
Small Practice
A practical guide for solo, micro and small practices
RIBA Publishing
2nd Edition
Published on 1. October 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
272 pages
978-1-915722-55-3 (ISBN)
Description
The architect's guide to running a small practice
Thinking about starting your own architecture practice? Already running one and looking for better ways to manage projects, people and finances?
This essential guide is packed with practical advice, real-world case studies and templates to help you build a thriving small practice.
From setting up your business to handling cash flow, streamlining operations and marketing your services, this book breaks down everything you need to know. Covering projects from private residential to retrofit, education and public realm, it offers valuable insights tailored specifically for sole practitioners and micro practices with up to five employees.
This new edition expands on the popular book, Small Practice and the Sole Practitioner, with fresh guidance on digital marketing, social impact and embedding sustainability into everyday work.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your approach, this is your go-to handbook for running a successful, resilient and responsible architectural practice.
Thinking about starting your own architecture practice? Already running one and looking for better ways to manage projects, people and finances?
This essential guide is packed with practical advice, real-world case studies and templates to help you build a thriving small practice.
From setting up your business to handling cash flow, streamlining operations and marketing your services, this book breaks down everything you need to know. Covering projects from private residential to retrofit, education and public realm, it offers valuable insights tailored specifically for sole practitioners and micro practices with up to five employees.
This new edition expands on the popular book, Small Practice and the Sole Practitioner, with fresh guidance on digital marketing, social impact and embedding sustainability into everyday work.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your approach, this is your go-to handbook for running a successful, resilient and responsible architectural practice.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Professional Reference
Dimensions
Height: 170 mm
Width: 211 mm
Thickness: 20 mm
Weight
666 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-915722-55-3 (9781915722553)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
10/2025
2nd Edition
RIBA Publishing
€49.99
Available for download

E-Book
10/2025
2nd Edition
RIBA Publishing
€49.99
Available for download
Previous edition

Marianne Davys
Small Practice and the Sole Practitioner
Book
09/2017
1st Edition
RIBA Publishing
€63.33
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Persons
Liz King is an ARB Registered Architect, with over 15 years post-qualification experience at high profile design-led practices in London and Cambridge.
Marianne Davys is an architect and sole director of Marianne Davys Architects Ltd. She lectures annually at the Cambridge School of Architecture to RIBA Part III students on setting up and running a small architectural practice.
Marianne Davys is an architect and sole director of Marianne Davys Architects Ltd. She lectures annually at the Cambridge School of Architecture to RIBA Part III students on setting up and running a small architectural practice.
Content
About the Authors
Introduction
Part 1: Setting Up
Chapter 1: Setting up a small architectural practice
Part 2: Managing the Practice
Chapter 2: Managing finances
Chapter 3: Managing the office
Chapter 4: Managing people
Part 3: Running Projects
Chapter 5: Pre-Contract
Chapter 6: Contractor selection and tendering
Part 4: Sustainable Small Practice
Chapter 8: Embedding sustainable outcomes in a small practice
Further Reading
References
Index
Image Credits
Introduction
Part 1: Setting Up
Chapter 1: Setting up a small architectural practice
Part 2: Managing the Practice
Chapter 2: Managing finances
Chapter 3: Managing the office
Chapter 4: Managing people
Part 3: Running Projects
Chapter 5: Pre-Contract
Chapter 6: Contractor selection and tendering
Part 4: Sustainable Small Practice
Chapter 8: Embedding sustainable outcomes in a small practice
Further Reading
References
Index
Image Credits