Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture

Professional Practice

Contracts

Types of Architectural Contracts•Verbal agreements•Letter agreements•Owner-generated agreements•Purchase orders•AIA standard agreements

Contracts

Understanding the Client/Owner•Level of experience in design and construction process•Do they understand the payment obligation and timing of payments?•Does client understand the “standard of care” of architects•Who makes the decisions for the owners?•History of litigation

Contracts

Understanding Project and Owner Expectations•Does the owner have a realistic understanding of the project budget?•Does the owner have a realistic expectation of the project schedule?•Does the owner understand the difference in the roles of:

– Architect– Contractor– Owner

Contracts

Major Issues in Owner-Architect Agreements•Obligation of architect to construction budget•Architect’s risk•Standard of care•Warranties and guarantees•Limitation of liability •Indemnification of owner•Ownership of documents•Additional services•Consequential damages

Getting Your First Job

Contacting Architecture Firms•Research firm background•Contact the most senior person, and if they have an administrative assistant, learn her/his name•Send a personal letter•Follow up with a phone call•Even if the firm does not have an open position, try to obtain an interview•Always send a thank you note and describe the meeting in positive terms

Getting Your First Job

The Interview / Meeting•Show up on time!•Dress professionally•Bring printed copies of your resume and portfolio•Listen, and try to connect something you have done to the needs of the firm•Be humble, but confident•Relax, smile and interact

Getting Your First Job

Important Things for Students, Architects and Interviews•How to get to first base•Identify your strengths•Take time to create a great resume

•Graphics•Experience•Skills

Getting Your First Job

What Architects Need in Their Business•Skills

– Computer– Presentation– Ability to take charge– Ability to respond quickly

•Attitude•Interpersonal skills•Work Ethic

Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture