EntreArchitect

JANUARY 19, 2016

Seven years into owning our own small firm, Annmarie and I decided to make some changes. During the first two business days every month I prepare my client invoices (receivables), pay my bills (accounts payable), reconcile my bank accounts and credit card statements and review my financial statements.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Firms Architect Management 52

EntreArchitect

MARCH 21, 2017

Fees for Small Firm Architects. There are hundreds of articles, forums, blog posts and comments discussing how we architects are not paid enough and how our clients don’t understand what we do. The value of architecture and the services we provide are established by you and me, not our clients. We are worth more.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Firms Architect Regulation 52

EntreArchitect

SEPTEMBER 6, 2016

” When Annmarie and I launched Fivecat Studio more than 15 years ago we had no projects, no clients and no money. We were two young architects seeking the freedom of our own firm. A friend helped start us off with our first project; a new local restaurant named Meetinghouse located in Bedford, New York.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Firms Architect Client 52

EntreArchitect

JULY 24, 2018

Recruitment Strategies for Small Firm Architects. Recruiting new employees is one of the most important things a professional services firm can do to be sustainable. Firms leaders can start by breaking down recruitment into three stages: developing a candidate pool, narrowing to set of finalists, and negotiating the hire.

Recruitment 52

Recruitment Small Firm Firms Sustainability 52

EntreArchitect

JANUARY 26, 2014

The confidence level of our clients has been riding the roller coaster of an uncertain, unpredictable economy. Project conversions have been up and down for more than a decade. Our best year, in terms of converting Prospects to Projects was 2004. I know this as fact, because I track my firm’s Prospect to Project Ratio.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Firms Architect Contract 52

EntreArchitect

SEPTEMBER 12, 2017

We make thousands of decisions during the development of a typical architectural project. We must protect ourselves, our firms and our families from the risk of legal action. We must create business systems that make these processes routine and automatic during the development of every architectural project.

Insurance 52

Insurance Small Firm Firms Architect 52

Deezen

DECEMBER 22, 2023

Founded by data scientists in Denmark and launched earlier this year, Revalu aims to cater to both large and small architecture practices, with three different ways to engage with its data platform. She describes "a slight monopolisation happening" over sustainability in architecture, with small firms falling "very far behind".

Materials 134

Materials Architect Small Firm Firms 134

EntreArchitect

NOVEMBER 20, 2017

This quiet time would clear my mind and prepare me for the “chaos” that is running a small firm architecture studio. I find it is also important to stay aware of any potential fires smoldering among our projects. An urgent email sent by an concerned client can quickly ignite into an inferno if not attended to promptly.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Firms Architect Management 52

EntreArchitect

FEBRUARY 23, 2016

When we present our initial schematic designs to our client, we are selling. When I present a product or service to a prospective client, I am presenting them with something that will improve their lives. A Simple Sales System for Small Firm Architects. Qualify the Client. There is value in what I am providing.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Firms Architect Client 52

EntreArchitect

AUGUST 9, 2016

Publication is a form of social proof indicating that our designs are worthy of our prospective clients’ attention. At Fivecat Studio , we’ve had several projects published. Apply each rule yourself and you’ll soon be seeing your best projects online and in print. 10 Rules For Getting Your Projects Published as an Architect.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Firms Architect Client 52

EntreArchitect

JULY 25, 2016

Most firms, here in the United States, experience a slow down at the same time every summer. Clients are focused on their own personal schedules and are away on their own vacations. The phones stop ringing and fresh prospects cease to inquire about new projects. For many of us small firm architects, this sounds a bit scary.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Firms Architect Management 52

EntreArchitect

APRIL 6, 2015

To successfully complete a project, an architect is responsible for making thousands of critical decisions. To complete the development of a standard residential additions and alterations project, it takes several months of focus and dedication. Every business, including architecture firms (yes, its true!),

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Firms Architect Client 52

EntreArchitect

APRIL 12, 2016

Marica finds inspiration by surrounding herself with creative people, collaborating with her clients, and forging strong working relationships with her contractors. In this article Marica shares her recent experience with building a new team for her small firm and how she is being intentional about the culture in which they work.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Firms Development Developer 52

EntreArchitect

FEBRUARY 6, 2022

Empowering architects to better serve the world with more than 681,000 total downloads in 2021, the EntreArchitect Podcast has grown to serve small firm architects from every corner of the planet. Number 3 with 7,011 downloads is episode 366 with Anna Laman – Attract Ideal Clients Through Better Messaging.

Small Firm 98

Small Firm Firms Architecture Firm Consulting 98

EntreArchitect

JANUARY 23, 2018

Effective project execution is associated with successful achievement of design intent, high-quality construction, profitability and efficiency. Effective management indeed rests in part with a project manager’s ability to deliver a quality project on time and within the approved fee. The Four Corners of Every Project.

Project 52

Project Estimating Architecture Client 52

EntreArchitect

JANUARY 23, 2022

But the ping pong game starts when the user/client sees the options we define, with their preconceptions, and hopes fully presented, then variants, then fully reconsidered ideas derived from the same database the user/client gives you. The ideas of user/clients are thus transformed by the open creative process.

Architecture 90

Architecture Client Clients Firms 90

Architizer

NOVEMBER 14, 2023

Architizer’s global architectural awards program, the 12th Annual A+Awards , is now accepting submissions, with a Main Entry Deadline of December 15th, 2023. The A+List forms a comprehensive guide to the world’s best architecture firms and is refreshed each year based on the results of the annual A+Awards program.

Firms 96

Firms Architecture Design Residential 96

EntreArchitect

AUGUST 14, 2018

Project Fee Budgeting for Architects. Sadly, there’s no way for an architect to guarantee their projects will be profitable, let alone earn a minimum 20% Net Profit at the completion of any project. My preferred best practice method for developing a project fee is the “Top-Down, Bottom Up” approach to fee budgeting.

Project 52

Project Architecture Client Clients 52

EntreArchitect

OCTOBER 6, 2013

“How do I get noticed when I am first starting an architecture firm? I have no portfolio of my own to show clients. How do I get that first solo project?” Starting a firm from scratch is not easy. Your first clients may come from relationships built during your time as an employee. Be Certain.

Client 52

Client Clients Architecture Firms 52

EntreArchitect

FEBRUARY 13, 2018

Take the Time to Examine Project Financials—You Won’t Regret It. Your projects have many moving parts, and sometimes tracking their financials might seem overwhelming. You might not get all the information you want or maybe, you don’t even bother to determine the profitability of each project because it would involve too much time.

Architecture Firm 52

Architecture Firm Firms Project Architecture 52

EntreArchitect

OCTOBER 20, 2013

Our job as small firm architects is not only to design great buildings or to prepare construction documents, which become the legal contract between owner and contractor. Our clients have big dreams, little idea of how to achieve their goals and often carry unrealistic expectations regarding schedule and budget.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Project Architecture Contract 52

EntreArchitect

OCTOBER 13, 2013

We had no clients, little money and were filled with confidence. In 2003, with many accolades and a determination to take our firm to the next level, we moved out of the darkness of the basement and into a light-filled 2,000 square foot office space in Pleasantville. We employ one project manager and have a full roster of projects.

Small Firm 40

Small Firm Firms Architect Client 40

Deezen

JANUARY 26, 2023

Nine in 10 UK architecture studios feel Brexit has had a negative impact on them, exclusive Dezeen research has found. Three years on from the UK's departure from the European Union (EU) on 31 January 2020, Dezeen conducted a survey of 50 architecture studios asking about their experiences of working post-Brexit. Salaries have risen.

Recruitment 137

Recruitment Architecture Firms Government 137

EntreArchitect

FEBRUARY 28, 2021

Last year I studied 163 architecture websites (crazy, I know!). I studied them because I was tired of hearing architects say: “My website doesn’t matter… I get all my projects from referrals or word-of-mouth”. Architecture practice websites do matter. Architecture practice websites do matter. Don’t believe me?

Architecture 52

Architecture Client Clients Small Firm 52

EntreArchitect

NOVEMBER 9, 2015

This month, the #ArchiTalks topic is “My First Project”, so I decided to repost a 3-part article I originally published back in 2013. It’s not only the story of my first project, but the complete story of how my wife and architect business partner Annmarie McCarthy and I started our own architecture firm.

Project 52

Project Architecture Firms Consulting 52

EntreArchitect

MAY 17, 2016

One Step to Better Architecture Project Management. We all work to empathize with our clients. As architects, we try to reduce the overwhelm and stress that our clients experience during a construction project. It is our job to bring it all together in a successful architecture project.

Management 52

Management Project Client Clients 52

EntreArchitect

MAY 3, 2016

As we move into a new month, we are shifting our focus to a new category of small firm success. All throughout the month of May, we will be diving deep into the subject of Client Fulfillment. How do we best serve our clients? How do we manage expectations and keep our clients happy?

Architecture Firm 52

Architecture Firm Firms Development Developer 52

EntreArchitect

APRIL 4, 2021

At Archmark Architect Branding & Marketing, we’ve seen architecture firms struggle to implement effective marketing strategies that help them get in front of better prospects so they can win better projects. Historically, architecture firm marketing has relied heavily on word-of-mouth referrals.

Architecture Firm 52

Architecture Firm Firms Architecture Client 52

EntreArchitect

JULY 25, 2017

It may be the most critical step in the entire process of acquiring a new architecture client. We may have perfected our marketing, developed a strong reputation, executed a flawless sales process and have received our prospective client’s eager authorization to proceed with a new project. It’s your proposal.

Architecture Firm 52

Architecture Firm Firms Development Developer 52

EntreArchitect

MARCH 10, 2013

” When one of my residential architecture clients finally reaches out and calls Fivecat Studio , these are some of the thoughts they may start with. Most of our clients are first time builders. They start with half the budget they need for the project they have in mind. Sound familiar? Manage Their Expectations.

Client 52

Client Clients Architect Management 52

EntreArchitect

AUGUST 16, 2018

EntreArchitect: Behind the Design is a weekly blog series where we feature work designed, developed and/or built by small firm entrepreneur architect members of The EntreArchitect Community. SteelHouse 1 & 2 by Zack/de Vito Architecture & Construction. Project Name. Project Location. Project Design Team.

Construction 52

Construction Construction Permits Small Firm 52

EntreArchitect

JUNE 19, 2019

When Annmarie and I launched our architecture studio in 1999, we knew that we wanted to give our firm a unique identity. Every other firm in the region was named for their founders. Our plans were to create a firm unlike anyone else and we needed a name to separate us from the pack. Frank Gehry is a very strong brand.

Building 52

Building Architecture Small Firm Firms 52

EntreArchitect

JUNE 21, 2018

Project Name. Project Location. ALLEN ARCHITECTURE LLC. Project Design Team. Firm Address. What was the marketing strategy behind acquiring this project? If its a development project, what is the marketing strategy to sell it? This client is the older brother of a childhood (and current) friend.

Permits 52

Permits Architecture Client Clients 52

EntreArchitect

MARCH 30, 2014

Most every week, I would write my thoughts on architecture and design in “Westchester County and Beyond” I’d share updates on our current projects and information on the latest products and materials. Though cross-linked with fivecat.com , I wrote the blog as a personal project without a direct reference to the firm.

Client 40

Client Clients Small Firm Site 40

EntreArchitect

NOVEMBER 7, 2017

I am often surprised by the number of firms providing architectural design services and forfeiting the final phase of the process, Construction Administration. Here is a recent comment from the group; “I need to get better at selling my clients on construction administration. It is an integral part of the architectural process.

Construction 52

Construction Construction Project Client 52

Architizer

NOVEMBER 14, 2022

Architizer’s global architectural awards program, the 11th Annual A+Awards , is now accepting submissions, with a Main Entry Deadline of December 16th this year. The A+List forms a comprehensive guide to the world’s best architecture firms and is refreshed each year based on the results of the annual A+Awards program.

Firms 98

Firms Architecture Design Transportation 98

EntreArchitect

APRIL 25, 2021

CO Architects is an architectural practice of diverse employees, hailing from multiple countries and speaking multiple languages. CO’s goal was to expose more Black people to CO Architects and the architectural profession, since Black architects represent about 2% of all licensed architects and Black women represent approximately 0.4%.

Architecture 52

Architecture Education Students Firms 52