Lecture Review: The Solo Practitioner by Richard Drinkwater Architects

How To Start A New Practice / The Solo Practitioner
Lecture by Richard Drinkwater at The Manchester School of Architecture on 14th October 2008

Lecture brief:
Richard will explain just how difficult it is. What is meant by cash flow? Are there compensations to keeping small? Will the difficulties of solo practice put you off? Or have you a better way of surviving?

About the lecturer:
Richard Drinkwater Architects, 57 Hilton Street, Manchester M1 2EJ. Tel: 0161 2369640 Web: http://www.drinkwaterarchitects.com/
Established in 1998, Richard Drinkwater Architects have rapidly gained a reputation for quality architectural work. We apply our enthusiasm for great design to all projects, ensuring a good result even when working to very tight budgets - something we have substantial experience of.
We are proud of our broad portfolio of project types, ranging from private houses to office towers and small conversions to large new build projects. We pride ourselves on taking the client's aspirations and the potential of the site to produce something unique. We have particular experience of working with existing, especially historic, buildings.
We provide full architectural services, personally advising and supporting clients at all stages of the building process.

Lecture powerpoint presentation

Lecture Review:
Richard Drinkwater established his firm (RDA) in 1998 after the demise of 5/5 Partnership which dissolved due to heavy debts. Prior to that he worked BDP and Percy Thomas (now Capita). He studied architecture at Leicester and qualified in 1981.

RDA work mainly on private residential and commercial schemes.

Needs:

• Total conviction
• Plans or vision
• Money
• Client

He wishes he had time to choose his clients more carefully and plan his business strategy and yet be flexible to spot an opportunity.

Motivation:

• Money
• Design
• To be your own boss

Money:

• Make friends with your accountant, bank manager and solicitor
• Plan ahead, chase your fees
• Get as much money upfront as possible
• Clear business plan

Client:

• Most of his business has been by word of mouth, but that results in less choice
• Could be anyone
• Will try to get something for nothing
• Only take a risk when you have weighed up the possible repercussions. - Richard used the example of a scheme where the fees would be delivered upon a successful planning application. However with the current economic climate, the developer stopped the scheme prior to planning submission. He received no fees.
• Make a list of everyone you know and stay in contact with them
• Flexibility of thinking
• Be direct
• His first client was his landlord
• Study other practices
• Keep close to your clients

Contacts:

• Networking is vital
• Talk to fellow consultants
• Talk to other architects

Have thick skin:

• Expect to be sued and prepare for it
• Architects are deemed a soft touch. - Richard used the example of letter received from the lawyer for an adjoining property that was adversely affected by poor building practice on his site claiming damages. The builder had removed a window and lintel without propping causing cracking throughout the neighbouring property. Richard wrote a strongly worded reply stating all the measures he had taken to ensure that the correct building practice was taken and heard no more.

Optimism, patience and staying power

• Richard used the example of a project near Victoria Station that had been going through the planning process and committees for nearly two years, that he thought was doomed to fail, that was passed for development by one vote.

Beware the elephant of surprise

• Richard used the example of the fire that gutted his office, but his office was up and running in two days.

Questions and Answers:

• Fees? - Test your client, ask for money up front.