4 comments about Choosing Project Success - A Guide for Building Professionals.

1. The material is both a good introduction and detailed information for the experienced construction professional. With out skimping on theory, this book shows how things are really done and why. I particularly like how the book ties construction management together with the technology of building system to explain the entire management process.



2. This book is exactly what I have been looking for. Clear explanations of both construction management and commercial building systems and components. Easy to read and use on the job right away.



3. This book is a must have for any realtor, especially those who primarily deal with commercial real estate. It offers insight into new contruction and what to expect during each phase of a project.



4. The commercial construction industry is one of the driving forces of the American economy and a mainstay to the economic health of the community. It is also serious business involving substantial capital investment and the expertise of a whole series of professionals from architects to building contractors, from financial professionals to laborers. "Choosing Project Success: A Guide For Building Professionals" by J. F. McCarthy (a working owner of a commercial construction firm with 36 years of building experience) is a 371-page instructional manual that specifically addresses both project and construction management as well as the technical aspects of construction on the job site. The text is organized into three main sections: 'Observing Well, Thinking Right' which addresses the necessity for perceiving all of the aspects and requirements of the intended project; 'Purpose Definition, Personnel Organization, Management Tools' focusing on what is to be done and how it will be best accomplished; and 'Facts Are The Building Blocks Of Knowledge And Judgment' emphasizing all the disparate elements of a successful building project from water systems, to materials employed, to the soil upon which the building will rest, to lighting, heating, and waste disposal issues. An ideal textbook for technical college curriculums, "Choosing Project Success" is especially recommended reading for both novice as well as experienced architects, building owners and managers, facility managers, designers, project managers, superintendents, foremen, lenders and insurers.

No comments about The Architect's Guide to Design-Build Services.

1 comments about Design-Build Project Delivery.

1. The traditional method of building a building was to have the owner contract with a designer, and subsequently to contract with a builder to do the actual construction. The problem comes from the fact that there was often confusted communications between the designer and the builder. Of course the designer and the builder had differing agendas, they each had different capabilities, different jobs. The result was unhappiness, if not law suits.
   
   One answer to this conflict was the concept of using one contractor to both design and build the building. The result has been a 6% lower cost, and 12% faster (33% faster if design time is included) than design-bid-build projects.
   
   This book is a survey of design-build from his history, a description of how it works, a report on numerous projects from the real world, legal/insurance/contract information, off shore design, new advances in technology such as RFID and GPS.
   
   In short this is a book to take the owner/designer/contractor to a level of understanding where he can work in a design/build environment.

No comments about Project Management for the Design Professional: A Handbook for Architects, Engineers, and Interior Designers.

No comments about Construction Equipment Management for Engineers, Estimators, and Owners (Civil and Environmental Engineering).

1 comments about Marketing for Architects and Designers.

1. This book, as with all Linton books, is a great resource for any designer. It is geared more toward a larger firm though, in which case there is probably a marketing team involved or hired for marketing endeavors. To a marketer, or even an experienced designer, Marketing for Architects and Designers is a beginner's view of marketing and should be followed up with some of the recommended texts at the back of this book.

1 comments about Faster Construction Projects with CPM Scheduling.

1. This is by far the most interesting and comprehensive book I've ever read on project scheduling. The concept of Momentology is much more viable than Critical Chain and should really deserve more attention.
   
   Although not for the novice scheduler, I can wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone interested in CPM.

5 comments about Staying Small Successfully: A Guide for Architects, Engineers, and Design Professionals.

1. Clearly, this book is well worth the price for anyone involved in the management or administration of architectural and design firms. The content is comprehensive, relevant and well-written. Numerous examples and lists as well as an extensive appendix make it very easy to apply concepts. The technical aspects of the book are particularly useful and lucid, especially concerning legal and financial topics. Other sections on planning, marketing and managing growth also offer much information and many insights. Overall, the book certainly stays on track about business by focusing on practice management versus project management. Philosophizing about architecture and design and its place in society is kept to a minimum--a welcome relief from many books on this subject.
   
   The sections on human resource topics such as personnel and compensation tend to be slightly oversimplified in the advice offered. The basic information is perfectly adequate. However, a few of the recommendations may not be as universally appropriate as they appear. The information technology section is helpful, but understandably dated since its publication in 2001, at least so far as Internet-based tools are concerned.
   
   Aside from a couple of rather expensive and ponderous AIA publications, few good resources are available on how to manage the business of architecture and design. The book is the best value and most concise option available. Every firm should have a copy in its library.



2. I've found this book a valuable resource in developing a growth and strategic plan for my architectural firm. It is a short book and doesn't waste time in getting right to the point. However, I would like it to elaborate on a few items since my firm is young and I'm inexperienced in business. For those firm principals of small firms that have been in business for many years and are experiencing any trouble with the A/E business, this is a must read. My only complaint is that the section on Information Technology is not current enough. However, any hard copy of a book of this type would have trouble keeping up with the changing technology environment. Take time over a weekend or holiday to read this book!



3. As they said in the Wendy's commercial "Where's the beef?". Don't waste your money or time on this one.



4. This is one of those rare books that offers more than what the cover reveals. Being a fan of Wiley as a business publisher I was first attracted while searching for books on business strategy. This is a bit of a sleeper to me. My business has nothing to do with the target market yet I can safely rate this as a five star based on the excellent content that works in most business environments.

   I like the way the author begins his introduction by taking the reader on a separate pathway that helps shape their personal destiny. His view on breaking from tradition and how being different means being visible aims right at one of the great weaknesses of many professional businesses. He slaps the reader with the realization that they must stand apart from the crowd to be seen in today's frantic world.

   Then he leads you into the planning and strategy chapter where he imparts the need for a defined vision in writing as part of your plan. From there he focuses on servicing the client, hiring right, paying right and not trying to grow too fast. Hence the title --- `Staying Small Successfully.'

   This is excellent sage advice for just about any business I can think of and goes far beyond its intended market. I'm in the online content delivery business and I consider the insight and wisdom within perfect for my business.

   With a few minor changes this could be reissued as 'Growing Your Small Business Successfully.'




5. I stumbled across this book while at a client's office. They had never read it, and what a shame! There are few books written for those that market engineering and design firms. The book tends to talk more about architects than I had expected, but still applies well to designers and engineers. The basic principles are sound and helpful. As an owner of a marketing consulting company, I use the book periodically to get insights on growth, planning, compensation and other issues dealing with the challenges this niche business presents. I highly recommend it.

No comments about Sociopolis: Project for a City of the Future.

1 comments about Investigate, Ask, Tell, Sense, Build: 3xn Architects.

1. As an architecture student about to graduate May of 2008, I find this kind of publication great to see what the rest of the world is doing. i especially enjoy the Danish style of model making. If you are a fan of the guys formerly of PLOT you will like this book. I got to visit the office of Henning/Larsen a few years ago and was impressed by the work they were doing then so seeing the work Larsen is doing now is cool.