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 Start Your Design Business Bundle contains the foundational resources every startup design practice needs on Day 1

This 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A few tired and outdated publications by the American Institute of Architects, The Handbook for Professional Practice and the Architect’s Essentials of Starting a Design Firm both read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 big firms, not someone like me hoping to build a lifestyle business in the 21st century.

So, I had to create my own. That’s how many of the resources, tools and templates you’ll find in my workshop came to be.

Fortunately, you won’t have to repeat the same mistakes I made.

Everything you need to build your business RIGHT from Day 1:


1. My Startup Toolkit (regular price $525)

I created this collection of resources as the aid I was seeking when I transitioned from employee to founder. Over the years, I’ve refined everything in this Toolkit based on my own experience in business, so you’ll only get what’s proven to work, including my processes for communicating with clients.


Watch the Toolkit Unboxing Video

See what's included:

Clear, organized, effective communication shows clients you’re able to conduct the orchestra. That you know what you’re doing. That you have a process. Poor communication puts people off - particularly when you’re asking them to invest many thousands of dollars in your vision and service.

However, when you're just starting, it can be difficult to know what to do and how to do it. Many potential clients will project confidence in your early interactions and this power dynamic can influence you to adopt their process rather than rely on yours.

And even though most design professionals aren’t quick to relinquish control, many beginners defer to client demands just to keep their business.

But you don't have to let clients dictate your process. You don't have to say yes to weird, underfunded, or bad-fit projects. 

You don't have to spend more time driving to the construction site than you do working on the design. 

Because if you had a process, then you’d know exactly what, when and how to communicate with clients, rule out the bad fits, and nurture the good clients.

That's how professionals do it. 

That's how designers who have profitable businesses do it. 


In the Startup Toolkit, you’ll find curated custom business assets like:


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)
  • 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)


Also included are a few sample lessons from the Architect + Entrepreneur Course as a bonus to help you get started:

Branding + Organizational Tools + Resources
  • The Brand Plan (A+E Course Excerpt)
  • Choosing Your Business Structure (A+E Course Excerpt)
  • Your Revenue Model (A+E Course Excerpt)

2. My Residential Outline Specification Template (regular price $599)

Save time by starting with the right template for your residential project specification. This is the exact outline specification I use as the starting point for all my residential architecture projects at 30X40 Design Workshop and it has been carefully crafted and revised over many years in my studio.

Watch the Spec Unboxing Video

See what's included:


You can use this as the foundation and starting point for creating your own custom set of specifications, tailored to your work and standards. Because my practice is focused on residential architecture, this document has been designed to be used for light wood construction and covers projects of residential scope + scale. 

Here's what you're getting: 

  • 26-page Residential Architecture Outline Specification Template
  • Microsoft Word (.doc/.docx) Formats Included
  • Template includes Embedded Styles so it's easy to change fonts + formats
  • Swap in your Logo for the Placeholder in the Header
  • Fully customizable + editable to your standards
  • Cover sheet template (.PSD Photoshop file)
  • **NEW** Schedule templates (.docx/.doc) Formats Included (plus example images showing completed schedules)
  • Appliance schedule
  • Door schedule
  • Electrical schedule
  • Hardware schedule
  • Paint schedule
  • Plumbing schedule
  • Wall type schedule
  • Window schedule

And 16 divisions are included:

  • Division 1 - General Requirements
  • Division 2 - Site Construction
  • Division 3 - Concrete
  • Division 4 - Masonry
  • Division 5 - Metals
  • Division 6 - Wood + Plastics
  • Division 7 - Thermal + Moisture Protection
  • Division 8 - Doors, Windows + Hardware
  • Division 9 - Finishes
  • Division 10 - Specialties
  • Division 11 - Equipment
  • Division 12 - Furnishings (Limited Information)
  • Division 13 - Special Construction
  • Division 14 - Conveying Systems (No Information)
  • Division 15 - Mechanical Systems + Plumbing
  • Division 16 - Electrical

"Loving the spec, it's nice to have a concise template. Having spent the entire weekend cobbling together 20 years of specs from my archives I hope this shows you the value: it took me two hours of reviewing your spec template and a few hours tweaking it to be my template and it's totally worth the money compared to the time it would have taken to cull down and polish the behemoth I was developing. Thanks!" - A. Lynch

Think of it as the 80/20 of getting your design practice off the ground.

In school, we're not taught these things. 

Even when we set out on our own, nobody teaches us that we need to have these systems and protections in place before saying, “yes” to that first client. 

But once you decide you want out of your 8 to 5, you need to think like a business owner. 

You need a good contract, repeatable systems, a reliable process, and documents in place that protect your nascent business and your reputation.

Because it’s not a matter of IF, but WHEN things will go wrong.

Get your access for

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.

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 27 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.

4,000+ architects and designers have been using the resources in the Start Your Design Business Bundle


Here’s what they’re saying:


"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.


"I wanted to thank you for making the Startup Toolkit available. I have 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


"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.


"Loving the spec, it's nice to have a concise template. Having spent the entire weekend cobbling together 20 years of specs from my archives I hope this shows you the value: it took me two hours of reviewing your spec template and a few hours tweaking it to be my template and it's totally worth the money compared to the time it would have taken to cull down and polish the behemoth I was developing. Thanks!" - A. Lynch


"I purchased the Outline Specifications and the AutoCAD template last week. Both will save me a ton of time and help me produce better plans. Thank you for making these resources available to others at a reasonable price!" - K. Kenner


"Incredibly helpful information included. Such a useful reference...thanks!" - L. Taylor-Brown


"I want to come work for YOU! Simply great stuff." - T. Pope


"Thank you for ensuring great design and lean business practices gets passed along. I am very thankful to have found your content!" - Tara W.


"I’ve been so inspired by your efforts and personally have seen you as a true teacher that reaches out to the broader interest in such a refreshing manner. I’ve purchased your procreate template as well as your residential specification template and they're wonderful. Great, great effort and very, very inspirational. Simply, thank you." - J. Bibb


Once you get in, you will get dozens of my best business resources, templates, SOPs and more, so you can use them to help build + operate your design practice.

The Start Your Design Business Bundle includes:

• Everything in my Startup Toolkit (regular price $525)

• My Residential Outline Specification Template (regular price $599)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a course?
No, the Start Your Design Business Bundle is a collection of curated resources used to run 30X40 Design Workshop (templates, workbooks, documents, SOPs, etc.) It includes the Startup Toolkit + the Residential Outline specifation. I've refined them over the 7 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. Although it's not a course, I offer them via my course platform Teachable because it's easy to keep everything current. I've also included a few sample lessons from the Architect + Entrepreneur Course as a bonus to help you get started.


Does it include the Architect + Entrepreneur Course?

No. That's a separate product.


If I purchase the bundle, can I upgrade to the A+E Course?
Yes. In fact, after you purchase, you'll receive a one-time discounted offer to upgrade right away. If you choose not to upgrade right away, the discount disappears, but you'll still be able to purchase the A+E Course at the regular price when you're ready.

How long do I have access to the tools?
How does lifetime access sound? After purchasing, you have unlimited access to these resources for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.

I have a design practice already, is this for me?
There's a good chance, but you might also look into the A+E Course I offer. If your practice isn't attracting the kinds of clients you want or you're not earning what you think you're worth, the information here can help make the change you're seeking. If you're seeking in-depth guidance, tutorials and detailed instructions related to your design practice, check out the The Architect + Entrepreneur Course.

I don't have a design business yet, is this for me?
Yes! Planning to start a business is an ideal time to download these assets. Starting out with a proven set of documents and templates will give you a head start and ensure you're creating your business on a solid foundation of industry best practices.

How will I receive the assets?
You'll receive immediate access to download all the files upon purchase via a login into my Teachable platform. Some sections include videos, these can be viewed inside the player window.

How do you handle refunds?
I know you're going to find massive value in these tools and resources, I've built my brand on offering quality resources. Because this bundle contains dozens of digital goods that you'll have access to immediately upon enrolling, I CANNOT offer refunds. If you have any questions about what's included or if it's a good fit for you BEFORE purchasing, please reach out to [email protected] and I'll gladly answer your questions.

What can I get with my bonus discount?
Anything you like and find useful from my shop. This includes drawing templates, Procreate brushes, Architect + Entrepreneur course - you name it. 

What can I get with my bonus discount?
Anything you like and find useful from my shop. This includes drawing templates, Procreate brushes, Architect + Entrepreneur course - you name it. 

Are the contents of the bundle US/North America focused?
The resources in this bundle are designed to help you build a sustainable creative practice no matter where you live. Because my practice is based in the US, I don’t know specifically how other international practice standards might differ or interface with what's on offer. The section on business structures addresses taxes and takes special care to note potential differences between where I practice in the US and where further localized research will be necessary on your part living outside the US. What I suggest is to review the list of documents in the toolkit and assess how likely each is to include something country-specific. I think once you do this you’ll find it’s quite small.

I'm a...( Student, Landscape Architect, Interior Designer, Engineer, Draftsperson )...is the toolkit right for me?
Ultimately, you’re the best person to judge whether you can adapt the contents of this bundle to what it is you’re hoping to do. There are Students, Landscape Architects, Interior Designers, Engineers + Draftspeople and allied design trades who have all chosen to purchase and implement these tools in their workflow and businesses. The best place to evaluate whether it's a good fit is to watch the unboxing video above.

Does the Start Your Design Business Bundle include all of your templates?
No. Our templates (AutoCAD, Revit, Title Blocks, Residential Outline Specifications, etc.) are each stand-alone products available separately for purchase. To see the full list of everything that's included be sure to check it out above.

What's the difference between the Start Your Design Business Bundle and the A+E Course?
The bundle and the course overlap in a few of the content areas, but each has unique material that the other doesn't include. As you might expect, the A+E course includes significantly more content, trainings, resources + materials than the bundle. The best place to compare the differences and everything that's included is to look through the curriculum pages and watch the unboxing videos.



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 the Start Your Design Business Bundle 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.

Get your access for