The RIBA’s latest Handbook of Practice Management is the 10th edition of the long-running guide. First published in 1965, the series has evolved to reflect the changing landscape of architectural practice, from the advent of the internet to the complexities of modern business and ever-increasing legislation. The 7th edition from 2002, when I first went to study architecture, tentatively touches on email and gives one page to discuss the internet while providing comprehensive advice on how to write the perfect letter. It includes fleeting reference to one ISO standard, whereas detailed reference to seven ISOs is provided in the latest edition. Comparing the two is a stark reminder of the increasingly complex environment we work within – and that’s without even delving into procurement! The latest edition, written by Matt Thompson, is comprehensive and insightful, and does well to navigate the intersecting strands of running a practice.

One of the handbook’s strengths is its ability to contextualise practical advice within the broader framework of business and construction. While earlier editions tended to focus on the day-to-day operations of a practice, the latest iteration is more focused on context, strategy, and principles. This shift reflects the current state of the architectural profession and is a welcome development. The handbook’s comprehensive referencing and attention to policy and legislation make it a valuable resource for practices of all sizes, as well as essential reading for any part 3 student. It is the sort of book that is good to have near you, which you might idly flick through and spark an idea or trigger a memory.

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