Provisional Practice USA.

Provisional: Emerging Modes of Architectural Practice USA, book cover

From an European perspective, US based architectural offices are often noted for their size: big cooperate offices like Gensler, HOK or SOM, which are extremely rare in Continental Europe.

However, a new generation of confident (boutique) offices emerge in the US. The book "Provisional: Emerging Modes of Architectural Practice USA" profiles nine of the United States most exciting architectural practices. They all share a pragmatic, "roll-up-your-sleeves" approach that seeks opportunities to redefine the role of craft in architectural practice. Each office has the commitment to experimentation and learning-by-doing: They explore new building and manufacturing methods, apply cutting-edge digital technologies, work with parametric CAD solutions and reveal niche to work for.

page from: Provisional: Emerging Modes of Architectural Practice USA, copyright content

The book features projects by SHop Architects, Front Studio, Gehry Technologies, Lewis. Tsurumaki. Lewis, Front Studio and more. The book contains interviews togehter with a selection of drawings, diagrams, models, renderings, and buidling process photographs.

page from: Provisional: Emerging Modes of Architectural Practice USA, copyright content

So maybe before you think of starting up on your own office - take a look into this book.

Provisional: Emerging Modes of Architectural Practice USA
(Paperback), Elite Kedan, Jon Dreyfous, Craig Mutter
Princeton Architectural Press (via amazon.com)