EntreArchitect

NOVEMBER 20, 2024

Small firm architects, it’s time to redefine how we measure and understand the health of our industry. Today, I’m thrilled to introduce the EntreArchitect Small Firm Business Pulse Survey and Report , a groundbreaking initiative created specifically for small architecture firms like yours.

Small Firm 97

Small Firm Firms Contract Architecture Firm 97

EntreArchitect

AUGUST 12, 2024

In our previous article , we discussed the immense value that offsite retreats can bring to small firm architects. But let’s face it—when you’re running a small firm, both time and financial resources are often in short supply. Keep It Short and Sweet Time is a precious resource for small firm owners.

Small Firm 97

Small Firm Firms Architect Environment 97

EntreArchitect

MARCH 25, 2025

Thats the reality of how most small firm architects treat specificationsand its why this episode of the EntreArchitect Podcast is so important. If youre a small firm architect whos ever struggled with specs (or skipped them altogether), this episode is for you. In every firm. Build relationships. And theyre right.

Small Firm 63

Small Firm Firms Architecture Consulting 63

EntreArchitect

FEBRUARY 7, 2017

Email Management for Architects. 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. That’s more than 16% of my available time.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Management Firms Architect 52

EntreArchitect

APRIL 4, 2023

A Guide for Small Firm Architect Business Owners Using Web-based Automation Tools Social media has become a vital tool for businesses to connect with their audience and establish a strong online presence. Web-based automation tools can help small firm architect business owners streamline the process of posting social media content.

Small Firm 78

Small Firm Firms Architect Clients 78

SW Oregon Architect

FEBRUARY 23, 2025

Can strong management and organizational skills balance out middle-of-the-road design skills? The portfolio is crucial, but firms also consider communication, teamwork, and organizational skills. Those who are strong in project management, client relations, and technical execution can be just as valuable as pure design talents.

Architecture 153

Architecture Firms Architecture Firm Small Firm 153

EntreArchitect

JULY 18, 2017

11 Steps To Better Project Management Systems for Architects. One of the most important of all the tasks we perform as architects is Project Management. If managed poorly, a single project may set our progress back years. If managed well, it can take us to great heights. Manage expectations and keep them informed.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Management Firms Project 52

EntreArchitect

DECEMBER 6, 2024

And, as the industry continues to evolve, so must the systems that manage this knowledge. In a recent conversation with Parsons on the EntreArchitect Podcast, we explored how KAs innovative platform, Synthesis, has been changing the way architecture firms manage their knowledge.

Management 105

Management Architecture Firms Architecture Firm 105

EntreArchitect

MARCH 11, 2025

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the way architects manage information is becoming just as critical as the designs they create. For small firm architects, this approach is a reminder that working closely with contractors from the outset of a project can result in better outcomes for all parties involved.

Architect 70

Architect Small Firm Technology Technology 70

EntreArchitect

JANUARY 19, 2016

Seven years into owning our own small firm, Annmarie and I decided to make some changes. As a small firm architect with no investors, I use my accounting software to prepare two simple financial reports; my balance sheet and my income statement. Balance Sheet (Assets = Liabilities + Shareholders’ Equity).

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Firms Architect Management 52

EntreArchitect

MAY 23, 2017

Find a fully integrated software program that encompasses those big 3 financial reports and all other “goodies” necessary to help your architecture firm prevail. As an added bonus, create an automated ecosystem of accounting and project management tailored to fit your firm’s unique needs. You’re a great architect!

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Firms Architect Management 52

EntreArchitect

FEBRUARY 14, 2021

Simple letters of agreement may define the project description and manage an understanding of how to get paid, but will only be as valuable as the paper that they are printed upon if there is a misunderstanding or a conflict somewhere down the line. 5 Rules For Developing Contract Documents for Small Firm Architects.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Contract Firms Architect 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.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Firms Architecture Architecture Firm 52

EntreArchitect

JANUARY 17, 2017

Missing deadlines or, even worse, not managing the expectations of your client could destroy a working relationship in one meeting. Without being centered and focused, will a firm ever develop the skills required to be “the best”? The fine art of under-promising and over-delivering is a key element in the success of any business.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Firms Architect Clients 52

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.

Insurance 52

Insurance Small Firm Firms Architect 52

SW Oregon Architect

JANUARY 9, 2022

According to McKay, architects can’t be the “traffic controllers” because we typically lack the requisite engineering, construction, and management knowledge. The problem is attaining this mastery is presently beyond the reach of most small firms.

Industrial 218

Industrial Management Information Contractor 218

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.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Firms Architect Developer 52

EntreArchitect

APRIL 18, 2017

I firmly assert that the Timesheet is one of the most important financial resources of a professional design firm; and its most misunderstood and neglected resource. I also assert that the lack of a Time Management Discipline Policy will do more to reduce the profitability of a project than any other factor.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Firms Architect Management 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. His projects often bridge divides—not just between past and present but also between people.

Architecture 105

Architecture Sustainability Innovation Firms 105

EntreArchitect

OCTOBER 5, 2015

One of the keys to success for small firm architects is client satisfaction. Expectation Management is an important practice that must be included in the overall management of every project. Expectation Management is an important practice that must be included in the overall management of every project.

Management 52

Management Clients Client Small Firm 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. So what can we do? Cut your expenses.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Firms Architect Clients 52

EntreArchitect

JULY 25, 2016

For many of us small firm architects, this sounds a bit scary. If scheduled well in advance, communicated well throughout our our firms and project teams, and expectations are well managed before, during and after, shutting down for a week or two is not impossible. How can we just shut down? Automate your Systems.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Firms Architect Management 52

EntreArchitect

APRIL 24, 2018

Simple letters of agreement may define the project description and manage an understanding for how to get paid, but will only be as valuable as the paper that they are printed upon if there is a mis-understanding or a conflict somewhere down the line. 5 Rules For Developing Contract Documents for Small Firm Architects.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Contract Firms Development 52

EntreArchitect

APRIL 12, 2016

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. Question: Have you used an “off-site” retreat to plan and strategize for your small firm? Using an Off-Site Retreat to Build a Better Business.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Firms Development Developer 52

EntreArchitect

APRIL 6, 2015

Most sole proprietors and small firms I know, struggle to meet the minimum requirements of operation. Since we launched our firm in 1999, most every prospective client I meet asks if Fivecat Studio offers construction services. So, in 2007 we stopped saying no and launched our Construction Management Services.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Firms Architect Clients 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.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Firms Architect Management 52

EntreArchitect

JULY 3, 2018

This is the transcript from EntreArchitect Podcast Episode 226, Successful Project Planning for Small Firm Architects. If you don’t know how, learn how by downloading our free course profit for small firm architects today at EntreArchitect.com/freecourse. Start Transcript. LePage: . My name is Mark R.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Firms Project Architect 52

EntreArchitect

AUGUST 8, 2024

The Value of Offsite Retreats for Small Firm Architects As small firm architects, we live in the fast lane. The Importance of Stepping Away If you’re like most small firm architects, you’re deeply immersed in the details of your work. For small firms, this is equally important.

Small Firm 98

Small Firm Firms Innovation Development 98

BD+C

MAY 23, 2013

Current federal contracting laws are harming the livelihood of small architecture firms, costing the government more money by increasing the number of firms competing, while discouraging small firms from entering the market, according to AIA testimony presented today on Capitol Hill.

Contract 98

Contract Architecture Firm Firms Government 98

EntreArchitect

MAY 30, 2021

You’re likely using third-party software solutions for payroll, time tracking, and project management. The post The Seven Most Common Bookkeeping Mistakes Made by Small Firm Architects appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Systems don’t talk to each other.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Firms Architect Architecture Firm 52

EntreArchitect

OCTOBER 17, 2017

As a small firm architect running a virtual studio , I am wearing many hats these days. I currently hold the positions of CEO, COO, CFO, President, Director of Architectural Services, Architect, Project Manager, Office Manager, Book Keeper, Receptionist and Custodian… and that’s just at work.

Small Firm 52

Small Firm Firms Architect Clients 52

EntreArchitect

APRIL 4, 2025

But the process of building a sellable firm will give you freedom, flexibility, and financial strengthwhether you sell or not. Brads Final Thought: Lead from Your Best Self Before we wrapped up the podcast, I asked Brad the one thing small firm architects can do today to build a better business tomorrow. His answer?

Architecture Firm 72

Architecture Firm Firms Building Finances 72

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.

Small Firm 40

Small Firm Firms Architect Contract 40

EntreArchitect

JANUARY 18, 2015

Wintner, AIA, Emeritus , an architecture management consultant and co-author of the book, Financial Management for Design Professionals: The Path to Profitability. Will you be making changes in how you document and manage your time? This week I am very happy to share a guest post written by Steve L.

Management 52

Management Development Developer Firms 52

EntreArchitect

AUGUST 8, 2017

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. Offering architect-led construction management services was no great leap. Contractors build them.”.

Management 52

Management Construction Construction Architect 52

BD+C

OCTOBER 23, 2013

Under the long-delayed "crowdfunding” regulations, small firms could sell shares through online "portals," where thousands of investors could pore over the business plans of small companies and choose promising investments. Architects Building Owner Contractors Designers Engineers Facility Managers'

Real Estate 87

Real Estate Finances Small Firm Regulation 87

EntreArchitect

APRIL 4, 2008

From AIA Soloso: Small firms and their clients can benefit from offering construction management services. The post Architect As Construction Manager appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Download the article here. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required).

Management 40

Management Construction Construction Small Firm 40