As an architect, if you have decided to start your architecture startup, then you are super brave. Now, you don’t have just one job, but two – you must work as an architect, and also as a businessman.
Making money and saving money for your architecture startup firm are two sides of the same coin. So, while you are making up, you should also be able to ensure that your overhead costs are not making your firm poor. Here are three tips on how to save costs (and make more money) for your architecture startup:
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Start your business from home
As a startup, you will either begin your new architecture business as a one-man show, or you will have a couple of people working for you. You might even partner with someone. No matter what the case, you are still small and growing and can save loads of money by simply working out of a home office. A garage or a room indoors can work as your office; you can meet clients at their workplace if you are limited for space. Once your architecture company grows, you can plan on moving to an office space.
If you don’t have the luxury of owning your own home or if you don’t have available space to set up an office, choose a small, locally-available commercial space. Keep it minimal – you will have time to expand later.
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Protect your business
As an architect and as the owner of a business, you have an obligation to protect your reputation as an architect, as well as your business. But, as with all businesses, things can go awry. Mistakes can be made, damages can occur, and misunderstandings can happen. Any negligence on your part or the part of one of your contractors or employees can lead to serious negative consequences, and you and your firm can be sued. A legal case against you or your firm can even lead to the loss of your assets. Protect yourself and your business by investing in architect professional liability insurance. Check this website for more information about architects’ professional liability insurance.
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Use wise marketing tactics to promote your architecture startup
There was a time when marketing any product was associated with high costs. Today, thanks to the internet, successful marketing do not have to cost a bomb. You can use a combination of traditional and online marketing tactics for advertising your new business.
Create an attractive website. This website will be the face of your company, so ensure it contains all the information you want your potential clients to have access to – the type of work you undertake, your costs, where you source your materials, and so on. You can also add pictures of your previous work, as well as references from satisfied customers.
If you have the know-how on the ins and outs of creating a website, you can do so by all means. But hiring a professional won’t cost much.
Blogging is another great way to let your prospects know that you are a knowledgeable architect. Blogging is a free and easy way to advertise your expertise in the field. It is also a very effective way of letting people know who you are and what you do. It takes less than ten minutes to get started with a blog on WordPress.com.
There are several ways to save costs for your architecture setup. Don’t go overboard with saving costs but -revise know that it does not cost the earth to get your business up and going.
Small Business Trends. 2019. Cut startup costs down. [ONLINE] Available at https://smallbiztrends.com/2013/07/cut-startup-costs-down.html. [Accessed 28 October 2019].
Arch Daily, 2019. How much will it cost to start my own architecture firm? [ONLINE] Available at https://www.archdaily.com/431742/how-much-will-it-cost-to-start-my-own-architecture-firm. [Accessed 28 October 2019].
Biz Insure, 2019. Insurance for an architect. [ONLINE] Available at https://www.bizinsure.com/insurance-for-architect/. [Accessed 28 October 2019].
