Architect Speaks Out About Starting And Running A Successful Small Architecture Firm

William J. Martin speaks with Business of Architecture about the strategies that have helped his small architecture firm survive over the past five years.
By: Business of Architecture
 
 
Architect William J Martin, WJM Architect, Westwood, NJ Speaks Out
Architect William J Martin, WJM Architect, Westwood, NJ Speaks Out
WESTWOOD, N.J. - Sept. 12, 2013 - PRLog -- In a recent interview on BusinessofArchitecture.com, New Jersey architect William J. Martin speaks out about the challenges facing many of the nation's solo architects. "I started my firm in 1992", says Martin, known locally as "Bill" or "WJM Architect".

Architects have been hit particularly hard by the housing crisis that started in 2008. Many that were laid off from the firms where they worked for years ended up going out on their own as freelancers or starting their own architecture firms. But Martin was able to weather the storm without a drop in his project workload.

"It's all about relationships," he stated. "There is money out there. Not every client needs a bank to build. Some have spent decades positioning themselves so they don't need to borrow money."

Architect Martin also gave advice for other architects who want to start their own architecture firm. "[Don't] wait. It doesn't get any easier. Start to implement your plan now...get out there in your local community. Volunteer your time. Hand your resume to your local mayor. Volunteer to serve on a community board."

Martin also discussed how to talk to and establish rapport with potential clients. "[Clients] want to know you have the skills to create the design you want to implement[...] You should have an understanding of what you are asking a potential client to sign onto, and what it would take a contractor to implement [the project]". Martin stated that clients are more comfortable when architects demonstrate they can balance creativity with the realities of structure, materials and labor. "When you have that, in my opinion, you have good design."

Other topics discussed in the interview include technology tools for architects and business strategies for solo architects. By gaining business knowledge, solo architects will not only be able to survive, but contribute to healthy, vibrant communities.

BusinessofArchitecture.com posts a weekly video podcast interview with a successful architect or designer. Previous guests on the show include Thom Mayne, FAIA, AIA 2013 Gold Medalist and Cameron Sinclair, co-founder of Architecture for Humanity.

The entire video interview with architect William J. Martin can be viewed at http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/21 . Business of Architecture interviews are also available on iTunes as a podcast under the title "Business of Architecture".
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Source:Business of Architecture
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