Archinect - Features

A Guide to Employee-Owned Architecture Firms, by Those Who Have Made the Change

2022-01-10T12:09:00-05:00

Throughout 2020 and 2021, the world of work has been subject to a relentless evaluation, triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Conversations around remote working, asynchronous office hours, and workers’ wages have gained added agency, as almost all economic sectors seek to balance health and safety with turnover and productivity. Stepping back from specific employment topics such as these, COVID-19 has also caused a more fundamental re-evaluation of how work shapes our lives. A study earlier this year found that 66% of unemployed Americans were considering changing their occupation, dwarfing levels seen during the 2008 recession, while research by McKinsey found similar metrics even among those still in employment.

Within this context, it is perhaps no surprise that the topic of employee ownership of businesses has gathered pace. In a time where many are critically reflecting on how meaningful or fulfilling their core occupations are, the idea of employment generating results for the...

How Do Architects Attract and Retain Staff in a Post-Pandemic World?

2021-05-04T08:01:00-04:00

On Wednesday 15th April, The New York Times wrote ‘The American Economic recovery is gathering steam, renewing confidence that a vibrant revival awaits as the pandemic recedes.’ How do architecture firms prepare for this? And how do they make sure that they retain their best people and attract talented staff as we move into a buoyant economy and post-pandemic world? Is it just a case of throwing more money at the issue in the form of bigger salaries and bonuses to urge people to stay, or is it more nuanced and delicate?

10 Ways Architectural Employers Can Maximize the Effectiveness of Their Employees

2015-06-04T10:57:00-04:00

Management is not a science; it is an art. Maximizing the effectiveness of a studio is not about implementing broad strokes out of a Step-by-Step guide, but rather requires understanding the nuances of performance, environment, and long-term goals. These ten suggestions serve as a starting point for creating a more holistic management strategy.