JimmJames

Hello "Fun2Learn", Some real advise, if you would. I will get to your original question, how to start your business,...as an Architect. I am a General Contractor in California. I have been licensed since 1979. # 375451. Commercial, residential, I can build anything. I only say this in order to qualify my input. I checked out different programs, Auto Cad, Auto desk Architectural. I am not proficient in any specific one, except Chief Architect. The reason being is that of all those I checked out, I decided to learn Chief. This is the best program for construction drawings, in my opinion. Now, I consider myself, among other things, a professional Architect. The qualifications being the fact that I have done Architectural Drawings(Architect), and I have made money from them (Earned Money=Professional). I have added this Architectural services to my business for a reason. When things were terrible for the economy, ie, a few years ago, I thought that I might add this Architectural as an additional service. "All-In'One" package if you will. Well, I have done several drawings, but I have five that I have submitted to different City building departments and obtained permits. That is the end goal of doing these drawings. Everyone I have charged, and made money. The end goal, right? Now bear with me, I am going to give you advice, AND an example, of how I think you should proceed. In my opinion, do not work for some company. The last client that I interviewed, asked if I can get the drawing done, I said that I charge $4,500, but an architect might charge $3,000. So if you can find one that will do it in the time frame that you need it, go with the Architect. Why do I charge more than an Architect? Because #1, I hate doing drawings. It is so redundant, so "anybody-can-do-it". So boring. In my opinion. I love building, I love organizing, I love it when it all comes together. And most of all, I love the fact that I can "Duplicate" myself. I can hire a framer, an electrician, a plumber, etc, and make money off of them. An engineer, an Architect, A Doctor, A Hair cutter person, , etc. cannot duplicate themselves. Their income is limited to what they can do in a certain time frame. I have an in-law that is an accountant, she likes her job. I cannot imagine it, 10 hrs a day, day after day. but some people are made that way I guess. Not me. So as a final note, if you present yourself properly, you can do what I have done, when it comes to Architectural drawings. My latest drawings, a "one Page" bathroom alteration. $2,500. It took me about 9 hours. The only reason I did this drawing is because my son needed someone to draw the plans so that he can get the job. Now if this is what you want, there you go. Right now, construction is doing great. You can get your foot in the door very easily. I have an addition coming up. do you want to do the drawings form me? I can do the initial "as-built" and send them to you. Give you some information as what they want. You finish them, they pass City, you get paid. I can sell these al day long. Send the finish PDF, I print at this end, and all is good. let me know. Oh, be careful of advise from someone who cannot make a living as a contractor. In my opinion. Just saying. -Tom