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Business entity types for architects explained. This episode breaks down sole proprietorships, LLCs, LLPs, S-Corps, and C-Corps so you know which structure protects your practice.
We start with a real story about two architects who partnered on a project without forming a business entity and accidentally created a general partnership by default. That mistake cost one of them $45,000. From there, we walk through each entity type covering liability protection, tax implications, and management structure.
Then we put it all into practice with real scenarios: starting a solo firm, forming a small partnership, and scaling for growth. This is essential PcM exam content that most architecture schools never teach.
📝 Key topics covered:
Sole proprietorship: easy to form but zero liability protection
LLC: the most popular structure for small architecture firms
LLP: designed for professional partnerships with separate projects
S-Corp vs C-Corp: pass-through taxation vs double taxation
How to choose the right entity for different scenarios
Where business entity questions show up on the PcM exam
⏱️ Chapters:
(0:00) Introduction and Partnership Dilemma
(3:55) The Business Entity Types
(4:10) Sole Proprietorship
(6:06) LLC
(7:54) LLP
(9:27) Corporations (S-Corp and C-Corp)
(11:35) Choosing the Right Entity
(14:11) Business Entities on the ARE
(16:02) Practical Considerations
(17:10) Conclusion
📖 Read the full blog post
📝 Download the FREE 2-page Business Entities study notes
🎯 Get access to all ARE study materials with the ARE 101 Membership
🎯 Join our 10-week ARE Boot Camp
📚 Individual ARE Exam Courses:
PcM 101 (Practice Management)
PjM 101 (Project Management)
AIA Contracts 101
CE 101 (Construction and Evaluation)
PA 101 (Programming and Analysis)
PPD 101 (Project Planning and Design)
PDD 101 (Construction Documents and Specs)
Building Codes 101
Mechanical Systems 101
By Michael Riscica5
2323 ratings
Business entity types for architects explained. This episode breaks down sole proprietorships, LLCs, LLPs, S-Corps, and C-Corps so you know which structure protects your practice.
We start with a real story about two architects who partnered on a project without forming a business entity and accidentally created a general partnership by default. That mistake cost one of them $45,000. From there, we walk through each entity type covering liability protection, tax implications, and management structure.
Then we put it all into practice with real scenarios: starting a solo firm, forming a small partnership, and scaling for growth. This is essential PcM exam content that most architecture schools never teach.
📝 Key topics covered:
Sole proprietorship: easy to form but zero liability protection
LLC: the most popular structure for small architecture firms
LLP: designed for professional partnerships with separate projects
S-Corp vs C-Corp: pass-through taxation vs double taxation
How to choose the right entity for different scenarios
Where business entity questions show up on the PcM exam
⏱️ Chapters:
(0:00) Introduction and Partnership Dilemma
(3:55) The Business Entity Types
(4:10) Sole Proprietorship
(6:06) LLC
(7:54) LLP
(9:27) Corporations (S-Corp and C-Corp)
(11:35) Choosing the Right Entity
(14:11) Business Entities on the ARE
(16:02) Practical Considerations
(17:10) Conclusion
📖 Read the full blog post
📝 Download the FREE 2-page Business Entities study notes
🎯 Get access to all ARE study materials with the ARE 101 Membership
🎯 Join our 10-week ARE Boot Camp
📚 Individual ARE Exam Courses:
PcM 101 (Practice Management)
PjM 101 (Project Management)
AIA Contracts 101
CE 101 (Construction and Evaluation)
PA 101 (Programming and Analysis)
PPD 101 (Project Planning and Design)
PDD 101 (Construction Documents and Specs)
Building Codes 101
Mechanical Systems 101

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