project.