Today, I am sharing a few ideas which started in last week’s newsletter (Have you subscribed yet? If not; go here now.)
I’ve been thinking about our mission here at Entrepreneur Architect and how we must become an influential force for change in this profession of ours. We have some very big problems to solve and change is not going to be easy.
So many of us are searching for a better way. We love what we do as architects, but the daily struggle for survival is exhausting. We’ve learned that designing great architecture alone is not enough to succeed as a small firm architect or sole proprietor. We need to do more. We need to know more. We need to risk more and take on more responsibility. We need to change the way we think and the way we present ourselves to the public. We need to be leaders in our profession as well as leaders on the job site.
To be great architects we must not sacrifice our art for profit, but to be successful architects, we must also never sacrifice profit for our art. Success in architecture requires both, art and profit.
Change is never simple and this profession of architecture has seen very little change in the way we practice through many, many generations.
Our Profession Needs a Major Renovation
Its like an old house that has expanded many times through its many years. It wears several additions and modifications from many different sources. There was no plan. No clear understanding of what it should become. It’s experienced some fires, mishaps and natural disasters. Each time repaired with little attention to its original detail. It’s an awkward structure that no longer functions very well.
We may need to tear down the inefficient ugly parts and rebuild anew. We will keep what’s good and discard what’s bad. We will preserve what works and protect what is most beautiful. We may need to take much of it back to its foundation though, and rebuild with more intention and foresight.
We can’t just continue to expand and make small modifications, hoping that our minimal action may someday solve the overwhelming problems facing us. Our house, our profession, needs a major overhaul. It is up to us, as a tribe and individually, to start knocking down some walls.
No Limits. No Restrictions.
With fresh eyes, we must reconsider the profession with no limits or restrictions.
We need to establish better systems for practicing and apply the fundamentals of business before we pursue our passion for design. A successful architecture practice plans its future well, has a clear specific purpose, sets strategic goals and is developed like every other successful small business. Focus first on the foundations of small business and build a profitable, value-driven enterprise. Then pursue your passions. If we focus first on the fundamentals of business, we will then be free to become the architects we are struggling to be.
We need to evaluate our skills as architects and expand the services (and maybe even products) we provide… beyond traditional practice.
We may also consider new ways of practicing. Our skills and talents as architects make us prepared for many positions alternative to architecture. We must allow ourselves permission to reach beyond the design of buildings and explore the possibilities of what an “architect” may become.
The internet offers limitless opportunities for every business. Architecture is no different. Are there new ways of providing services to clients throughout the world… from anywhere in the world? How may we leverage the tools available and the connections that are possible online?
We need to consider all that is possible, as we encourage the impossible.
The Entrepreneur Architect Academy is Coming
The Entrepreneur Architect Academy will be a place of discovery, learning and support for architects. It will be a place where we can learn all we need to be successful architects. A place where we may dream about how things might be. A place where we may experiment with new ideas. A place where we will rebuild the old house and create a magnificent structure of purity, detail, function and design. A place where change will start and spread throughout the profession.
Together with EntreArchitect.com, Entrepreneur Architect Academy will become the platform from which we will inspire the change required for a better, healthier more successful profession.
This is Only the Beginning
I have lots more planned.
We’re starting a revolution here and every one of you are a significant key to its success. Together, we will obtain the power required to be the influential force we need to be and begin to rebuild this old house we call architecture.
Are you ready? If so, spread the word.
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