Approaching Pro Bono Services
Why do Pro Bono work? In this 7-minute kTalk John Peterson explains that while benefits to a firm might include opportunities for networking, marketing and improved corporate culture--it really is up to the firm to determine the appropriate compensation in return for services. Learn about helpful resources and Pro Bono assessment tools and find out why he believes no charitable act should be purely charitable.
Presenter: |
Jon Peterson, Architect |
Firm: |
Design Conspiracy |
Knowledge Area: |
Practice Management |
Duration: |
07:06 |
Effectively Hiring from Among Unprecedented Numbers of Applicants
Getting hundreds of applicants for a single position creates a great opportunity and a daunting challenge. How can you quickly separate excellent and mediocre candidates? Can you create a process in which applicants screen themselves out so that you don’t have to? In this 10-minute kTalk, Mary Anne McKernie shares her invaluable experiences and processes for getting the results you want with the time you have.
Presenter: |
Mary Anne Mc Kernie, Creative Director |
Firm: |
aecKnowledge, Inc. |
Knowledge Area: |
Practice Management |
Duration: |
10:38 |
Public Private Partnerships
We know that Public Private Partnerships are agreements between the public and private sectors to take on a joint development. But how should we think about PPPs and what are the factors that will mean the difference between success and failure? In this 8-minute kTalk, Libby Seifel shares the case study of the Berkeley Oxford Lot in which the City of Berkeley, a Non-Profit Environmental User and a Private Developer came together in an ambitious PPP. She shares their lessons learned as they attempted to turn a public parking lot into a new Environmental Center, ninety-six unts of affordable housing built over retail space, with underground public and residential parking, while achieving LEED certification
Presenter: |
Elizabeth Seifel, President |
Firm: |
Seifel Consulting Inc. |
Knowledge Area: |
Practice Management |
Duration: |
08:30 |
Merging from a Seller's Perspective
The right merger can mean larger, more interesting projects. It can mean expanded resources and expertise. But is it possible to ensure that core values will align and visions will be shared? In this 5-minute kTalk, Helena Jubany, LEED AP, shares her experience navigating a successful strategic merger between NAC Architecture and her own mid-sized firm.
Presenter: |
Helena Jubany, Principal |
Firm: |
NAC|Architecture |
Knowledge Area: |
Practice Management |
Duration: |
05:04 |
The Basics of Strategic Planning for Design and Construction Firms
Every design and construction firm is in business for a reason. But not every firm goes to the trouble of articulating it. A strategic plan serves as a roadmap for achieving the vision of your firm. It can be a tool for guiding decisions and identifying opportunities. In this 7-minute kTalk, Ray Kogan, AIA, presents tested methods for developing a strategic plan that will evolve large, sweeping concepts into structured, detailed and actionable metrics.
Presenter: |
Raymond Kogan, President |
Firm: |
Kogan & Company |
Knowledge Area: |
Practice Management |
Duration: |
07:26 |
Developing Performance Based Bonus Systems
The best performance-based systems recognize two simultaneous realities. First, that everyone contributes to a firm's success. And second, that the efforts of individuals and the results those in produce, vary. In this 6-minute kTalk, Michael Strogoff, FAIA, shares a blueprint for encouraging optimal performance in any firm by employing the right mix of criteria, spreadsheets, scales and "buckets".
Presenter: |
Michael Strogoff, Faia, Founder |
Firm: |
aecKnowledge, Inc. |
Knowledge Area: |
Practice Management |
Duration: |
06:14 |
Characteristics of High Performing Design Firms
High-performance firms know how to balance accomplishments, profitability and risk to achieve long-term success. They understand market trends and adjust their directions accordingly. What allows them to so accurately read the writing the wall? In this 8-minute kTalk, Timothy Corbett, LEED AP, introduces SmartRisk Risk Assesments, a risk assessment program that can be used as a peer review tool, a magnifier of areas of strength or concern, and a means of reducing insurance costs.
Presenter: |
Timothy Corbett, President |
Firm: |
SmartRisk LLC |
Knowledge Area: |
Practice Management |
Duration: |
07:49 |
Making Chaos Work for You: Keys to Firm Management
In this excerpt from the continuing education course "Making Chaos Work for You: Keys to Firm Management", practicing architect and management consultant Rena Klein, FAIA, helps unleash the creativity and enthusiasm inherent in smaller firms. Rena's folksy style, coupled with pointed advice, will help firm leaders apply management theory and practical applications to increase a firm's overall productivity and creativity, and improve the effectiveness of firm leadership
Presenter: |
Rena Klein, Faia, Editorial Director |
Firm: |
aecKnowledge, Inc. |
Knowledge Area: |
Practice Management |
Duration: |
11:40 |
So You Want to Be an Expert Witness
Ever wonder what it takes to become an expert witness? Think you maybe you have what it takes? In this 7-minute kTalk, David Brotman, FAIA, affably and thoroughly demystifies the routine of the expert witness. From who’s qualified to do it, the necessary character traits required to do it well, the ethics involved and the challenges you’ll face. Tune in to watch a seasoned expert witness explain the essentials.
Presenter: |
David Brotman, Faia, Principal |
Firm: |
Sunset Consultants |
Knowledge Area: |
Practice Management |
Duration: |
07:24 |
Making Pro-Bono Possible
While taking on a Pro-Bono project might be a philanthropic endeavor at its root, it’s also one that will be met with real world challenges such as budget constraints, volunteer morale, and how to best integrate distinct visions. In this 9-minute kTalk, Elise Drakes shares her insights and experiences in taking a pro-bono remodel from concept to completion as a Project Coordinator for Taylor. Find out how to get businesses and individuals to contribute time and money, how to solicit free artwork, and how to keep a volunteer workforce productive.
Presenter: |
Elise Drakes, Project Manager |
Firm: |
LPA, Inc. |
Knowledge Area: |
Practice Management |
Duration: |
08:43 |