Architect + Entrepreneur Startup Toolkit
Tools + resources for your entrepreneurial design practice
20% off
The to-do list for architecture startups is long.
There's letterhead, logos, your website, and branding to design; systems to put in place to ensure the brand you're creating can deliver on its promises. How are new clients processed and welcomed? What will you charge? What business structure and revenue model makes the most sense?
All this before you put pen to trace.
Most new businesses cobble together systems ad hoc on an as-needed basis.
What if the systems, tools, templates, and worksheets were done for you, available and ready when you needed them on day one?
The Architect + Entrepreneur: Startup Toolkit is the foundational resource every startup design practice needs.
This toolkit is a collection of curated resources used to run 30X40 Design Workshop (templates, workbooks, documents, SOPs, etc.) I've refined them over the 10 years I've been in business and made them available to you so you can get started on the right foot with current best practices. You'll download them, customize them to suit your needs and use them to help build + operate your design practice.
Like most people, I wanted a sure thing
Before setting out on my own and establishing 30X40 Design Workshop, I searched for a step-by-step instruction manual on how to build a successful architecture practice.
I wanted to see the road map and know where I was going before I arrived.
I wanted a plan for guaranteed success.
My search turned up little.
A few tired and outdated publications by the American Institute of Architects, "The Handbook for Professional Practice" and, "The Architect’s Essentials of Starting a Design Firm" both read like contracts.
They were written for those seeking to build colossal firms, not someone like me hoping to build a lifestyle business in the 21st century.
So, I had to create my own.
The Startup Toolkit is the result.
I designed it as the foundational resource every startup design practice needs and you’ll find guides, workbooks, templates, and SOPs like these
Latest update: June 27, 2024 (new assets added)
Your Design Business Roadmap
- Downloadable PDF roadmap
- Detailed tutorial + video walkthrough
Branding Tools (Value $79)
- Your Brand Plan (A+E Course Excerpt: video + curated resources + Igor naming guide)
- Branding Workbook (19 page PDF) + Business Model Canvas (PDF/JPG)
- Branding Assets: Letterhead, Curated Links
- Business Card Guide + Template (PDF, Images, PSD)
Organizational Tools (Value $99)
- Choosing a Business Structure + Cheat Sheet (video lesson + PDF) - A+E Course excerpt
- Revenue Model Guide (video lesson) - A+E Course excerpt
- Business Folder Structure (.zip)
- Profit + Rate Toolkit for Design Professionals (.xls + PDF)
- Cash Flow Projection Spreadsheet (.xls + video walkthrough) with Quarterly Tax Estimator
- Project Fee Track (.xls)
- Accounting Resources
Architectural Services Proposal + Tools (Value $149)
- Services Proposal template
- Supporting Resources
Marketing, Process Tools + Swipe Files (Value $99)
- New Client Design Process Guide (13 page PDF)
- New Client Pre Qualifying + Interview Questions – (4 page PDF)
- Email Templates (8 page PDF) + Social Media Icon Pack - B&W (PNGs)
- Email Capture/Marketing Resources (4 page PDF)
- Business + Project SOP templates
- Zoning + Code Checklist (4 page PDF/Keynote)
- New Client Authorization Letter (Word)
- New Client Welcome Checklist (Word) – 2 pages
- New Client Questionnaire + Form links (12 page PDF + Form)
- New Client Programming Worksheet + Room Size Guide - (4 page PDF/Excel/Keynote/Powerpoint)
- Field Report Template (PDF/Word/Keynote/Powerpoint)
- Shop Drawing Stamp (PDF, PSD)
- General Project Information Document (Word) – 1 page
- Meeting Notes Document (Word) – 1 page
Client-Ready Presentation Templates (Value $99)
- Hardware + Fittings Presentation Documents (8 page PDF/Keynote/Powerpoint)
- Lighting Presentation Documents (9 page PDF/Keynote/Powerpoint)
- Material Palette Presentation Documents (7 page PDF/Keynote/Powerpoint)
- Plumbing Fixture Presentation Documents (8 page PDF/Keynote/Powerpoint)
- Interior Design Presentation Document Mock-up (PDF/Keynote/Powerpoint
Check the curriculum below to see everything that's included in the Startup Toolkit
I created this collection of resources as the aid I was seeking when I transitioned from employee to founder. And over the years, I’ve refined everything in the Startup Toolkit based on my own experience running my business.
You'll download them, customize them to suit your needs and use them to help build + operate your design practice.
And I've also included a few sample lessons from the Architect + Entrepreneur Course as a bonus to help you get started.
20% off
Learn from an experienced practitioner
When you're choosing to invest in tools and resources for your business, to find better clients, or design a life that's more congruent with your values, you want to learn from an experienced practitioner.
Your Instructor
Hi, I'm Eric, an award-winning architect, entrepreneur and founder of 30X40 Design Workshop, a design studio located on Mount Desert Island, Maine. I'm also author of the Architect + Entrepreneur book series and creator of the most popular architecture-focused YouTube channel online. I've been designing simple, modern residential architecture for more than 28 years and a practitioner of all the novel, entrepreneurial business strategies I teach in my courses.
Here are some examples of my work:
There’s a meaningful difference between someone who simply teaches principles and someone who has actually implemented those principles in the field, to find clients and generate passive income. I know what works and what doesn’t because I've done it.
Learning from my mistakes will put you ahead of your competition.
3,000+ Design Professionals are using the Startup Toolkit.
Here’s what they’re saying...
"I've purchased everything and it has totally transformed my business practice and also my way of thinking. Can't thank you enough."
- Gough. Designer.
"I have been enjoying the toolkit. Even after 30 years of practice, I'm still learning, thanks for sharing your knowledge. Would like to get into the full A&E course next. Cheers"
- Robert. Architect.
"I run a small architecture firm in Canada and have changed my career + firm's approach because of what I've learned using your toolkit and the A+E Course."
- Lisa T.
"Thank you for making the Startup Toolkit available. I've had my company for 5 years and have been looking to analyze and straighten up my process since we grew so fast. This is just the thing I needed."
- Andrew G.
"I'm kicking myself...why didn't I order this like 12 months ago!? It's beautiful!"
- Courtney S.
"I recently purchased the Startup Toolkit; what an invaluable investment for me as I continue to navigate the world of architecture and entrepreneurship. The content and expertise your courses offer are exactly what I needed as I continue to build my skills and understanding in this field."
- Orlando W.
"Just wanted to give you a big thanks for putting this content together! I plan on utilizing these tools to help start up my own business and youtube channel.
Thanks again, Eric!"
- Henry W.
"Just purchased your Architect+Entrepreneur Startup Toolkit as I am fully enveloped in taking my Drafting & Design business to new heights. Have recently utilized the client proposal template to update my dated one, very comprehensive, well thought out, a lot in line with what I like to provide, thank you for the most valuable resource in the toolkit."
- Peter J. K.
"I'm transitioning out of the huge corporate world and into a smaller (and hopefully more sane) practice of my own and have found this to be helpful, interesting and inspirational."
- Ben P.
"All of your content is shaping the way I practice, what a great investment this is. Keep making things, you are inspiring many people and I am one of them."
- John A.
"Thank you so much Eric for giving value so generously."
- Yianni T.
"I purchased the startup toolkit and I'm listening to your book on audible too. I just wanted to make it clear that as someone 5-7 years behind you on a very similar path, you're helping me immensely. You're increasing my confidence and some of the materials are totally transformative. You're essentially making mentorship scalable. Just wanted to say thanks!"
- Nick B.
"I am an architect in Scotland and have set up my own practice earlier this year after many years working for others. I just wanted to say thank you for your templates and videos - these have been a great source of inspiration and practicality that have helped me make the jump."
- Alastair F.
"I simply want to express how much I appreciate your educational materials and course. Very excited about completing and implementing the toolkit and course work, and will be happy to share some of my success with you as it comes. My latest is I just landed my first ground up waterfront home project in Maryland...very exciting!"
- Will A.
"I just went through your profitability course and am so grateful for the spreadsheet. Building my own office is somewhat like building the plane in the air, to a degree, and I wish I had this template many moons ago. Thanks SO much."
- Stephanie M. Architect.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can always earn another dollar, but you’ll never earn another minute
These are resources that will allow you to build + operate your design practice, because here’s the thing:
There’s marketing, invoicing, closing deals, clients to meet, contractors asking questions, consultants to coordinate, site visits, phone calls to take and make, e-mails to answer, and letters to write.
These things take time and usually that’s time taken away from the work that led you to become a design professional: design + being creative..
So I’ve designed this toolkit to allow you to take control of your time and build your business following true-and-tried practices.
I hope you’ll give them a try.
20% off