5 ways in which architecture students can start as entrepreneurs
A professor in my last semester of the university made a point that resonated with me: why does a field of study that teaches students to visualize and create in such a subjective way generate graduates who see their professional career in such an objective way?
I think there must be a fundamental change in the mindset of architectural students. We need to ask, how can I monetize this set of skills, instead of where can I wait at the tables until a company hires me?
Why wait hat in hand for job interviews? Here are 5 ways you can capitalize your arsenal of valuable skills and earn a couple of dollars now!
- 1 - Create a
When I worked as a draftsman for a residential construction company that specialized in renovations / remodeling, I noticed that we were spending too much of the editorial budget trying to sell elevations and 2D plans to the owners.
The reason is that most of the clients are not architecturally trained and can not be visualized in 2D. Customers want you to show them the solutions they see on sites like Pinterest, Houzz and programs like Property Brothers.
Therefore, I created an independent service that was aimed at developers and residential construction companies. This is how it worked: at the first meeting, I would meet with the client to discuss his design ideas and obtain relevant working documents.
At the second meeting, I would show them 12 different views of the basic mass models and would agree on any number they were willing to pay. We would set the rate, sign the contract and move on. After the second meeting, I would send progress photos with questions and alter the designs based on their comments until we reach a final agreement.
How can you start?
Use your portfolio as your advertising tool. I would suggest setting up a small WordPress portfolio site and announcing your service through social media platforms. Check out this post on how to set up a WordPress site for architects.
- 2 - Set up a residential drawing service
It is likely that different states or provinces have different requirements to present permit plans, but there is always a need for qualified people to produce drawings for DIY projects. Most construction departments require more than a "napkin" sketch in 2015, so your CAD skills can be a big help. As for payment, you can set an hourly rate or charge for work. Personally, I always charge for work.
How can you start?
Advertise your services on sites like Kijiji or Craigslist and you will be surprised how quickly they contact you.
- 3 - Start a "How to make a blog" that offers tips
Did you just pass the LEED AP BD + C exam? Are you an expert in AutoCad, Sketchup or Photoshop? What can you really do well that you can put in writing to help others?
Blogs are a longer way to generate regular income, but there are people who make money simply by sharing their skills online. To obtain information about the monetization of your blog, visit this link.
How can you start?
A case study that should inspire you, is Pat Flynn. Pat was a working captain at an architecture firm until 2008 when he lost his job as a result of the recession. He started with a simple blog that shared his study tips for the LEED AP exam and earned more than 5 times his previous salary in his first year. The key point is that it started as a blog of exchange of suggestions to make things easier for others and grow beyond what I could have imagined. For more information, visit this blog.
- 4 - Create your own YouTube channel
If you're like me, every time you have a problem with AutoCAD or Revit, you get YouTube the solution. More often than not, the solution is there. Why? Because someone else has had that problem, and someone else has solved that problem.
Yes, you are not the first person to do this. But who cares? If you are good at a particular program and communicate the solution well, your services may be in high demand. Visit the video blog of Eric Reinholdt to see a great example of how to offer advice to users on a video platform.
- 5 - Use independent work platforms
Why not take advantage of the platforms that were created for people like you? There are too many large platforms available online for independent work that can be listed, but I will describe 2 with which I am familiar:
GreenLancer
A new company based in Detroit that hires people with training in architecture and engineering to create solar design documents through correspondence. Your hourly wage is dictated by your experience. For more information, visit GreenLancer.