November 3, 2011

Why Study Architectural Management?

 image credit: mergersandinquisitions.com
The technology, time and trends are changing rapidly and nothing is same as yesterday. All of us, whether we are artists, architects, scientists, engineers, etc. in due course, we will have to learn the Architectural management in the broader sense and also the art of balancing both right and left sides of the brain..


7 reasons why designers should study Architectural Management

1: MORE MONEY

Architecture is about 40% design and 60% management. This means that 60% of your fees are at risk, when your management skills are weak. No firm can survive on only talented designers. It needs the full support of operation manager, HR manager, financial controller, marketing executives, etc. if you choose to work in a firm, study of AM may offer you higher pay and position. With better communication, networking and management skills, you can not only manage projects better, but get more projects on your desk too.

2: SAVE TIME

Stress comes with Success. The architect’s world is more competitive than before. It is observed that most architects fail to produce good quality work in a rush hour or they end up delaying the project. If management skills are learned in the early phase of your career, it may save a lot of time and make you more efficient in delivering quality projects on time. Timely delivery means that you also have more free time for your Family!

3: TEAM SPIRIT

Design is a team work and unless you know how to deal with different personalities and motivate people, you will be unable to get your work done from them. The success of your company depends on your team. Studying architectural management will teach you the essentials of teamwork.

4: MORE OPPORTUNITIES

If you are an architect with good management skills, you can have varieties of career options such as, Project management, Business development, Design –build consultant, Technology developer etc. You don’t have to be an extraordinary designer to be a successful architect. There are many ways you can be true to our profession. In the era of Globalization, who wouldn’t like to grab the opportunity to perform at international level? Your architectural management skills will help you understand projects and people better, even if they are from different parts of the world and culture.

5: HIGHER STATUS

People have high regards for designations such as, project manager, senior manager, Vice president, CEO, etc. The knowledge of business and management skills can lead you to this high status position. With extra knowledge and more confidence. You will get more understanding and more opportunities to prove yourself

6: BENEFITS of TECHNOLOGY

“Technology has given too much too soon, ” says Bill Gates. But are we ready to absorb the technology?

The study of AM will create the awareness of the latest business and technological trends. You may be able to address business and technical challenges with latest technological know- how.

7: NETWORK and APPRECIATION

Management is about People, People and People.

As part of a Building industry, you will be a step up with management skills. With your communication skills and teamwork attitude, you can create better and more sustainable network of talented people. The study of architectural management will inspire you to create a network of right, like minded and supportive people, who will lead you to success and appreciation. Who doesn’t like awards and appreciation? Your success will depend on your passionate work, good team and management skills.

WHY STUDY BUSINESS?
Forget the cynics. Business is important. The role of business is to make the world a better place for everyone - creating wealth and well-being, prosperity, jobs and choices. If you believe that, you're in the right place.
– View of Waikato Management School


Study of AM will help you in achieving your career goals and objectives. The success of your passionate work combined with business acumen will give you a great sense of achievement.


Study AM and be healthy, wealthy and happy!







9 comments:

  1. I totally agree with you Kiran, for many years we architects have found our professional development only based in design skills. The complication of actual projects, the competitive environment and the exigence of the clients are impossible to achieve based only in good design, therefore we need management skills to reach the goal of actual architectural projects. Who doesn´t understand this will be in the latest professional positions in the coming years, or even will have to leave the profession. Congratulations for your work

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  2. Dear Michael

    Thanks for your inspiring words!

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  3. Dear Mr Gandhi,
    i was so thrilled when i finally found your blog. I have this subject in my head for years now, but i am still studying architecture and searching for a faculty or programme (if it exists ), which could provide an education in arch.managment.i would prefer to go through this kind of training before starting my own bussiness. Question is where? Is there a programme for AM in Europe?

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  4. Dear Mina

    Thanks for your appreciation.

    IE School of Architecture recently presented its new Master in Architectural Management & Design in London. Please,refer attached link.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYRbkA2RTpg
    http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/index.php?fuseaction=wanappln.projectview&upload_id=15788

    now, schools of architecture feel the necessity of such courses and I am sure you will have no.of choices by the time you will be ready for the course.

    Beast wishes

    Ar. Kiran Gandhi

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    Replies
    1. Thank you very much for your kind reply. Mina.

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  5. Dear Kiran

    From a personal standpoint, I couldn't agree with you more. At the advice of various mentors I've studied short business and management courses to supplement my RIBA Parts I and II whilst working towards RIBA Part III. To hear of your desire for a comprehensive approach to this opportunity to better equip future generations of architects will help us to learn and advance skills relevant to professional and personal development.

    Fantastic

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  6. Thank you for your positive reponse.
    I am glad to know that you value the fact of management principles required in architecture.
    It will be really nice to know more about your experiences studying short business and management courses.
    I will be happy to hear from you again.

    Kiran

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  7. Dear Kiran,
    Thank you for this article. I would like to ask for your opinion about the online distance learning - Architectural project management. Do you know some programm you could recommend some?

    I would highly appreciate your opinion.
    thank you very much
    natalia

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    Replies
    1. Hello Natalia,

      Thanks for reaching out.
      There are not many educational programs which focuses on this subject. You may want to know more about the course offered by IE school of Architecture (http://master-in-architectural-management-and-design.ie.edu/)

      Meanwhile, we are in a process of publishing series of books about this subject. The first module about Marketing may interest you: (http://www.managearchitecture.com/p/buy-book-new.html)

      Hope it helps!
      If you find some good course on this subject, I will be happy to know more about it.

      Keep sharing!
      Good Luck.

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