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I am a 43 old male who is considering a career change. I would like to ask this audience for any advice on entering the field of architectural design consulting primarilly residential.
I do not have any certifications or degrees in this field, however I do have design and drafting experience and some architectural design background.
What are some recommendations for getting started or getting educated to the point where I can make an intelligent decison whether this is a good idea or not.
Thank you – TOM
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Hi Tom,
Before you take the leap, DO return to school and get certification.
You are entering a highly specialized and competitive field.
No one hires a consultant on good looks alone. You need a solid history, impressive portfolio, references and credentials.
Gabe
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Hello Gabe,
Thank you for your reply. I have considered going back to school for certification but I am not sure what path to take such as a vo-tech course or Jr. College adult ed course. I agree this is a highly competitive and specialized field, but I also think talent and a unique business approach would weigh-in as an advantage. As a "neophyte" in a venture like this, I would expect to ramp-up rather slowly, perhaps offering "free" design consultation in the beginning to help build the portfolio and references.
TOM
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Tom, one last bit of advice.
A free job normally ends up being a very expensive one. Even if the work is free, you can still be liable for it.
Do go the school route and good luck in your new venture.
Gabe
*Sorry Tom, but this strikes me as a very bad idea. You have to consider just who would be buying these services and who your competition would be. In most, if not all, states you would not be allowed to use the word "architectural" in your business without being licensed as an architect. Your most direct competition would be architects who would be much more qualified. Contractors with many years of construction experience would be additional competition. Neither of these would be interested in buying your services unless you have a lot more to offer in some very specific areas. So your main buyer of services would be home owners, who are not known to hire consultants. I have 25 years of experience in all phases of construction and an advanced degree, and the only serious consulting work I have ever had is dealing with various government departements, which takes lots of experience and is not always successful. I would be hungy if I had to live as a consultant.
*You'll note, I'm very quiet on this one, listening intently. Very competetive business indeed.
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I am a 43 old male who is considering a career change. I would like to ask this audience for any advice on entering the field of architectural design consulting primarilly residential.
I do not have any certifications or degrees in this field, however I do have design and drafting experience and some architectural design background.
What are some recommendations for getting started or getting educated to the point where I can make an intelligent decison whether this is a good idea or not.
Thank you - TOM