If you are an architecture student who is interested in starting a local practice, how would you go about establishing things after college graduation?
I am an architecture student who seeks to start my own practice in the city of Detroit eventually after I graduate from the University of Michigan school of architecture and urban planning. Starting my own practice, refurbishing old buildings and providing eco friendly shelter for the homeless and common citizens have been my dream for a long time now, all I need is to go to college and get started from there. If anyone has some advice, I am truly willing to listen. #college #graduate #architect #entrepreneur #architecture #business
2 answers
Hamish’s Answer
Start today. You don't need permission to refurbish old building on paper.
Pretend someone gave you $770 dollars to draw up some plans to refurbish a building in your area.
Draw it / design it / craft it.
Post your work on your own wordpress blog and make it public.
repeat
repeat
repeat
Soon you will have a 'body of work' to talk about and share.
Soon after that you will find the others and other people will find you.
That's the hard part.
Next is the easy part.
Starting your own practice and being clear about what you want, and what you can do.
Have fun.
Frank’s Answer
Hi Joshua, I have two suggestions. First, become a student member of a professional society for Architects. Most professions have such, do an internet search to locate one (for example https://www.aia.org/about). Secondly, check meetup.com for local architecture interest groups in your area. If one's available, go check it out and talk with some people there about your question! They will likely have advice on it for you. Good luck!