A freelance architect is an architect who works independently. They are not working for any firm but for themselves. Freelancing gives the architect a completely different setting for work. Post-lockdown, there has been an increase in the number of freelancers. People now prefer working from home in their comfort, it is even convenient and productive for some. Working with freelance architects can prove beneficial as they work with clients one–on–one, allowing more time and attention to a client. There’s no chain of command so a client is directly communicating with the architect. They are not under any pressure from their firms or boss and therefore can cater to all the needs of the client.
What is the role of a freelance architect?
A freelance architect is also a registered/ certified architect and can do everything that architects are trained to do. Freelance architects are working on their own and are independent of any firm. They may take jobs of their choice. They don’t work under anyone and are free to make their own decisions except they have to abide by the demands of their clients. Freelance architects can undertake any jobs like planning sites, producing building plans, designing a space, curating landscape elements, acting as a consultant, assessing of site, and assembling of construction team for the project.
Freelance architects work with a client to assist them in their projects. Sometimes, clients don’t have any particular design in their mind so it’s the architect’s job to propose several designs and execute the one approved by the client. Another duty of a freelance architect is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the proposed site on behalf of the client. If needed the freelance architect might even have to offer advice regarding the selection of the site. Apart from producing plans and designing the building, the freelance architect also has other jobs like sourcing the materials, putting together a construction team, engineers, managers, builders, etc. It might be the architect’s responsibility to supervise the construction till its development.
Time management
Freelancing can be empowering due to its flexibility and freedom but it also has its shortcomings. Freelance architects are alone in charge of everything. They manage job searching, bookkeeping, site assessment, producing plans, managing teams, supervising construction, keeping track of materials, bills, etc. The list never stops and therefore freelance architects find themselves working for longer hours than they would if they were employed architects. It is hard to manage time provide exceptional service to clients and also maintain a work–life balance. Following are the ways a freelance architect can stay organized and manage time:
- Create a routine – A schedule allows you to manage your tasks better, making space for creativity and productivity. The routine should cover your entire day, listing everything on your to–do prioritized systematically. Making and following a routine will keep one energized and focused.
- Avoid Procrastinating – Procrastinating due to a lack of motivation or energy will cause issues in the long run. Procrastinating can cause you to derail from your track and lose the ambition to achieve your objective. Setting deadlines is one way to avoid procrastinating, a freelance architect can create several drafts and present them to clients before the final draft. Setting concrete deadlines will ward off laziness and sluggishness.
- Commit mindfully – Commit only to jobs one can handle. Since you’re a freelance architect, you cannot say yes to every job in your forte. You should keep an understanding of the amount of work you can handle at a time without burning out yourselves. You should provide quality results to all your clients and overworking with exhaustion will not help you deliver your best.
- Organizing – While managing your time, you should also be good at organizing your files. The files should be properly kept and labeled accordingly. You should have different compartments for contracts, drawings, legal documents, receipts, tax forms, invoices, release forms, etc. Also, make sure to have a digital copy of every hard copy, it never hurts to have backup.
- Calendar – Use your calendar to plan daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. This will help you remember the work you have to do and any appointments that you don’t want to miss. Calendar can keep track of yearly plans and are always convenient as they are one tap away.
- Finances – Keep a record of your income, expenses, and even taxes. This will help you manage your finances in a better manner. Make use of filing systems and tools like spreadsheets to keep records of your finances in a very organized way. Proper management of money is a very big advantage for freelancers.
- Check in – It is important to check – in at the end of the day to evaluate what all did u accomplished. If you were able to fulfil your targets and reflect on your goals and gives you an idea of how to plan your next day. It gives you time and space to identify any distractions or hindrances that you can avoid in the future. You learn about your strengths and weaknesses and learn to plan better for yourself.
An organized freelance architect will no doubt experience more success and calm in their work than one who just goes with the flow. Keeping one organized and managed is also a way to prevent stress, overworking, exhaustion, and last-minute tasks. This step will also make you a good professional and help you get more clients.
References:
- Fiver Blog (2022) What can a freelance architect do for your business? [online] Available at – https://blog.fiverr.com/post/what-can-a-freelance-architect-do-for-your-business#:~:text=A%20freelance%20architect%20has%20all,is%20that%20they%20work%20independently.
- Fidanci E. (2022) Working as a Freelance Architect, Illustarch [online] Available at – https://illustrarch.com/articles/13233-working-as-a-freelance-architect.html
- Cepjolkina A. (2022) How to stay organised as a freelance engineer, workalike [online] Available at – https://workalike.com/freelancers/stay-organized-as-a-freelance-engineer/’
- Ejim E. (2023) What does a freelance architect do? , Practical Adult Insights [online] Available at – https://www.practicaladultinsights.com/what-does-a-freelance-architect-do.htm
Image Sources:
- Image 1: Illustrarch [online] Available at – https://illustrarch.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/A5257-Why-are-young-architects-choosing-freelancing-Image-3.jpg
- Image 2: Knowhouse [online] Available at – https://knowhouse.mu/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Property-Development-Sucess-The-Key-Role-Of-Architects.jpg
- Image 3: OTC [online] Available at – https://otc.com.my/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/SEO-1658-bs-Time-Management-Distribution-306898651-1200×675-1.jpg
