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

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

JUNE 14, 2016

As small firm architects, we are responsible for so many different roles and responsibilities. We need to meet with clients, develop and distribute marketing, respond to important email, manage our social media accounts, send invoices, collect payments and so much more. 6 Digital Tools to Automate an Architecture Firm.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Firms Architecture Architecture Firm 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

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.

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Insurance Small Firm Firms Architect 52

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 4, 2013

As small firm architects, work/life balance plays a critical role in the success of our businesses, as well as the success of our families. Small firm architects have a very difficult time keeping work and life separate. We need to be realistic here… stress isn’t going away as long as we have clients.)

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

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

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. Leave a comment and share your tips and tricks. How do YOU make more money?

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

Deezen

DECEMBER 22, 2023

The material cloud provides a mapped and regularly updated dataset so that when architects create designs using their own software, they can see accurate numbers related to the projects' environmental impacts. 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

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.

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Small Firm Firms Architecture Firm Consulting 98

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.

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Small Firm Firms Architect Client 40

EntreArchitect

JULY 28, 2014

Today I am re-posting an article from March 2012, nine months before relaunching Entrepreneur Architect as my 12/12/12 Project. We recently recommended one of our consultants to a client. As expected, they jumped right on the project and completed the first task lickety-split. Our client was happy and we were looking good.

Client 40

Client Clients Consulting Small Firm 40

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

OCTOBER 6, 2013

I have no portfolio of my own to show clients. How do I get that first solo project?” I’ve shared articles on how much it may cost to start your own firm and how Annmarie and I launched Fivecat Studio with no clients and very little money. Be certain that launching your own firm is what you truly want to do.

Client 52

Client Clients Architecture Firms 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. You’re in the Client Happiness Business.

Client 52

Client Clients Architect Management 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. It Rained… and Rained.

Management 52

Management Project 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

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

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

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. Most think they do not need it and refuse it when offered.

Construction 52

Construction Construction Project Client 52

EntreArchitect

MARCH 31, 2011

At the end of an interview with a prospective client, I ask them to complete a short questionnaire. ” I track this information and have found that most of our clients start their search for an architect at Google. How do your clients find YOU? The post How do your clients find YOU? ”, “Lawn Signs?

Client 40

Client Clients Small Firm Information 40

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

JULY 12, 2018

Project Name. Project Location. Firm Address. What was the marketing strategy behind acquiring this project? What was the marketing strategy behind acquiring this project? If its a development project, what is the marketing strategy to sell it? Our firm built the Atlas Tiny House project with our own money.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Firms Client Clients 52

Architizer

NOVEMBER 9, 2022

Project Status: Concept. Architizer chatted with Christiana Karagiorgi, Architect and Founder at Christiana Karagiorgi Architects , to learn more about this project. In a way the project’s goal was to reinterpret the traditional Mediterranean way of living. This project won in the 10th Annual A+Awards!

Architect 76

Architect Consulting Client Clients 76

EntreArchitect

JUNE 20, 2021

Construction Administration (CA) is often the most neglected phase of a building project. It may come years after the initial design, but CA is what brings projects to life. If you’re on the higher end, your client is likely expecting a tonne of value. CA can make up between 5% and 40% of an architect’s fees.

Project 52

Project Consulting Construction Construction 52

EntreArchitect

OCTOBER 5, 2015

One of the keys to success for small firm architects is client satisfaction. Keep the client happy throughout the project and that happy client will lead you to more happy clients. Our clients don’t like surprises. Schedule some time to review the process that you complete with every project.

Management 52

Management Client Clients Small Firm 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

EntreArchitect

AUGUST 2, 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. Project Name. Project Location. Project Design Team. Firm Address. Describe your design team for this project.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Contractor Client Clients 52

EntreArchitect

OCTOBER 16, 2018

EntreArchitect: Behind the Design is a continuing blog series where we feature work designed, developed and/or built by small firm entrepreneur architect members of The EntreArchitect Community. Project Name. Project Location. Project Design Team. What was the marketing strategy behind acquiring this project?

Contractor 52

Contractor Housing Permits Architect 52

Landscape Architecture Magazine

SEPTEMBER 14, 2022

She has received dozens of awards and honors for her park and campus landscapes (Stanford University, the University of California, and the National Park Service became repeat clients). That project is now with SCAPE, which is also working on China Basin Park in San Francisco. Ninety percent of them are gone in California.”.

Design 95

Design Firms Small Firm Restoration 95

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