EntreArchitect

JANUARY 19, 2016

Seven years into owning our own small firm, Annmarie and I decided to make some changes. During the first two business days every month I prepare my client invoices (receivables), pay my bills (accounts payable), reconcile my bank accounts and credit card statements and review my financial statements.

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Small Firm Firms Architect Management 52

EntreArchitect

JANUARY 17, 2017

There are 3 key strategies required for a successful architecture firm. Then find one thing that clients need and become the very best at that one thing. Missing deadlines or, even worse, not managing the expectations of your client could destroy a working relationship in one meeting. The Power of Being Centered.

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Small Firm Firms Architect Client 52

EntreArchitect

JUNE 14, 2016

As small firm architects, we are responsible for so many different roles and responsibilities. We need to meet with clients, develop and distribute marketing, respond to important email, manage our social media accounts, send invoices, collect payments and so much more. 6 Digital Tools to Automate an Architecture Firm.

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Small Firm Firms Architecture Architecture Firm 52

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. Manage their expectations and you will manage their happiness.

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EntreArchitect

SEPTEMBER 12, 2017

Relative to the other expenses of a small firm, professional liability insurance is down right expensive… until you need it. If our business systems failed and the firm was required to defend itself without a policy, we certainly would have been crushed by the costs involved in such a legal action.

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Insurance Small Firm Firms Architect 52

EntreArchitect

APRIL 24, 2018

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. Make it “client friendly”.

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EntreArchitect

DECEMBER 2, 2024

From grueling all-nighters in architecture school to managing relentless client demands, architects have historically worn their stress as a badge of honor. Through these experiences, Morgan noticed a recurring theme: architects are exceptionally talented but often their own worst enemies when it comes to managing stress.

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EntreArchitect

DECEMBER 16, 2024

Emily brings over 20 years of experience in branding and marketing for architects, helping firms align their identity with their values, culture, and future aspirations. Her insights on naming are practical, thoughtful, and tailor-made for small firm architects like us. Naming isnt just about creativityits about strategy.

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Architecture Firm Firms Small Firm Architecture 66

EntreArchitect

APRIL 6, 2015

Most sole proprietors and small firms I know, struggle to meet the minimum requirements of operation. These are services available to your client, but are NOT included in your basic architectural services. So, in 2007 we stopped saying no and launched our Construction Management Services. Forget about profit.

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Small Firm Firms Architect Client 52

EntreArchitect

OCTOBER 2, 2018

The blog is still one of the most effective tools a small firm architect can use to foster community. Small firm architects are busy people. If not managed properly, writing a post can easily consume most of a work day to complete. Small firm architects often ask me how they can find new projects.

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Small Firm Firms Architect Development 52

EntreArchitect

DECEMBER 18, 2018

During good times and bad, the dangers threatening our firms not only come from outside pressures but literally from inside our heads. Six Ways To Earn More Profit As A Small Firm Architect. Here are six approaches to earning more profit as a small firm architect: 1. Remember, without profit our firms will fail.

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Small Firm Firms Architect Clients 52

EntreArchitect

JULY 25, 2016

Most firms, here in the United States, experience a slow down at the same time every summer. Clients are focused on their own personal schedules and are away on their own vacations. For many of us small firm architects, this sounds a bit scary. Your clients need to know. ” The United States Slows Down Too.

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Small Firm Firms Architect Management 52

EntreArchitect

NOVEMBER 20, 2017

In order to keep my work week productive and manageable, I don’t schedule meetings on Monday. This keeps my day open and my time free to properly manage the remaining days of the work week. This quiet time would clear my mind and prepare me for the “chaos” that is running a small firm architecture studio. Scan Email.

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Small Firm Firms Architect Management 52

EntreArchitect

APRIL 12, 2016

Marica finds inspiration by surrounding herself with creative people, collaborating with her clients, and forging strong working relationships with her contractors. In this article Marica shares her recent experience with building a new team for her small firm and how she is being intentional about the culture in which they work.

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Small Firm Firms Development Developer 52

EntreArchitect

OCTOBER 17, 2017

I’m a “scout dad”, a “swim dad” and a “row dad” I eat dinner with my family every evening (unless I have a conflicting client meeting). As a small firm architect running a virtual studio , I am wearing many hats these days. YOU determine when you meet with clients. It’s impossible.

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Small Firm Firms Architect Clients 52

EntreArchitect

JULY 3, 2018

This is the transcript from EntreArchitect Podcast Episode 226, Successful Project Planning for Small Firm Architects. Do you know how to calculate the exact amount that you need to charge your clients in order to earn 20 percent profit on that project? Listen to this podcast episode or download the audio file here.

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EntreArchitect

MAY 30, 2021

You’re likely using third-party software solutions for payroll, time tracking, and project management. With the right systems in place, such as the Project Summary Spreadsheets I create for my clients, design staff can understand how much time they have to complete certain tasks, and how to schedule work to keep projects profitable.

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EntreArchitect

AUGUST 8, 2024

The Value of Offsite Retreats for Small Firm Architects As small firm architects, we live in the fast lane. Juggling client demands, meeting deadlines, and keeping the business afloat often leave us with little time to catch our breath, let alone think creatively or strategically.

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Small Firm Firms Innovation Development 83

EntreArchitect

MAY 17, 2016

One Step to Better Architecture Project Management. We all work to empathize with our clients. As architects, we try to reduce the overwhelm and stress that our clients experience during a construction project. A few times in our own careers, Annmarie and I have experienced the emotions of our clients first hand.

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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. Manage Their Expectations. Play the Process Like a Game.

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Client Clients Architect Management 52

EntreArchitect

AUGUST 8, 2017

During my interview with a potential client, I answer many questions. Architect-Led Construction Management Services. Today, we invite about 10% of our clients to have their projects be built using our Architect-Led Construction Management Services. Fivecat Studio is a full service firm. How long will it take?

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EntreArchitect

APRIL 4, 2008

From AIA Soloso: Small firms and their clients can benefit from offering construction management services. Clients have a single point of contact throughout the project and potentially reduce delays, project completion time, and nontangible costs such as those associated with change orders.

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Life of an Architect

FEBRUARY 27, 2014

I have almost always worked in small firms – except for that one time when I didn’t, which wasn’t a bad year but it cemented in my mind that my skill set is better suited for a small architectural firm. Here are my Top 5 Reasons to work in a Small Architectural Firm: 1.

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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.

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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.

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Small Firm Firms Architect Contract 40

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 employ one project manager and have a full roster of projects.

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EntreArchitect

JULY 28, 2014

We recently recommended one of our consultants to a client. Our client was happy and we were looking good. The client needed the report to move to the next phase and the consultant lead the client (and us) to believe that they would deliver the report promptly. Our client was NOT happy. I called to follow up.

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EntreArchitect

NOVEMBER 21, 2016

Wintner, AIA, Emeritus , an architecture management consultant and co-author of the book, Financial Management for Design Professionals: The Path to Profitability. Financial Management for Architects & the ‘P2P Format’. You can only manage and improve what can be measured. This is a guest post written by Steve L.

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Management Architect Firms Utilities 52

EntreArchitect

MARCH 24, 2013

For the past twelve weeks, we’ve explored every element required for a successful architecture firm. We started with your Personal Productivity and we’ll wrap it up here with Project Management. One of the most important of all the tasks we perform as architects is Project Management. Listen carefully.

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EntreArchitect

AUGUST 1, 2017

Wintner, AIA, Emeritus , an architecture management consultant and co-author of the book, Financial Management for Design Professionals: The Path to Profitability. A Financial Management System for Architects & the ‘P2P Format’. You can only manage and improve what can be measured. Mattox, FAIA (retired).

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Management Architect Firms Utilities 52

EntreArchitect

NOVEMBER 27, 2024

Whether it’s a mosque designed by Christian architects or a convention center in Northern Nigeria managed by a team from the South, HTL Africa uses architecture to foster understanding and collaboration. Early in his career, he struggled to gain the trust of clients who were skeptical of his unconventional ideas.

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Architecture Sustainability Innovation Firms 102

EntreArchitect

FEBRUARY 6, 2022

Empowering architects to better serve the world with more than 681,000 total downloads in 2021, the EntreArchitect Podcast has grown to serve small firm architects from every corner of the planet. Number 3 with 7,011 downloads is episode 366 with Anna Laman – Attract Ideal Clients Through Better Messaging.

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Small Firm Firms Architecture Firm Consulting 75

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.

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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?

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Architecture Firm Firms Development Developer 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.

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Small Firm Project Architecture Client 52

EntreArchitect

MARCH 28, 2017

I speak with or communicate online with small firm architects almost every day. I want to know with what members of our small firm community are struggling, so that we at EntreArchitect might develop resources to help you build a better business. As with many small firm architects, I struggled with this issue as well.

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Architizer

MAY 7, 2024

Crafting a well-defined business strategy is crucial for the success of any business, architecture firms included, but according to the most recent AIA Business Survey Report in 2022, only 26% of small firms, 40% of medium-sized firms, and 71% of large firms have one written down. So, where do you start?

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