 |
| Author | Post |
|---|
Father Of Flame
Member
| Joined: | Sun May 21st, 2006 |
| Location: | ARCHITECT, LEED AP, USA |
| Posts: | 178 |
| Exams Taken: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Exams Passed: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Describes Me: | |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Mana: |  |
|
Posted: Wed Sep 24th, 2008 02:49 am |
|
I recently started my firm and I have in mind one type of work _ Corporate office space planning- I have always been good at it and I simply love this kind of work. I have been reaching out for leasing agents and offering work for a very reasonable fee without any luck so far. I offered free space planning till they find the tenant then we move to CDs for $0.90C a square foot. Still no work yet!!! Am I missing something? I show up there in person and try to brief them on the services we provide but nothing yet .
Is this type of work reachable? or leasing agencies contract certain firms to take care of all their work
|
Coach
Member
| Joined: | Tue Mar 4th, 2008 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 5076 |
| Exams Taken: | | | Exams Passed: | | | Describes Me: | Architect |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Mana: |   |
|
Posted: Wed Sep 24th, 2008 03:08 am |
|
| Approach landlords as well.
|
BetterMousetrap
Member
| Joined: | Tue Mar 18th, 2008 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 119 |
| Exams Taken: | | | Exams Passed: | | | Describes Me: | |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Wed Sep 24th, 2008 03:25 am |
|
Companies and agents tend to work over and over again with favorite architects/designers - and the primary factors in this are dependability and knowing what they're getting. So it can be somewhat difficult to break into if you're an "unknown quantity".
To break into this you may need to broaden your range of project types - at least for awhile.
I have a great often-returning client who has a lot of that type of projects. But the first project they hired me for wasn't a space planning project - it was a tiny abatement spec that nobody else wanted to bother with.
So don't limit yourself too much when you're just starting out. Be the jack of all trades at first, and then narrow down into your comfortable niche once you get some clients who have gotten to know you and feel comfortable with you as someone who is easy to work with and with your abilities to deliver a good, complete product on time.Last edited on Wed Sep 24th, 2008 04:39 pm by BetterMousetrap
|
Far Galaxy
Member
| Joined: | Tue Jun 19th, 2007 |
| Location: | Apprx 32.2degrees N Latitude |
| Posts: | 1254 |
| Exams Taken: | | | Exams Passed: | | | Describes Me: | OFFICIAL |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Wed Sep 24th, 2008 05:34 am |
|
Bettermousetrap made good points.
Also, you need to learn how to network and hangout with big dawgs out there.
You need to spend $$ on getting people out for lunch and dinner. The right people, not everyone.
You also need to cut a part of your share to those who are willing to hook you up for work. No body wants to do things for free (except architects )
|
brudgers
Member
| Joined: | Thu Jun 1st, 2006 |
| Location: | The Moment |
| Posts: | 7342 |
| Exams Taken: | | | Exams Passed: | | | Describes Me: | Newly described. |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Wed Sep 24th, 2008 03:08 pm |
|
Father Of Flame wrote: I recently started my firm and I have in mind one type of work _ Corporate office space planning- I have always been good at it and I simply love this kind of work. I have been reaching out for leasing agents and offering work for a very reasonable fee without any luck so far. I offered free space planning till they find the tenant then we move to CDs for $0.90C a square foot. Still no work yet!!! Am I missing something? I show up there in person and try to brief them on the services we provide but nothing yet .
Is this type of work reachable? or leasing agencies contract certain firms to take care of all their work
Some projects will walk in the door.
Some you will chase.
Most have to be mined.
Networking is the only way to get long term mineral rights.
And it is long term.
Many commissions have to be developed over a course of years.
Networking means not dropping people just because you didn't get a project from them yet.
|
architect54
Member
| Joined: | Wed Feb 13th, 2008 |
| Location: | New York, New York USA |
| Posts: | 93 |
| Exams Taken: | | | Exams Passed: | | | Describes Me: | Perserverance! And I wanna be an architect! |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Wed Sep 24th, 2008 04:25 pm |
|
One possibility is your fee might be turning away seasoned customers of design services. They think, "You get what you pay for, so I probably won't get much for such a low fee." There is no wrong in charging a low fee, but it should be 'comparable to the market'. (Whatever that means.)
I guess within a range that says to buyers, "I spent just a little more than that last time. Hmm, a good deal." Without them thinking, "I don't want cheap shotty services that are going to waste too much time coordinating and possibly getting what has to be corrected later." Plus you want to be able to cover your expenses and a reasonable hourly rate for your time. Consider not emphasizing the fee, like you did in the post. Maybe stick with the free space planning, but negotiate a higher fee?
It's a suggestion and I realize some of your contacts may not be 'seasoned customers of design services.' This is a bit of an academic viewpoint, still keep in mind some buyers equate low price with low quality (services).
|
unique1
Member
| Joined: | Mon May 12th, 2008 |
| Location: | Little Rock, Arkansas USA |
| Posts: | 29 |
| Exams Taken: | GS, LF, BD/MM, CD | | Exams Passed: | LF, BD/MM, CD | | Describes Me: | Waited too long |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Wed Sep 24th, 2008 10:38 pm |
|
I agree with what has been said so far. I started out doing residential additions, which led to spec houses, which led to custom houses, which has now led to car dealerships, doctor's offices, strip malls and entire subdivisions. If I can help it, I don't turn down small jobs, especially if the person/contractor/agent is busy or well networked.
Also, 54 was right. don't sell yourself short. I don't know where you're located, but in good 'ol arkansaw tenant finish outs and interior design work can go for a little more than that.
When you do get a job, no matter how small it is, make sure you let everyone know that you did it, i.e. signs, ads, and dropping hints to other potential clients. Too often Architects starve, or barely get by because we haven't been taught how to advertise properly or market ourselves to the public.
Good luck
|
Father Of Flame
Member
| Joined: | Sun May 21st, 2006 |
| Location: | ARCHITECT, LEED AP, USA |
| Posts: | 178 |
| Exams Taken: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Exams Passed: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Describes Me: | |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Thu Sep 25th, 2008 02:18 am |
|
Thank you all for your responses! as I go through your postings, I truly appreciate your feedback because it is very helpful and gave me some important hints. I will adjust the mission and keep going. I will keep you post with the progress.
More thoughts are always appreciated!
|
gleearch
Member
|
Posted: Thu Sep 25th, 2008 05:01 pm |
|
Consider doing consulting work for your old firm or related firms to help tide you over.
This keeps your knowledge current and adds to your project lists.
Consider joining your local chamber of commerce. It seems to work for some.
For other networking opportunities, look local. If you have a HOA, consider becoming a board member. Or try for a position on the local Design Review Board.
Instead of putting yourself out there with low fees, consider providing pro-bono space planning to non-profits. This may help get your name out there. If you are going to work for free, it might help to provide your services to organizations that may need it as opposed to those who can afford it.
If a business is leasing an office space, chances are they have a budget for TI work which includes professional design services.
Plus do you really want a client who is going to cheap out on you? What else will they cut corners on? In a case like that make sure you have a good contract with indemnification language.
Too often in starting out we beat ourselves over the heads that we need to price our services low to get the job.
If we have no respect for the services we offer why do we later expect the client to appreciate it and want to pay for it?
You are offering a skill. If they can do it themselves, they would.
You mention that you have done this before. Have you considered contacting your old clients? Not to poach them from your old firm but to obtain referrals? If the client chooses to go over to you on their own because they remembered the quality service they received, that's another story.
The same applies to the contractors you worked with on previous jobs. Many times they can be important client contacts.
Somebody else noted that potential clients whose projects fall through can sometimes be good sources for future work. I have had inquiries come in from people who were referred to me by a would be client who liked what I had to say but whose project did not move forward.
If a project falls through, move on. You don't have time to bemoan it. Not in this market.
Last edited on Thu Sep 25th, 2008 05:31 pm by gleearch
|
ncarbsucks
Member
| Joined: | Tue Jan 22nd, 2008 |
| Location: | Heartbreak Hill, Massachusetts USA |
| Posts: | 53 |
| Exams Taken: | PD, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Exams Passed: | PD, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP | | Describes Me: | tired of ncarb's S#&T |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Thu Oct 2nd, 2008 04:15 am |
|
sell your attributes that enhance the owners project, not how cheap you can go...unless you want to be known as the guy that dosent mind being pushed to the wall on fee.
I believe in charging hourly with a forecast for how many hours you estimate for each phase...this way they pay for your efforts and nothing more and you dont work for free if you estimated to low.
|
stl-guy
Architect
| Joined: | Mon Jan 16th, 2006 |
| Location: | St. Louis, Missouri USA |
| Posts: | 3532 |
| Exams Taken: | | | Exams Passed: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Describes Me: | Been There, Done that |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Thu Oct 2nd, 2008 04:31 am |
|
Father Of Flame wrote: I recently started my firm and I have in mind one type of work _ Corporate office space planning- I have always been good at it and I simply love this kind of work. I have been reaching out for leasing agents and offering work for a very reasonable fee without any luck so far. I offered free space planning till they find the tenant then we move to CDs for $0.90C a square foot. Still no work yet!!! Am I missing something? I show up there in person and try to brief them on the services we provide but nothing yet .
Is this type of work reachable? or leasing agencies contract certain firms to take care of all their work
This type of work is great if you can get it. It can take years to build relationships. Maybe broaden your horizons some. Some government and institutional work can be very rewarding, challenging and is obtainable even in this uncertain economy.
|
Father Of Flame
Member
| Joined: | Sun May 21st, 2006 |
| Location: | ARCHITECT, LEED AP, USA |
| Posts: | 178 |
| Exams Taken: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Exams Passed: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Describes Me: | |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Thu Oct 2nd, 2008 02:14 pm |
|
I forgot to mention the renderings I do and I really do it quickly. You can check my website http://www.hillsarch.com
I thought about offereing elevations, plans and site renderings starting at $ 150 a small elevation up to $350 for more complex work. Is this a reasonable charge? Please check potfolio and click on the renderings to get a larger view.
This could be a start and will keep pushing for space planning work.
|
brudgers
Member
| Joined: | Thu Jun 1st, 2006 |
| Location: | The Moment |
| Posts: | 7342 |
| Exams Taken: | | | Exams Passed: | | | Describes Me: | Newly described. |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Thu Oct 2nd, 2008 02:26 pm |
|
You might want to speak with your insurance carrier about using statements such as "most economical" and "best use" on your web site.
It may be grounds to hold you to a higher standard of care in a dispute.
|
Father Of Flame
Member
| Joined: | Sun May 21st, 2006 |
| Location: | ARCHITECT, LEED AP, USA |
| Posts: | 178 |
| Exams Taken: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Exams Passed: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Describes Me: | |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Thu Oct 2nd, 2008 02:34 pm |
|
| That is a good point brudgers and I will double check with my insurance carrier. Still I didn't hear your thoughts about the renderings and how much would you pay per rendering?
|
brudgers
Member
| Joined: | Thu Jun 1st, 2006 |
| Location: | The Moment |
| Posts: | 7342 |
| Exams Taken: | | | Exams Passed: | | | Describes Me: | Newly described. |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Thu Oct 2nd, 2008 04:26 pm |
|
| What I'd pay would depend on what I could charge the client.
|
passpls
Member
| Joined: | Thu Dec 8th, 2005 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 16 |
| Exams Taken: | | | Exams Passed: | | | Describes Me: | |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Tue Oct 7th, 2008 05:28 pm |
|
I like this topic and think everyones comments are good for us all attempting to break out on our own. I started my own consultant firm about two years ago, in the first year i had alot of work to keep me busy and to start my separate portfolio. One of my projects from last year is completed and it was very pleasing to see one of my projects built that i got on my own without working for a firm. the second year has been very hard but aside from this.
I would say don't limit yourself to what you like meaning commercial space planning. in the beginning look for many types of work, if you start as a rendering firm that can push you into other types of work. I would also say find one or two architects that own firms and build a repor with them and they may kick some work your way . I got a few projects that way the architect didnt feel comfortable charging a high fee (overhead of large firm) to a friend so he asked if i would do the job knowing i am just getting started and wouldnt have the large overhead (employees). Also go to the city permitting agency and get to know some of them or city planners they always know people who need work done and will refer you. But all this takes time just be patience and keep trying if you have to work odd jobs to keep money rolling do it. but it is worth it to start your own thing... and about the fee for rendering come up with an hourly rate for rendering then also for drafting then decide or let them know how many hours you think it will take to complete the drawings. anywhere between 30.00-60.00 is reasonable to start? some may say 80.00- 100.00 hourly? But it is what you feel comfortable with... hope this helps
|
Current time is 06:45 pm | |
|
|
|
|
