Do architects ever get finder's fees? My attorney friends always do but I've never heard of it in our profession.
I have an existing client who wants to renovate a 40 unit apt complex. Too big (and too far away) for me to do afterhours. Would love to pass it off and get something out of it.
SneakyPete
Feb 9, 22 4:15 pm
I've heard of it, but it was not codified in the employee manual.
betonbrut
Feb 9, 22 4:20 pm
When you start to pass off existing clients to other architects, they quickly become former clients.
Since you have the relationship with this client, why not offer to manage the work. You go hire someone with capacity and knowledge and then you can charge your client a bit for your time and maintain this client as yours!
b3tadine[sutures]
Feb 9, 22 4:39 pm
I thought the AIA had language about this?
whistler
Feb 9, 22 5:02 pm
I have tried to bring work into the office when I was just starting out... nobody seemed care about it ( wasn't big stuff, but tried to illustrate I was keen ) never really worked out so I ended up leaving and starting my own firm!
reallynotmyname
Feb 11, 22 12:26 pm
Me too!
midlander
Feb 9, 22 5:36 pm
how profitable will this project be? Figure that out, and you have some basis for asking.
Not being able to say upfront how profitable a project will be is maybe why finder's fees are uncommon in architecture.
Miles Jaffe
Feb 9, 22 9:35 pm
Ethically questionable at best, and good will is far more valuable. In this case you can (potentially) generate 2X, from the client and from the firm you recommend.
shellarchitect
Feb 10, 22 10:20 am
good advice all... I certainly don't want to lose this guy as he's been a good client for a couple years now. My firm already passed as multi-family isn't really their thing.
Do architects ever get finder's fees? My attorney friends always do but I've never heard of it in our profession.
I have an existing client who wants to renovate a 40 unit apt complex. Too big (and too far away) for me to do afterhours. Would love to pass it off and get something out of it.
I've heard of it, but it was not codified in the employee manual.
When you start to pass off existing clients to other architects, they quickly become former clients.
Since you have the relationship with this client, why not offer to manage the work. You go hire someone with capacity and knowledge and then you can charge your client a bit for your time and maintain this client as yours!
I thought the AIA had language about this?
I have tried to bring work into the office when I was just starting out... nobody seemed care about it ( wasn't big stuff, but tried to illustrate I was keen ) never really worked out so I ended up leaving and starting my own firm!
Me too!
how profitable will this project be? Figure that out, and you have some basis for asking.
Not being able to say upfront how profitable a project will be is maybe why finder's fees are uncommon in architecture.
Ethically questionable at best, and good will is far more valuable. In this case you can (potentially) generate 2X, from the client and from the firm you recommend.
good advice all... I certainly don't want to lose this guy as he's been a good client for a couple years now. My firm already passed as multi-family isn't really their thing.
Anyone here in Flint, MI?