BiggerPockets

Hello all -
I am new to the community and seeking counsel.

Long story short, I am an architect with a little construction background who happens to have an entrepreneurial spirit. Professionally and personally, I value discernment, discipline, and hard work- and from the service side of this business I cannot foresee handling the risk that would make my skill set feel like it's being challenged any time in the immediate future.
As I entertain the idea of continued education in real estate development I wanted to approach you to inquire the perceived value of a background in architecture within the field. Simply put, what level of credibility do Architects operate with within the real estate field?

My ultimate goal from where I am sitting today, would be to develop properties as an architect, acting as owner, contractor, and designer. (I'm assuming partnerships would be necessary early on as I am not joining the game with a great deal of capital)

I understand the subject matter is broad, however I DO know that I know nothing, and am glad to receive any advice that would awaken me to the realities of the profession.

Thanks!

Hey Justin - Welcome to BiggerPockets!

John brings up some great points. I can relate to the difference between developing/designing for the market and for personal interest. This seems to always be a point of friction between developers and architects. I've found this to be a big hurdle for architects when they consider making a jump into development.

I've got several friends and former colleagues that are considering a transition from architecture into real estate development as well (formerly in architecture myself—now in development). The best advice I received early on was to reach out to professionals in development and chat about their backgrounds, career choices, etc. It helped immensely in understanding how and where to dedicate my own research/education. They also helped shape my understanding of the nuts/bolts of real estate development (still plenty to learn).

It sounds like you're thinking about pursuing a design-build development model. Definitely reach out design-build developers to get a sense for how they operate and structure their business. Coming from a design and construction background, you're at an early advantage because—all else equal—you can increase your return by keeping your design expenses in-house.

From a personal development/education perspective, you've got a great resource in BiggerPockets. The blogs, forums, and professionals on this site are second to none in providing expert industry knowledge.

The Urban Land Institute (ULI) is also a go-to resource for real estate development education, resources, and networking opportunities (similar to the AIA for architects).

Good luck and keep us posted!

Thanks for the thorough feedback, it is much appreciated, @John Blackman. I minored in the the construction arena and have worked for a builder so I superficially understand the apparent 'disdain' one has towards the other. It is an interesting dynamic and a key reason why I think any project could benefit from them being the same entity.

A good mentor would be more than ideal, and I've started networking with that in mind a little already. I will be sure and ask those questions you mentioned, @Kyle Zaylor to better outline the steps I should consider taking. The move to development from architecture seems to be spoken of often in design circles - its nice to hear from someone who actually DID something about it.

Thanks for the heads up on the ULI - I will look into it for any future meetings in my area.

Karen M., I've been working for roughly 4 years, and the website has been under construction for a while, (as these things tend to be when down time is hard to come by). I've split time working internationally and stateside on civic projects, as well as class A office buildings (towers). My interest in development stems from my desire to have a more holistic understanding of design/building/living that I think would have to start at a more personal and human scale.
That being said, I am grateful to be happily employed and will be learning until the end of time. I've just always been one to have my eye on the next thing and concern myself with preparing for these sorts of movements well in advance so that I may be ready when the opportunity presents itself.