All Forum Posts by: Jared W Smith

Quote from @Connor Phipps:

what do y'all think about going to school for architecture? to then start design-build company that funds into my real estate company? be the boss and the designer. but don't go out and work for someone else like everyone my age does. im 18.

Hello Connor, 

As the only licensed architect to post (thus far), my advice if you want to go to architecture school- Go to a City/State school for inexpensive tuition, take all your design courses but also take electives (or minor in real estate develop and/or business finance). BS Arch (4 yrs) or BArch (5 yrs) degree. Then exit and go work for a developer or design-build firm to get your experience and locale knowledge up in the real world. Then branch out on your own. If you want to become licensed, then you'll have to include working in some architecture offices to gain your necessary experiences, take your exams and get license. Will add some time going this route but I can say you will have all the skills necessary to do your own stuff. 

I personally struggled with the whole finance and development side since I didn't learn anything into these areas until many years after graduating college. Wish I had gotten more education (school and real world) in my 20s. 

-Jared W. Smith, RA - Principal Architect at Architect Owl PLLC (Licensed in NY & CT)   

Quote from @Brian Fabel:

I own an old single family house built in 1890 in an area that the city zoning allows for duplexes and multi-family dwellings. The foundation is cobble and stone and in good condition given its age.

I was wondering if anyone had ever done a side-by-side addition to add another unit to an existing old single family? It doesn't seem that common, but I thought I would ask in case anyone had lots of experience in this area of blending the old with the new in pursuit of the best use of the land? 

It's doable. Happens here in NY often since on average there are a lot of house at or over 100 yrs old. I added an addition on a 1900s house in Brooklyn. Same rubble foundation. Did some minor repairs to it and laid out new foundation in back. It was a complete gut job to completely modernize and expand the house. It was zoned for a multi but the owners wanted to use as a single family to occupy. Came out really good.

Get a local Architect to help you.    

-Jared W. Smith, RA - Principal Architect at Architect Owl PLLC (Licensed in NY & CT)

Hello @Gere W.

Your best bet is to reach out to Planning/Building Dept. in the Town/City you are looking to build in and obtain the Zoning Code/Resolution. As @Tim Johnson said, there's no one way to approach it since each municipality can have vastly different rules, requirements and parameters to abide by. However I will preface this by saying if you aren't familiar with what you're looking at/reading then it's somewhat moot. I work in NYC which has one of the most complex Zoning regulations in the country. I wouldn't expect the average person to be able to decipher it without training.  

If this is the case, I'd reach out to a local Architect familiar with and/or doing projects/developments similar to what you want to build. They are likely already knowledgeable on the basic rules to build. This is what we as Architect do. Working with your best interest in mind backed by our experience, we can work with you to flush out the best route for a lot/property. They can better answer your questions.

-Jared W. Smith, RA - Principal Architect at Architect Owl PLLC (Licensed in NY & CT)

Quote from @Jerry Fung:

I have a duplex garage that has existing plumbing, HVAC and electrical system in place.  I am looking to convert the garage into a habitable unit.  Are there any recommendations on which local architect firm that I can hire?  Thanks.

Hello Jerry. As others mentioned, you may want to first check with the City if your property is zoned for a detached garage to house a separate unit. Being that this is a change of use, I am doubtful a drafter can take this on with the change of CO. City may require an Architect. 

I am current looking for investments in many areas of CT, however my firm typically sticks to Fairfield County, CT mostly. However if you get in a bind and are still in search, shoot me an email with the property address and we can talk. Jared @ ArchitectOwl.com

Jared W. Smith, RA - Principal Architect at Architect Owl PLLC

I wish it were that easy @Dave Meyers. Haven’t gotten the offer yet 

Quote from @Aron Aarhaus:

Quote from @Wesley Davis:

Quote from @Rafael Pinho:

@Nicola Rutherford, @Jared W Smith James Petty's book literally changed the course of my career! It should be mandatory in the curriculum of every Architecture school.

He talks a lot about using architecture as equity (deferring the design fees). Has anyone been able to use this strategy? 

I am not sure if you folks have run into this in the architecture world but with an investor mindset. I sometimes have clients come to me saying "I have this piece of property that I want to build on. Can you help me put some plans together?" You say, "sure here is my proposal for services." They quickly balk because "wow I was not expecting that cost."

Have you ever used your design fee as equity in the project for clients. Like a deferred payment but put an additional multiply on it?

P.s. James Petty's book is like Rich Dad Poor Dad for architects. 

I am just getting started with starting an architecture practice and have wondered about this model. As a designer, I would be interested in having some ownership in the project -- it would be rewarding to gain financially from its success. It feels like a winning scenario for both parties? 

 Yup, agree. Getting it all set up is the tricky part. 

FYI- A group of us architects/developers are discussing a similar topic here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/44/topics/1135087-archi...

Quote from @Wesley Davis:

Quote from @Rafael Pinho:

@Nicola Rutherford, @Jared W Smith James Petty's book literally changed the course of my career! It should be mandatory in the curriculum of every Architecture school.

He talks a lot about using architecture as equity (deferring the design fees). Has anyone been able to use this strategy? 

I am not sure if you folks have run into this in the architecture world but with an investor mindset. I sometimes have clients come to me saying "I have this piece of property that I want to build on. Can you help me put some plans together?" You say, "sure here is my proposal for services." They quickly balk because "wow I was not expecting that cost."

Have you ever used your design fee as equity in the project for clients. Like a deferred payment but put an additional multiply on it?

P.s. James Petty's book is like Rich Dad Poor Dad for architects. 

Yup, I have had that occur several times. I made an offer for equity once but it was with a flipper and he turned it down. It was early in our professional relationship. We’ve done two projects together thus far. 

The problem I see is most often they’re on the newbie/novice side and aren’t likely to release any control. I can’t have my equity (delayed payment) be fully affected by their control. The success of the project lays in their hands so they need to be well organized and experienced. 

Sadly, sometimes it is. 

No HOAs for me in my personal home and investments. 

Architect here and Developer! Trying to transition from developing for clients to raising capital and developing my own projects. Based in NYC Tri-State area.

@Nicola Rutherford. Love the James Petty book.