If you’re an architect, you no doubt love your job. Well, some aspects of it, at least. You like the fact that you get to do something creative every day. And you love the fact that you are rewarded whenever a project is completed. But, right now you probably work for a big architectural firm.
And that’s a problem. You feel constricted in what you’re able to do. And you don’t feel as if you’re getting paid enough. You decide, therefore, to strike out by yourself and start an architecture firm. The problem is that you’re not sure how to do it. Here’s what you need to know.
Start Off Cheap
Most people think that they need an enormous amount of money to start an architecture firm. But the truth is that you don’t need tens of thousands of dollars. You just need enough to afford the basics, and that’s it. Some partners start their own companies with as little as $500 each. So how do they do it? Well, first of all, they realise that they don’t need expensive offices.
As a small architecture company, it doesn’t really matter where you work, so long as you have a PC and electricity. Often you can save a lot of money on office rent by renting space that’s not actually an office. For instance, basement spaces tend to command bargain basement prices.
Don’t Take On Prestigious Projects Immediately
In the beginning, you’re not looking to win national architecture awards; you’re seeking to make money. That’s why you shouldn’t turn your nose up at any project you’re offered. Some projects will hold no architectural merit whatsoever, like designs for a warehouse. But these projects can still generate their own rewards. With a project under your belt, you can start building your portfolio. And from there, you can begin to attract more prestigious clients.
Use The Latest Software
Building Information Modeling services, or BIM services, is a new tool for architects. The idea here is to move well beyond simple 2D drawings and plans. By using BIM software, architects can create 3D models of their designs. And they’re able to build plans component by component. The ability to do this as a startup is imperative if you want to land new contracts. You need to demonstrate that even though you’re a small outfit, you’re equipped with the latest tools.
Clients and builders are crying out for people able to use this software. That’s because it enables designs to come together with fewer conflicting components. And it allows architects to change elements of a design simultaneously.
Learn From The Mistakes Of Others
If you’re starting an architecture company, you’ve probably spent a lot of time working in the industry already. You’ve seen the mistakes that have been made in the past. And so you know what not to do in the future.
Learning from the mistakes of others is important if you want to make the most of your new architecture business. For example, you may not have liked the way your boss managed big projects in the past. Perhaps your boss was too focused on the detail and not enough on the bigger picture.