Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Free Architecture Advice

I've been reading a lot lately about starting and owning an e-business and wondering if architecture has any market for such a thing. I would like to give away free advice on designing houses and working with contractors and getting plans thru the city. I would also like to have cool architect related products and cool architect designed stuff as well as sell my services as an architect for creating plans ---design only---no construction documents, for people who need the work done and need a little bit more hand holding than some architects are willing to give. I think it would be a cool place to hang out as an architect and as a person who would like the help of an architect without plunking down thousands of dollars for our services. It sounds cool, but can I do it? Has it been done before? I could have cool architecture inspired toys and books and just cool things related to architecture. I would like to try it out here first if possible. I'm not even sure if anyone is reading this, but I would really like to be an accessible architect. I will answer any questions pertaining to architecture. I would absolutely love to help. I've seen some pretty monstrous things built recently and if my free advice can help to stop that, then I am all for free advice. Do you need to move a wall, find a contractor, remodel your bathroom, get a permit for a water heater? Those are all things that people need help with and that architects are uniquely qualified to answer, but most won't take the time out to help people like that with little questions. Half of my time in fielding new phone calls to prospective clients is given away free answering these same questions. Most are related to timing and budgets and they just need someone to talk to and let them know their budget and or time frame is unrealistic and most do not turn into actual projects. If architects had a place to send people with questions to weed out the people who need a little guidance first it would save them a ton of time. That just might be my way of combining architecture with a good solid on-line presence. Wow that really sounds pretty cool. I'll have to investigate it further.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi There! I realize I've stumbled upon this blog many months after you posted...but I am interested in knowing if your "architectural site" idea is being formulated. It's a great idea to offer advice and instruction to the novice. I have a lot of experience in graphic design, but understanding architectural possiblities when designing my kitchen is crazy for me. Why, I'd pay a consultation fee for solid advice. I know good architects can definitely make things work. Would you be interested in helping me? :)

Dane Hartzell said...

I too think this is a good idea