Starting an architecture firm on Small Business Saturday is a dream of most architects at some point in your career.
When you have an opportunity to go big, you go biggest.
Small Business Saturday comes around only one time per year.
When Small Business Saturday comes around, you can purchase the best office supplies, laptops, and architecture software for a fraction of the normal cost.
What a great time to start your architecture firm…
There are so many things you want to have for your architecture firm on Small Business Saturday.
Here is a short list:
- Desktop Computers (my favorite is the iMac Pro)
All Available on Amazon.com.
The AEC Collection might be the greatest thing for the budding architecture firm.
The AEC Collection contains AutoCAD, Revit, 3DS Max, Civil 3D, and more for one yearly price.
That’s already an incredible deal.
When you factor in the Small Business Saturday architecture discount, you actually can save a huge bundle of money.
Let me explain quickly…
When you get the AEC Collection on Small Business Saturday for architecture, the most optimized result is when you get the Three Year Subscription.
The Three Year Subscription is so important because when you get the longer subscription to the AEC Collection, you can set the price at the Small Business Saturday price for three whole years.
That’s a tremendous discount.
I hope you see what I mean!
There are a few other factors to consider when opening an architecture firm.
In fact, there are many.
You will want to have a website for your firm.
A strong architecture web site might set you back a good $5,000 – $10,000.
That’s not too much money.
Good to know.
You need to factor in the real estate.
When you are a single person firm, you can of course work from your home office.
When you want to have employees, you are recommended to have the office at a central location.
Rather than working remotely…
Working remotely for an architecture firm is not advised.
You need to focus on company culture.
Securing your company includes focusing on ambition.
On dreaming greatly.
The laptops and computers, and office accessories, including tables, chairs, desks, etc., you can all find on Amazon.com.
The architecture software, such as AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D, 3DS Max, AEC Collection, etc., you can all find on Autodesk.com.
Of course, there are a few more important factors to evaluate.
Aside from the real estate, as mentioned above, you will need internet connectivity.
Many buildings you rent from are already wired for high speed internet.
You will need office telephones.
Of course, there is one more thing that you really want to have when you start an architecture firm…
VISION.
You should have a vision for your firm, the direction you want to take your firm, and the kind of projects you want to get hired for.
That’s right…
You’ll be getting projects built.
You’ll also be working for investors that have a lot of money to spend.
How much is the appropriate price to charge?
Generally, you can charge more than you would think.
If someone wants to do a skyscraper, then you can get paid 8 figures.
If someone wants to do a beautiful home, then you can get mid 6 figures.
And sometimes more.
There are a lot of projects that might go for 7 figures as well, including corporate renovations, university renovations, etc.
Renovations are a significant area of growth for architecture firms these days.
Rather than start from scratch, help take a 100 year old library to the contemporary age with some beautiful and aesthetically perfect modern designs.
Starting an architecture firm also requires you to factor in Human Resources.
That means hiring and firing.
Every person in your firm, you will have to hire.
You should be a good arbiter of talent and ambition and loyalty.
Always aim to get the very best.
Period.
Accounting is another area where you might want some professional assistance.
These days, you don’t need a pen and paper and to write down all the transactions.
There is accounting computer software for this type of activity.
In general, you already have whatever you require to start an architectural firm.
What matters most is your drive, your ambition, and your work ethic.
Are you willing to put in 60 hour weeks?
Are you willing to put in a good year’s worth of work before you start making money?
I have heard that the standard in new businesses is that you must work for a year continuously before the money starts to come in.
That’s a lot of work to do!
My final reminder to you is that during Small Business Saturday, you get incredible deals.
Including, incredible deals on the Architecture, Engineering & Construction Collection from Autodesk, the company that lets you buy AutoCAD and Revit.
The question of are you ready for the big leagues is up to you to answer.
You already have everything you require to succeed.
What matters the most is whether you have the “special sauce” that propels some people to success, and others to middling results.
Be on the side of the champions of industry.
Keep in mind that you might be able to become a millionaire.
The choice is yours.
Do great work.
Thrive and excel in all your endeavors.
And this Small Business Saturday, make the decision to start your firm with the purchases (and discounts) you are ready for.
You are as ready as you can be for the moment, regardless.
Thank you.
Why buy AutoCAD? AutoCAD is the #1 CAD software for architects. You can buy AutoCAD at Autodesk.com. Buy AutoCAD any time of year, or during the holiday season when there are great Black Friday and Christmas deals. AutoCAD is made for architects. Alternatives to AutoCAD include Revit, a 3D building modeling software from Autodesk.com, where there are great resources. AutoCAD is a great deal at $1,610 / year. This web site does contain affiliate links. Buy AutoCAD. Buy the Architecture, Engineering & Construction Collection.
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