I am a born entrepreneur. It is in my blood.
From age 10, when I decided to become an architect, I knew that someday I would lead my own firm. With certainty for my destination, I planned my path, step by step, from graduation to business launch. It wasn’t a formal written plan, but I knew from the start what I needed to do before I was ready to take on my own clients.
Following graduation, I started at a small firm located about 20 miles west of New York City. It was 1993 and the economic outlook did not look much different from today’s. We were coming out of recession and architects were not hiring. (Sound familiar?)
I addressed resumes to more than thirty firms and promptly received thirty rejection letters (I still have that stack of letters in my archive). Several weeks later, as I continued my search, one of the 30 rejections called me for an interview. The firm had recently completed a project converting an old textile mill into residential lofts. In addition, they had designed a new 10 story apartment building to compliment the adaptive re-use development complex.
A legal dispute between one of the new loft owners and the project developers established a requirement for the floor area of all 300+ units to be individually surveyed and documented. It was a perfect job for a hungry intern with no hope of another prospect. I spent that first summer measuring and recording the floor area of every unit in the complex. It was interesting work for the first two months while I worked with another staff member measuring the open floor plans of the industrial loft units. Each unit differed due to the inconsistent configuration of the heavy masonry structure, and the curiosity of how each level of the old mill could be transformed into residential living space kept me motivated to proceed.
During the third month though, we moved to the new building; ten levels of identical floor plans designed with bi-directional symmetry. After the first week of measuring the “same” unit eight hours per day, my head was spinning. The work had become monotonous very quickly, but it was a job during a time when there were none. I was happy to be employed and ultimately, it lead to a full time position with the firm.
For the recent and soon-to-be graduates reading this article, there’s a lesson in this first leg of my journey. Take the work you can get. Never mind how boring or menial the task may be. Work hard. Do the job the best you can and good things will happen.
Good things did happen for me at that job. It was a small practice and I learned a tremendous amount from the staff and firm owner. Many lessons, both in design and in business, were internalized and applied at Fivecat Studio when Annmarie and I launched our firm six years later.
Another good thing happened to me at that first job of mine… I met and fell in love with Annmarie. So, that job with Barry Poskanzer in Ridgewood, New Jersey, very literally changed my life. (The story of how Annmarie and I kept our relationship, and ultimately our engagement to be married, a secret up until the day I gave my two weeks notice is an article for another day. Remind me to someday tell you all about it.)
With some residential and small commercial work complete, the next step in my plan was to experience working with a much larger firm. When I left Barry, I went to work for URS Consultants in Paramus, New Jersey. Today, URS Corporation is one of the largest engineering, architecture and construction firms on the planet. I wanted to experience every aspect of the profession and working for such a large company allowed me to confirm that Corporate America was NOT where I wanted to be.
Six months later, with wedding plans in progress, (Wow! The wedding… all 3 of them, is another great story.) I wanted to find a firm where I could call home until my required internship period was complete. Annmarie had moved across the Hudson River and north to Westchester County, New York and was employed with a sole proprietor designing high-end custom homes for elite clients. With plans to move in with Annmarie following the wedding, I found a position with a mid-sized firm that specialized in K-12 educational architecture in Mount Kisco, New York.
I grew with that firm and worked my way up to become an Architectural Project Manager, working closely with the Senior Partner and managing multi-million dollar school and religious architecture projects. After almost 4 years with the firm, my internship was complete and I found myself in a very difficult position. I was on track to become a partner and the security of a leadership position in a well established firm was making me reconsider my master plan. I had become a member of the “family” at KG&D Architects and I very much respected the partners at the firm.
It was a difficult decision, but I was ready to take the next step.
It came as a shock to everyone and many thought I was making a very big mistake. Looking back, I can now see what they knew. I was not yet a licensed architect. I had no clients and had very little money. I was recently married and had just purchased a house in Chappaqua… with a mortgage. Maybe I was crazy, but I knew, with certainty, that it was the right thing to do.
It was my dream since childhood to be in control of my own destiny. In my sixth grade classroom a brightly colored cardboard sign hung pinned to the tack board. It read,
To Achieve All That is Possible,
We Must Attempt the Impossible.
To Be All We Can Be,
We Must Dream of Being More.
I don’t know to whom its attributed, but I carried that quote throughout my journey to autonomy. I live by those words every day. Fivecat Studio has allowed me the freedom to live a life of balance. (It’s more a life of integration, but I will save that story for a upcoming podcast episode when Annmarie and I will share our story of how we successfully manage both the firm and our family.) This opportunity for freedom has provided me with experience and knowledge that I would have never known if I had chosen the path of “job security”.
These past 14 years have been extremely challenging. We have had great years and many recent years of fear and uncertainty, but the benefits of owning our own firm have far outweighed the inherent difficulties of business ownership. Annmarie and I have been in control of our success, as well as our failures. We have been able to make changes when we felt them necessary, experimented with the way we run our business and have pushed the boundaries of the traditional architectural practice.
There are many more years ahead for Fivecat Studio and there will be many more changes along the way. We will succeed and we will fail, but Annmarie and I will decide which path to follow… and that alone has made my childhood dream a reality.
I launched Entrepreneur Architect with the intent of making a difference in the world, to influence a profession and help improve the lives of fellow architects. The choices I have made in my life have brought me to this very unique position. I now have the opportunity to take Fivecat Studio to the next level. I will continue to work hard, have faith and live with certainty that the path I have chosen will take me to the place where I am meant to be. I look forward to the years ahead and I invite you to join me as I continue on with my journey.
What’s your story? Did you launch your own firm? Are you considering a leap of faith? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below. The more we share, the more we all benefit… both individually and collectively as a profession. So take a few minutes and share with us your story.
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photo credit: Thomas Hawk via photopin cc
Hi.
Very Inspiring post- and as I have commented earlier, Very inspiring blog.
My story is not as inspiring as yours- but nevertheless I will share it here.
for about 3 years- I was the head of communications of a very large architectural firm in india, one of its kind. From having a very successful, rapidly growing career path, in almost 4 years of the same organization, I had begun to have issues – of stagnancy, and unhappiness. My work profile was constantly undergoing change, and a lot of times I would end up doing tasks that I did not enjoy, and I had begun to feel that my skills were being wasted, with little potential to do something new. From being someone who loved going to work everyday- I was famous amongst my friends for that- I hated it. Inevitably I would wake up complaining to my husband, like a child who hates going to school, that I didn’t want to go to work. I was unhappy, working 12-14 hours, and forever tired and sleepy. It was through these many conversations with my husband that a new idea came up- Of working on my own. I belong to a professional, service family- with no one in my immediate family running a business. Even though I am a professional architect, I had always thought I cannot be an entrepreneur and am better off working for someone. This idea was rejected instantly by me. Moreover, my current skill set was so unique- that is marketing and pr for designers, especially in India where there was no precedent, that why would anyone else hire me? My current firm was young, dynamic, and innovative- I would not find a place for myself anywhere else in India. We kept discussing it, but I was not convinced. Even if I was to try- I had no experience, there was no past precedent of this business in the country and I had no structure in my head to make this work. The pro’s however were the flexibility of timings, improvement in lifestyle, a better personal-work life balance & of course, the freedom to do what I loved doing in terms of work.
I used to meet people often, who would suggest that I do this professionally and not once I had taken anyone seriously. Casual conversations became serious, led to a 2 page document – a little short of a business plan, and very soon to cut the long story short, I was convinced that It was worth a shot. I am the most risk- averse person I have ever come across through the last 31 years of my life. I think, rethink and toss my world around with my own confusions and stress. To my surprise, my resignation was met with opposition, yet a great professional and personal understanding. I had always shared a great relationship with my boss- and he asked me to figure out a way that would work best for both me and the organization. After multiple conversations, it was decided that I could continue as a consultant 2 days a week, and focus on the skills that I had, and the services that I wanted to provide even through my business. This meant I could do what I liked doing- and it would also add value to my business opportunity. This was a great option- not only would it maintain the focus on the work, it would give me flexibility and time to figure out my future plans, while keeping some regular consistent income.
I took this option up, and decided to sort my life a bit and start doing things I enjoyed. I had even decided to give myself some free time, to enjoy doing things like going for a walk, seeing sunlight in the middle of a workday, and not spend weekends just catching up on sleep. It was not always smooth, there were days when I felt inefficient, not knowing what to do, and there were days I when I thought of giving up and going back. I had spent 4 months, in developing a plan, a profile to reach out to people who would be interested in such services. I met a lot of people, but not one deal closed. All I wanted was just one client- who would atleast reiterated my faith in this validity of this business in India. By the time April came, things began to move faster, And I signed my first contract with another architectural firm. In June, I got another contract, and from there on, the story has evolved drastically. In a little over a year, apart from the organization that I worked with, today I have 5 more clients. I have had to hire people over the last year- simply because I had so much work, that I couldn’t manage on my own. Financially, the last year has been one of the best for me, despite not being in a regular job. I have finished 15 months of a start-up, and am loving every minute of it. Today- I feel proud of being called an entrepreneur. Yes- I work the same number of hours, but at my own discretion, and I have a lot of confidence in myself. My life has improved, and I am content with where I am in life. I recognize that all associated people value me as a professional a lot more. I try staying focused, disciplined- since very often I am on my own, and do my best every single day. My clients are happy, and very often surprised and impressed at the success of this venture in such a short time. I am sometimes surprised at my ability to deal with change, failure and learning lessons. I have a lot of gratitude towards my family and most importantly for my husband who has more faith in me and my ability to succeed- than even myself and for having supported me every day.
Other Details of My story can be found here http://thestoryexchange.org/tanya-khanna-epistle-communications/
These stories must be shared. Am sure there are many of us in allied architecture disciplines, who need this leap of faith like you and me have. Apologies for the Long post!
That’s a great story Tanya. Thanks for sharing.
Tanya, that is a great story! Thanks for adding to the conversation!
Mark and I were in the same class at the same school. Few of us had jobs that first summer after graduation. I had sent out over 200 resumes/portfolios and I had some professional experience already. I got two interviews and one job offer.
It was a very rough time. I feel for the current grads experiencing the same results.
Entrepreneur?Big deal!
How much $ did you sock away?
Developer types were making millions while you were fooling around making peanuts for drawing pictures.
But me too. I had a bigger “firm” before and wound up just turning dollars. So it is not how big the firm is it is what did you get accomcomplish and how much did you take home and keep.
I haven’t seen one good idea in these posts yet. It’s like we all have the same problems and nobody is offering a way to beat the over-supply and lack of demand that we have. The only ones I have seen make it were the “political” architects who get big fees for their perceived image and connections. But they have the political skills that they would make them more in any other business they pursued anyway. If they were attorneys they would make several times that of an architect for doing a lot of the same things like rezonings etc.. Some of them could run for office and become congressmen. A few have.
With the economic downturn, some of the government geeks that many of used to laugh at as second rate losers got the last laugh. I got beat out of my money during the recessions while they are set up to get 50% of their pay in retirement. Many of them for screwing much of the day while I was busting hump trying to “make it”. I have government experience so I know that you cold get in more trouble for working hard whcih could make other people look bad then to hide behind your cubicle. In short, the entreprenuer chases the carrot on the stick.
The small business owner plays David and Goliath with the 500 lb gorillas out there everyday.There are actually few winners, many lose, most just make a living. But it’s winner take all for those who win (fair or unfair)..
Still looking for the answer.
I look forward to your positive contribution here at Entrepreneur Architect Mike.
The short version of my story:
After working 12+ years as essentially the lone full-time employee of a firm in Mansfield, OHio, i was laid-off because there was simply not enough work to keep paying me my relatively meager salary. During the first year, i was sending out six to eight resumes per week, with little to no response. I was able to pick up a couple of projects during that time which not only served help pay the bills, but also reeked havoc with my unemployment benefits. I knew from the beginning that i wanted to run my own firm someday. It seems that ‘someday’ was being thrust upon me. I certainly was not ready for it from a business standpoint and am still trying to figure much of that out. I had no savings to speak of to draw from. But as i could not secure employment (even outside of the profession) i figured i would give it a shot. That was about 3-1/2 years ago. It certainly has been a struggle to break into a market that is already saturated with well established firms, but i am able to pick up enough work here and there to keep my head above water while taking on the role of stay-at-home dad for our seven children so my wife can work.
I think many architects have found themselves in similar situations… minus the 7 kids ; ) Thanks for sharing Matthew. As the economy grows and we cycle back to positive growth, your current efforts will pay dividends. I’ve been there. I remember well being the new kid on the block among the local established firms. Have faith and live with certainty. Great success is right around the corner.
I am just starting on this journey, in somewhat of a combination of all the stories above. I graduated in 2009 from Texas A&M with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture. There were two firms at career fair that year. Only one of them was hiring. Luckily for me, I had interned for that firm the two previous summers and winter breaks, so I was one of the extremely fortunate few who didn’t have to spend a full summer looking for work.
The work was good. The projects were fantastic. Being from San Antonio and having a large role in the revitalization of the Mission Reach of the river was tremendously rewarding. But, I wasn’t going anywhere. The firm’s ranks, especially given the economic landscape over the last 4 or 5 years, were staying put. This went for everyone from entry-level designer to senior associate. Nobody was moving. So, I did. I had become registered in TX in February of 2012, so I knew I had some options.
I went to work for a firm just outside of Dallas that specialized in smaller, nuts-and-bolts projects. Subdivisions, small parks, commercial/strip centers, neighborhood pools – that kind of thing. They were bringing me on to diversify their project load (to hopefully withstand the next down cycle), add a more artistic eye to the design team, bring up the graphic and presentation quality of the work, and have someone on staff who had worked on multi-year civic and park projects and could complete them solo. I would get to do my own design work, manage the projects, learn the “business” side (although it’s really all business), and hopefully make a little better salary doing it.
One small kink to the situation at this second firm is that the (now a registered LA) other project manager, who essentially ran the day-to-day operations of the firm, was a former roommate of mine in college, and very good friend. I went in with the expectation that we were peers, and would run the firm together. I would learn the business end from him, and he the design side from me. The firm’s owner shared this expectation. My friend did not.
In pretty short order, after I had completed a large park project (I spent six months on it, the firm had budgeted 2700 hours), I went to work on the “nuts and bolts” work and started asking questions. By the time I left, my friend and I resented each other. I resented being talked down to and thought of as inferior by someone who was my peer. He resented my challenging his authority. I was unhappy, and saw no future for myself there. The owner is a bright man and caught on to all this. At my one year review, he suggested that perhaps it wasn’t a good fit for me there, and that we should thing about parting ways. Because of the quality of work that I had done, and the talents I brought to the table, he essentially left it up to me. I could agree to the obvious, and part ways. Or, I could fight for my “job” and we both knew that I would only be there as long as it took for me to find another place to work. I left. And I woke up the next morning happier than I can remember.
So, why all this background? I shared this story, because I am, in about an hour, meeting with a lawyer, an accountant, and my future business partner to iron out a legal agreement for the firm we’ll be establishing. You see, he was my “boss” and a senior associate at the first firm. He saw the writing on the wall just like I did, but instead of finding another job, he created his. There are some small structural items already in place at his office, but right now we’re completely re-vamping the entire process and starting from scratch. Our goals, our expectations, our (honest) thoughts for what we want and do not want. Everything is on the table. And it’s exciting as hell.
He had told me before I left the first firm to wait and give him one year. He would hit the ground running and try to get some work in the pipeline and then I could join him as a partner. It’s funny how things work out.
I’ll be staying in the Dallas area, so I’ll be starting a new network from scratch. But, that’s exciting too. I get to figure out exactly what kind of work I want to do, and I could give a $h*& if it’s what somebody else wants to describe as “landscape architecture”. If I can make a living, on my own terms, while helping people and contributing something positive and lasting to the world, then I’ll be a happy camper.
I could go get a job as a bureaucrat and probably make more money and be “secure”. But, I have no interest in that, and frankly, it would be a wasted life. I already told Mark on twitter that he and this site are a big reason that I’m inspired and excited, instead of afraid (although there is a little of that too :)), but everyone else should know that there are people out there making this advice real and adding their own. Right now. You should too. Cheers.
That’s a great story Tim. Thanks for sharing and I wish you the very best with the new firm.
Good post Mark. I started my own firm in 2009, it’s tough, no sense in stating otherwise. My wife and I switched roles, she has the stable income and I’m the primary stay at home parent. In addition, I ‘architect’ out of my home office.
The key for me is to be persistent and keep it simple. Running a biz is as complicated as you make it- well for the most part. By plugging away at persistency I currently have a custom new home, major residential renovation/addition, significant interior residential renovation, and a commercial up fit in ‘talks.’ Being on my own, being extremely busy can happen very fast! It’s worth noting that two of those projects are with clients residing in different states than me, one on the opposite coast! Look for work in areas outside of your own, just be sure you’re licensed and can offer services in those areas.
I do miss collaboration and a ‘studio’ environment with other architects, but I can meet up with architects if I really want/need to. It’s a tough gig on your own, but very rewarding. Another crucial point, do your own thing… don’t worry what other architects are doing or try to implement the latest design fad. Be true to yourself and your work and you’ll be surprised what can happen!
Darn, this was supposed to be short…
“Looking for work outside your state” is very good advice.
And I know there are many architects who survive by sharing parenting roles and having both spouses working… many more than most would think.
Stay tuned Keith. I am preparing the launch for The Entrepreneur Architect Academy. It will be a members only site where we’ll have online seminars, a members forum, think tank for taking the profession to new heights and lots more. There will be opportunities for collaboration and sounding boards within the group. Its a group that will make a difference in not only the lives of the members subscribed, but it will make a difference to the entire profession and ultimately the world. It’s going to be awesome. (That’s some unannounced exclusive news that only you and the other commenters will know about… top secret… shhh.)
Mark :
I think what you are doing is really needed in our profession. The initial podcasts are very professionally done.
I particularly enjoyed the interview with Blue Homes. I started my own firm 32+ years ago and at that time I had to integrate many entrepreneurial concepts that were being developed in the Boston area prior to the use of computers in architecture. We were one of the first firms to completely embrace the use of CAD systems in our office. At the time this gave us a competitive advantage for about 5 years. In hindsight, whereas architects are sometimes eager to embrace certain innovative technologies that helps the design and production of architectural drawings and services, they are lacking in the innovative skills to develop the marketing and business side of the profession. So, my hat is off to you in attempting to document and instruct this aspect of the profession.
I look forward to your future podcasts and courses.
Thanks for the support and encouragement Douglas.
I chose to go solo from the start of my design career because … I wanted to be fully available for my young children because my spouse commuted to an office job. My choice to go solo did not make my business life easier but I have no regrets.
My observations of my professional peers over the years has lead me to believe that some people were born to be self employed and others are not. What differentiates the two groups? First and foremost, I think one’s life experiences and their particular respect/appreciation/understanding of money has a huge impact on their success. If you don’t understand cash flow, it is difficult to be a successful business owner. Second, architectural schools (until quite recently), did a disservice to their students by not offering basic business classes. For right brain dominate people business skills are learned, they are not innate. Lastly, organizational skills are what can make or break a business. The number one cause of business failure, according to the SBA, is not lack of capital or marketing, it is actually too much business and the inability to meet demand which eventually turns customers/clients away. Again, right brain dominant people, in general, are less organized than left brain dominate people but organizational skills can be learned if a proprietor is willing to admit their short coming and seek advice/education or hire someone to do these tasks for us. Most of us would prefer to spend our days designing but the reality is for those of us who operate as a “one person” shop, we spend 65-85 percent of our business day doing paper work and marketing. I call it eating vegetables. The other 15-35% of our work day is spent actually designing. I call that eating dessert. It is important to look oneself in the mirror and decide if the vegetable to dessert ratio is one that you can stomach. If not, one has two choices: 1) seek a position with an established firm or 2) work like heck so one can afford to delegate the vegetable eating to someone else but as many of know, when we delegate the operations side of our business, we run the risk of losing touch with our business. Life in business is never simple but easy rewards are never as satiating as those we work hard for.
And I thought I was crazy. Huh. Going from full-time employment to mortgage, marriage and unemployed. I wonder, looking back would you do anything differently, and if so, what?
I would have not gone into debt. My greatest advice to young architects… zero debt. No debt = freedom.
Mark, I’m guessing this was business debt not consumer debt? Would you have been able to launch the firm without the debt? How would that have gone? Your answer piqued my curiosity because recently I’ve had this conversation with my wife and she wants to pay off our house before I try to do some development with our own money, but it just seems like such a long wait. From your perspective (older and wiser) is it worth the wait? Sorry abt all the questions hopefully you can answer a few.
Yes. It’s all business debt, but as a small business there isn’t much of a difference. If you went bankrupt there would be a difference, but in everyday business… debt is debt.
Some of the debt was acquired when we moved from the house to an office and grew the business. Much more was accumulated while in “Survival Mode”. We refused to layoff staff.
Annmarie and I have similar conversations. We too plan to develop, but we are no longer willing to use debt to do that. Our plan is to build our business back to where it was before the Economy Storm of the Century took down much of what we built. Then pay off the debt we incurred while in “Survival Mode”. Our development work will start with baby steps. We’ll start with a project that we can fund ourselves and work our way up to the projects of our dreams. It will most certainly happen, but yes, it’s going to take much longer than if we used debt.
Stay tuned… I think Monday’s post is going to be about my Zero Debt philosophy.
BTW: As you may have notice, I love to share. Questions are never a problem.
Awesome and thought provoking answer Mark. Thanks.
Its my pleasure. Thanks for the comments Enoch.
Great story!! Very inspiring…I too had a similar moment 11 years ago when I decided to launch our business. Looking back I am so happy I listened to my instincts an followed my dream – today we are still in business and are design/building custom homes. It is hard and scary every day but I would not change a thing since “like Mark says” I also like controlling my own destiny…you can read my story at http://www.hotmommasproject.org/caseview.aspx?id=701
Thanks for sharing Francisca.
Mark,
I don’t see myself going back to work at another firm. I enjoy the freedom of having flexibility in my schedule. That said, I do miss having a regular paycheck. I’d prefer to build something and continue to do consulting for others as well as this economy improves and the industry emerges from this long dark winter.
Neal
Yes. There are most certainly tradeoffs… but I think they are worth the sacrifice. My goal is to find a way to follow our passion AND be profitable.
Mark,
This was my first read on your website, and as a recent graduate of Ball State University’s Architecture school, I’m extremely inspired. I now have the fortune of making my next step toward licensure a Masters program at Georgia Tech. However, being from Michigan, going to school in Indiana, and next Georgia, do you have any advice for those recent grads who aren’t sure whether to work versus go right into school? Mentioning the precious comments about debt, student loan debt is being acquired by more and more of our graduates every year. What’s your advice for these students who, like myself, just want to go to graduate school yet may not realize the amount of debt that it’s going to create?
I think the job market has remained quite the same as when you were first graduating, but the mindset of our graduates has changed. It seems most are sending resumes out to all parts of the country and will go wherever the job takes them (hopefully in one of the “best cities for young professionals”). Anyway, I think that mindset is also inspiring that people are willing to travel.
Thanks,
Lauren
Lauren: Thanks for participating and for posting your comment.
I do feel it is important that new grads are willing to go where the work is. The nation’s economy is slowly recovering, but entry level positions are still very limited throughout most of the States.
Graduate school is a very personal question. In my opinion, extending your education through grad school should be done only as a endeavor to broaden your own personal knowledge base. I don’t know whether a MArch degree is any more valuable than a BArch when searching for entry level employment.
Debt too is a very personal decision… and not one that should be taken lightly. Carrying the load of a student loan can alter your financial stability for many years to come. I would ask yourself, “What am I seeking to accomplish by continuing on to grad school?” Others may have different thoughts, but I don’t think the numbers work out in your favor when looking at grad school as an investment in your financial future.
Keep us posted on your decision…
I wish you the best.
Hi,
I have just read your story and its inspired me when almost i had lost hope. My story is… Basically from a young age i have been wanting to be involved in designing, its my passion. Now am mature and architecture and graphics design is my two main strengths. I failed my last year in University and therefore have no degree and had lost hope but now after reading this, i want to fulfil my dream and launch my own company, i have worked with a few people on projects on a freelance basis but i dont know how i will attract further more people than i already have, i want to make it professional and i know you need to be a registered and licenced but i dont want that to stop me from becoming what i want to be.
Thanks for sharing Mohammed. I am glad that my writing has inspired you to proceed with your dream. I wish you the very best.
Hi Mark
You are doing a great job by sharing your thoughts through entrarchitect.com. While reading this particular post, I felt as it is some thing similar to my story, to what I think, what I believe. I have just finished my B.Arch and yes one the most beautiful things happened to me during my studies, I met and fell in love with Jalaj. We have decided to get married soon and for our bright future we have started planning to start our own firm. And truly speaking, success to me is contentment (like you wrote in of your posts). I want to enjoy all the luxuries of life (from our own money) with Jalaj and my family. And for those luxuries we will have to work hard.
Your post was very inspiring and it encouraged me to go ahead with my dreams.
And also I need some advice from you Mark. Like you said during your job experience you learnt a lot, so is it preferable to gain some experience prior to launching your own firm/start up. Is it okay to start afresh ?
Thanks
Thanks alot for sharing your thoughts. I studied architure at National Diploma level. I am a good designer with good architectural skills and exprience. I need your advice on how should I go with entrepreneurship though I did not Bachelors degree in architecture. Thanks for your encouragement
Abubakar:
I recommend starting by reading the Entrepreneur Architect Academy blog post series at EntreArchitect.com/academy.