I met with Kasmir Jolma<\/strong>, a newly graduated Finnish architect, in Helsinki. We discuss his master\u2019s thesis on strategy\u00a0and communication for architects and how clients see the architect\u2019s role.\u00a0<\/p>\n Here are snippets\u00a0of the summary of Kasmir\u2019s thesis, published in May 2016 at Tampere University of Technology:<\/p>\n \u201cOne difference in opinion between clients and architects was\u00a0the meaning of process in value creation: architects emphasized\u00a0the importance of a final product more than clients, and\u00a0some clients saw the process as even more important than the\u00a0end result. Architects viewed that their profession is answering\u00a0to many different stakeholders\u2019 expectations, whereas\u00a0clients expected the architect to be an expert in its own field\u00a0and deliver solutions according to the clients wishes. Diversity\u00a0in projects was an ideal for the architects, whereas clients saw\u00a0architectural firms as segmented and expected specialization.\u201d<\/p>\n You can download the thesis in Finnish.<\/p>\n Email\u00a0Kasmir at ![\"kasmir-jolma-architect\"](\"https:\/\/aec-business.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Kasmir-Jolma-architect.jpg\")
\u201cBusiness development has not been a strength for architectural\u00a0firms, even though it could help the firm to reach its other\u00a0goals. Especially in Finland there has been little research about\u00a0the value creation, strategic planning and communication of\u00a0architectural firms. The goal for this thesis is to provide useful\u00a0information for partners and employees of architectural firms,\u00a0so that they could better support the objectives of the firm.\u201d<\/p>\n