4 project management mistakes to avoid at all costs

Helpful tips for managing projects more effectively

5 tips to improve employee utilization (and morale)

Ways to increase productivity and revenue, while providing a supportive workplace environment

4 reasons to take a closer look at your project metrics

We've all heard that data is important, but what role does it really play in your business?

6 strategies to keep your project on budget

Here are six strategies to keep your projects on or even under budget.

Behind all great architecture and engineering work there needs to be an efficient, effective business operation in place. In his Business Behind Design blog, Steven Burns, FAIA, Chief Creative Officer for BQE Software—the company behind Core—and long-time managing director of an architectural practice, offers valuable advice about running a design firm. Topics include project management tips, financial best practices, marketing how-tos, plus advice for maximizing meetings, business software, recruitment and retention, and strategic planning. For more on BQE Software, visit: www.bqe.com.

Steven Burns | Jul 21, 2014

Designing the process of leadership transition

Transition planning can be one of the more complex challenges that firms face. Effective plans begin by determining the gap between a firm’s current state and the future it envisions for itself. SPONSORED CONTENT

Steven Burns | Jul 7, 2014

How to keep an employee from jumping ship

The secret to keeping your best employees productive and happy isn’t throwing money at them, as studies have continuously shown that money isn’t the top factor in employee happiness. Here are four strategies from leadership coach Kristi Hedges. SPONSORED CONTENT

Steven Burns | Jul 7, 2014

Nothing fixes a bad manager

Companies seem to try everything imaginable to fix their workplaces, says Gallup Chairman and CEO Jim Clifton in a recent blog post, except the only thing that matters: naming the right person manager. SPONSORED CONTENT

Steven Burns | Jun 22, 2014

5 ways to improve your firm’s branding efforts

Establishing, conveying, and maintaining a powerful brand is a critical component of an AEC firm’s marketing strategy. Here are five strategies to make a greater impact with your firm’s branding efforts.

Steven Burns | Jun 3, 2014

Great leadership comes down to one thing

While it’s often said that strong leadership is an organization’s competitive advantage, is there a single characteristic that can predict which leaders will be most effective? SPONSORED CONTENT

Steven Burns | May 27, 2014

What are your services worth?

The price, cost, and value of design services are explored in a recent Design Intelligence article authored by Scott Simpson, a senior fellow of the Design Futures Council. Value, he explains, represents the difference between “price” and “cost.” SPONSORED CONTENT

Steven Burns | May 22, 2014

How to measure what matters

Measuring what matters is essential for professional services firms, says author and consultant Tim Williams, particularly as firms continue to experiment with the concept of outcome-based compensation agreements.

Steven Burns | May 8, 2014

Don’t bother planning for the future - it doesn’t care about you

Though strategic planning has helped many businesses move forward, its time has passed. So says Economist and Author Bill Conerly. SPONSORED CONTENT

Steven Burns | May 3, 2014

4 easy steps to being a great project manager

Managing a team of people, especially creative people, is a task that not everyone is up for. Keeping your team on the same page while maintaining a schedule and budget that can keep your corporation happy will take confidence and bountiful people skills. Here are some tips for effectively managing a project. SPONSORED CONTENT