EntreArchitect

FEBRUARY 23, 2016

A Simple Sales System for Small Firm Architects. I send this document by email within days of our meeting. I then prepare a printed proposal package, which includes a firm-branded folder containing a cover letter, our proposal, a list of references, another business card and several project sheets. We hit a wall.

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Small Firm Firms Architect Client 52

EntreArchitect

APRIL 18, 2017

A very close second, as one of the most important financial resources of a professional design firm, is the format of a firm’s Chart of Accounts (CoA). This resource is not given a moment’s thought or concern by the majority of firm principals. And they believe this for a good reason.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Firms Architect Management 52

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

OCTOBER 13, 2013

I recently spoke with Oscia about her business on the podcast and learned how she successfully built her firm from scratch with remote access and digital connections. I believe this model is the future of small firms. Flexibility and Freedom. The future of Fivecat Studio is bright. Do you use the distributed business model?

Small Firm 40

Small Firm Firms Architect Client 40

EntreArchitect

OCTOBER 27, 2013

In order to protect ourselves from a potential future lawsuit, we must retain every document related to the design of every project; every transmittal, every letter and every construction drawing… everything. We cannot predict the future, so we have no choice but to retain any document that may be the one item to prove our innocence.

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Contractor Construction Construction Small Firm 40

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

APRIL 27, 2011

Several years ago, we constructed a new Proposal document that doubles as our Owner / Architect Agreement. It’s 5 pages long and, together with a separate 2 page “Standard Terms and Conditions” document, it includes all the protections of the AIA document… but looks and reads much friendlier.

Contract 40

Contract Small Firm Residential Firms 40

EntreArchitect

JULY 25, 2017

We may have done everything right and find ourselves at the point where, to make this new relationship official, we need a signed legal document. Every project we perform as professionals must be commenced with a signed written agreement, but for small firm architects working with inexperienced clients, this is a critical moment.

Architecture Firm 52

Architecture Firm Firms Development Developer 52

EntreArchitect

MAY 3, 2016

As we move into a new month, we are shifting our focus to a new category of small firm success. ” The engine driving the success of every small firm is our network of operational systems. The engine driving the success of every small firm is our network of operational systems.

Architecture Firm 52

Architecture Firm Firms Developer Development 52

EntreArchitect

MARCH 27, 2018

Every week, throughout the EntreArchitect Community, I hear or read questions from small firm architects struggling to find the success they seek. Each and every repetitive task performed within our firms should be documented and managed using a Standard Operating Procedure. What is the purpose and scope of this document?

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Architect Firms Management 52

EntreArchitect

MAY 10, 2016

We may have done everything right and find ourselves at the point where, to make this new relationship official, we need a signed legal document. Every project we perform as professionals must be commenced with a signed written agreement, but for small firm architects working with inexperienced clients, this is a critical moment.

Architect 52

Architect Contract Small Firm Client 52

EntreArchitect

DECEMBER 10, 2019

Celebrating 7 Years Serving Small Firm Architects. All this month EntreArchitect is celebrating our 7th-anniversary serving small firm architects around the world. Recently we launched our 13th professional peer group at the EntreArchitect Academy Small Group Mastermind. Click here. Click here.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Firms Architecture Firm Management 52

EntreArchitect

JANUARY 9, 2023

They must also include detailed documentation of the expenses incurred during the course of the project, including receipts and invoices. The post Does Your Architecture Firm Qualify for the IRS R&D Tax Credit? appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects.

Architecture Firm 78

Architecture Firm Firms Insurance Architecture 78

EntreArchitect

OCTOBER 5, 2015

One of the keys to success for small firm architects is client satisfaction. With so many roles and responsibilities as a small firm architect, how might we ensure that our clients’ expectations are well managed? Whether you have it documented or not, you most likely follow a routine for each project you deliver.

Management 52

Management Client Clients Small Firm 52

EntreArchitect

MAY 9, 2017

Every week, throughout the EntreArchitect Community, I hear or read questions from small firm architects struggling to find the success they seek. Each and every repetitive task performed within our firms should be documented and managed using a Standard Operating Procedure. What is the purpose and scope of this document?

Architect 52

Architect Small Firm Firms Management 52

EntreArchitect

JANUARY 16, 2018

Reading architectural drawings as a tradesman and executing each detail as documented, reinforced the importance of clear concise construction documents. appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Blend Images.

Construction 52

Construction Construction Architect Small Firm 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. The job of a small firm architect, whether working with residential or small commercial clients, is to lead them through an experience.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Project Architecture Client 52

EntreArchitect

APRIL 1, 2020

You will need to complete the Paycheck Protection Program loan application and submit the application with the required documentation to an approved lender that is available to process your application by June 30, 2020. What other documents will I need to include in my application? Click HERE for the application. .

Insurance 52

Insurance Utilities Architect Contractor 52

EntreArchitect

MARCH 22, 2016

How do small firm architects find more success in architecture by doing less? If you haven’t read the The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It yet, order it today. Review the KRA document with the new team member. Develop a process for performing each role to be delegated.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Architecture Education Firms 52

SW Oregon Architect

JANUARY 9, 2022

The problem is attaining this mastery is presently beyond the reach of most small firms. Small (and medium-sized) offices like mine simply lack the assets large corporate firms have at their disposal.

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Industrial Management Information Contractor 195

EntreArchitect

JUNE 23, 2013

We have seen renewed focus on small firms by the AIA recently, but unfortunately the newly touted report is missing a section specifically directed toward sole proprietors and small firm architects. Just a quick end-note: AIA has made a mistake by charging non-members for this document.

Small Firm 40

Small Firm Architect Firms Architecture 40

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

AUGUST 15, 2017

Your first business plan doesn’t need to be a 100 page document, with financial projections and fully developed marketing strategies. Jim Horan, author of The One Page Business Plan series of books says, “The greatest value in creating a business plan is not the final document. In fact, I recommend that it not be.

Architecture Firm 52

Architecture Firm Firms Architecture Small Firm 52

EntreArchitect

JULY 4, 2021

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. Document those wins and learnings, and what can you do better next time. This will save you hours of your life, don’t do anything twice.

Client 52

Client Clients Small Firm Architect 52

EntreArchitect

JANUARY 11, 2016

Exercises offered to members following the training session allowed us to absorb the strategies and helped prepare systems for our own firms. Rena’s presentation is recorded and her training documents are available to members of EntreArchitect Academy. We’ll use this document to allocate our resources each month.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Finances Firms Insurance 52

EntreArchitect

APRIL 19, 2016

Develop systems and document standardized processes. Document each step and develop a clear, concise system to describe the process from beginning to end. Review the solution implemented and continue to make small incremental changes. A culture of continual improvement will not only make your firm stronger and more prosperous.

Firms 52

Firms Small Firm Developer Development 52

EntreArchitect

MARCH 3, 2013

Ken leads the team developing AIA Contract Documents; the most respected collection of agreements for the construction industry. There are many options for agreements, but Ken and his team are working hard to keep our firms protected and our projects running smoothly with tools and resources from the AIA. – Mark.

Contract 52

Contract Architect Architecture Small Firm 52

EntreArchitect

APRIL 11, 2021

Articles published here cover topics relevant to business, leadership, and living a purpose-filled, integrated life as a small firm architect. The post EntreArchitect Blog Update & Call for Contributions appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. My Background and Experience.

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Small Firm Firms Management Architecture Firm 52

EntreArchitect

DECEMBER 15, 2014

This past Friday, December 12th was the second anniversary of relaunching Entrepreneur Architect as a resource to inspire small firm architects to build better businesses. Throughout the past 24 months, I have shared most everything I know about running a small firm architecture studio. I have held nothing back.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Architect Firms Sketching 52

EntreArchitect

NOVEMBER 25, 2012

Reading architectural drawings as a tradesman and executing each detail as documented, reinforced the importance of clear concise construction documents. Division: Practical Construction Experience appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. photo credit: justinbaeder via photopin cc.

Construction 52

Construction Construction Small Firm Utilities 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

APRIL 18, 2021

This can typically be conveyed in one single-page document – either as a narrative or through drawings – and typically takes less than 10 minutes to coordinate with the architect, but it sets the stage for the entire project and virtually every design decision we make moving forward.

Engineering 52

Engineering Engineering Architect Civil Engineering 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

MAY 5, 2015

It organizes my personal life, life at my architecture firm Fivecat Studio and here at EntreArchitect. Together with my Fujitsu ScanSnap Scanner , Evernote now stores all my most important documents. Documents do not need to be written in native Evernote note format. I save most of my documents as PDFs. It works well.

Management 40

Management Project Architecture Small Firm 40

EntreArchitect

SEPTEMBER 8, 2013

For years, our systems at Fivecat Studio have included developing our construction documents to a level where every possible question was answered. Documents developed to such minute detail require hundreds of hours to complete. As an architect, I want fully developed drawings. photo credit: Tracy O via photopin cc.

Architect 52

Architect Client Clients Firms 52

EntreArchitect

JULY 5, 2015

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. That’s an easy transition. Setting up a paperless filing system is simple.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Firms Client Clients 52

EntreArchitect

NOVEMBER 7, 2017

We spend months preparing a design, working our way through three levels of increasingly detailed development and documenting exactly how a structure is to be constructed. It is our responsibility, as licensed professionals, to observe the construction of our designs and ensure that they are built as documented.

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Construction Construction Project Client 52