There are over 71,585 architects in the country. The industry is expected to continue growing, too. If you plan on starting an architecture firm this year, it helps to have a plan in place.
Otherwise, competitors might make it difficult for you to make your mark in the industry.
Here are 10 tips for starting an architecture firm. With these tips, you can start your business and set yourself up for growth. By planning ahead of time, you can set yourself up for a long-term, successful future.
Ready to build your business? Read on.
1. Know What You Want
Before starting an architecture firm, make sure you know what you want. Picturing the end result will help you accomplish your goals.
If you don’t have the proper education, consider heading to school. An internship can give you valuable insight, too. Having hands-on experience will help you determine if launching your own firm is what you want.
Starting a firm on your own might feel like one of the biggest challenges in your life. However, accomplishing your goals will help you discover the struggle is worthwhile.
Learning how to start an architecture firm with no experience will require a lot of hard work and dedicated hours. Before you start on this path, make sure it’s what you want. Picturing your goals will help you determine the steps you need to take to get there.
Imagine the benefits of running your own architecture firm. You’ll have control, flexibility, and freedom over your own schedule. Before that point, though, you’ll need to work hard to build your business.
With these tips for starting an architecture firm, you can accomplish the necessary steps to reach that end goal!
2. Build Out a Plan
Before you hire personnel or take on clients, build out an actual plan.
Start by creating a thorough business plan. A well-developed business plan should include:
• A vision statement
• Your mission
• Simple strategies for accomplishing your mission
• Specific, measurable, attainable, results-driven, timely goals
• An action plan
Crafting a business plan will help guide you forward. You might need to revise your business plan two to four times you did. After all, your business plan will grow as you and your business do!
Make sure to include financial details as a part of your business plan as well. For example, you might want to consider different ways you’ll earn the money for your business. Here are a few sources to consider before you get started:
• Personal savings
• Friends and family
• Banks and credit unions
• Angel investors
• Venture capital firms
• Economic development programs
• Corporate programs
• Grants
• Crowdfunding
You’ll need to raise money to hire staff, pay for equipment, and market your firm. For example, you might want to consider 3d architectural visualization.
Planning ahead of time will help you determine what you need before you get started.
3. Spread the Word
Once you have a plan in place, start spreading the word about your up-and-coming architecture firm. Let everyone—friends, family, previous co-workers—know you’re looking for your first client.
You can also tell fellow architects, members of your chamber of commerce, and alumni groups. The more people who know, the more likely you’ll find your first client quickly.
If you’ve worked at an architecture firm in the past and want to stretch out into your own work, you might find your first client as a freelancer. If you do, let them know you intend on starting an architecture firm on your own. Your very first clients might help you find new ones.
4. Build a Site
70 to 80% of consumers research a business online before making a purchase. Once you decide to start your own architecture firm, develop a marketing plan that includes a website.
Your website will let you market your business 24 hours a day. You can also use a website to host a blog. Search engine optimization (SEO) through blog posts will help your website appear on search engines like Google.
Ranking higher on search engines can become a free form of advertising.
Make sure to invest in high-quality photography for your website. You can use your site to advertise your portfolio of work to show off your skills!
5. Get Networking
Develop a strong network and continue building connections. For example, you might consider attending conferences where you can expand your professional network.
Don’t neglect social media sites like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Connect with other people in your industry and ask for their advice. Their prior experience can give you an advantage as you build your firm.
6. Volunteer Your Time
Let your town hall know you’re a resident architect that cares about the community. Connecting with your community will help you find pro bono work. You can also join an advisory committee such as a planning or architecture review board.
Volunteering your services as an architect will help you discover new projects. It’s also a great way to advertise your presence within the community.
7. Research the Area
Does your city offer opportunities for local businesses? Consider registering your firm as a Local Business Enterprise. Your firm will get listed in a directory, which can help you discover upcoming city-funded contracts that are open for bid.
You can also find opportunities to collaborate with established firms on bigger projects.
8. Pro Bono Projects and Competitions
If you’re still looking for your first project, consider offering your services pro bono. You can also enter design competitions to show off your skills.
Working pro bono or participating in projects will help you get free publicity. At the same time, you’re developing your body for work. A stronger portfolio can help you attract more business.
9. Email Out
Use your company website to develop an email list. Then, keep your subscribers up-to-date about your business.
If you’re working on a new project, give them a sneak peek. As you write blog posts, send updates in your emails. Providing exclusive content in your emails will help you attract a following.
10. Take Every Project
Don’t feel too picky about the first projects you take on. Instead, take every opportunity you can get. These initial projects will help you build a portfolio.
These projects will also help people recognize your name and associate you with different types of architecture in the area.
Starting an Architecture Firm From the Ground Up
Starting an architecture firm is a lot easier when you have a plan in place. With these 10 tips, you can start your business and set yourself up for long-term success.
Searching for more tips? Explore the Business section of our website today.