"Architect's Essentials of Starting a Design Firm presents a thorough, organized approach to building your own design firm or expanding an existing firm. Written by two leading experts in the field, this authoritative resource offers real-world tips and guidance, as well as pitfalls to avoid, to give your practice the best chance for success. Coverage addresses all aspects of getting started, from preliminary analysis of personal skills and resources preceding a startup (including creating a business plan and evaluating initial costs) to business and marketing strategies to keep your firm going. This complete reference also gives the solid, hands-on advice you need to manage such nuts-and-bolts issues as firm organization, personnel requirements, fee setting, contract negotiation, creating a budget, legal considerations, and much more."--Jacket.