Ways to obtain work in Architecture | Professional Practice
In my previous article, I discussed the method of obtaining work “Things to do before setting up Practice”. Now we will move on with the discussion on the next aspect “Waiting Period before Architect gets a grip of his profession”.
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
Waiting period | Guide to Professional Practice
Let us compare – only for a restricted purpose two activities namely opening of a shop and a consultant’s office. A capital is required, to be invested for a premise in both the cases. But in a case of grocer’s shop perhaps further capital is required to get the goods in the shop for sale. As compared to that let us say lesser amount is required to furnish an architect’s office.
But the first day, the shopkeeper may start collecting cash amount on his cash counter through the retail sale. That is not the case with an architect. The occasion of receipt of fees is once in a way. Let us compare medical or legal profession with that of an architect’s. No sooner the patient is examined or treated or legal advice is given, fees are collected in cash. There is no daily collection in the architect’s office.
In the first place you must get a client. Then you shall make several sketches and make him agree on one. Many a times you will find that the enthusiasm of the client diminishes on receiving the sketches from you. Then he may take his own time to ask you to proceed with the work. There are many odds in the course of completion of a job. Sometimes after receiving the sketches, the owner realizes that he should not invest in construction this year or should he wait for his son or uncle who is likely to arrive after a few months. Many a times he takes long to arrange for the funds. There are many a slips between the cup and the lip. With all these odds, having received a part of fees you never know when the next fees would become due and would actually be received.
This is the situation, particularly in the early days of practice. The point to be emphasized on your mind is that you shall have enough provision for the waiting period. The architect may require low investment. It may be true. But the waiting period for an architect is longer. If one is not mentally and monetarily prepared for this waiting period, then one is likely to do unethical deeds, which is certainly not good for the individual as well as for the architects community as a whole.
During your waiting period, your spouse should be an earning hand. If you happen to have a family business, other than the one related to building construction, you should keep your interest or share which may support you in the initial period. There is a saying “As you sow, so shall you reap”. But in case of an architect you may say only “sow”. But you never know when it will reap. This is not only the case with the beginners but with seniors too! Therefore please remember “sow you must and sow well” it may reap in the due course of time.
Also check out “Guide to Personality Development for Professionals“.