Re: C. Vlcek's question - We are a design build firm - dba 'Princeton Design Guild' but we operate legally under two separate checkbooks - Wilkes Architects and PDG Construction LLC. We run all architecture agreements through Wilkes Architects (sole proprietor, me) and any construction contracts through PDG Construction LLC account - we have separate agreements for each division - the same people design, manage, administer and build the project - but under two different company shells. This allows us to have appropriate insurance for each division O+E and G Liab, worker's comp, auto, health - are all appropriately apportioned. It also allows to to promote and bonus people in design or construction independently of each others' results. You can also cut in some smaller partners on the construction side (good idea for team building) but maintain sole direction of architecture through sole proprietor position in architecture. I have been doing design build (90% residential 10% light commercial) for 25 years, I have tried various different corporate structures, this has worked the best and kept the lawyers and insurance agents generally happy.
-------------------------------------------
Kevin Wilkes AIA
Managing Partner
Wilkes Architects
Belle Mead NJ
-------------------------------------------