Expert: Paul S. Brown, AIA - 9/11/2004

Question
I want to pursue my dream, so I start my own design service, I enjoy doing design work, but connect with right clients is very hard.  Most of people do not respect my design work, no matter what I say, they only concern about price, some people cheated me, some ignored me.  I only have few pleasant experience, the rest are all nightmares.  I spend lots of time and energy search for clients, extra long meeting, study, research… the rewards is so little.  I am a sensitive person, I cannot be super sales.  

After few months of working alone, I totally lose energy, I think about working for company again, the life is much simple there.   

What is wrong when I work for myself? I believe I always think positive. Can you analyze me and give me direction?


Answer
Dear JJ:
Your feelings are very common among Architects and designers.  It is a very difficult profession, and your experiences are not unusual.
This is a question that I face in my own work; and I do not yet have the answer.  But it is something that I experience everyday.  For whatever reason, most clients simply do not value their architects.  There is very little understanding of what the architect does, and very little patience.
Yes, I think that in some ways it is easier to work for a larger design firm.  In this case, at least the clients have sometimes worked with designers in the past, and have some understanding of what to expect.  On the other hand, in a corporate setting, you can almost forget about being able to really 'design' a project as you would like to see it.  Your projects are more likely to be controlled by a similar project that was done previously, and by ultimate concern over budgets.
My advice to you, if you decide to stay in private practice, is to put every emphasis on written communications with your clients, so that mis-understandings can not grow.  Invoice frequently, particularly at the beginning of the project.  Delivering a bill is the best way possible to find out if your client is in any way dis-satisfied.  And, do not continue to work for clients who do not pay within a reasonable time.
Good Luck,
PB