EntreArchitect

FEBRUARY 23, 2016

Originally published in 2013 as Part 4 of the original EntreArchitect Academy Blog Series, this final article of our month dedicated to Business Development shares my firm’s simple sales system. When we present our initial schematic designs to our client, we are selling. A Simple Sales System for Small Firm Architects.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Firms Architect Clients 52

EntreArchitect

APRIL 6, 2015

The personal emotion, attachment and dedication that each project receives is unequaled in any other profession.The time and effort required to properly develop a design and complete a thorough set of construction documents is difficult for most anyone outside the profession to understand. must earn a profit. Additional Services.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Firms Architect Clients 52

EntreArchitect

MAY 26, 2014

Many small businesses, including many small architecture firms, after years of finding ways to keep the doors open are succumbing to the years of economic instability and calling it quits. We’re spending only what needs to be spent to build a stronger firm… and much sacrifice remains. AIA Contract Documents.

Small Firm 40

Small Firm Firms Architect Contract 40

Architizer

DECEMBER 9, 2022

With so many architecture firms to choose from, it’s challenging for clients to identify the industry leaders that will be an ideal fit for their project needs. Fortunately, Architizer is able to provide guidance on the top design firms in Mexico based on more than a decade of data and industry knowledge. dmp arquitectura.

Architecture Firm 101

Architecture Firm Firms Architecture Cities 101

Architizer

NOVEMBER 14, 2023

In recognition of this fact, Architizer is delighted to present the much-anticipated fifth edition of the coveted A+List , an annual rundown of every firm that scooped an A+Award and A+Firm Award in the previous season. We’ve also curated a selection of featured firms, providing some extra background on their A+Award triumphs.

Firms 92

Firms Architecture Design Residential 92

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

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 agreement… with your client.

Architecture Firm 52

Architecture Firm Firms Development Developer 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 are blessed with many fabulous clients.

Small Firm 40

Small Firm Firms Architect Client 40

EntreArchitect

JULY 28, 2014

We recently recommended one of our consultants to a client. Our client was happy and we were looking good. To wrap things up, the consultant said they would prepare a report to document their findings. To wrap things up, the consultant said they would prepare a report to document their findings. I called to follow up.

Client 40

Client Clients Consulting Small Firm 40

EntreArchitect

AUGUST 15, 2017

I just need to tack up my shingle, design great buildings and clients will come knocking. Maybe… but whether clients come knocking or not, its not so simple to keep them knocking. Your first business plan doesn’t need to be a 100 page document, with financial projections and fully developed marketing strategies. The solution?

Architecture Firm 52

Architecture Firm Firms Architecture Small Firm 52

EntreArchitect

APRIL 10, 2018

Almost 40 tips for Starting an Architecture Firm. After obtaining my license as an Architect in New York, I brainstormed several long term goals and decided to start a personal blog, develop design projects, and learn everything that I could about starting an architecture firm. Leave your current practice on good terms.

Architecture Firm 52

Architecture Firm Firms Contract Architecture 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. Remember that your client most likely has no experience with the architectural process.

Management 52

Management Clients Client Small Firm 52

EntreArchitect

MAY 10, 2016

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. We need a contract. It’s your proposal.

Architect 52

Architect Contract Small Firm Clients 52

EntreArchitect

JANUARY 2, 2022

The first AIA Contract Documents (ACD) of their kind, ACD’s new Custom Residential Documents streamline the contractual process for architects by tailoring them for the distinctive requirements of the custom residential construction market. The latest documents have already been vetted for custom residential and will need fewer edits.

Contractor 59

Contractor Residential Contract Schematic Design 59

EntreArchitect

APRIL 6, 2014

From the point of view of our clients, great architecture is where we start. So, yes, great design is important, but it’s not what’s going to keep our clients happy? The first step, before you ever put your pen to sketch paper, is to know what your client is looking for. We’re in the Client Happiness Business.

Clients 52

Clients Client Sketching Small Firm 52

EntreArchitect

DECEMBER 5, 2017

Years before launching EntreArchitect, I published a quarterly newsletter for my own residential architecture firm, Fivecat Studio. With more than 5,000 subscribers, I have built a strong community of like-minded small firm architects who look forward to my letter and respond in kind with thoughtful communication.

Architecture Firm 52

Architecture Firm Firms Building 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

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. You’re in the Client Happiness Business. .” “If I start now, I’ll be living in it by summer.”

Clients 52

Clients Client Architect Management 52

EntreArchitect

JULY 14, 2013

I always knew I would someday have my own firm. The floor area calculations were being disputed by new unit owners and the developer hired Barry’s firm to document the exact floor area of each one of the 200+ units. I was happy to take the position and spend day after day documenting the existing conditions of every unit.

Architecture Firm 52

Architecture Firm Firms Architecture Consulting 52

EntreArchitect

JULY 21, 2013

The Construction Documents Company was in business. With my expertise in surveying existing conditions, I launched a direct mail marketing campaign (though I had no idea that’s what it was called) aimed at local sole proprietors and small firms. We had started our own architecture firm. It worked beautifully.

Architecture Firm 40

Architecture Firm Firms Architecture Small Firm 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. Most think they do not need it and refuse it when offered.

Construction 52

Construction Construction Project Clients 52

EntreArchitect

OCTOBER 31, 2021

Most firms can’t afford to sponsor visas and move people across the world. Large offices might be able to do this, but not the smaller firms that make up the majority of our profession. This probably means focusing on the larger firms in the place you want to move, or international firms who have offices in many cities and countries.

Architecture 52

Architecture Government Firms Client 52

EntreArchitect

JULY 5, 2016

If not fully applicable to Architects or the Studio Team, it might well be worthwhile for Administration, and Back Office activities such as Document Control, Bookkeeping and Monthly Payroll. Essentially, ‘Dot-Com Internet Brokers’ act as intermediaries and are paid a Commission from a Client. Internet Home Workers. Offshore Outsource.

Recruitment 52

Recruitment Architecture Firm Firms Architecture 52

EntreArchitect

JULY 12, 2016

Much here will be dependent upon the Job itself – For instance, will there be direct role with Clients? Hence, Specific Grades were created for our Document Controller and Practice Manager. Document Controller. Process of Recruitment at an Architecture Firm. Will the New Recruit be a Permanent Member of the Studio Team?

Recruitment 52

Recruitment Architecture Firm Firms Architecture 52

EntreArchitect

JULY 28, 2013

This is Part 3 of How I Started My Own Architecture Firm. Starting our own firm was a bit overwhelming. From this fortunate location and with enthusiastic support from Penny and Joe, Meetinghouse lead to several new projects and truly launched “the firm” into the spotlight. A New Name for a New Firm.

Architecture Firm 52

Architecture Firm Firms Contract Architecture 52

EntreArchitect

JUNE 21, 2018

Firm Address. This client is the older brother of a childhood (and current) friend. Withheld at clients request. We are a husband and wife design firm (architect husband, interiors wife). With clients? We are looking at Basecamp right now at the request of another client. Calender Rd. Project Location.

Permits 52

Permits Architecture Clients Client 52

EntreArchitect

JANUARY 5, 2016

The all-new EntreArchitect is built exclusively for you; the small firm entrepreneur architect. We’ve developed a comprehensive content calendar for the entire year, which will allow us to systematically improve our firms, step by step. An Influential Force.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Finances Firms Management 52

EntreArchitect

JULY 4, 2021

Scaling is about serving more clients, earning more money, but without having to necessarily become the big machine. Drawings, written documents were a given, but then when I was introduced to systems, to my CRM (Customer Relationship Manager) I met the concept of “canned emails”, mind blown. It’s all about efficiency. Collaboration.

Client 52

Client Clients Small Firm Architect 52

EntreArchitect

DECEMBER 26, 2017

The time and effort required to properly develop a design and complete a thorough set of construction documents is difficult for most anyone outside the profession to understand. Every business, including architecture firms (yes, its true!), The architect is simply an agent to the client with no liability for the construction.

Architect 52

Architect Clients Client Insurance 52

EntreArchitect

MARCH 24, 2014

On April 8, 1999, I discovered a book that changed the way I view business; a book that helped me to realize that running a successful architecture firm required so much more than designing great architecture. Gerber, had a major influence in the success of our firm and continues to guide many of our business decisions to this day.

Architecture Firm 52

Architecture Firm Firms Architecture Small Firm 52

EntreArchitect

APRIL 18, 2021

We both have extremely important functions in the design process, and it is in our clients’ best interest that we collaborate in the most effective way to deliver the best product possible. Let’s start the conversation about design team partnerships so that we can enhance our deliverables for our clients. We all benefit from that.

Engineering 52

Engineering Engineering Architect Civil Engineering 52

EntreArchitect

SEPTEMBER 8, 2013

In my own firm , I’ve discovered that there were a few relatively minor barriers causing some major disruption in my financial success. Very often, as creative people, we feel guilty about charging our clients for the work we perform. Documents developed to such minute detail require hundreds of hours to complete.

Architect 52

Architect Clients Client Firms 52

EntreArchitect

JANUARY 23, 2018

Successful project delivery relies on the manager’s understanding of the constraints and goals of the project, both those of the firm and those of the client. At project kick-off, identify your client’s priorities. Crafting a clear scope of work is a useful way to communicate to your client your ability to work collaboratively.

Project 52

Project Estimating Architecture Clients 52

EntreArchitect

MARCH 31, 2013

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. I tell them, for us, that is not an option.

Construction 52

Construction Construction Clients Client 52

EntreArchitect

AUGUST 30, 2016

This month, the #ArchiTalks topic is “Back to School”, so I am encouraging my fellow small firm architects to go back to school themselves and learn what they need to know to find the work they want and live a life they’ll love. As small firm architects, how do we get noticed by those prospects? Back to School.

Architect 52

Architect Small Firm Firms Information 52

EntreArchitect

FEBRUARY 12, 2019

One platform may be your personal favorite over the many others, but are your prospective clients enjoying their time on that same platform? Where are our clients making the decisions that lead them to hire us? Most residential clients collect “wish list” images before they ever come to us for architectural services.

Clients 52

Clients Client Development Developer 52

EntreArchitect

SEPTEMBER 4, 2018

For years architects have been looking for ways to justify their fees and hourly rates to their clients. We need to take the time to understand our clients’ needs and concerns and then educate them about the value-added aspects of our service. Their EXPECTATION is for their professional consultants to be technically competent.

Architect 52

Architect Clients Client Consulting 52