From Fresh-Faced to Firm Footing: Why the Length of an Architect's Business Matters

When it comes to choosing an architect for your project, experience is key. But how do you measure experience? By the length of time an architect has been in business, of course! It's like a badge of honor – the longer an architect has been around, the more seasoned and reliable they must be. Or so the thinking goes.

But is it really that simple? Does the number of years an architect has been in business necessarily equate to quality work and happy clients? Let's take a closer look.

First of all, let's address the elephant in the room – the fact that some architects may have been in business for decades, but still produce subpar work. We've all seen the dilapidated buildings and questionable designs that make us wonder how on earth the architect is still in business. So clearly, length of time alone isn't enough to guarantee quality work.

On the flip side, there are plenty of architects who are relatively new to the game, but produce exceptional work. Just because an architect is fresh-faced doesn't mean they're inexperienced or incapable of delivering great results.

So what does all this mean for you as a potential client? It means that while the length of an architect's business is certainly worth considering, it's not the be-all and end-all. Instead, it's just one factor to weigh against others, like portfolio quality and client testimonials.

But don't worry – we're not here to leave you hanging. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the sometimes-murky waters of architect experience:

1. Look for a mix of experience levels. If you're considering a firm with multiple architects, look for a mix of experienced veterans and fresh talent. This balance can help ensure that you get the best of both worlds – tried-and-true expertise, as well as new ideas and fresh perspectives.

2. Ask about specific experience. When interviewing potential architects, don't just ask how long they've been in business. Instead, ask about their experience with your specific type of project. Have they worked on similar projects before? What challenges have they faced in the past, and how did they overcome them?

3. Consider personality and communication style. Sometimes, the most experienced architect isn't necessarily the best fit for your project. Personality and communication style are also important factors to consider. Make sure you feel comfortable working with the architect, and that they are responsive and clear in their communication.

So, while the length of an architect's business is certainly worth considering, it's not the only factor to take into account. Instead, look for a mix of experience levels, ask about specific experience, and consider personality and communication style. With a little bit of legwork, you can find the right architect for your project, whether they're a fresh-faced newbie or a seasoned veteran.

Flow is a culturally diverse architectural ecosystem where everyone has a voice and a shot at making a better world through the use of materials, form, and space. Our design philosophy is fueled by the strengths and skills each partner brings into the table to achieve a common purpose: great and impactful architecture for humanity. The process is essentially an organized oasis of resources working in harmony via thoughtful collaboration.

Flow is rooted in the dream of the firm's founding partners to make a place for those without a place in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction industry. This dream became an obsession, and it sparked momentum when the firm was invited to participate in the 2019 Licensing Advisors Summit hosted by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards in Minneapolis. This is where NCARB shared a picture of the board members from all states and jurisdictions and none of them was a person of color. Michael Armstrong, CEO of NCARB, acknowledged that this was a problem and that they did not know what to do about it. Flow founding partner Darguin Fortuna believed that was a problem too and that the firm FLOW would insight change over the years.

Our Company is based out of the North Shore in Salem, Massachusetts. We serve Local, National, and International clients. We have licensed Architects in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Pennsylvania & Florida.

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