Marketing efforts

While my efforts to market my business through the (new to me) worlds of Twitter and Blogger has been powerful and exciting, it has become clear that a little old-fashioned door knocking remains an effective way to reach potential customers.

Therefore an idea was born to create a "flyer" outlining my services to target homes and businesses that appeared to be in need of upgrades or renovations.  Keeping a few on hand whenever I'm out and about, allows me to drop a flyer in a mailbox whenever a potential opportunity presents itself.

So, with the help of the amazing Jenn at Oakville Blueprinting

http://www.oakvilleblueprinting.ca

I was able to create the following:

Front

Back

Looking forward to reaping the rewards of the effort!

A project in progress.

Over the past few weeks I've had the pleasure of working on a basement renovation project. Now, it's swiftly heading towards completion.

You can read more about it here:  http://bijouandboheme.blogspot.ca

Obviously, most of the credit goes to the Interior Designer (Christine Dovey) however, I've been very happy to have been of in help creating the spaces that are giving her family more elbow room and functionality.

Please join me in wishing Christine and her family the best for their impending arrival!

The blank page

Like a sheet of white vellum or the blackness of a computer screen running AutoCAD, I peer into today's blog entry like a void.  Unsure of where this is going, or what will unfold in my writing, I am compelled to write anyway.

It is a mirror of my practice today.   For a day, I find myself in between projects.  One has finished, another on the horizon, I gaze optimistically upon the future unsure of the direction it may take.

In considering my options, I've turned to a book of inspiration:  "the ARCHITECT says - Quotes, Quips and Words of Wisdom" compiled by Laura S. Dushkes.  Published by Princeton Architectural Press, 2012.

The following quote from (an Architect I admire) Frank Gehry speaks to me today in a particularly meaningful way:

For me, every day is a new thing.  I approach each project with a new insecurity, almost like the first project I ever did, and I get the sweats, I go in and start working, I'm not sure where I'm going - if I knew where I was going, I wouldn't do it.

Now, I need to go, and sharpen my pencil.

On growth.

After a hectic end to the week last week, I'm satisfied to have come to the conclusion of a project and am excited to begin another!

New client and consultant relationships continue to evolve and grow... Investments in education and technology are proving to be worthwhile on both a professional and personal level.

Each project presents new challenges and experiences that provides the opportunity for learning to enhance my skills, knowledge  and relationships.

While I find myself drawing on my network of colleagues and peers in the industry, these challenges and experiences are the reasons why I made the decision to set-up my own practice.  The workload can be arduous, however, the growth (both, personally and professionally) is something I couldn't achieve as a senior technologist in an architectural firm.

Spring is around the corner.  My practice is budding.

May it continue to grow.

BCIN Accreditation (Pt.I)

Since my departure from the corporate Architectural practices of my past, it has become a requirement for an Architectural Technologist (such as myself) to attain accreditation with the Ministry of Municipal affairs and Housing as a designer of structures.  This accreditation is know as a designer's BCIN (number / licence).  As my previous experiences have been within a practice, I could toil on another's design and have it issued under the practice with which I was employed.  Therefore, a BCIN number was not required for me, personally, during these years.

As I have recently started-out on my own, I am in the position where I will be going through the (rather arduous) process of becoming accredited with my own BCIN number. Currently, I am without my BCIN, and rely on consultants (Structural Engineers and / or Architects) to provide general review and stamping of my drawings, prior to building permit application.

However, I am proud to announce that I am enrolled in the programme (as of today) and will be sitting the (first) exam on May 21, 2013!

I hope to be describing the process of BCIN accreditation through this blog.  I look forward to successfully completing it and being able to service clients without the aid of additional consultants, in the very near future...  Exciting steps, to be sure!!

The SOLE proprietor, and what it means (Pt.I)

As mentioned in a previous blog post, my practice has been on an bit of an upswing lately...  Great news but, it presents challenges that I hadn't expected...

A current project is a new, residential bungalow for a client and family.  The design was brought to me in a moderately resolved state and (in the eyes of the client) only required some "tuning-up" and refining to prepare for budget pricing.  No problem, it's a nice opportunity!

Working through the design, I became aware that the roof plan was going to be a challenge.  This was not a "typical" bungalow coming in at just under 4000 SF (on the main floor).  Fortunately, the site allows for a generous walk-out basement feature, and boosts the "livable" space to the 7000 SF range.  Again, no problem:  Lots of glass, and bright, sunny spaces with a view...  Again, what an opportunity!  But, that roof...

After struggling with the design, it became clear that I was getting bogged-down, and needed some help.  Here's where I would have turned to a fellow / colleague in an office environment to share ideas and have a "second set of eye's" review the drawings.  As  a sole proprietor, I realized that I've given-up that support network that comes with working in a larger practice.  Naturally, I turned to my supportive wife, for her ideas.  Leave it to her to point me in the right direction...

One of the beliefs one must have, in order to make the switch to a private practice, is that "I am capable of handling it ALL".  It takes wisdom to realize that this confidence can provide a false sense of self.  I had to draw on my network of associates to re-create the advantages that a larger practice can provide.  I reached out to a long-time acquaintance and, coincidentally, a neighbour, to meet and discuss / review the plan...  Within a few minutes, we had a worked through the issues and I was on my way, again.  (Thanks Dan!)

So, a word of advice...  Don't be afraid to reach-out for help, in whatever you do.  More often than not, a colleague, associate or neighbour will be happy to share their knowledge and experience.  For a sole proprietor, the network you build is of tremendous importance. Invest in it, and use it.

Sunday: A day of rest and renewal.

The practice has been busy lately, and I'm thankful!

Exciting projects and opportunities are happening all around me.  While some may be small in scope, they can be demanding and all-consuming.  I'm sure my fellow designers can identify with the experience.

The basement renovation project, which was the subject for my previous post, has been at the top of my mind, even though I have a much larger project / deadline looming, potential client-meetings and technology seminars in the coming week.  The enthusiasm which the client brings; fresh and innovative ideas, and challenges during construction, are keeping my senses sharp and I am learning much.

New media sources, shared to me by this client (twitter, pinterest and blogger) have opened a new "world" to me, and I am truly amazed at the amount of information out there.  More amazing to me, are the ways in which to manage this.  It's an exciting challenge that I had not expected.  Weekends are time for a break in the action.  Or, so I had thought...

It is our normal routine, to enjoy a Saturday morning breakfast at the St. Lawrence Market.  Carousel Bakery makes the most delicious peameal (Canadian / back bacon) sandwiches which my family and I enjoy very much...  I highly recommend them.  After breakfast, we've been spending a little family time by ice-skating at Harbourfront, Nathan Phillips Square or another of the fine rinks in Toronto.  Other times, we'll find a neighbourhood, and simply explore.  New things to see, smells and tastes to invigorate the senses.  Sharing these experiences with my young family, are what re-charge my batteries, and give me inspiration for the week / challenges ahead.

By nature, I am a sensitive person, and I take inspiration from all that is around me. These weekend jaunts into Toronto (from our suburban enclave) stimulate me while giving me an opportunity to share the neighbourhoods of my childhood and youth.  I have taken-up photography in the last few years, and find myself taking along my little Nikon V1 whenever we are out and about.  Random snapshots of interesting and inspirational scenes, details or colours are becoming touchstones or a "library" of reference to draw on.  New (to me) media, give me a wonderful way of cataloguing and sharing (which, I hope to do, here).  The challenge of uploading and managing / presenting them, are a work in progress...

This past weekend, we made our way to the Castlefield design district in search of a side-table (for laying-out drawings).  While we had minimal success in finding a suitable, affordable table, the amazing content of architectural antiques and vintage / salvage items were like lights at a carnival...  It was a spectacle of (almost) overwhelming proportions but, amazing to the senses and, maybe more importantly, fuel for the fire. Items may be used directly in current or future projects, or cues may be borrowed and replicated in designs suitable for projects that will be realized only in my imagination... No matter, the experience is the stimulus.

Now, a day of rest, and on to the challenges of the week ahead!