So how do a firm of about 40 people have offices in Rome, Milan, and San Fransico.  Simple through partnerships.  Goring & Straja Architects have created a firm that stretches across the globe with only 20 to 40 people working for them.  Jim Goring and Andre Straja worked with each other in the early 1990's.  They both left their job to start 2 different firms. Juim opened his practice in San Fransico and Andre opened his firm in Rome.  The two architects decided to become partners years later and share their resources.  They do not make money from each other direct profit but they pay each other for their services.  The partnership has worked out beautifully. Jim saves money on labor because architects get paid cheaper in Italy, the companies get to work 24 hours with out depriving the workers of sleep because of the time differences, and share ideas and designs for each project.