Starting with Nothing – 8 Ways to Establish Yourself as an Independent Landscape Architect

Establishing Yourself as an Independent Landscape Architect You’ve been working for a landscape architecture firm long enough to get your license and now you’re thinking about going out on your own. It can be scary to leave the security of a group environment and decide that you’re capable and talented enough to do it all alone, but don’t worry, with the following tips your firm will be up and running before you know it. 8. Build a nest egg Don’t quit the job you have until you’ve saved enough money to get you through the next year. The worst thing you can do is try to start a business without any assets, you’re going to need cash for the latest printers and computer software if you want to be a true competitor, not mention money for food and housing. So, don’t jump the gun too quickly, be patient and save up for a while before you take the leap to owning your own business. 7. Find a Niche

As far back as university, most people will find a topic or area of interest that, well, interests them. Whether it is designing sleek, modern landscape furnishings or beautiful, yet functional vegetable gardens, take that special talent and run with it. Concerned that your area of expertise might not spark enough interest in the community? Call the local firms and ask them how much interest their own clients have in what you’re proposing. Most importantly, find an area that no one else around you specializes in and run with it. 6. Write about Your Niche In today’s technological age the easiest and cheapest way to get your name out is through social media. So, sign up on a free blog* site and start writing about what you know. Is it successful? Call your local paper and ask if they have room for a small column each week about your specialty that would of course have your contact information in the byline. Let all your Facebook and Twitter friends know what you’re doing and before long you’ll be an internet sensation, and if not a sensation you’ll at least let people know you’re starting your own unique business. *If you want to become a volunteer writer at LAN, email us today at office@landarchs.com 5. Do volunteer speaking gigs Almost every community has either a garden club or an HOA (Home Owner Association)  or a technical school, or perhaps all three. Find them and tell them about your new gig and then volunteer your expertise for a group discussion. The important thing here is that you cannot charge for these talks, you’re not a world famous landscape architect yet, so at first these humble acts can make the difference between a thriving business and no business. Stay inspired with 9 Unmissable TED talks for Landscape Architects 4. Send email blasts Search the web for architecture and engineering firms and send them emails offering to help them with landscape plans for their designs. In this case, it’s probably best to not mention your niche. Instead, tell the architects that you’re a brilliant residential/commercial designer and that you can add beauty to their environmental projects. But, do not lie about your skills. If residential isn’t your thing, then don’t tell them it is. The best way to build a bad name for yourself is to do bad work, especially bad work for an established, well known firm. 3. Join groups ALSA, Master Gardeners, the local chamber, community boards, any of these are great places to market your skills and to find out whether or not you are actually fulfilling a forgotten niche. In addition it shows the world that you care about the community you are working in and it makes you appear available for community projects. 2. Practice what you preach Whether you own your own house or rent an apartment with a balcony, show off your design skills in your own landscape. Probably the worst thing you can do is tell your neighbors you’re a landscape architect and then have an ugly yard. Show off your skills, and your niche, by filling your space with your own unique design style. 1. Hang a sign What better way to let people know you’re open for business than by leasing a space and hanging a sign above the front door. Try to find an available space close to other design professionals and use their business to get business of your own. Not sure you can afford an actual office just yet? Keep doing all of the above and before you know it you’ll be hanging that sign. And, probably the best piece of advice is to not give up. Keep trying and keep designing, and one day you’ll realize your goals, and when you do, be sure to pay it forward by helping some other recent LA graduate to get licensed. Article written by Erin Tharp Return to Homepage Featured image: Registered under Creative Commons, source 

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