AboutPaul S. Brown, AIA Expertise How to work with an Architect. What to expect for design fees. What services are normally
included; what are not included? How do I find an Architect in my area? Why do I need an
Architect? How to be clear about your space needs. Why time must be managed properly.
Experience 24 years involvement in the practice of Architecture, including some teaching experience. Most of my work has been within the employment of various firms, but I have also done some small-scale projects on my own.
Particular interests include Environmental Design, "Green" Design, and Appropriate Technologies. LEED (TM) Accredited Professional.
I have some specific experience with Historic Preservation, Medical Facilities, Commercial Interiors, and Public School projects.
Education: Bachelor of Environmental Design Degree (Architecture), 1978, Miami University in Ohio. I am registered to practice professionally in the states of Massachusetts and Maine.
Question Again thanks fofr your very useful reply.
I am still wandering about establishing such a business, selling plans through the net, since as you said of the fierce competition.
You are correct about the niche, maybe focusing on Feng Shui or Roman houses with coutyard or Health Houses or Psychological houses ( houses designed with the Psychology aspects taken into consideration
Also maybe I should have my plans not standards meaning totally completed but semi-customed plans. Meaning that the client will have to send me their plans to adapt my plan into their plot and taking into considerations the size and views.
Also the very tough part woill be how shall I market my product so that people can think to search on the net??
So many questions but I really need your insight to be able to go through with my venture.
How would you approach it??
thanks a lot
Nicolas
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The text above is a follow-up to ...
-----Question-----
Dear Mr. Paul S. Brown, AIA
I would appreciate if you could guide me on how to establish a web site dealing with selling semi- customized architectural plans of houses/buildings.
ALSO I was wondering if it is a profitable business, knowing that they already and if I should focus only on a special niche of architectural plans like focusing on Psychological friendly houses ( feng shui) or only modern style etc..
Thank you for your help and time.
Regards
Nicolas Contavelis
-----Answer-----
Hi Nicholas:
This sounds like a fun venture. I wish you well.
My feeling is that this a very competitive market that you are trying to enter; with some very large and well established competition. My advice is that it would be good to have a specialty focus such as the feng shui option that you mentioned, but you must also have the depth of a broad offering of designs. Once you attract a customer with appeal to your specialty, you don't want to loose them because you don't have a building size/style that they want.
I have limited experience with website setup; I have used < register . com > (remove the spaces) for this myself, and have been satisfied with what they offer; but you should shop around.
Good luck!
PB
Answer Hi Nicholas:
It seems that you have a very good sense for the architectural aspects of this proposed business venture: you understand what your clients will need, you have a good idea of how to respond to those needs, and you have a realistic understanding of the competition you will face.
Your remaining questions, are really business plan questions in a general sense - not specific to Architecture, but general questions about how to start a business; how to promote your business; how to market on-line, etc.
You should refer these questions to someone in the general business category here at AllExperts; as they will give you much more useful advice than I can.
One thing I can suggest: Google "SCORE", Service Corps Of Retired Executives. This is a wonderful organization that has the mission of helping people like yourself startup and maintain a business.
Good Luck!
PB
