Ways to obtain work in Architecture | Professional Practice
In my previous article, I discussed the method of obtaining work “Through Chartered accountants and advocates“. Now we will move on with the discussion on the next method “Things to do before setting up Practice”.
Here is the list of different ways in which the work can be obtained:
- From Friends and relatives
- By your work
- By specialization
- By Luck
- By Winning architectural competition
- Through Chartered accountants and advocates
- Before setting up your practice
- Waiting period
- Setting up your office
- Telephone
- Computer Networking
- Regular attendance
Before setting up your practice | Guide to Professional Practice
I have already made a mention about increasing opportunities of jobs for a young architect in the government and other organizations. You shall make a self assessment or introspection and decide what are you cut for. If you are inclined towards the government service, better join the government service earlier. A private practice is a path full of uncertainty, rather slow and unsteady monetary progress, but gives the pleasure of creation. You shall choose this path with full devotion.
Some of you may be lucky to join a running concern and to be partner in the course of time. Your parents or close relations may have an established practice where you will be a partner in near future. Sometimes your boss may offer you associateship in his practice, if he is pleased with you. But most of you may have to make your own headway in establishing your own practice.
My sincere advice to you all is to work for at least three years in good offices before opening your own office. In these three years, you shall take maximum experience in all the aspects of practice, taking lead in the work. You shall travel in the country and even abroad if possible. That broadens you vision on architecture. In these three years, you shall observe how the office is organized and managed. What are the administrative procedures followed. It is not the outwardly show, flashy interiors and pomp, but the effective management that you should learn carefully.
Where should you settle and start your practice may be the next decision you will have to take. There cannot be any definite rule for this. You shall be on look out for a suitable situation during your three years of gaining experience. The following aspects are given only as information for your thinking process.
These days a good number of students from smaller towns, district or taluka places take architectural education in big cities and metropolis. On completion of the studies, they are tempted to stick on to the metropolis or big cities. For them the problem is bigger.
They have to look out for a place for residence as well as a place for an office. This requires big money. If it is available in the family, then the problem is solved.
If is often advantageous to start your practice in a town where your family is well known. It helps spread your name as an architect faster than in a place where you are a stranger or an outsider. The contacts and the influences of your family can be to your advantage. Sometimes you get an influential client as your admirer and gives you a break in practice. In such a case, you can as well settle in an unfamiliar place. Because one successful work is likely to give you another.
It would be more advantageous to start a group practice, that is to say a partnership firm, rather than struggling alone. It is said that 1+1 in business shall be equal to 11 as a work force. Like-minded friends who can get along together shall form a partnership. Initially, you can put the running cost of the office low, as you may not need any helping hand like draftsman, as the partners happily do all the office work by themselves. Later as the practice increases, each one, as per his nature and ability, can be expert and look after one of the activities such as drawing office, quantities surveying, specifications writing, scrutiny of contractor’s bills, structural designing, general administration etc.
Also check out “Guide to Personality Development for Professionals“.