Architecture is an entrepreneurial profession.
This means that after an architecture student graduates and eventually takes the Licensure board exam, that architect is expected to thrive in the service of design, either as a sole professional or a member of a partnership and firm.
Sometimes, architects opt to stay employed in a much bigger firm because of financial sustainability and career sustainability. But sometimes, the architect opts to go on their own and start a small architecture and design firm.
Some mentors think that this move is risky, especially when the architect has just passed the exam. Others, on the other hand, think that it is best to start early so that you fail and learn early and then thrive early. Whichever way the architect decides to go, the most important thing is that he or she goes where the heart desires.
If you’re planning to Start a Small Architecture and Design Firm in Your 20s, here are some 10 tips for you.
1. Think of a Name
A brand name is very important in the practice of architecture. It can either be your initials or the initials of the team or a concept. The important thing about thinking of a name is how it sounds. Most marketing studies suggest that it is best to use a name with two to four syllables so that it has more recall. The most would be five syllables. An example of this is Bjarke Ingels and Zaha Hadid. Notice how their firms stay within the five-syllable rule.
2. Register your business
The next thing you have to do is to register your business name and then your business in the corresponding government agencies. These are agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), your city’s Business Bureau, and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). If you’re an architect in another country, other registration requirements may apply.
3. Create a One of Kind Logo
After registering and thinking of a name, create that logo. Your logo must be simple and memorable. An example of this is Zaha Hadid’s logo which is a simple black and gray two-tone logo. While this looks easy, remember that your logo is among the first things your potential clients will see from your portfolio, so make sure that your logo represents your brand well.
4. Think of a Specialization
One of the most important things you have to think of when launching your small firm is this – you have to think of a specialization. This includes services such as design-build or design and project management or design and urban planning. Then you have to think about what kind of architect you want to be known for. For example, if you want to be known for making beautiful residential projects, build your specialization on that. This way, you won’t have a hard time creating your portfolio and would not look like a jack of all trades but a master of none.
As for my specialization, I chose to be a culturally sensitive architect specially advocate for Mindanao and Filipino Traditional Designs. So, I focused on making such projects.
5. Create your Portfolio
Creating a stunning portfolio is one of the major things that you have to think of when starting your own small architecture business. This way, you can communicate with the people and future clients about yourself and what you can do and also your specialization.
To make a portfolio, collect all that you have done in the past. Since you are just starting and you do not have build projects in your name yet, put your concepts in your portfolio. It has to look stunning and out of the box so that you will be noticed by your future clients.
Use tools like Canva or InDesign to lay out your portfolio in the most organized way.
6. Make a Website
Then, make a website. You must hire a good website creator and professionals like Masaion IT solutions. This group has a reasonable cost in making websites and they are Filipinos. Why is it important to hire a good website creator? The reason for this is that these professionals know how to make professional looking websites that will make you look professional. You need to be able to launch a professional-looking website that doesn’t look like it was done by students who don’t know what they’re doing.
7. Find Clients
Next is finding clients. This means showing your skills on Facebook or Instagram. The best leverage for new architects or young architects is social media. Millennials can be very good at doing Facebook marketing and Instagram marketing. Use this as your leverage to access future clients or merely telling the world what you can do.
8. After launching, Be ready to face failures and trials
Now, that you have everything in place and you have made clients, be sure to be strong in practicing your profession. The architecture practice is not a walk in the park. Sometimes, there will be projects that you will not enjoy for some reason. Just be strong in facing failures and trials.
9. Ask for Advice from other Architects
So, when you get to the point when you are confused and if you fail, don’t hesitate to ask other architects especially those who have been in the profession for so long. They know better and they can advise you what to do.
10. Have the Grit to proceed
Lastly, have the grit to go on. There is no turning back. You have already launched your small business. Proceed and grow your small architecture and design firm. Continue to improve your craft. Learn more. Build your credentials. You never know, it might become one of the top-notch firms.