If you are working in the field of architecture and interior design you already know how hard it can be to find new clients, to be creative and to stay up to date with ideas, materials, websites, social media, laws ecc. But maybe there’s something that could help you to optimize your work flows! Intended to help architects starting their own business this book could also answer some important questions for professional architects and maybe you can find some ideas in our this week’s book recommendation:
Part narrative, part business book
Architect and Entrepreneur: A Field Guide to Building, Branding, and Marketing Your Startup Design Business
is filled with contemporary, relevant, fresh tips and advice!
Award-winning architect, Eric Reinholdt has built his design practice, 30X40 Design Workshop using the strategies outlined in this book. He has successfully transitioned from an employee to architect entrepreneur and continues to refine his brand message, help other architects build their independent practice and serve his clients all from a Longhouse he designed for his family on Mount Desert Island in Maine.
Embarking on a new business venture is intimidating; you have questions. But many of the resources available to help entrepreneur architects and interior designers start their design business lack timeliness and relevance. Most are geared toward building colossal firms like SOM and Gensler using outdated methods and old business models. If you’re an individual or small team contemplating starting a design business, this is your field guide; crafted to inspire action.
Using the lean startup methodology to create a minimum viable product, the handbook encourages successive small wins that support a broader vision enabling one to, “think big, start small, and learn fast.” It’s a unique take on design practice viewed through the lens of entrepreneurship and is designed to answer the questions all new business owners face, from the rote to the existential.
12 Things you Will Learn from this Book:
The book is structured into 12 separate chapters, each packed with useful, hands-on information on how to start a design firm. The following list summarizes the key things you will learn from the book:
- How to foster an entrepreneurial mindset and prepare to start your business while still keeping your day job.
- How to choose the business model that’s right for your design business.
- Tools and ideas to define the brand and “story” of your start-up.
- How to define your USP and set up a marketing strategy for it.
- How to use online Email marketing, social media and SEO to market your business.
- What to have in mind when getting hired by clients and how to communicate effectively with them.
- How to structure your contracts and fees to get paid what you are worth.
- Basic principles of finance and taxes you will need to consider when starting your design firm.
- The essentials you will need to outfit your dream studio.
- An in-depth breakdown of your total start-up cost.
- How to implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to work the most efficiently.
- What software you should use in order to produce your best work.
Building a business isn’t a singular act; it’s a series of small steps. Using the outline found in Architect + Entrepreneur you can start today. The chapters are organized to guide you from idea to action. Rather than write a business plan you’ll be challenged to craft a brand and you’ll sell it using new technologies. Follow the guide sequentially and you’ll have both the tools and a profitable small business.
There’s also a second volume available!
Images: amazon.com, archipreneur, te ara
