ARC 362/382
Professional Practice
Instructor: Keith Shuley

Introduction

The successful practice of Architecture like the practice of any other vocation requires more than a thorough knowledge of the technical skills of the profession. The architect with no knowledge or comprehension of business management and the legal aspects of architecture is at best relegated to the back room and at worst destined to spend time in both the bankruptcy and civil court system. Assuming every architecture student desires to avoid this scenario through exposure to all the skills necessary to practice architecture, this course emphasizes the rudiments of business management and law as they impact architectural practice.

The course is divided into three segments. Segment one deals with legal issues concerning licensing and other regulations on the practice of architecture, ethics, and contractural obligations. Segment two deals with financial management. This segment provides an overview of financial theory and its application to architectural practice. Segment three concerns legal issues associated with liability in the practice of architecture and the protection of intellectual property (patents and copyrights).

Format

The course will be handled as a lecture and discussion course in its format. All students are expected to come to class prepared to participate in class discussions. Pertinent legal cases or reading material will be assigned to students to facilitate this discussion.