Architect Turning Developer in Blacksburg, Virginia

[Brandon Maxwell]

Hello everybody. My name is Brandon Maxwell and I am an architect in Blacksburg, Virginia. I have wanted to become an architect literally since I was 5 years old. The built environment and the process by which we alter it, has been my singular professional passion and one of my greatest personal interests for as long as I can remember. However, I have quickly realized in the 7 or so years I have been working since graduation that an architect, while skilled in the process by which great buildings are designed, very rarely has enough decision making power to have the positive impact that I desire. Becoming licensed in 2010 was a great achievement for me, but rather than a conclusion to something, it felt more like a penultimate accomplishment, second to becoming a real estate developer. I know in my heart that is where I want to go. I have the destination in mind, now I just have to make the journey to get there.

In addition to my desires to improve the built environment, I have found that I want to have my hands in more than just the design portion of a project. I want to learn about all the different aspects of a project, and gain as many of those skill sets as I can. I also believe that in many ways the architecture industry has lost some of the luster it once had and that many folks don't have much appreciation for what architects bring to the table, perhaps deservedly so. Rather than continue to be looked upon as just another hurdle to overcome in the process, I want to be the guy leading the whole team through the process. Hopefully, along the way I can offer meaningful additions to the infrastructure and built environment around me, and make money doing so.

I stumbled upon Bigger Pockets while reading some general real estate information on another blog. The community here seems robust and willing to help people learn and gain experience. I am basically starting at square one. I plan to spend some time reading through other forum posts and learning the lay of the land. I am excited to get started and hopefully I can quickly begin adding to the discussions where I am able. 

[Bill Gulley]

@Brandon Maxwell welcome, I'm sure your expertise will be a good contribution here. I have to say, take things with a grain of salt, your education can keep you straight in areas that investors may suggest in all the areas of this site.

 I don't look at architects as a hurdle process but most see it as an expensive process and avoided in run of the mill residential unless there is a legal requirement. No offense meant toward architect's fees, LOL.

Major Rehabs are rather rare in residential, but there is a thread that might interest you, has "Pop Top" in the title, if you search that you'll find it. A second story addition and gut rehab, not the usual renovation. I popped roofs for attic conversions but that one appears to be a full second story.

As to developments, my first tip to you is understand the political side. Next, get to know your economic development office and the financing that can be available. Don't know what your market is like but this area has been hot with older commercial buildings converted to loft apartments, I helped an architect friend on a hotel conversion. He has also done nice work on residence in an older golf course community.

Your approach to costing a project will certainly be helpful here, substitutions of materials and design would be an asset to most here doing rehabs, landlords and all really.

Anything specific sparks your interest in residential? Wholesalers could really use your knowledge! I'm a big on change of use, residential to commercial office in forcing appreciation. I could go on, but this is long enough!

Again, welcome and look forward to your input in the forums. :)