Advice on starting a business (architecture)

[Treece]

Hello all,

I’m thinking of starting up an architect business in a year or two (Ltd) company and just want some advice and key moves which would help me.

Best way to get work?etc. website or social media or referral.

Things to watch out for and any other advice really which could be given

 

[fisicx]

Best way to get work?etc. website or social media or referral.

All three along with a Google Business Profile and lots and lots of emails, knocking on doors, networking, linkedin, site visits, business lunches and so on. As an unknown you will have to work far harder than established architects in your locality.

 

[Treece]

All three along with a Google Business Profile and lots and lots of emails, knocking on doors, networking, linkedin, site visits, business lunches and so on. As an unknown you will have to work far harder than established architects in your locality.

Thank you, luckily I have a few contacts with developer from previous experience when I was younger in construction so it does help in the likes I get work from them.

What’s a good business profile don’t mind me asking and that’s good to know ! It’s a good insight in how to market towards that and off course I don’t mind putting the work in to build up a locality and off course normally this takes 5+ years

 

[Mark T Jones]

What is your specialism?

I'd guess you've made a few connections along the way? But I old on them, ask for introductions.

 

[fantheflames]

Great advice here already.

I would have to agree that networking would be key - perhaps look at industry events and seminars going to expand your network also? Building relationships, the ones you have and new ones, can lead to referrals, while you build your business.

Perhaps looking at an area you can specialise in based on your experience which can help you stand out with your networking activities and with differentiating your business.

 

[Chris Ashdown]

Simple way , do a search on your speciality and look at the results of your would be competitor's

What are your qualifications as I imagine the institute would be able to give some assistance

Do a check on insurance at the same time, professional liability may be expensive

 

[Mark T Jones]

On the topic of networking, you will find that most major towns run property-specific networking groups - often sponsored by accountants or solicitors.

They don't tend to be well publicised and may be a tad secretive, but a bit of digging will dig some out - once you are in you'll be surprised by how many there are.

 

[Frank the Insurance guy]

Do a check on insurance at the same time, professional liability may be expensive

Insurers would need to be confident that you are suitably qualified and know what you are doing.

If sticking to small residential extensions and the like, it's not as expensive as many would think. However, if you start looking at bigger contracts, anything with fire safety or multi storey premises the premiums will be sky high!

 

[Treece]

What is your specialism?

I'd guess you've made a few connections along the way? But I old on them, ask for introductions.

Hello mark,

Sorry for the delay, just seen the message, I have indeed which comes in handy, I have keep these, this help and they Will give me work in the future

Specialism is residential architect/student and apartment

 

[Treece]

Great advice here already.

I would have to agree that networking would be key - perhaps look at industry events and seminars going to expand your network also? Building relationships, the ones you have and new ones, can lead to referrals, while you build your business.

Perhaps looking at an area you can specialise in based on your experience which can help you stand out with your networking activities and with differentiating your business.

Fantastic advice ! I will look at industry events and seminars which is good networking and relationship building.

I specialise in residential and apartment complex which is good as I know my area of expertise (which is lucky)

 

[Treece]

Insurers would need to be confident that you are suitably qualified and know what you are doing.

If sticking to small residential extensions and the like, it's not as expensive as many would think. However, if you start looking at bigger contracts, anything with fire safety or multi storey premises the premiums will be sky high!

That a very good point to take into account to be honest, lucky I’m fully qualified.

It will only be small residential, retrofit and new development and a few larger development and apartment blocks and I’ll check into insurance is it most likely only public liability or will there be other insurance recommended

 

[WaveJumper]

You say you wish to branch out in a year or two and set up your ltd are you currently working within a practise

 

[Frank the Insurance guy]

larger development and apartment blocks

Expect insurance premiums to reflect these. Few Insurers will quote if you are working on high-rise!

most likely only public liability or will there be other insurance recommended

You will need Professional Indemnity Insurance - this will provide cover if you make an error or mistake in your services. If you are involved in any large developments, your client's are likely to insist on this cover.

 

[businesscon]

Expect insurance premiums to reflect these. Few Insurers will quote if you are working on high-rise!


You will need Professional Indemnity Insurance - this will provide cover if you make an error or mistake in your services. If you are involved in any large developments, your client's are likely to insist on this cover.

Thank you for your helpful advice on Professional Indemnity Insurance. It’s great to know this coverage will protect me from any mistakes in my services, especially as I take on bigger projects like apartment buildings. I appreciate the reminder that clients often require this insurance for larger jobs. Your advice will help me stay properly covered as my business grows. Thanks again for your support!