See the top rated post in this thread. Click here

Results 1 to 6 of 6

Thread: Architectural Side Job Advice

  1. #1
    Member
    Join Date
    2015-03
    Posts
    5
    Login to Give a bone
    0

    Default Architectural Side Job Advice

    Hello,
    I graduated with my associates in drafting almost a year ago and have been with the same MEP firm that I interned with right before graduation. I enjoy my work here but have always liked architecture since my days of drafting in high school with the local tech and I was wanting to start looking into doing house plans as a side job in my spare time. Does anyone have any advice on the best way to get started and what requirements I may need to meet to legally sale house plans since I am not an architect? Thanks in advance.

  2. #2
    Member
    Join Date
    2015-03
    Posts
    5
    Login to Give a bone
    0

    Default Re: Architectural Side Job Advice

    Any advice would be welcome, I live in Oklahoma if that helps with specifying what laws may apply.

  3. #3
    Super Moderator CAtDiva's Avatar
    Join Date
    2015-10
    Location
    Where pedals spin to move wheels
    Posts
    441
    Login to Give a bone
    1

    Default Re: Architectural Side Job Advice

    Here are a couple thoughts:
    1) Look up local building department regulations to see what size houses/buildings you might be limited to.
    2) Talk to local housing developers ... they might be willing to contract with you for those semi-custom changes to their base house plans for new homes.

  4. #4
    Certified AUGI Addict cadtag's Avatar
    Join Date
    2000-12
    Location
    Cairo - no, not Illinois
    Posts
    5,069
    Login to Give a bone
    1

    Default Re: Architectural Side Job Advice

    the suggestion of talking to local builders is a very good one. They are the group most likely to use your service.

    Hire a local attorney to draw up business contracts to minimize your liability, and set up a LLC right away. Talk to the attorney about 'errors and omissions' insurance along with liability insurance.

    And under no conditions allow the words 'architect' or 'architecture' or similar sounding derivatives to be used by anyone in relation to any work you perform without an architect's license.

  5. #5
    Member
    Join Date
    2015-03
    Posts
    5
    Login to Give a bone
    0

    Default Re: Architectural Side Job Advice

    I will definitely look into that, thank both of you very much!

  6. #6
    100 Club
    Join Date
    2015-12
    Location
    Near Charlotte, NC (Clover, SC)
    Posts
    112
    Login to Give a bone
    0

    Default Re: Architectural Side Job Advice

    Quote Originally Posted by cadtag View Post
    the suggestion of talking to local builders is a very good one. They are the group most likely to use your service.

    Hire a local attorney to draw up business contracts to minimize your liability, and set up a LLC right away. Talk to the attorney about 'errors and omissions' insurance along with liability insurance.

    And under no conditions allow the words 'architect' or 'architecture' or similar sounding derivatives to be used by anyone in relation to any work you perform without an architect's license.
    Good call on not calling yourself an architect if you don't have the proper qualifications. Simple go with a name aka "House Drafting Services". YOU DON'T WANT TO SAY YOUR AN ARCHITECT WITHOUT PROPER PAPERS.

    Quote Originally Posted by CAtDiva View Post
    Here are a couple thoughts:
    1) Look up local building department regulations to see what size houses/buildings you might be limited to.
    2) Talk to local housing developers ... they might be willing to contract with you for those semi-custom changes to their base house plans for new homes.
    Also, try to get a freelancing job on one of the freelancing websites like Odesk (I think it is another name now), but something like that. You can build your reputation up that way.
    Then you can also, head to as MANY seminars and meetings like AIA in your local chapters to spread your word.

    Reputation is the key when it comes to architectural design. Architectural drafters really can't use TV or advertisement to spread word about their business.... it is all what you have done and building TRUSTING relationships with people.

Similar Threads

  1. Model as a Layout, Side by Side on the Screen
    By Wish List System in forum AutoCAD Wish List
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 2013-06-09, 09:39 PM
  2. will 2010 and 2009 work side by side?
    By Les Therrien in forum Revit Architecture - General
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 2009-04-21, 12:17 AM
  3. Ability to View Multiple Drawing Sheets Side by Side
    By inventor.wishlist1738 in forum Inventor Wish List
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 2008-06-06, 05:12 PM
  4. Access long side and short side info of an Ellipse
    By rwbaker54 in forum VBA/COM Interop
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 2006-03-29, 04:00 PM
  5. editing filled regions side by side
    By Martin P in forum Revit Architecture - Wish List
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 2003-05-30, 03:09 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •