The 3 Aspects

While Design is the most important aspect of architecture, it is subsidiary to the 3 Aspects in the architectural business.

In order to grow an architectural business you must master complexity through business management, attract work through marketing and sales (business development), and deliver a finished project on time and within budget through project management.

Project Management depends on consistently delivering accurate and timely construction documents.

Business Development depends on a consistent and frequent message reaching your audience of potential customers.

Business management depends on having effective processes for every kind of task.

All three are intertwined and have to be advanced simultaneously to enjoy a smooth path to the ideal firm.

It is a lot of work and will take a few years, but if not now, when?

Starting points: PM - CD checklists; BD - monthly mailings; BM - financial model

Project Management
Developing checklists is the easiest undertaking, you may even have a system in place. Start with Construction Documents. Break down the key tasks into a logical sequence. You can use this Trello template board. Here is the link. If you have a Trello account, you can copy the ‘board’ to your account and edit it to suit your practice. Another option is to visit this post that was a precursor to the Trello project.

Next Steps: Develop checklists for other phases and for every service you provide.

Business Development
Publishing periodic mailings is a marketing tactic that is within everyone’s capabilities and budget. Assemble an email list of prospective clients/past clients/trusted supporters; send an image and a brief description every other week or so. Over time your audience will feel a connection to you because of the knowledge you have shared with them. Visit this post to learn more about implementing this idea.

Next Steps: Develop a capability that you want to be known for. Something that appeals to the clients you like to work for. Use your mailings to explain what you are doing and demonstrate your expertise. Think BIG, but take baby steps to move you in the right direction.

Business Management
Building your financial model consists of finding the right numbers. The number of staff, the number of billable hours per staff member, and the number of overhead expenses you can afford. You can find all these numbers for your firm, but are they sustainable? Mine weren’t. You need this information. This link takes you to a series of posts on the topic.

Next Steps: Make plans for how you will achieve the financial model that you want. Begin documenting every process and procedure that you depend on. Paying bills. Payroll. Invoicing. Record-keeping.

For further study

Documenting your processes

Building your business.