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TWS
Joined: 29 Sep 2004
Posts: 5
Location: NEW YORK STATE
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 Posted: Wed Sep 29, 2004 10:59 am Post subject: architect marketing brochure - starting a firm |
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Hi
I am a registered architect, have been for two years, and am interested in starting my own firm. I want to make a marketing brochure for my fledgling business, trouble is, all the good projects I designed where done as an employee of another architect. Assuming I note this fact, can anyone tell me about the legal and ethical implications of doing this?
Any other suggestions on starting a firm would be helpful as well. I have a yellow page listing and a home office at the moment. So far I only get a call on the occasional residential addition. |
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RWL
Joined: 10 May 2004
Posts: 399
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| Posted: Wed Sep 29, 2004 11:38 am Post subject: |
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Like on a resume, I think the primary point is to be fully honest.
You can list the type of work you did on each project for the other firm, and use the projects, by name as examples-- just so long as you claim no great, overall responsibility for the project-- just state your contribution.
If you use any cuts of those projects, you will need a waiver, perhaps a copyright waiver from the firm, with written permission to use the images.
But, primarily concentrate much more on who you are, what you can do, and what services you offer, in lieu of where you have been and what you have done.
If you sit back and wait for yellow pages calls, you will wait a wile and will more than lilkely only come-by residential projects. Do you have a good looking letterhead and business card-- snappy; eye-catching; brief but complete? Then make calls, and distribuet your "paper"; watch news for new projects, maybe calls on contractors to offer your services for projects they have, network in your community with businesses, government, etc.
Get YOUR word out- and friend, the very best of luck to you!!!!. |
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JWmHarmon
Joined: 15 Apr 2004
Posts: 111
Location: Ohio
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| Posted: Wed Sep 29, 2004 11:41 am Post subject: Startup Architect Brochure |
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One solution to the startup firm's first brochure is to create your own drawings of potential future projects. If you want to specialize in any particular area of expertise, you can emphasize that type of project. If you want to be more versatile or if you want to take any commission that comes your way, you can show a wide range of different types of projects.
With today's software one can design drawings of buildings that can appear to be actual buildings.
A brochure is one of the items that will be useful. More important are the personal contacts that you make in the old "meet and greet" and "networking" avenues. The more people you can contact on an informal basis and let them know you that you have started your own architectural business, the more likely it is that someone will remember you or your name when they are in need of architectural services.
You can also join civic organizations such as the Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, and other such groups. You may even propose to one of these groups that you are available to make a presentation about the field of architecture or what an architect does. Sometimes they are looking for people to make short 10 minute presentations at monthly meetings. Joining the Chamber of Commerce, a country club, or any other community group will also widen your network of present and future contacts.
When one is first starting out, sometimes the house additions and small projects are the only ones available. Each project is an opportunity to advertise your expertise. Each client has six or more friends that will hear about you.
Regarding the use of pictures of built projects you worked on at another firm, you will need to determine the copyright of any drawings or photos. You will need permission to use any copyrighted works unless you own the copyright. Since this is a legal issue you should rely on the advice of a competent attorney. Generally, if you did work at another firm, the firm owns the copyright; you don't.
When you start your own business you are always marketing and advertising your buisness through personal contacts and through brochures and other printed materials. Make your first impression a good one.
Best wishes on your brochure. |
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TWS
Joined: 29 Sep 2004
Posts: 5
Location: NEW YORK STATE
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| Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 1:52 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks for the replies and advice. I have my profile on this site set to notify me when there is a reply and it doesn’t seem to work. I didn’t notice their where replies until I looked.
If I do use work I have done for others in a brochure, I will defiantly describe my involvement in the project and state it was done in the employ of another architect.
I’m thinking about advertising and marketing, looking for resources on marketing for architects. Our local AIA chapter is having a seminar on it now, but I found out about it too late and had meetings today. Still looking for more on that.
I am working on a letter to send to contractors and developers, but want to include the brochure with that, and I am back to my first problem with rights to show the work. Also thinking about advertising on diner placemats in my area. Its inexpensive, but I think its kind of cheesy and unprofessional, any thoughts?
I’m still not clear on the issue of using photos of work done for other architects in a brochure. Copyright is mentioned, are we talking about the copyright of the photo itself (that would belong to the photographer) or the copyright of the work depicted? All the work I am considering I was the project manger and 100% responsible for the design (working with the client and there program of course)
Any additional thoughts would be appreciated. |
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onerudeboy
Joined: 30 Nov 2004
Posts: 3
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| Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 2:42 pm Post subject: |
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Hi, I have a small apartment development project, if you are interested EMAIL me at
tony@delyle.freeserve.co.uk
GOOD LUCK
Tony
_________________
I am trying to find a book of stock plans for small apartment buildings I am getting ready to build a 6 unit complex with parking. There are thousands of books with stock single family homes but nothing for apartments. Can anyone help me???? thanks |
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grogers
Joined: 21 Jun 2004
Posts: 21
Location: Northern California
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| Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2004 7:45 am Post subject: copyright |
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TWS - The copyright owners would include the photographer, but if you show any plans, the copyright would be owned by your former employer. You should get permission from your former employer to use any documents.
If you can't get that permission, most people will accept your experience listed in written form. Just make sure that you acknowledge the fact that you were not responsible for the work alone.
When I started, I would list these types of projects with an asterisk or footnote. At the bottom of the project list I would put *This project completed in collaboration with XYZ Architects, Anytown, US.
This was 25 years ago however, so I'm not sure if this type of statement is adequate in today's litigious business environment. Although as an employer, I don't think I would press copyright infringement charges, or even file a complaint with the License Board for this type of statement. |
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TWS
Joined: 29 Sep 2004
Posts: 5
Location: NEW YORK STATE
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| Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2004 8:06 am Post subject: |
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| Thanks for the advice. I would definitely mention the situation in a design as far as who did what. The projects I am thinking of I alone was the designer working with the client. In most cases there was no review by co-workers and there was no involvement by my employer, the architect of record. |
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