As an architect, you know that starting with a comprehensive plan and building a good foundation is essential for success. You would never begin a project without a blueprint and process in place – but that’s exactly what many architects do when it comes to retirement planning. Many…
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How Technology is Democratizing the Built Environment
“Democracy is messy, and it’s hard” said Robert Kennedy, Jr. about the political landscape. Current trends in the built environment may doubly merit that observation. In a democracy where everyone has a vote and a say on a wide variety of issues, decision-making can get complicated. In a very similar way, technology is democratizing how…
Read MoreTravel Insurance: What is Covered?
If you travel for your job or for pleasure–or both–travel assistance services are important to consider so you don’t lose your financial investment in your travel plans–or your life. But do you know what travel insurance really covers? There are two principal types of travel assistance service plans which you can evaluate regarding which best…
Read MoreWhat You Need to Know About Business Continuity Planning
When running a firm, you need a business continuity plan to ensure orderly leadership transition in case one or more key people leave, no matter the reason. Leaders, whether owners or managers, may leave because of retirement, death, a disagreement over strategy, or a job opportunity at another firm. Planning is crucial–and an important part…
Read MoreAre Annuities A Good Thing?
As an architect saving towards retirement, you know that employer-sponsored plans, such as 401(k)s and IRAs, are the best ways to invest for retirement. While both are good options, if you’ve already maxed out your contributions to those accounts and want to save more, an annuity may be a good investment to investigate. …
Read MoreBlockchain: 5 Things to Know Now
While the conventional wisdom around blockchain is that it’s a technology only affecting financial markets, design and construction stakeholders ought to pay attention to new developments, too. If you don’t, you risk falling behind on an important trend that potentially presents a competitive challenge for your firm. You also risk missing the opportunity the technology…
Read MoreWhy I Purchased Life Insurance at 25
Everyone’s situation is different Mine began recently with a bunch of firsts: my first job, my first apartment and my first life insurance plan. I am now 25, single with no children, some disposable income–and life insurance coverage. How did this happen? The conversation began at work. I asked Bill, a colleague and mentor in…
Read MoreWalking the Thin Line on Indemnification
With increasing frequency, architects and other design professionals are being asked (and in some cases, even required) to sign agreements in which they undertake to indemnify their clients against any loss that the clients may suffer in connection with projects for which the design professionals have provided services. In some cases, the indemnification clause is…
Read MoreHow Employment Lawsuits Can Destroy Your Firm
Small firms are the most vulnerable to crises, disasters, and lawsuits. In fact, according to the US Chamber Institute for Legal Reform more than 40% of small firms were either involved in or threatened with a lawsuit due to A) administrative oversights or errors, B) undelivered services or C) poor quality of service, much lower…
Read MoreSolving the Long Term Care Puzzle
Assuring quality long term care for a loved one is far more complex than simply arranging for care and figuring out how to fund it. There are many legal and financial issues and obstacles that arise. While insurance is a key component to funding long term care, assuring quality care and dealing with the legal…
Read MoreSolving the Long Term Care Puzzle
