EntreArchitect

APRIL 6, 2015

The personal emotion, attachment and dedication that each project receives is unequaled in any other profession.The time and effort required to properly develop a design and complete a thorough set of construction documents is difficult for most anyone outside the profession to understand. Forget about profit. We deserve to earn more.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Firms Architect Client 52

EntreArchitect

MAY 26, 2014

We’re spending only what needs to be spent to build a stronger firm… and much sacrifice remains. Small Firm Architects Are Saying Good Bye to the AIA. I do hope that as the organization evolves, executes the Repositioning initiative and that more focus is directed toward the small firm architect. AIA KnowledgeNet.

Small Firm 40

Small Firm Firms Architect Contract 40

Archmark

MAY 13, 2022

Set Up and Use Your Linkedin Profile to Find, Attract, and Connect with Your Ideal Architecture Firm Clients Archmark's Definitive Architecture Firm Marketing Guide to Perfecting Your Linkedin Profile. Have your clients or prospects ever made any of the following statements?: “We Sorry, but it’s true.

Client 52

Client Clients Architecture Firm Firms 52

EntreArchitect

JULY 28, 2014

We recently recommended one of our consultants to a client. Our client was happy and we were looking good. To wrap things up, the consultant said they would prepare a report to document their findings. To wrap things up, the consultant said they would prepare a report to document their findings. I called to follow up.

Client 40

Client Clients Consulting Small Firm 40

EntreArchitect

JULY 25, 2017

. It may be the most critical step in the entire process of acquiring a new architecture client. We may have perfected our marketing, developed a strong reputation, executed a flawless sales process and have received our prospective client’s eager authorization to proceed with a new project. It’s your agreement… with your client.

Architecture Firm 52

Architecture Firm Firms Development Developer 52

EntreArchitect

OCTOBER 13, 2013

We had no clients, little money and were filled with confidence. In 2003, with many accolades and a determination to take our firm to the next level, we moved out of the darkness of the basement and into a light-filled 2,000 square foot office space in Pleasantville. We are blessed with many fabulous clients.

Small Firm 40

Small Firm Firms Architect Client 40

EntreArchitect

OCTOBER 5, 2015

One of the keys to success for small firm architects is client satisfaction. Keep the client happy throughout the project and that happy client will lead you to more happy clients. Our clients don’t like surprises. Remember that your client most likely has no experience with the architectural process.

Management 52

Management Client Clients Small Firm 52

EntreArchitect

APRIL 6, 2014

From the point of view of our clients, great architecture is where we start. So, yes, great design is important, but it’s not what’s going to keep our clients happy? The first step, before you ever put your pen to sketch paper, is to know what your client is looking for. We’re in the Client Happiness Business.

Client 52

Client Clients Sketching Small Firm 52

EntreArchitect

JANUARY 2, 2022

The first AIA Contract Documents (ACD) of their kind, ACD’s new Custom Residential Documents streamline the contractual process for architects by tailoring them for the distinctive requirements of the custom residential construction market. The latest documents have already been vetted for custom residential and will need fewer edits.

Contractor 59

Contractor Residential Contract Schematic Design 59

EntreArchitect

MAY 3, 2016

As we move into a new month, we are shifting our focus to a new category of small firm success. All throughout the month of May, we will be diving deep into the subject of Client Fulfillment. How do we best serve our clients? How do we manage expectations and keep our clients happy?

Architecture Firm 52

Architecture Firm Firms Development Developer 52

EntreArchitect

MAY 10, 2016

It may be the most critical step in the entire process of acquiring a new architecture client. We may have perfected our marketing, developed a strong reputation, executed a flawless sales process and have received our prospective client’s eager authorization to proceed with a new project. We need a contract. It’s your proposal.

Architect 52

Architect Contract Small Firm Client 52

EntreArchitect

MARCH 10, 2013

” When one of my residential architecture clients finally reaches out and calls Fivecat Studio , these are some of the thoughts they may start with. Most of our clients are first time builders. You’re in the Client Happiness Business. .” “If I start now, I’ll be living in it by summer.”

Client 52

Client Clients Architect Management 52

EntreArchitect

OCTOBER 20, 2013

Our job as small firm architects is not only to design great buildings or to prepare construction documents, which become the legal contract between owner and contractor. Our clients have big dreams, little idea of how to achieve their goals and often carry unrealistic expectations regarding schedule and budget.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Project Architecture Client 52

EntreArchitect

JULY 4, 2021

Scaling is about serving more clients, earning more money, but without having to necessarily become the big machine. Drawings, written documents were a given, but then when I was introduced to systems, to my CRM (Customer Relationship Manager) I met the concept of “canned emails”, mind blown. It’s all about efficiency. Collaboration.

Client 52

Client Clients Small Firm Architect 52

EntreArchitect

AUGUST 15, 2017

I just need to tack up my shingle, design great buildings and clients will come knocking. Maybe… but whether clients come knocking or not, its not so simple to keep them knocking. Your first business plan doesn’t need to be a 100 page document, with financial projections and fully developed marketing strategies. The solution?

Architecture Firm 52

Architecture Firm Firms Architecture Small Firm 52

EntreArchitect

NOVEMBER 7, 2017

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.

Construction 52

Construction Construction Project Client 52

EntreArchitect

APRIL 18, 2021

We both have extremely important functions in the design process, and it is in our clients’ best interest that we collaborate in the most effective way to deliver the best product possible. Let’s start the conversation about design team partnerships so that we can enhance our deliverables for our clients. We all benefit from that.

Engineering 52

Engineering Engineering Architect Civil Engineering 52

EntreArchitect

JUNE 21, 2018

This client is the older brother of a childhood (and current) friend. Withheld at clients request. We are a husband and wife design firm (architect husband, interiors wife). With clients? We are looking at Basecamp right now at the request of another client. Photographer Instagram Account. mcweeneyphoto.

Permits 52

Permits Architecture Client Clients 52

EntreArchitect

DECEMBER 26, 2017

The time and effort required to properly develop a design and complete a thorough set of construction documents is difficult for most anyone outside the profession to understand. Most sole practitioners and small firms I know struggle to meet the minimum requirements of operation. Forget about profit. Additional Services.

Architect 52

Architect Client Clients Insurance 52

EntreArchitect

JANUARY 5, 2016

The all-new EntreArchitect is built exclusively for you; the small firm entrepreneur architect. We’ve developed a comprehensive content calendar for the entire year, which will allow us to systematically improve our firms, step by step. I’m sure you are noticing a few changes around here. Welcome to the All-New EntreArchitect.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Finances Firms Management 52

EntreArchitect

FEBRUARY 12, 2019

One platform may be your personal favorite over the many others, but are your prospective clients enjoying their time on that same platform? Where are our clients making the decisions that lead them to hire us? Most residential clients collect “wish list” images before they ever come to us for architectural services.

Client 52

Client Clients Development Developer 52

EntreArchitect

SEPTEMBER 8, 2013

Very often, as creative people, we feel guilty about charging our clients for the work we perform. To make matters worse, there are times when clients are late to pay or question the bill and the fee is reduced to avoid the potential conflict. Documents developed to such minute detail require hundreds of hours to complete.

Architect 52

Architect Client Clients Firms 52

EntreArchitect

SEPTEMBER 4, 2018

For years architects have been looking for ways to justify their fees and hourly rates to their clients. We need to take the time to understand our clients’ needs and concerns and then educate them about the value-added aspects of our service. Their EXPECTATION is for their professional consultants to be technically competent.

Architect 52

Architect Client Clients Consulting 52

EntreArchitect

DECEMBER 19, 2017

One platform may be your personal favorite over the many others, but are your prospective clients enjoying their time on that same platform? Where are our clients making the decisions that lead them to hire us? Most residential clients collect “wish list” images before they ever come to us for architectural services.

Client 52

Client Clients Small Firm Management 52

EntreArchitect

APRIL 29, 2011

The topic was “alternative agreements” What I learned during that interactive meeting was that for some projects, selecting one of the many legal documents available from our national professional organizations an appropriate way to protect both the architect and the owner when entering an agreement for architectural services.

Contract 40

Contract Architecture Insurance Client 40

EntreArchitect

JANUARY 23, 2018

Successful project delivery relies on the manager’s understanding of the constraints and goals of the project, both those of the firm and those of the client. At project kick-off, identify your client’s priorities. Crafting a clear scope of work is a useful way to communicate to your client your ability to work collaboratively.

Project 52

Project Estimating Architecture Client 52

EntreArchitect

JUNE 3, 2015

If you are a licensed architect creating architectural documents for your projects, you might want to listen to that podcast and read this article. It just might save your projects, your firm and your livelihood. It may simultaneously help your client to obtain a better house and assist the contractor in doing a better job.

Residential 52

Residential Architecture Contractor Client 52

EntreArchitect

MARCH 31, 2013

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. I tell them, for us, that is not an option.

Construction 52

Construction Construction Client Clients 52

EntreArchitect

OCTOBER 31, 2021

My experience is a huge departure from how most people move through architecture, and how it is practiced in most US firms. I never learned how to detail or assemble a construction document set according to US standards. They have a series of programs in place to help American companies find international clients.

Architecture 52

Architecture Government Firms Client 52

EntreArchitect

APRIL 27, 2015

As small firm architects, we are all working so hard to get everything done. Between the many hours we dedicate to building our firms and the time we spend building strong relationships at home, there are not many minutes left to do anything else. Prepare formal letters for important documentation.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Management Firms Mining 52

EntreArchitect

MARCH 1, 2012

We recently recommended one of our consultants to a client. Our client was happy and we were looking good. To wrap things up, the consultant said they would prepare a report to document their findings. To wrap things up, the consultant said they would prepare a report to document their findings. I called to follow up.

Consulting 40

Consulting Client Clients Small Firm 40

EntreArchitect

JULY 5, 2015

The phone gets quiet and current clients have their priorities pulled in other directions. Shifting file storage for new documents is simple. Any documents generated internally are saved and stored on Dropbox or in Evernote. Mail, deliveries and client furnished documentation often finds its way to stacked piles on my worktable.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Firms Client Clients 52

EntreArchitect

AUGUST 30, 2016

This month, the #ArchiTalks topic is “Back to School”, so I am encouraging my fellow small firm architects to go back to school themselves and learn what they need to know to find the work they want and live a life they’ll love. As small firm architects, how do we get noticed by those prospects? Back to School.

Architect 52

Architect Small Firm Firms Information 52

EntreArchitect

DECEMBER 20, 2016

Whether it’s managing email from my many accounts, or preparing CAD documents for our next construction project, or updating our business systems in Evernote. Fivecat Studio was started in 1999 with no clients and no money. It was our early adoption of the web and digital tools that gave us the advantage over more established firms.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Client Clients Technology 52

EntreArchitect

MARCH 3, 2010

I did not endorse the original document distributed last month, but the changes released today have improved the document enough to where I am comfortable supporting its basic premise. I do not support the entire document. As a small business owner, my top concerns are over-regulation and over-taxation. Take risks.

Architect 40

Architect Regulation Small Firm Client 40

EntreArchitect

DECEMBER 16, 2012

The personal emotion, attachment and dedication that each project receives is unequaled in any other profession.The time and effort required to properly develop a design and complete a thorough set of construction documents is difficult for most anyone outside the profession to understand. Forget about profit. We deserve to earn more.

Architect 52

Architect Client Clients Insurance 52

Life of an Architect

JULY 19, 2014

A while back I wrote a post titled “ Architectural Interns ” where I stated: Other than slowing things down, interns aren’t very useful in small firms because we run fast and lean.

Architecture 101

Architecture Small Firm Firms Students 101