Office administration and manual structure

Read time: 5 minutes

Implementing appropriate administration systems in an architectural practice provides the basis for an efficient and profitable practice. The right system will ensure good record keeping, provide a reliable historical record of costs and profitability, and can minimise time spent on administration.

The server structure/ office set-up guidance below is one of many ways in which you can set up your practice to be intuitive for all those working within it. It describes the structure of the system, location of documents and templates where relevant key office information such as policies, procedures and manuals can be found. It also informs staff of the expected quality of documents, presentations, reports and drawings. The structure can also serve as a record of certain decisions made by the principals or directors, either formally or informally, for their own information.