The freelancing world is continuously growing. In fact, present statistics show that more people will be working as freelancers, and 50% of the workforce will be doing remote jobs. Technology plays a big role in this shift from traditional work, as people value flexibility and work-life balance.
As an architect, it may seem that the safest route to go is to apply as a house architect for construction or real estate company. However, successful freelance architect Brian Setencich begs to differ. He states the benefits of being a freelance architect:
- Choose your clients – some architects would only be given to clients who are within their employer’s bounds. This means that you can only entertain limited numbers of clients, and some of them would be asking to develop properties which are not necessarily in your passion or interest. Bring a freelancing architect gives you the freedom to choose those who you work with.
- Set your schedule – people always dream of ways to make their jobs fit their lifestyle, not the other way around. Being a freelancer means you get to set your schedules, meet with your clients at the desired time, and have the freedom to drive your business or career goals.
- Market yourself freely – when you are employed by the company, you can only go by their rules. This means that there might be reminders in their contract not to pursue any conflicting interests. Being a freelancer means you have the choice on how you can market yourself and establish a brand of your own.
What are some ways that architects can start a self-employed freelancing venture? In this article, we will list down the basic steps to help architect succeed.
4 Ways An Architect Can Become A Successful Freelancer
Start your entry point as a real estate agent
Do you know that it can also be beneficial to work in your initial stages as a real estate agent? Real estate agents are mostly freelancers, and they start off by making good commissions out of the sales. Architects can be more equipped in this area because they know a lot about housing design and construction, which can set them to have a competitive advantage against others.
You can find properties to sell within your area that needs renovations or pre-selling units. This way, you can advertise yourself as an architect to your clients in case they want something repaired or constructed. List these homes in popular websites such as Realtor or Zillow.
Advertise your expertise online
The next step in becoming a freelance architect is to make use of technology to promote your services. After having some successful clients, use this as a base to develop your official professional website complete with portfolios and testimonials of satisfied clients.
Brian Setencich also recommends placing your offers on social media websites. This can also extend your reach and help you find clients who may be otherwise looking for services in social media platforms.
Focus on location-specific promotions
There are two ways to advertise yourself based on your location. The first one would be using community bulletins and local newspapers. It may also be helpful to approach local businesses to help you make it to local listings for your architecture service. The second way is to make use of geographically specific listings online. For example, you can try Craigslist which is specific to your city or state. Other options include social media or search engine advertising with options specific to your location.
Set up a home office
As much as possible, you want your business to still be professional despite your work as a freelancer. You can set up space in your home and turn it into a consultation office to meet new clients or discuss important matters with your present clients. A simple desk with chairs and a professional-looking sign inside your office can say a lot about how your brand yourself as a freelancing architect.
Freelancing with any type of work is possible. With the help of technology, you can easily market your services and have the lifestyle of your choice.