Defining a Successful Architectural Practice - Essay Example

Given these additional responsibilities, one can assume that the architect wears many hats when it comes to practicing their given profession. In terms of understanding what defines the nature of architecture and the essence of the architect, we need to understand more of the person’s chosen profession. Architecture in its truest form has been around since man first determined the need for shelter. As the level of intelligence grew so did man’s ability to define what the value of having comfortable and safe structures in which to live, work, play and learn.

As with any progressive society, the profession started with the same approach as many businesses without the need for the legalities and rules that now govern everything we say and do. The architecture was an honorable profession, borne of the desire to enhance and create the built environment. Considering the importance societies have placed on their cities and countries, architecture has found its own unique style and grace to give identity to these areas as much as the people that live there contribute their own unique styles and grace.

Architecture has its own personality, which is usually personified by the designer or creator of the building. It is a reflection of personal ideals, artistic talents, sensitivity to the natural environment and an understanding that a building fills a need required by someone.The ideals of the architectural profession retain the core values they once did. However, the profession has transformed into a complex mixture of organizational structure, leadership issues, licensing requirements, legal responsibilities, budget constraints, and scheduling demands.

It would be easy for one to get discouraged over the dilution of ideas that once attracted them to the profession and consider another vocation. This paper will consider the “ideal practice” from the following perspectives; the ideal business structure.