ABSTRACT
Architects enter in to the architectural profession often thinking about being the ‘artist in the garret’, where ‘firmness, commodity and delight’ are three principles that make it all work. Programme and planning are the essence of smooth and successful projects. And, of course, all this must be undertaken in control of the process and communications, and alongside client. Architects in business have an entrepreneurial role in that they work for clients, with clients or as clients. They often have to mercurially run an architectural office. Design and build, the role of the quantity surveyor in cost-led construction (with the financial ear of the client), and the rise of the project manager have all eroded the leadership role. It is vitally important in the business of architecture that architects understand the bigger picture, the architecture within the context of the time and cost. This certainly does not mean that cost and design are sacrificed but that they work together.
