when i read discussions regarding firms, it seemed like most firms are corporate, where there is a strong hierarchy of positions, and smaller firms, where they basically don't get to do the big projects. are there 3-4 people firms? like there really is no boss or manager or assigned positions. . .just a small group of people willing to get the deal done? and what are the chances of starting a firm right after college (or after acquiring a license)?
3-4 people would be considered a small firm.
Mid-size firms have a difficult time surviving because they need large projects to support themselves but they don't have the marketing, resources and (typically) large regional presence to allow them to compete witht the large corporate offices. Small offices on the other hand can survive by taking smaller projects that the larger firms would lose money on. Having said that, mid-size offices can survive (and actually do quite well) if they specialize in some building type(s). If the demand for that specific type begins to decrease, the firm is in deep shit.
I worked for an office that was doing 95% aviation work - by the end of september 2001 all staff were laid off. An extreme example but it shows you how vulnerable specialzation leaves a firm.
firms
when i read discussions regarding firms, it seemed like most firms are corporate, where there is a strong hierarchy of positions, and smaller firms, where they basically don't get to do the big projects. are there 3-4 people firms? like there really is no boss or manager or assigned positions. . .just a small group of people willing to get the deal done? and what are the chances of starting a firm right after college (or after acquiring a license)?
3-4 people would be considered a small firm.
Mid-size firms have a difficult time surviving because they need large projects to support themselves but they don't have the marketing, resources and (typically) large regional presence to allow them to compete witht the large corporate offices. Small offices on the other hand can survive by taking smaller projects that the larger firms would lose money on. Having said that, mid-size offices can survive (and actually do quite well) if they specialize in some building type(s). If the demand for that specific type begins to decrease, the firm is in deep shit.
I worked for an office that was doing 95% aviation work - by the end of september 2001 all staff were laid off. An extreme example but it shows you how vulnerable specialzation leaves a firm.
The answer to your last question.
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