EntreArchitect

OCTOBER 19, 2011

For a long time in my office, BIM was something out there that wasn’t acted upon. We sat on nineteen seats of Revit for nearly two years, stored away in a closet unused – shelfware. Waiting for the right opportunity. Becoming obsolete. Doing no one any good. Taking up valuable storage space. Not earning its keep. And with each month unused, the software weighed on us: waiting for the right time, the right project, the right client, the right phase, the right people to put on the proj

Architecture 52

Architecture Small Firm Design Firms 52

Dwell

JANUARY 19, 2011

A comprehensive book catalogs the oeuvre of Chicago architects Danker Adler and Louis Sullivan through the archives of a photographer known for his efforts to preserve their late-19th- and early-20th-century projects. In 1952, a photography student named Richard Nickel began to document the works of Chicago architects Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan within the context of aging neighborhoods, crude remodeling, and outright demolition.

Modern 52

Modern Building Remodeling Firms 52

EntreArchitect

DECEMBER 24, 2011

Each year from Christmas to New Years Day, Annmarie and I close the studio, send the crew home for the week and enjoy quality time with family and friends. It’s important to take healthy breaks from the intense focus of our work. It allows us to remember what is most important in our lives and return to the studio with fresh ideas and enthusiasm for our projects.

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EntreArchitect

DECEMBER 12, 2011

1) Design great architecture. 2) Get noticed. 3) Thrive! Isn’t that how it is supposed to work. Well… it doesn’t. The trick is step 2. Getting noticed. How do you get noticed? The answer in a word, is Marketing. Even uber-successful “starchitects” have a marketing team working to get their “great architecture” noticed. Whether you want to be published in national magazines or looking to get noticed by the homeowners around the corner, you can’t reach your audience without marke

Building 40

Building Architecture Small Firm Client 40

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A new industry study conducted by Architizer on behalf of Chaos Enscape surveyed 2,139 design professionals to understand the state of architectural visualization and what to expect in the near future. We asked: How are visualizations produced in your firm? What impact does real-time rendering have? What approach are you taking toward the rise of AI?

Visualization

EntreArchitect

DECEMBER 3, 2011

What are you doing to become “locally famous”? Do you have a facebook account with which you post regularly and interact with your fans? Do you follow Twitter feeds for people who have influence in your local communities… and respond to their tweets? Do you blog… consistently, and have a website which reflects the expectations of the market in which you wish to become “famous”?

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EntreArchitect

NOVEMBER 21, 2011

Oklahoma State is developing a program called Architecture & Entrepreneurship. Every architecture school should be doing the same. Do you know of any other programs teaching entrepreneurship to architects? The post Oklahoma State University: Architecture & Entrepreneurship appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects.

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EntreArchitect

NOVEMBER 21, 2011

So today is Monday. I typically reserve Mondays for administrative work and prepping for the rest of the week. I work on business systems and schedule project interviews on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Friday is a day to wrap up loose ends and make sure clients are happy. Obviously, in order to be successful my routine is flexible. In fact I have a project interview this evening… on a Monday.

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EntreArchitect

NOVEMBER 18, 2011

1. Be Real. Whatever your opinion of Marshall Mathers, aka Eminem, and his controversial rap music recordings, one thing cannot be denied… he is real. The stories told in his lyrics talk about a life of poverty, violence and overcoming the fear of what may come next. He is bitter, angry and aggressive. He is what he is… take him or leave him.

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EntreArchitect

SEPTEMBER 22, 2011

Looking for more Entrepreneur Architect? Follow me on Twitter @FivecatStudio or “like” me at Facebook at [link]. The post More Entrepreneur Architect appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects.

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Architect Small Firm Firms 40

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Aerial imagery has emerged as a necessary tool for architecture, engineering, and construction firms seeking to improve pre-construction site analysis, make more informed planning decisions, and ensure all stakeholders have access to an accurate visualization of the site to keep the project moving forward. Download our guide and take a deeper look at how aerial imagery can be leveraged to drive project efficiency by reducing unnecessary site visits and providing the accurate details required to

Site

EntreArchitect

JULY 26, 2011

Check out the new short film documenting the life and times of the Seattle-based architecture firm, BUILD LLC. It is beautifully done. A film like this can be used for so many purposes. First, it documents a specific time in the life of this specific firm. Andrew, Kevin and their team will have a great record of what they were thinking in the early days of BUILD LLC.

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Building Small Firm Firms Architecture Firm 40

EntreArchitect

JULY 25, 2011

From OptimaWeb.com: Faced with the natural constraints of client-based business, architects often dream of the freedom that could arise from developing their own building projects. A look at some AIA Chicago chapter members who have taken the leap to become architect/ developers can act as an inspiration and provide insights to success in this risky, but potentially rewarding, area of business.

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Architect Small Firm Client Clients 40

EntreArchitect

JUNE 10, 2011

The following is a list of words and phrases that I have assembled over the past few years. I use it to remind myself what is most important in terms of success. They are in no particular order; simply a random, continuous brainstorm. What have I missed? Post your thoughts in the comments. Courage. Execution. Passion. Efficiency. Perseverance. Persistence.

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Small Firm Firms Industrial Building 40

EntreArchitect

APRIL 30, 2011

There’s a saying in business, “What gets measured, gets managed.”. Winning companies track several metrics to gauge their performance and measure business success. ROI (return on investment), EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization), average sales, website traffic, employee churn and average inventory are all key business indicators.

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In the dynamic world of architecture, design, and construction, creative problem-solving is crucial for success. Traditional methods often fall short in effectively conveying design intent to clients. Real-time visualization empowers you with a solid decision-making tool that smooths the design process. Discover the power of real-time visualization: Effective Communication Convey your vision clearly and align with clients.

Visualization

EntreArchitect

APRIL 29, 2011

Several years ago, I attended a local AIA seminar presented by a fellow architect and the Chapter Council. The topic was “alternative agreements” What I learned during that interactive meeting was that for some projects, selecting one of the many legal documents available from our national professional organizations an appropriate way to protect both the architect and the owner when entering an agreement for architectural services.

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EntreArchitect

APRIL 27, 2011

Several years ago, we constructed a new Proposal document that doubles as our Owner / Architect Agreement. It’s 5 pages long and, together with a separate 2 page “Standard Terms and Conditions” document, it includes all the protections of the AIA document… but looks and reads much friendlier. Fivecat Studio specializes in large residential additions and alterations, so we’re dealing with homeowners.

Contract 40

Contract Small Firm Residential Firms 40

EntreArchitect

APRIL 2, 2011

Although not technically “social media”, I have been blogging at [link] since 2006. I have had many clients remark that they read my blog and felt that they had grown to know me before we actually met. For me, that alone makes it worth the time required to post on a weekly basis. Recently, I have been much more active on facebook, [link] and Twitter, [link].

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EntreArchitect

APRIL 1, 2011

The Entrepreneur Architect Linkedin Group has been very active lately. We’ve been discussing fee structures, branding, client acquisition, firm naming, business plans and startups. The question of the day today is about social media. Are you actively using social media platforms such as Linkedin, facebook, Twitter or YouTube to promote your business, make connections, influence people or attract clients?

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Client Clients Small Firm Firms 40

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Design

EntreArchitect

MARCH 31, 2011

At the end of an interview with a prospective client, I ask them to complete a short questionnaire. Most of the questions are names, address and telephone numbers, but near the bottom of the page is this question, “How did you learn about Fivecat Studio?” The question is followed by a few choices, “Magazine or Newspaper?”, “Lawn Signs?

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EntreArchitect

MARCH 1, 2011

It’s been a few months since posting on this blog. I have moved most of my thoughts and comments over to the Entrepreneur Architect Linkedin Group. We’re 400 members strong, as of today. If you’re an architect or design professional interested in business success and the practice of architecture, I invite you to join us. The post The Party Continues over on Linkedin appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects.

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Small Firm Firms Architect Architecture 40

EntreArchitect

DECEMBER 12, 2011

[polldaddy poll=5753902]. The post Entrepreneur Architect Poll 121211 appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects.

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EntreArchitect

NOVEMBER 28, 2011

As an Entrepreneur Architect I wear many hats. I’m a designer, a draftsman, a project manager, a construction manager, a book keeper, a marketing director, a salesman, a customer service representative, an IT manager, a boss, a partner, a CEO, a COO, a CFO… the list goes on and on. It can be very stressful. At times, it’s overwhelming. I have the same number of hours each day as everyone else.

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IT Management Small Firm Firms 40

Speaker: Pedro Clarke – Principal Architect at A+ Architecture, In Loco Program Director

Sustainability begins with a conversation, and acquiring customer buy-in is entirely dependent on how the conversation is framed. Clients may not see sustainability as a priority out of fear of operational costs and quality. While these are legitimate concerns, it is our responsibility as architects to listen and foster a collaborative culture that answers client issues while also reducing our carbon footprint.

Architecture

EntreArchitect

DECEMBER 7, 2011

No one told me that I needed to know how to run a business. I’m an architect. I just need to tack up my shingle, design great buildings and clients will come knocking. Right? Maybe… but whether clients come knocking or not, its not so simple to keep them knocking. The solution? Write a business plan. I know, I know; “I don’t need a business plan,” you say. “It takes too much time and effort.” Wait!

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Architecture School Small Firm Client Clients 40

EntreArchitect

MARCH 29, 2011

Our firm’s name is Fivecat Studio. It took quite a long time to settle on the name when we launched the firm back in 1999. Our intent, then and now, is to build a great and enduring firm that will long outlive its founders. We did not want to build the firm around any single person or personality. We wanted a name that was not only memorable and differentiated us from our competitors, but a name that we could build a brand around.

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