Setting Up Your Own Architecture Practice

If you are wondering ‘how do I start an architecture practice Follow this ultimate checklist for Startups to make sure your architecture business gets off to a ripping start.

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Create a business plan for your architecture firm

Write a mission statement describing your architecture business goals and ambitions. It is helpful to create a road map setting out dates for important miles stone achievements. A road map is handy to reference to make sure your business is staying on track.

Cash flow forecast

Stay in control of the finances of your architecture firm. A cash flow forecast allows businesses to track cash movements over a period of time.  By calculating direct debits and overheads your cash flow forecast breaks down how much your startup costs to run. Factor these expenses into your hourly charge as running costs.

Cash flow template: click here.

 

Liability insurance

It is not recommended to take on any technical or construction work unless you work for a riba chartered practice or are a fully qualified architect yourself. Furthermore, you should be clear all your drawings are for conceptual work only.  If you were held responsible for any injury or damage to a third party, liability indemnity insurance will cover you.

Fee proposal & Invoice template

Save yourself time by creating professional-looking fee proposals and invoice templates in advance that are ready to fill out and fire off. Search ‘invoice template example’ online for inspiration. The best templates are simple and easy to understand.  Research the legal requirements of what to include on an invoice.

Free invoice template: click here.

Project record form

A project record form includes client details such as an address, contact number and email. As well as project details like dates and brief. It is good practice to have these saved for your personal record and future use.

 

CAD templates

Set up your preferred CAD software to load custom templates on start-up. Doing this is a huge timesaver when it comes to adding the finishing touches to drawings. Build a library of premade figures, trees and furniture etc.

Archidabble CAD templates: click here.

freecads.com: click here.

 

Photoshop library

Similar to the CAD templates, having an asset library packed full of png cut-outs and effects will speed up your photoshop post-production rapidly.

Check out our resources page for free PSD downloads: click here.

 

Filing system  

When starting an architecture firm make sure you are not wasting time searching for misfiled documents. See the example below of a simple project filing structure.

diagram of a filing system

The Orangery

Time tracker

It would be best if you kept on top of your hours spent on a job, as exceeding allotted time will lose you money. The fee you quoted was based on your hourly rate and the time estimated to complete the job.

Timesheet template: click here.

  

More helpful pointers you should complete when launching your architectural design startup:

  • 9. Calendar

  • 10. Business email

  • 11. Overheads

  • 12. Direct debits

  • 13. Business bank account

  • 14. Taxes

  • 15. Sole trader set up (UK)

  • 16. Pension

  • 17. Learn the RIBA Plan of Work / architects registration board

 

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