In many cities in the late 1800s, the role of the architect encompassed the modern responsibilities of a developer including the purchase of land, strategic masterplanning and the design and build of homes, for example, which were often constructed without the specific end users in mind. The architect-developer was then also responsible for the selling properties and acquiring more land for the next development.

Today, the process for large building projects has changed. In the design/ build model, a land developer will often hire a general contractor to have the majority of control over the build, including the appointment of architects for the original design concept, architects for the delivery of a design, and the coordination of subcontractors for construction.

To regain power over the process, Segal encourages architects to readopt the responsibilities of the developer and own the construction management process.

There are new financial models available today which make it easier for architects to consider purchasing their own sites. With professional advice, the financial viability of a potential development project can be assessed and equity partners can be sought out to invest in the land purchase, design and construction.

By assuming the role of construction manager, architects can translate their design into construction information to be used directly by the builder and provide close site supervision. Removing the middleman of a general contractor can save time and cost and help to ensure that the original design is not lost in translation along the way. At Segal’s practice, “if you draw it, you build it”. In this way there are fewer opportunities for costly misunderstandings that compromise the quality of the finished product.

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The digital revolution, which intensified the sharing of knowledge and experience, has helped architects realize that pursuing interests, inclinations and passions that diverge from mainstream architecture can be a viable career path. The availability of, for example, books on new business models for architects, or new communication channels, has made a huge impact on how young graduates see their role in the AEC industry.

The convergence of technologies has also made a strong impact on the industry, allowing new generations of professionals to explore innovative ways of designing, building, managing and communicating architecture. Young practitioners and graduates now have a wide array of career options which allows freedoms rarely enjoyed by previous generations. We have compiled a list of 7 alternative career paths for architects which give them the opportunity to operate in the AEC industry beyond solely providing architectural design services.

Top 7 Alternative Career Path Ideas for Architects

#1 Product Designer

Providing architectural services usually takes a lot of time and requires a kind of reinvention with each new client. Those who recognize the importance of streamlining their work have discovered that productizing design services can make the strongest impact on the success of their businesses. This process can take architects along different avenues, one of them being the creation of material products for the AEC industry. Grizzle and Jonathan Junker, founders of Greypants are great examples of architects successfully building a business based on products. The company produces pendant lights made entirely of repurposed corrugated cardboard, with an extensive portfolio including public artworks, architectural installations and several lines of lighting, furniture, packaging designs sold throughout the world.

#2 Tech-Founder

Another type of products architects can develop are digital products. These include e-books, online courses, as well as software and apps that can potentially revolutionize the AEC industry. There are numerous examples of architects creating successful SaaS (Software as a Service) companies and app startups, like Steven Burns, FAIA, developer of ArchiOffice, an office and project management software. Steven created the original version of the software to help run his own architectural firm and eventually joined BQE Software where he continued to develop the tool and where he currently works as Chief Creative Officer.

#3 Real-Estate Developer

It is common knowledge that architectural services account for a small percentage of a project’s total value. An increasing number of architects are interested in developing their projects from drawing board to building site, and shepherding the entire construction project themselves. This can be quite demanding and risky, but architects-turned-developers like Jonathan Segal are proof it can be done. Segal worked in several architecture firms before developing his first project at the age of twenty five. Today his company designs and builds all their projects, many among which have received numerous o accolades for their place-making and design qualities.

#4 Urban Entrepreneur

Architects can use their knowledge of design and construction to effectively develop entire urban areas for different uses. They have the background with allows them to study, research and foresee viable and sustainable urban development solutions that will benefit investors as well as local communities. This is a great way of combining the creative aspect of the discipline with a business sensibility. They can actively participate in innovating and developing their own communities and influence their socio-ecological aspects, and are often neighborhood-based civic entrepreneurs who organize civic crowdsourcing campaigns to solve local problems, introduce solutions like a local bike-sharing service, or develop waste to energy facility, for example.

#5 Graphic Designer

Architectural education, as flawed as it may be in terms of providing business knowledge, builds a high level of visual literacy in young graduates. They develop creative skills like drawing and photography which can make them excel in any type of visual communication of ideas and concepts. Graphic designers are often part of the advertising process in architecture. They create images, logos and diagrams that help potential clients to identify and remember projects and products.

#6 3D Visualization Artist

Most among the most successful 3D visualization artists are architects who decided to leave the design aspect of the profession and dedicate their time to its representation. The best Archviz artists understand both the creative and technical aspects of architectural projects, and can communicate the main concept of the design through often photo-realistic imagery. They can work for architecture studios and developers, as members of in-house 3D visualization teams or companies specialized in 3D rendering. Firms like DBOX evolved from creating exclusively 3D renderings to offering complete branding content, including images, brochures, posters and typography, for high-end residential and commercial projects.

#7 PR and Communications Specialist

As designers, architects have to communicate their ideas to professors at school, and later investors, clients, city officials and contractors. The communication skills can have a huge impact on how a specific project is perceived. This can become a great basis for a career in public relations and communications in architecture. This job requires establishing reliable and trusted relationships with press and media representatives, architects and many other players in the industry.

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What other alternative career jobs do you think architects would be good at?

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Today, a majority of architects work solely on the design end of the development process. It is common knowledge that the net value of architectural services in a projects’ total value amounts to a very small percentage (it’s usually in single digits), which puts architects near the bottom of the financial structure in the AEC industry.

Stuck between developers, clients, contractors, and subcontractors, architects are usually in a role that implies great responsibility but proportionally low compensation for it. When we add to that the grievance of not having full control of a project, it becomes clear as to why an increasing number of architects either transition to real estate development or transform their design offices into design-builds.

Though still in its infancy, this transition seems indicative of an emancipatory trend that’s taking place, where architects take matters into their own hands and thus claim their rightful position within the industry.

However, with this newfound ambition comes a new set of challenges. Developing a project from drawing board to building site requires business skills that are not taught in architecture schools. Can architects bridge this gap and compete with seasoned developers? Are there advantages to being a designer when it comes to the nitty-gritty of actually building a project?

Let’s take a look the major pros and cons of architects working as developers.

Pros

#1 – Architects Understand the Process of Building

As architects come to learn about the different aspects of project development in the course of their education and throughout their career in the industry, most know what it takes to design and construct a building. They often have project management experience and understand the process of site and project analysis, construction techniques, acquiring building permits and controlling budgets.

This is particularly the case in smaller offices where project managers are often required to perform various roles, from leading the project team and administering construction contracts, through negotiating with clients and contractors, to scheduling and monitoring processes. Due to this versatility in their experience, architects can make sure that construction is completed on schedule and under budget.

In addition to these general skills and competencies, architects often become experts in various niches. Over the course of their careers, many practicing architects specialize in specific typologies, which can be a huge advantage when going into development in these specific areas.

#2 – Great Design Increases Market Value

The expertise that architects bring to the table can have a significant impact on the financial bottom line of a project. For example, sustainable design features can significantly increase the value of a property. Or, as Tyler Stonebreaker puts it in his interview on Archipreneur Insights: “At the end of the day, the market is placing the highest premium on things that are unique and special.”

People are becoming increasingly interested in energy efficient or high performance properties, which is why green design certification programs like LEED and NGBS can raise the selling price of a house. In addition to sustainability, experienced architects also know how to use designs to create quality spaces on limited budgets.

They can also reconcile profitmaking with a broader strategy for social change and an increased quality of life over a longer period of time. Architects that are working as property developers are more likely to consider innovative and creative solutions; solutions that ordinary developers might either overlook or reject.

#3 – Architects Know How Cities Work

Architects are trained to think in terms of place making instead of creating objects that are detached from their surroundings. An architect-developer is trained to consider how a project might sit within and relate to its context, ensuring long-term benefits for themselves, their clients and the relevant neighborhoods. Architects are taught to understand urbanism and recognize areas with development potential. They may, for example, see real opportunity in a vacant lot that doesn’t seem to offer any value to the untrained eye.

For example, San Diego-based architect-developer Jonathan Segal built many of his residential projects as suburban infill developments located on undesirable and oddly shaped lots. Over the years, Jonathan has created a profitable business and accumulated a wealth of architectural accolades in this area of his business.

Cons

#1 – Lack of Business Experience

Many architects know how to design, draw, write, interpret specifications and monitor construction processes, but know little about real estate finances, viable cash flow models, and how to understand a project from a business perspective. Those working in large architectural firms are restricted to the drawing board, receiving little on-the-job training when it comes to the particulars of business.

In addition to a general lack of business skills, most architects don’t know about the financial and business structures that developing properties entail. Understanding real estate finance and the metrics used to calculate and rate a development, along with the importance of overhead factors, are just as important as understanding building codes, zoning regulations and program. The majority of architects have yet to learn that cost is a principal parameter for their designs.

#2 – Getting Caught up in Design

With all their knowledge about the different aspects of getting a project built, architects are often stuck in a closed mindset, focused solely on design. They get overexcited about the design possibilities, and fail to acknowledge the importance of the business side of project development. There is still a general disregard for the financial part of building in architecture schools.

This attitude often continues into architects’ careers, as most continue to work solely as designers. Once they get into developing their own projects, they are forced to become more flexible and let various technical, logistical and financial factors inform their design decisions. This is often a hard pill to swallow for an architect.

#3 – Not Being Familiar with Market Trends

Shifts in market demand determine the properties that will be the most profitable to build. In order to know whether to focus on apartments, condos, mid-rise, mixed-use buildings, or other typologies, seasoned developers read the market and set about targeting the right demographic. There is a significant difference in returns between Build to Rent and Build for Sale.

The key to deciding on the type of structure to build – and where – is in accurately predicting if the asset will either increase or decrease in value over time. Developers also need to know how to read real estate trends and cycles to predict the best time for development, buying and selling. This can be a huge challenge for architects with no experience in property development.

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Combining skills ranging from design to finance and marketing is definitely a daunting task. Still, an increasing number of architecture firms are broadening their reach to include designing, developing and even constructing their own projects. Architecture firms like SHoP, Alloy, BRH Architects, and EM2N Architects are proving that it is possible to strike a balance between good designs and making a profit.

The post Reasons Why Architects Can Make Great Developers (or not?) appeared first on Archipreneur.

After completing his studies at University of Idaho and gaining experience at two architecture firms, Jonathan decided to start out on his own. He developed his first project when he was just twenty-five years old. He realized that, without client compromises to bog him down, he was capable of much more than he thought. Taking control of every aspect of his projects, from designing to financing to building, he gained a wide breadth of knowledge that he could put to practice.

Jonathan has an exceptional archipreneurial approach to his work, and a gift of combining business acumen with exquisite architecture. Using his architectural skills, as well as his deep understanding of space, light and texture, has allowed him to develop beautiful, well-planned buildings. This recognition of using space creatively is hard for regular developers. By applying his tenacious enthusiasm and sharp eye for location and placement to every project, Jonathan has been able to build and create great projects in urban neighborhoods in San Diego.

As such, he has achieved a great deal in the world of architecture and become a highly regarded developer in his own right. Jonathan has been awarded a multitude of honors for his work, including making the 2010 Residential Architect ‘RA50 Short List’, and winning Project of the Year at the 2012 Residential Architect Design Awards for ‘the Charmer’. He has also received numerous other accolades, including 24 State, national and local AIA awards for urban and residential design.

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. Architect developers should have a certain degree of knowledge in real estate development in order to understand the whole scope of a project – from financial matters to the mechanics of the project structure. For instance, they need to know how it is possible to find and acquire land, how to assess which product will function for a specific market, and how to get project funding

How to go it alone in the world of architecture

Jonathan Segal has developed and designed a method for architecture practice that gives control back to the architect. He has also created his own product based on this method, an online course called ‘Architect As Developer’, which is very successful and further proof of his business sense.

These online seminars cover everything from development strategies and principles to construction loans and bank financing to land acquisition and construction contracts. After watching the foundation lessons, subscribers will gain access to ‘Jonny’s World’; a series of video updates about Jonathan’s latest projects and pro tips. The whole course is priced at around $500.

Jonathan says that by eliminating clients and contractors from the design and building process, architects have the ability to become the ‘owner’ of their own projects, directing them, and achieving financial independence. By learning the same skillsets and tools as developers, architects also have the power to take initiative and create whatever they want, exactly how they want it.

He recommends that new architects developers should start small, find a niche in which they are comfortable, and be prepared for something to go wrong. Jonathan also recommends that new architect developers build relationships with realtors who can point them in the right direction and help find available property. Jonathan says that maintaining relationships with your broker and treating your subcontractors well is of utmost importance when going it alone.

The true learning curve will only come when you really immerse yourself in the inception of your first project. If you are still at school or university and/or are interested in studying the whole method, Jonathan also teaches the Master’s program in Real Estate and Development at the Woodbury School of Architecture, alongside other experienced architect developers, such as Ted Smith.

You can hear more about Jonathan and his method and get a taste of how he operates in this thirteen-minute Jonathan Segal Documentary about his architecture practice.

Here are a few further links about him and his seminar:

• Jonathan Segal Architecture + Development
• Architect as Developer course
• MSArch – Real Estate and Development for Architects, Woodbury School of Architecture 

What do you think of Jonathan’s approach? Have you already taken his seminar? We welcome your thoughts in the comment section!

The post Jonathan Segal – The Architect With No Need For Clients appeared first on Archipreneur.

#1 – Develop Your Own Project

As an architect, you are getting paid for your planning services. But it’s often the client who controls the process and tells you what to design. What if you were able to eliminate the client role entirely and become your own general contractor for the design and building process?

You can … by developing your own project!

What advice can we give new Archipreneurs? Start to learn the process of real estate development and design your own buildings. Of course, for any first project there will be financial barriers that are not so easy to negotiate, but many well-known architects have managed that.

Jonathan Segal is a great example of someone who practices and teaches the “Architect as Developer” principle, which recognizes that in developing your own project, you are in complete control to create city environments tailored to your own ideas. As an added bonus, being your own boss will give you greater financial satisfaction.

Read more about other successful firms here.

#2 – Combine Architecture With “X”

Arguably, combining disciplines produces the greatest innovations. Apple, for example, combined technology with design to create a new customer experience for using devices.

The skills you have learned in your architectural training are essential for creating ideas, designing buildings and solving complex problems. Just imagine how you might be able to combine those skills with another subject area you love and build your business from that combination!

The URBANAUTS, for example, have combined architecture with hospitality in their own business venture. In Vienna, they cleverly assessed the architectural situation, taking particular note of the numerous empty street level shops. Aware of the potential, they revamped these empty spaces and turned them into hotel rooms, designed with the growing market of urban travelers seeking authentic local experiences in mind.

#3 – Start A Blog

A blog is one of the most effective tools you can use to gain an audience. Over time, if encouraged to interact, your audience will develop into a community. If you are an expert in a particular field, you can even teach your community by providing high quality content and expert knowledge.

Your audience will give you feedback, support you and share your content with others. If you provide a service or product, your audience will likely be your first buyers. Check out Enoch Sears over at businessofarchitecture.com. He created a blog focusing on the business and success of small firm architects.

It is so easy to set up a blog today and start writing! Just get started with Bluehost and their 1-click automated WordPress installation. If you need an aesthetic and responsive WordPress theme, I would highly recommend Studiopress.

#4 – Build a Product

The best thing about being an Archipreneur is the free reign it gives your creativity. We all have something to offer to the world. Digital products, webinars and coaching services are all ways to create passive income streams and free you from the 9-5.

A really awesome example is a young architect, Pat Flynn, who created the website greenexamacademy.com while he was studying for the LEED AP Exam. He wanted to share his knowledge with everyone who was going through the same process. After getting laid off from his job, he decided to create a how-to product that helped people to pass the LEED AP Exam.

The product was successful and helped him to create his first passive income stream. This marked the founding of his smartpassiveincome.com venture, which today generates 100K+/month!

#5 – Find Your Niche

A lot of architectural firms would probably be able to design an office building. And many already have. The competition for designing offices is quite high. But specializing in a niche will improve the chances for your firm to stand out from the crowd.

Perhaps you have a certain passion within the field of architecture?

Maybe you’re a specialist in planning certain types of buildings?

Or perhaps you have a gift for teaching and can offer special consulting services?

It’s essential that you address the needs and problems of your audience and potential clients. Build a service or product around your niche and dig deep.

A great example is Marica McKeel with her Studio MM. She focuses on contemporary residential designs in the New York City area. She has built an impressive portfolio and is an expert blogger in her field. Passion will always outperform competition.

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I hope you have enjoyed these ideas and tips on starting out as an Archipreneur and building the business of your dreams. This is where I’d like the Archipreneurs already out there to “butt-in” and share their knowledge and ideas, especially when it comes to architectural entrepreneurship and setting up a business in general.

It doesn’t matter if you just have a quick resource to share, or a full Archipreneur business strategy. The most important thing is that you share with your community!

No topic is off limits, and please do feel free to post links below, too. I look forward to reading all your archipreneurial ideas!

When you’re done, I’d be very happy if you’d SHARE this post, below!

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