Eschewing jargon and technical detail, it is written in a nuts-and-bolts manner that laymen can easily follow. Each chapter ends with a checklist summarizing necessary take-away information, so that at every stage, the reader understands what to do and how to do it. Never before has all the information been gathered and organized in one place, and this is a "must read" for anyone considering owning property or building a home in Baja.

Eschewing jargon and technical detail, it is written in a nuts-and-bolts manner that laymen can easily follow. Each chapter ends with a checklist summarizing necessary take-away information, so that at every stage, the reader understands what to do and how to do it. Never before has all the information been gathered and organized in one place, and this is a "must read" for anyone considering owning property or building a home in Baja.

Starting your own architecture or engineering firm may seem a bit daunting. In Operating Your Own Architectural or Engineering Practice, author Walter J. Smith presents a handbook to help you navigate that process in order to be successful in the long term.

Based on information gleaned from creating and running his own firm, Smith details what it takes to plan, organize, staff, direct, and control a business. Filled with valuable tips and advice, this guide also contains a host of sample forms and documents integral to establishing and maintaining a thriving practice.

Praise for Operating Your Own Architectural or Engineering Practice

“An invaluable resource for a young professional wanting to start his/her own practice. From his years of experience in the profession, Mr. Smith provides insight on planning, financing, and managing relationships with staff and consultants—topics untouched in today’s typical academic environment. Knowing on ‘day one’ what is really involved in the intricacies and mechanics of running a business will increase your potential for success.”

—Kelly Wieczorek, intern, Bay Design Associates Architects, PL

“What started out as a ‘pocket guide’ for architects and engineers actually turned into a handbook for all disciplines in the building process. Contractors, owners, consultants, and financial professionals will receive great insights from reading this book.”

—Myron Mickelson, president of Mickelson Construction Services Inc.

Starting your own architecture or engineering firm may seem a bit daunting. In Operating Your Own Architectural or Engineering Practice, author Walter J. Smith presents a handbook to help you navigate that process in order to be successful in the long term.

Based on information gleaned from creating and running his own firm, Smith details what it takes to plan, organize, staff, direct, and control a business. Filled with valuable tips and advice, this guide also contains a host of sample forms and documents integral to establishing and maintaining a thriving practice.

Praise for Operating Your Own Architectural or Engineering Practice

“An invaluable resource for a young professional wanting to start his/her own practice. From his years of experience in the profession, Mr. Smith provides insight on planning, financing, and managing relationships with staff and consultants—topics untouched in today’s typical academic environment. Knowing on ‘day one’ what is really involved in the intricacies and mechanics of running a business will increase your potential for success.”

—Kelly Wieczorek, intern, Bay Design Associates Architects, PL

“What started out as a ‘pocket guide’ for architects and engineers actually turned into a handbook for all disciplines in the building process. Contractors, owners, consultants, and financial professionals will receive great insights from reading this book.”

—Myron Mickelson, president of Mickelson Construction Services Inc.