CHAPTER 2

We Are Not a Commercial Firm

Deirdre McQuillan

People who waffle on the question of whether or not business is an art still concede that art is, for sure, business. It has to be managed and organized to reach an audience and have an effect on it. Some artists are so good at this ‘management’ thing that business becomes envious and covets the secrets behind the ‘art firms’.

—(Guillet de Monthoux 2005)

“We are not a commercial firm” was the response by a multi-award winning architect of international renown when asked how he would characterize his business. At the time of offering this statement his firm was active in business for 45 years with an enviable client base of individuals cited on “top 100” rich lists. Intriguingly within ...

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