Starting Your Own Firm

At some point in their careers, many architects contemplate the idea of starting their own firm. Yet, only a few of us actually take the leap, and even fewer manage to make it work. There are many understandable reasons for this: family responsibilities, financial risk, or the challenge of building a client base, just to name a few. While I wouldn’t necessarily call myself “successful,” I do count myself among the fortunate few who have managed to launch their own practice. I would like to take this opportunity to share a few insights and recommendations for those considering taking this path.

First, starting your own business requires significant planning and relentless effort. I generally advise against launching a firm right after graduation. Beyond mastering technical design and documentation, it’s essential to learn the basics of business management, marketing, client communication, and project delivery. While your firm might not have the capacity to involve you in every aspect of a project as a junior employee, you can still take the initiative. Volunteer to join site visits, ask technical questions (there is no such thing as a stupid one), study construction documents outside of your assigned tasks, and request to attend client or consultant meetings, even if it means staying late to make up the time. Remember: once you are running your own business, there will be no boss or mentor to turn to. Take every opportunity to learn and grow now, while you still can.

Financial preparation is another critical factor. You will need to build substantial savings before starting your firm because it may take weeks, or even months, before your first invoice gets paid. Keeping your overhead low in the early stages is essential. If possible, try to line up your first commission before leaving your current job. This cushion can make all the difference in weathering the uncertain early days.

One lesson I learned early on is the importance of public speaking. I used to stammer in front of large crowds, so I pushed myself to overcome that fear by signing up for speaking engagements at professional conferences. I even worked with a speech therapist to refine my presentation skills. Improving how you communicate your ideas, especially in client presentations, can dramatically influence your firm’s success. Strong client relationships are just as vital. But being client-focused doesn’t mean saying yes to everything; it means truly understanding their needs and collaborating to develop the right solutions.

Perhaps the most frequently asked question I hear is: How do I find clients? There is no single answer. Truthfully, luck can play a huge part. But there are ways to increase your chances. Start by building a strong, well-curated portfolio. Even while employed, you can find ways to grow your skills and create design work that showcases your ability and perspective.

Marketing is also key, and it’s an ongoing effort. You have to continually promote your work and communicate the value you bring. Thanks to social media and online platforms, self-promotion is more accessible than ever. Don’t be shy about entering design competitions or submitting your work for awards. You never know what kind of visibility/ opportunities you might gain.

Starting your own firm is never easy. It requires vision, persistence, and yes, sometimes a little luck. But with the right preparation and mindset, the rewards can be immense. For me, one of the most fulfilling aspects of launching my own practice was seeing my designs come to life. That feeling of bringing your own vision from paper to reality is indescribable. The chance to do what you love, on your own terms, makes all the challenges worthwhile.

There is no perfect time to take the leap, but if you have been thinking about it, there is no better time to start planning than now.

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