Design Plus Enterprise 2nd Edition: Seeking a New Reality in Architecture and Design

In a new expanded and updated edition, the design management classic Design plus Enterprise: Seeking a New Reality in Architecture & Design has been reissued with five new chapters and contributions from leading practitioners and advocates for architecture. The author, James P. Cramer, is a former CEO of The American Institute of Architects and former publisher of Architecture magazine. In this updated version of his 1994 book, Cramer urges designers to embrace change and responsibility. As principal of a leading A/E/C consultancy, Cramer uses specific examples from his work to illustrate the business and philosophic principles that can guide designers to greater professional and personal successes. A longtime advocate of design as a positive force for social change, the author also demonstrates how smart design can drive economic success. In his foreword, leading architect and RTKL chairman, Harold L. Adams, articulates the mission of the book succinctly, writing: "Jim sees successful architects as playing on a worldwide stage, offering creative relevance and value, not just as spear carriers, but full leaders, including–horror of horrors–assuming the risk inherent in true leadership of the building team. He defines his total leadership as essential to success in today’s terms, and concludes that never have the opportunities for the profession been greater." Included among the new chapters in this 180-page book is a section entitled "The Ascendant Designer," in which Cramer offers steps for developing a future vision and a sustainable business model. This chapter includes new sections on design information flows and technology issues, efficiency, value and future trends.