When starting up your architecture practice, you’re motivated by the prospect of being your boss, being in charge of your destiny, and enjoying flexible working.
Because of this, many architecture practices fail or struggle under pressure – but this doesn’t need to happen. With the right planning, funding, and flexibility, your practice has a better chance of succeeding.
Many architecture practices fail or struggle under pressure.
Here is what to avoid to improve your chances of success.
1. You do not understand your value or your time
We are used to university and long hours in practice pulling all-nighters. When in your firm, you’re trying to juggle working so hard on one job, closing the next client, and the outgoing outreach and marketing for the clients after that. It will be low and unsustainable if you’re working long hours for low pay. It is important to manage clients’ expectations whilst also valuing your time and energy.
2. You are speaking to the wrong person
Do you know your clients? Are they the decision maker? Are they the bill payer? And, will they pay in good time for you? If none of these are right, then it’s not going to work for you or the business. If the decision maker isn’t at the table, the information that is passed to you and them is going to be third-hand. it is easy for things to get confusing, and miscommunications can be a project killer.
3. You are not specializing in any sector
It can be tempting at first not to restrict your client base. But if you’re operating as a jack of all trades, masters of none, then each time you work on a different type of project you’re going to be learning. This means you’re spending way too much time on researching, learning, and other non-profit-making activities. The key here is to specialize! Don’t attempt to reinvent the wheel on the first go.
4. Your website isn’t working for you
If you are just starting on your own, you might not have any completed work to show on your website. So, you are just putting up sketches. But how do you attract clients when you haven’t got any examples or completed work? People often make the mistake of saying they’re award-winning this, or that but your clients don’t care, they just want to see your USP, why are you special, and what makes you stand out.
5. You’re not taking time to work on your business
It Is important to take time out to work on things that are important but not urgent, which need to be of priority, and focus on long-term business growth. Marketing takes time and money and you need to be spending a reasonable proportion on it. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket- if someone promises you a steady stream of work, don’t stop advertising or marketing waiting for that steady stream.
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