Tales from the trip: pros share their 20/20 hindsight on launching a firm - Home front: tips and trends from the world of residential design

Residential Architect, Nov-Dec, 2003 by Cheryl Weber

thinking of starting a new firm? Then take to heart the advice of these established architects. Judging by their comments, the right stuff is equal parts passion, pragmatism, and strong principles. And for the romantics among us, Jeff Riley, FAIA, at Centerbrook Architects offers poetic inspiration (often attributed to Goethe): "What you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it."

alexander seidel, faia Seidel/Holzman, San Francisco, founded 1991

"Find a strong business partner who can balance your inevitable affection for each project with a business perspective."

carson looney, faia Looney Ricks Kiss, Memphis, Tenn., founded 1983

"Know as much about your clients and the marketplace as you do about architecture. Identify your strengths and weaknesses, and find a partner or employees to fill the gaps."

nils finne Finne Architects, Seattle, founded 1995

"No one teaches you how to obtain work. Be very aggressive about having a lot of social connections."

dale mulfinger, faia SALA Architects, Minneapolis, founded 1983

"Don't define your path too narrowly. The market will open your eyes to paths you had not dreamed of."

dennis wedlick, aia Dennis Wedlick Architect, New York City, founded 1993

"Do everything by the book: Follow AIA standards for providing services, charge competitive fees, and invest time and money in a healthy work environment. But there should be no shame in discovering that a business venture is not sustainable. If you cannot build a profitable firm in three to five years, then I suggest you practice architecture at someone else's firm."

barry a. berkus, aia B3 Architects/Berkas Design Studio, Santa Barbara, Calif., 43 years in practice

"To be successful, you need a great passion, the ability to verbally present your ideas, and the desire to spend long hours at work. Hunt for the niche: Find something you do better than other people."

taal safdie, aia Safdie Rabines, San Diego, Founded 1994

"Work only with clients who you think will help create a project you'll be proud of. If you don't do that at the beginning, you might not end up with work you're happy to have."

julie eizenberg Koning Eizenberg Architecture, Santa Monica, Calif., founded 1981

"Don't think too much about it--just do it. If you put it off until you write a business plan, you'll never get started."

dan phipps, aia Dan Phipps Architects, San Francisco, founded 1985

"If I were starting out, I'd have a clearer sense of the goal--the kind of work your firm wants to be about. The stronger your vision is, the more likely you are to succeed in getting there."

elizabeth moule, aia Moule & Polyzoides, Pasadena, Calif., founded 1982

"Be crisp and firm about what the big idea of the firm is--the powerful value that you hold dear. You will need this guidance when learning how to handle a significant amount of rejection, criticism, and financial uncertainty."

susan maxman, faia Susan Maxman & Partners, Philadelphia, founded 1983

"I wish I had gotten an MBA before starting out. And don't take rejection personally--it happens to everyone."

george pappageorge, faia Pappageorge/Haymes Chicago, founded 1981

"Learn to speak multiple languages of the banker, the developer, and others, so you can gain their confidence. Don't try to plan everything in advance. Trust your gut instinct."

jeff riley, faia Centerbrook Architects and Planners, Essex, Conn., founded 1975

"Plan, both financially and mentally, on it taking a very long time to achieve success. Louis Kahn did his first notable building at age 50. And gain a reputation for being honest and fair. The best career move I.M. Pei made was to accept full responsibility for the glass panels falling off his Hancock Tower in Boston."