Archive for 'Work/News'
Talk to an Architect on September 11-12
Have you ever wanted a chance to ask an architect about your home? Maybe you’ve got some new idea and want to know what’s involved in making it happen, or maybe there’s just one thing you’d like to change but you don’t know how. Well, if you live near San Francisco and you’re planning on doing the San Francisco Living: Home Tours, then you can also bring your photos, idea books, sketches, and questions to the “Talk to an Architect” booth at the Home Tours headquarters.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010 | Rebecca Firestone | Add a Comment
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Billing and Client Communication
“We need to increase our value with our clients as service providers, and part of providing good service is to show a clear-headed understanding of money,” advises Michael Bernard. “Use the contract to convey established billing practice,” advises Bernard. “The contract is the memory of the project, with all parties signatory.”
What should be shown on the invoice? “Sometimes the owner gives us an invoice template,” says Bernard. “I attach this invoice to the sub-consultant agreement so that the sub-consultants can see how the information they provide to me is in turn provided to the client.”
Thursday, June 10, 2010 | Rebecca Firestone | Add a Comment
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Collections Strategies for Design Firms
How do you handle it when your clients get behind?
“Call them up!” says Michael Bernard. Don’t push this task off onto your bookkeeper. If the client writes the checks, the principal should make the call. “Keep your voice neutral and unemotional. Rehearse beforehand if you need to. The message is that, as a small business, cash flow is vital to your operations, and you’d appreciate them sending an immediate payment.”
“One former client felt so guilty about a tardy payment that he paid up even to his current charges that hadn’t been billed yet!”
Saturday, June 05, 2010 | Rebecca Firestone | Add a Comment
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Michael Bernard on Knowledge Management: What’s In It for Architects?
A recent conference, KA Connect 2010, highlighted the growing role of information technology as a driver of practice in architecture, engineering, and construction including both emerging trends and issues relevant to current practice. Over 35 speakers shared perspectives from architects, engineers, software developers, client-side construction managers, business development consultants, and outsourcing consultants. It was a rare opportunity to speculate on how to transition from present to future practice. These transitions are not painless, as anyone who’s implemented BIM can tell you. However, once in place, these new technologies and practices can result in greater integration and engagement during the design process.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010 | Michael Bernard | Add a Comment
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Michael Bernard on Mentorship in Architecture
“Recently, I spoke to a group of architecture students. We had just concluded a panel discussion on career alternatives to the traditional practice of architecture. I asked the students if they intended to pursue careers outside the familiar realm of traditional practice. Out of 30 students, 25 raised their hands.
I asked a second question: how many of the students intended to engage in the effort to obtain their architectural license? In response to this question, eight students raised their hands. As I see it, the future of the architectural profession is in the hands of these eight students – and three of those eight are “on the fence” about whether to pursue a career in architecture or to explore other professional options.”
Monday, March 08, 2010 | Michael Bernard | Add a Comment
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Are Architects and Social Media Really Compatible? (Updated)
Mark English and Jerry James are presenting at the AIA East Bay on March 4th on how small design and construction firms can adopt social media to further their own marketing strategies.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010 | Rebecca Firestone | Add a Comment
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Marketing and Business Development 2010: Use Your Windshield – Not Your Rear View Mirror
“Chances are, the new economy will not return to its former vigor. Architects must develop strategies that look to the future, rather than relying on solutions that worked six months ago. Prospective clients will likely pay in cash and drive hard bargains. Do not be false or opportunistic in your outreach; but do join boards that would benefit from your commitment. And remember that the telephone will not ring if we stare at it.”
Michael Bernard, Principal
V-Practice Consulting
Friday, January 29, 2010 | Michael Bernard | Add a Comment
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Social Networking and Your Design Practice at the AIA
Mark English joins fellow designers Joel Robare of JR Studio and Mike Plotnick of HOK in a roundtable discussion on the impact of social networking on their own design practices. New tools like Facebook and Twitter, combined with identity Web sites and traditional print media, collectively offer a rich toolbox from which each firm can choose its own approach.
Friday, December 04, 2009 | Rebecca Firestone | Add a Comment