Starting from Scratch : Becoming an Architect Entrepreneur

I'm starting over. With no clients, no audience, no studio, no social following and no income; this is what I'd do if I were starting my business today. Join me for this thought experiment and learn from my mistakes as I discuss what I would - and wouldn't - do if I had to do it all over again. This time, I have all the lessons learned in my first eight years of designing a practice that supports my creative aspirations, builds wealth and frees my time to pursue the things I care most about.

If this lit a fire and you want to take the next steps to build your own entrepreneurial design practice, join thousands of other students in my most popular course:

Timestamps:
00:00 20% Pay Cut
02:12 Financial Worries
03:40 $ = Motivation
05:00 Cash flows
05:40 Finding Clients
07:08 Building Your Portfolio
08:12 Rejection and more rejection
09:30 Too much work?
11:30 Reactive vs. Strategic Plan
12:37 Key concept: Source into Resource
13:27 Congrats, you're hired!
14:50 But, how - exactly - do you do this?
16:44 Document while you create
19:00 Getting "hired"
20:38 It's not about you
22:19 An Important Pivot
24:22 Making the business model work
25:55 1K True Fans
29:30 What will you make? Start here.
32:50 Playing Hard to Get
33:32 A Case Study
35:55 Meet them where they're at
36:20 My advice...
36:38 And, my heroes

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#architectandentrepreneur #architecture #businessofarchitecture

[designworkset]

This video makes me stronger as a 29 yo with a lot of doubt about my future, thank u

[davidlandry]

Wow... your life is similar to mine... I have the same business as yours. I'm a sole entrepreneur. My architectural firm is going on it's 10th year and the struggle is daily but it's all worth it. I'm north of Montreal and I specialise in residentiel homes and multi-dwelling. And after 10 years, I don't have any marketing going on, only referral. Last year and this year, during the pandemic, was my best years financially, by far. I knew at that moment that I was doing something good and I continue building on it. Congratulation on your business. I know how hard it is daily to joggle with everything when your alone. Trial and error. We learn as we go. Keep up the good work.

[BrandanTheBroker]

"I'm a nobody"

Dude, 900k subscribers say otherwise. This video was very informative and as a real estate agent that wants to transition over to the building side I appreciate your openness and honesty. Thank you for not sugarcoating this.

[bilalamir]

Man i have been watching this channel from before i started my degree.
This year i have graduated As an architect.
Thanks Eric!

[chrisnovelli-narchitecture]

So many people have started out on their own in the past 18 months your story serves as inspiration!

[whiterosedesigners]

Its rare to get people as authentic as this guy...that's some worthy advice there.

[nonomoonful]

This is extremely fresh and so authentic. Thank you for sharing. I now remember why I followed you in the first place, you weren’t the typical architect promoting the same inundated working processes and systems in the architecture and design world.

[davidpachecogarcia]

“Don’t ask for permission” is def advice worth taking as a creative. Taking Nike’s slogan of “Just do it” is what I always tell people.

[Microxz]

I'm a programmer, but it's never my passion, I'm just good with computer, but working in the industry kills creativity and overwork my mental.

my real passion is design interior and architect. I don't have a degree in it, just a degree in I.T, watching your episode inspire me to get into architecture, not just interior design. last few weeks I've been reading books about architecture and design interior, and want to really get into it. thank you for creating these videos.

I will try my best for the challenge to come.

[bottegaarchitecture]

"FAILURE IS THE FASTEST WAY TO LEARN" Eric you nailed it. Analytically circling the peripherals of architecture for freedom, purpose, and inspiration. Your contributions to this industry for both to designers and non-designer is certainly appreciated and respected by me!

[ShantanuKumar]

Such an insightful video, learned a lot from it. Thank you ✨

[cazwalt]

As an architecture student who has anxiety and fears about my life after graduating this was exactly what I needed

[The_choice]

Well, I did nice to myself watching this video. Thanks Eric!

[austinkent]

Incredibly high quality content every time. This one in particular, I saved to watch later to listen, take notes, and study again!

[airforceofficerpodcast]

this just shows that people have so much untapped potential to create and be of service to others. and it doesn't take thousands of people to buy your stuff. you just need to find the discipline and motivation to do it, which is made much easier when you build it around the stuff you care about. thanks for sharing!

[sarqeles]

This is single-handedly one of the most value packed videos on YouTube. You are genuine, passionate and inspiring. Thank you!

[dylandoudy]

As a Senior in high school, your advise and insight are both helpful and assuring. I appreciate your time and effort used in everything you do, thanks for being awesome!

[johanramires]

By this video 37 minute video no ever really have to go to school for social impact entrepreneurship. Wow this covers everything to help you built your own firm/ business!

[sonjahoxha]

I am a first-year architecture student. This video is inspiring and gave me insight into how the profession works in real life. Thank you for the well-structured and concise video. Good luck with your firm. I hope I can achieve something like it one day as well.

[lrj]

As a freelance architect with no office, your video is so inspiring sir! Thank you for sharing!