How Firms Succeed: A Field Guide to Design Management

by James P. Cramer

A hands-on guide to running any design-related business from a two-person graphics team to middle-management to CEOs of multi-national firms offering advice on specific problems and situations and providing insight into the art of inspirational management and strategic thinking.

Genres: Business, Architecture

293 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2002

About the author

James P. Cramer is a lecturer, author, and internationally recognized authority on design intelligence, architecture, and the business of design. He served as Chief Executive of the American Institute of Architects in Washington DC and was a member of its executive committee for more than a decade, overseeing major initiatives including the restoration of the Octagon Museum. Following his tenure at the AIA, he founded the Design Futures Council and its journal Design Intelligence, and later established the Greenway Group, a management consultancy focused on strategic planning and mergers and acquisitions within design and engineering firms. Cramer has authored four influential books and more than 220 articles on design management and professional practice. He has advised leading architecture and engineering firms worldwide and served as an advisor to major design institutions and awards programs. His contributions have been recognized with numerous international honors.

Reviews

[Matthew Flannery · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bring in more money than you spend, and keep good employees and projects. Easily said, but only talented people will actually succeed. It is a comprehensive book though, and can definitely be used to fill in the blanks.