One of the most popular topics discussed throughout the EntreArchitect Community is the role of the architect during the construction phase. I am often surprised by the number of firms providing architectural design services and forfeiting the final phase of the process, Construction Administration. Here is a recent comment from the group; “I need to get better at selling my clients on construction administration. Most think they do not need it and refuse it when offered. I had a recent … [Read more...]
You Already Know How To Be Successful in Architecture
You already know how to be successful. You’ve read all the books. You follow the blogs. You listen to the podcasts. You are subscribed to all the most informative and inspirational newsletters. You have the information. You know how to succeed. So, why are you not crushing it? Why are you struggling to pay the bills each month? Why are you not spending more time doing the things you love doing? The formula to business success is simple. I’ve been writing about it for years. How To … [Read more...]
Maybe You Should Just Q.U.I.T.
I decided to become an architect when I was 10 years old. I made the decision and never looked back. Another career was never even considered. Every step to become a licensed architect was calculated and scheduled for the result that has become my reality. I have always looked at this as a gift. I never needed to worry about my future. Not once did I doubt what I might do with my life. High school courses were selected specific to my inevitable destination. The shortlist for colleges was … [Read more...]
4 Steps to Higher Productivity as a Small Firm Architect
Finding The Time To Be An Architect A little past 6AM, tunes from the local radio station wake me from a very deep slumber. (I set the alarm to 6:14, so I hear music rather than the daily 'bad news" report. I am very serious about my “full media blackout“.) After making the family breakfast and keeping the kids focused on meeting the morning deadlines, I hustle the kids off to the bus stop. I work very hard to keep balance in my life. I’m a "scout dad", a "swim dad" and a "row dad". I … [Read more...]
Which Business Type is Best for An Architecture Firm?
My firm, Fivecat Studio, was founded in 1999. Annmarie and I were 29 years old. She was licensed. I was not. With no clients and no money, we launched the firm as a sole proprietorship; Annmarie McCarthy, Architect. Slowly, we grew the firm and in 2002, with my license in hand, we incorporated as McCarthy LePage Architects, PC. We knew from day one that we needed a way to differentiate ourselves from the many other local firms. McCarthy LePage Architects sounds very professional, but we do … [Read more...]
Getting It All Done
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. And those are only the hats for my architecture firm. It can be very stressful. At times, it’s overwhelming. I have the same number of hours each day as everyone else. How does one get it all done? ...our … [Read more...]
Two Perspectives You Need to Launch a New Business as a Small Firm Architect
I recently reached a very big milestone. About eighteen months ago I dropped my daughter off for her first full day with her childminder (home-based daycare for non-Brits.) She was six months old and I was filled with those new parent anticipations: nervous, desolate, excited, hopeful. Not only was it a big day as a parent, it marked the beginning of a new journey in my career. I was starting my new business to support unconventional designers craft their career paths and create businesses … [Read more...]
Only Do What Only You Can Do
“Only do what only you can do” – Paul Sloane This quote from Paul Sloane (author of several books about ‘lateral thinking’) has been the most provocative and impactful lesson I have had to learn in my professional career. “Get the monkeys off your back” (perhaps taken from a quote by Anne Lamott) ranks a very close second, related to the same subject, ‘managing your own time’. Become a Master of Managing Your Own Time Since the only commodity we, as design professionals, have to ‘sell’ is … [Read more...]
Do Small Firm Architects Need Professional Liability Insurance?
Professional Liability Insurance for Architects Perfection is Impossible Architects are inherently burdened with risk and liability for the services we provide. As licensed professionals we are legally responsible for the health, safety and welfare of the people using the structures we design. We practice under legal contracts requiring us to meet very high standards and provide services putting us at risk. We make thousands of decisions during the development of a typical architectural … [Read more...]
Putting First Things First for Balance & Prosperity
How To Get To The Business of Your Business In a recent conversation with a professional colleague who is a small firm practitioner (3 people total), he expressed his frustration with not being able to get to the ‘business of his business’. The demands of clients and project activities, plus other daily priorities leaves precious little time to do what he realizes is necessary to sustain his firm financially, from a management perspective. This young architect loves to spend the time … [Read more...]
How To Sell As An Architect
7 Sales Mistakes Keeping You From Signing the Projects You Want Are you designing the projects you want? Are the projects you're signing resulting in a profit for your firm? Want to learn how to better sell as an architect? Want to sign more of the projects you want and need? Take a close look at your firm's sales process (if you have any process at all.) Here are 7 mistakes that may be costing your firm critical sales. 1. You don’t tightly target your prospects. When business is slow, … [Read more...]
The Financial Chart of Accounts for Architects
This is a guest post written by Steve L. Wintner, AIA, Emeritus, an architecture management consultant and co-author of the book, Financial Management for Design Professionals: The Path to Profitability. To learn more about Steve, his firm Management Consulting Services or to dive deeper into the subject that Steve is sharing with us here at EntreArchitect, visit his website at ManagementConsultingServices.com. The Financial Management Cycle Effective financial management is a … [Read more...]
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