I am running a small one man NYC practice, residential and light commercial, and things are going fairly well. I've gotten to the point I have referral clients and can pay my bills while saving a little. So life is progressing in an adequate direction.
Having said that, I'm having trouble getting to the next step. Some of issues:
I've got little issue getting clients, but I am still having some trouble getting 10-12% of construction cost on jobs. I'm still getting in the 7-8% range, or sometimes a bit less even.
I'm still in the point where most of my work is 'I need an architect' or 'I need a permit', not 'I want to hire you'.
I've reached the limit of 'hard work' and need to figure out a way to maximize design/knowledge and not simply be willing to work more and longer than the competition. I'm getting a little older now and can't simply drink a Red Bull and grind 7 days a week.
I am still writing a potentially weak standard proposal and occasionally I'll define the work poorly and that costs me money and time.
I'm sure most of the problems above have been dealt with by professionals on this board, to varying degrees.
I guess my question is:
Has anyone found a good consultant to streamline the issues of:
Setting good budgets that maximize revenue while not scaring off clients
Writing a proposal that is fair to the client while protecting the architect's interests.
Differentiating the architect's studio to get better work.
Obviously, I don't think my issues are uncommon. Anyone found a wise old hand consultant to help them out of similar issues?
Many thanks!
no_form
Jun 24, 16 4:28 pm
I don't have much to offer you, but, have you reached out to old mentors or employers you have good relations with that could help you out?
Do you use AIA contracts?
Do you have a drafter or early career person to help you with production?
FirstTimeCaller
Jun 24, 16 4:35 pm
no_form, thanks for the advice!
- yes, I do have mentors and am reaching out to them with this list and an offer of drinks on me. Good idea
- I do not use AIA contracts, I am using a modified version of one a mentor uses. Might make the switch to AIA contracts. I've heard from some of my older friends that they are not desirable in some ways. Exploring.
- I do have some young drafting types and have used one with mixed results. Will probably explore that more in the future.
I am running a small one man NYC practice, residential and light commercial, and things are going fairly well. I've gotten to the point I have referral clients and can pay my bills while saving a little. So life is progressing in an adequate direction.
Having said that, I'm having trouble getting to the next step. Some of issues:
I'm sure most of the problems above have been dealt with by professionals on this board, to varying degrees.
I guess my question is:
Has anyone found a good consultant to streamline the issues of:
Obviously, I don't think my issues are uncommon. Anyone found a wise old hand consultant to help them out of similar issues?
Many thanks!
I don't have much to offer you, but, have you reached out to old mentors or employers you have good relations with that could help you out?
Do you use AIA contracts?
Do you have a drafter or early career person to help you with production?
no_form, thanks for the advice!
- yes, I do have mentors and am reaching out to them with this list and an offer of drinks on me. Good idea
- I do not use AIA contracts, I am using a modified version of one a mentor uses. Might make the switch to AIA contracts. I've heard from some of my older friends that they are not desirable in some ways. Exploring.
- I do have some young drafting types and have used one with mixed results. Will probably explore that more in the future.
Thanks for weighing in!