AXP: Practice Management

Practice Management is where you’ll gain experience running an architecture firm—including the ins and outs of managing a business, marketing your firm, securing projects, working with clients, and sustaining a positive and professional work environment.

Required hours: 160

Some of the competencies in this area may be tough to tackle early in your career—such as developing procedures for responding to changes in project scope, or establishing procedures for documenting project decisions. That’s why it’s important to meet with your supervisor regularly and create a plan for getting exposure to a variety of opportunities.

Upon completing the AXP, you should be able to demonstrate your capability to independently perform the following competencies:

• Competency 5*: Integrate socio-demographic considerations and universal design principles. At the point of initial licensure, architects with this competency can ...
  • Understand how diversity, equity, inclusivity, and justice principles impact architectural projects  and practice.
• Competency 11: Execute contracts for professional services. At the point of initial licensure, architects with this competency can ...
  • Explain basic types of contracts between various project parties (e.g., Owner-Architect, Architect-Consultant, Owner-Contractor, etc.) and how to establish scope, schedule, and fees for services.
  • Understand the appropriateness of different agreements in relation to scale and type of project, including alternatives for partial services.
  • Understand basic risk implications of common contract terms and conditions for the various contract parties.
• Competency 14: Understand statutes and regulations that govern architectural practice within U.S. jurisdictions to provide services legally. At the point of initial licensure, architects with this competency can ...
  • Comply with the laws and rules of architectural practice in the jurisdiction(s) in which they practice.
  • Solicit services in compliance with professional and legal practice requirements. Understand the regulatory requirements for continuing professional development.
• Competency 15: Understand ethical and professional standards that govern architectural practice. At the point of initial licensure, architects with this competency can ...
  • Understand the role of the architect in society and the duties and responsibilities to clients, building occupants, co-professionals, and the public.
  • Understand regulatory and professional ethical standards and how to adhere to applicable  ethical standards.
  • Provide services that they, in collaboration with consultants, can effectively deliver.
  • Identify and manage risks arising from conflicts of interest.
• Competency 16: Understand foundational business principles to operate a practice. At the point of initial licensure, architects with this competency can ...
  • ​​​​​​​Monitor the financial health of the business to ensure a proper level of service can be provided throughout a project.
  • Assess and mitigate business risks (e.g., professional liability insurance).
  • Allocate firm resources and staff to ensure adequate delivery of services to clients.

*Note: Other aspects of Competency 5 appear under the Programming & Analysis and Project Planning & Design experience areas.

Find more information about all experience areas in the AXP on our website or in the AXP Guidelines.