Enhancing Entrepreneurial Orientation and Business Development Capacity of Architects in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper reviews the entrepreneurial orientation and business development capacity of architects in Nigeria. It discusses the problems faced by Nigerian architects in the business environment. It surmises that architectural firms in Nigeria have remained relatively small businesses with individual or two-partner ownership as a result of the lopsided education of architects with little or no training on the development of business skills. The conferences and workshops organised by the Nigerian Institute of Architects and Architects Registration Council of Nigeria do not address the entrepreneurial needs of architects in Nigeria. It contends that architectural training focuses more on the technical side of architecture without a balance with the entrepreneurial aspect which has left architects without important business and management skills. This has affected performance and ability to adapt, start, nurture, grow and significantly expand their businesses in the dynamic, fast changing and technology driven business environment. The paper proposes a holistic Business Development Framework for Architects to address three important areas of theoretical development, technical development and entrepreneurial skills development that could help architects to develop their business models. It concludes that the non-inclusion of entrepreneurial training in education and professional training as a core module of studies has affected the career plans and prospects of many architecture graduates leaving them with only the option of core architectural practice which many of them are not suited for. It recommends the adoption of capacity building measures and approaches for innovation driven practices for professional and environmental development. Architectural management and products design should also be core modules of study and training.