So you call yourself an Architect too? So many people call themselves architects: the software developer, the campaign manager, the author, the enterprise strategist - so on and so forth. But can we as architects call ourselves doctors, managers or authors? The title just doesn’t seem fitting. So why is it that so many can freely call themselves architects of in their professions? It is because an architect is so much more than a person who designs buildings. An architect is an individual … [Read more...]
Almost 40 Tips for Starting an Architecture Firm
This article was written by architect Timothy Ung of JourneyofanArchitect.com. It is being republished here at EntreArchitect.com with permission from the author. Enjoy! Almost 40 tips for Starting an Architecture Firm After obtaining my license as an Architect in New York, I brainstormed several long term goals and decided to start a personal blog, develop design projects, and learn everything that I could about starting an architecture firm. So I purchased several inspiring books … [Read more...]
What Was I Thinking?
Four Lessons in Telling the Truth
My First Assignment Many years ago, before Annmarie and I started our residential architecture firm, I was a project manager with Kaeyer, Garment & Davidson Architects in Mt. Kisco, New York. I worked very closely with the senior partner at the time, Dick Kaeyer. My first assignment as Project Manager was a major addition and renovation project for a church and facilities in Yorktown Heights. Dick designed the project and I developed it through construction drawings. Then, in order to … [Read more...]
4 Simple Marketing Strategies for Residential Architects
Marketing Strategies for Residential Architects Have you listened to my interview with co-founder of SALA Architects, Dale Mulfinger, FAIA over at EntreArchitect Podcast? It was a fantastic discussion about how SALA was founded and the journey to where Dale finds himself today as a principal at the firm, a teacher and an author of several books published by Taunton Press. If you haven’t yet listened to the episode, you can subscribe to the podcast at iTunes or listen directly from the website … [Read more...]
Culture is Critical for Success at Your Architecture Firm
A Culture at Your Architecture Firm Will Make or Break Your Firm As your small firm grows beyond its infancy of the sole practitioner and you develop a strong team, the culture of your firm will evolve. The different personalities and experiences brought to your firm will mix and a firm culture will develop; with or without your guidance. You are a busy architect seeking your next contract and working hard to complete the current projects on the boards. You just need to get the work done. … [Read more...]
The 21 Rules for
Success in Architecture
The following is a compilation of my professional practice lecture on the last day of class. Instead of recapping the course or giving a final exam, I share with my students a presentation titled Advice as You Finish School and Start to Practice. I present a series of statements followed up with a brief explanation. Advice as You Finish School and Start to Practice... 1. GET STARTED ON YOUR CAREER PATH You can start earning AXP (NCARB Architecture Experience Program) hours right … [Read more...]
Mentoring the Young Architect Will Enrich and Strengthen Our Profession
Mentoring the Young Architect The profession of architecture has historically been dependent upon older architects mentoring younger architects. Due to the complexity of the profession, older architects need to train and mentor our young architects. One of the requirements of becoming a licensed architect is the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) which logs job training under certain tasks which is then signed off by a licensed architect. Aside from just a licensing requirement a … [Read more...]
Every Architecture Project
Has Four Corners
Begin with Intention Effective project execution is associated with successful achievement of design intent, high-quality construction, profitability and efficiency. Effective management indeed rests in part with a project manager’s ability to deliver a quality project on time and within the approved fee. But profitability and efficiency of design and production are not the only markers of successful project completion. Successful project delivery relies on the manager’s understanding of the … [Read more...]
Should Practical Construction Experience be Required for the Registration of Today’s Architect?
I come from a family of auto mechanics and contractors, so repair and construction are in my blood. Before I was registered as a New York State architect, I worked as a carpenter and mason during summers and school breaks. As a child, I would hear my carpenter uncle speak negatively about architects and I wanted to know why, first hand. (…and boy, did I?) One of the topics often debated over at The EntreArchitect Community on Facebook is whether practical construction experience should be … [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...]
The 14 Books Every Future Architect Should Read
Are you looking to get a degree in architecture? Or have you recently graduated and feeling the disassociation from studio life (all about you and your ideas) and starting at the bottom of work life? Once in a while I get questions from people like you asking for advice and recommended reading. After responding to a hopeful architect on Dwell.com I decided to flesh out my answer and include more books. Here is a list for you, broken down into categories. Naturally there is some overlap and … [Read more...]
Sharing Our Love for Architecture with the Next Generation
Sharing Architecture With Kids If you’re anything like me, my guess is that you loved your time in architecture school. What’s not to love? You get to use your talents and develop it with loose abandon, explore your interests and learn all about design and architecture - one of the coolest fields in the world. What’s not to love? I was in my element. Those were the best 5 years of my life. Then I got into the real world, and for 15 years, I was immersed in professional practice. As I … [Read more...]
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