Architect and Developer: A Case Study Handbook to Getting Started

Archipreneur — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 14:35:48 +0000

What is the Value of Design?

Today, a majority of architects work solely on the design end of the development process. It follows that the cost of architectural services in a project’s total value amounts to a very small percentage –often even less than 10%– which positions architects near the bottom of the financial structure in the AEC industry.

As an architect, you are compensated for design and planning services, but it’s often the client who controls the process and determines the design brief.

In your professional life, have you experienced one of the following scenarios?

Your client completely changed your original design brief during the project.
Your final building is the result of many compromises and the original design intent wasn’t delivered.
For any number of reasons, you did not earn as much as you deserve for your work on the project.

If you answered ‘Yes’, be sure to read on.

There is another way…

Architect and Developer: Build it Yourself

What if you were able to design and build your own ideas as an architect without seeking constant compromises with the client? As an “Architect and Developer” you could take over the role of the client, contractor and property manager of your projects, and reap the benefits from each of these functions.

Architects are usually in a role that implies great responsibility but disproportionally low compensation. When one considers the grievance of not having full control of a project, the value of transforming a design office into a design + development office becomes clear.

With the “Architect and Developer” model you are in complete control to design and develop your own projects. As an added bonus, being your own boss will give you greater financial satisfaction. It sounds like a great way of doing architecture – but we should also be aware of the risks it entails.

Acting as the developer also means taking on board all the risks that can arise from a project. As an “Architect and Developer” you should have a certain degree of knowledge in real estate development in order to understand the whole scope of a project – from specific market knowledge to finding and acquiring land, and how to get project funding.

But how should one start?

Learn from Those Who Have Done It Before

Successfully completing a new project typically involves facing a lot of unknowns, especially in architecture and real estate development where projects are very capital intensive. In our report we have compiled a case study series of “Architect and Developer” practitioners who all developed their own projects.

These architects all share one common trait which differentiates them from traditional developers: they all used their architectural skillset, meaning their deep understanding of cities, space, light and texture to develop beautiful, well-planned and creative buildings which add imaginative, innovative and creative value to the urban environment.

By eliminating the clients and contractors from the design and building process, these architects became the owners and directors of their projects. And, by learning and applying the skillset and tools of developers, they took initiative and created their projects exactly how they want them.

In our report you can read 10 interviews of practicing Architect and Developers who share their stories and how they got started with the first projects. Learn from their first-hand experiences and be inspired to start with your own project.

Buy Report

The post Architect and Developer:
A Case Study Handbook to Getting Started appeared first on Archipreneur.

Sensors for CitiesArchitects as InventorsUX for Space

Anna Glukhova — Sun, 02 Jun 2019 20:51:27 +0000

Emerging Technology, New Business Models and Expanding Opportunities

The AEC industry is on the cusp of a technological transformation which will reshape its future. Over recent decades, the traditionally structured attitude of the architecture and building industry has stunted its growth and natural tendency to explore new territory as innovative thinkers and city shapers.

The Archipreneur Insights issue #1 focuses on new trends, business and tech innovation within the AEC industry. We are featuring innovators from architecture, design, construction and academia who explore the impacts of emerging technology, new business models and expanding opportunities for practice within the architecture industry and the built environment.

In our first issue we present several founders and industry leaders who are paving new ways of professional practice which creatively combine their architectural skillset with intersecting fields. This leads to interesting combinations such as Architecture + Technology, Data + Design, Research + Entrepreneurship, Architecture + Development, Architecture + Building Products, and this is where innovation occurs, at the overlap of intersecting fields.

What’s inside

INTERVIEW – Architects as Inventors: Building a Product from Concept to Market
CASE STUDY – The Social Reactor: How KOGAA Transformed a Factory Into Their Own Creative Hub
RESEARCH – What Architecture Can Adopt from User Experience Design
INTERVIEW – UX for Space: Creating Meaningful Engagement through Data-Driven Design
INTERVIEW – Sensors for Cities: Ben van Berkel Explores Technology-Integrated Urban Design
AWARD – Top 10 Emerging Architecture Practices of 2018
INTERVIEW – Design for Life: How to Balance Your Creative Practice
HOW-TO – Taking The Leap: Practical Steps for Starting Your Own Practice
RESEARCH – How Architectural Thinking and Research Collaboration Brings Value to Creative Industries
RESEARCH – Thinking Ahead: Towards An Expanded Understanding of Design

What You’ll Learn…

Here are some of the things that you will learn from the content in this report:

How two architects created a company by inventing an innovative building product.
Why Ben van Berkel started a tech company to explore sensor technology for cities.
How 3 architects developed their own creative hub which cross-finances their architecture business.
What you can learn from UX design for your architecture practice.
Strategies to balance your design business.
Practical steps to start a lean architecture practice.
How an architecture research incubator helps companies through architectural thinking.
How architects can create business ideas by developing an expanded understanding of design
…and much more!