Based on fifty-three years of personal experience as a pen pal, DeGroot details how her lifelong passion for pen palling began and how her friendships with people from all over the United States have helped her through life’s good and bad times. This guide demonstrates the positive aspects of pen palling—from sharing news of family, hobbies and emotions to expanding their knowledge by learning about different cultures and different people.

Stressing the importance of communication, Dear Friend reveals how becoming a pen pal can help those who are lonely to find friendship, love, and happiness through the power of the written word.

Based on fifty-three years of personal experience as a pen pal, DeGroot details how her lifelong passion for pen palling began and how her friendships with people from all over the United States have helped her through life’s good and bad times. This guide demonstrates the positive aspects of pen palling—from sharing news of family, hobbies and emotions to expanding their knowledge by learning about different cultures and different people.

Stressing the importance of communication, Dear Friend reveals how becoming a pen pal can help those who are lonely to find friendship, love, and happiness through the power of the written word.

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.