5 Ways architects can make extra income on the side
These methods have been tried, tested and proven to be working by guests of The Creative Insider Podcast
Architects possess amazing skills that they can leverage to create multiple streams of income. If you're an architect, you know that the field can be competitive, and if you rely only on your paycheck, you probably won't be making a crazy amount of money. Therefore, you might need or want to earn extra income, especially if you're looking to pay off student loans, save for a down payment on a house, or simply want some extra spending money. Fortunately, you have skills and knowledge that are highly valuable and in demand. In this video, we'll explore 5 different options to consider, each of which can help you earn extra cash on the side by using your architectural skills in creative ways. These are proven ways that were already tested and used by guests of the Creative Insider podcast. We will go from freelance work and tutoring to consulting and selling digital products. These tips will help you discover new ways to leverage your skills and expertise. So let's dive in and explore the amazing opportunities that are available to you!
1. Freelance work
One of the most popular ways for architects to earn extra income on the side is through freelance work. As an architect, you can offer a wide variety of services, including design, drafting, project management, and more. One especially popular freelance opportunity is architectural visualization. If you have skills in a 3D software backed up by a render engine like V-Ray or Corona Renderer, you can offer your services to architecture companies or real estate agents.
While several podcast guests who work in the archviz industry have opened up in our conversations about taking similar gigs on the side, Vlado Yonchev and Kirl Dimitrov, who founded the archviz agency VIK Way in Sofia, Bulgaria, stand out as particularly noteworthy example. They used to work full-time jobs, wake up at 4:30 in the morning to work on side visualization projects, go to their 9 to 5 job, and after work go back on their side hustle again and work until late in the evening. Their remarkable work ethic allowed them to make extra money, build a portfolio, and create a client base that helped grow start what is now their business.
You can try to do the same, but not every side hustle needs to become a full-scale business. You can keep it small and still make some extra cash. It's also easy to get started by finding freelance architecture gigs on websites like Upwork and Freelancer.
Full episode with Vlado and Kiril
2. Teaching online
Another widespread way architects can earn extra money is by teaching or tutoring online. You can share your expertise with architecture students or other professionals by teaching the skills you're particularly capable in. Many of our former guests have taught online, but one particularly successful story is that of Olly Thomas.
Olly Thomas is a BIM and Computational Design expert at BIG London, and he created courses that were distributed by platforms specialized in courses for architects. During the pandemic, he leveraged his position as an expert at one of the most cutting-edge architecture offices in the world, in combination with the hyped audio social media Clubhouse, by starting the room "Archi-Tech Network." He had weekly conversations with experts from the field and built a great social media presence and reputation. The Archi-Tech Network is now a stand-alone online platform where you can learn the secrets of software like Revit, Rhinoceros, and parametric design with Grasshopper.
You don't have to go as far as building your own platform. You can start by offering one-on-one tutoring sessions or creating online courses to sell on platforms like Udemy and Skillshare. A great way to attract people to those paid courses is by creating short free tutorials on YouTube or other social media platforms. YT Short reels and TikTok videos are also a particularly viral type of content to consider for the promotion of your paid courses.
The story of Olly on TCI Podcast
The story of the “Archi-Tech Network”
3. Consulting
Consulting is a viable option for architects who wish to offer advice on energy-efficient design or construction-related issues to businesses or individuals. While this can be a lucrative option, obtaining sustainability certifications is necessary, which can be costly. One approach is to negotiate with your employer to cover the cost of certifications, allowing you to become an expert in this field while offering consultations in your free time. Stephanie Carr, DGNB Audit and Sustainability Manager at AART Architects in Denmark, who was guest on our podcast, is an excellent example of this approach.
The are the three most popular certifications you can take as an architect:
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Accreditation: this certification is issued by the U.S. Green Building Council and is one of the most recognized certifications for sustainable design.
DGNB (German Sustainable Building Council) certification: this is a sustainability certification system for buildings, urban districts, and interiors. It was developed in Germany but is now used internationally to assess and promote environmentally responsible and resource-efficient buildings. Architects can become DGNB consultants to help clients achieve this certification for their projects.
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is an environmental assessment methodology and certification program for buildings. It was developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in the UK and is widely used in Europe and other parts of the world. BREEAM assesses the environmental performance of a building across a range of categories, including energy use, water use, materials, pollution, transport, ecology, and health and wellbeing. It provides a comprehensive framework for measuring and improving the sustainability of buildings and can be used by architects to design and deliver more sustainable buildings.
Once you have obtained your certifcations, you can market your consulting services through your website or social media profiles. A great option in this case is LinkedIn.
Full interview with Stephanie here
4. Real Estate
Real estate can also be a great income stream for architects. This activity will need a higher initial budjet or skillset about obtaing credits from a bank. As an architect you can use your knowledge of architecture to make informed decisions about property purchases or renovations. Take the example of Rob Humble founder of Hybrid Architecture and development in Seattle, USA.
Rob is trained as an architect and began his side hustle by buying a house with his cousin. He redesigned and renovated the property to increase its value and then sold it for a big profit. He started with one single property and now his company develops entire settlements in the Seattle area.
As an architect, you can invest in property, flip houses, or rent out properties you own. This kind of side hustle can be extremely lucrative, but you need to be a great negotiator and constantly monitor the real estate market to spot the right opportunities.
5. Architecture-related products
Living in the digital era has opened up new opportunities for architects to create and sell architecture-related products. This can range from design templates, CAD files, to 3D printed models.
One great example of this opportunity is my friend and former colleague, Grese Musliu, the founder of "Pema Factory". Grese has always been passionate about making physical products that people can enjoy in their daily life. However, as a full-time architect, she found it challenging to make time for creating physical products. To overcome this, she leveraged the new affordable 3D-printing technologies, designing, printing, and putting together 3D-printed lamps and vases that you can buy on online store!
In conclusion, by creating and selling architecture-related products, architects can tap into a new market and showcase their design skills to a broader audience. So, if you're an architect with a passion for making physical products, consider exploring new technologies like 3D printing and creating your own store to sell your creations. You don’t need to build your own online -store but use platforms like Gumroad or Etsy and promote your products through social media, a particularly fitting one for this purpose is Instagram.
Listen to the ull story of Grese and how she started Pema Factory
So those are five ways architects can make extra income on the side.
Whether you're freelancing, teaching, consulting, investing in real estate, or creating products, there are many ways to use your skills and knowledge to generate extra income.
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Best regards,
Georgi