Starting Your Own Practice: From First Clients to Financial Sustainability

Date: June 17, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET   
Registration Fee: FREE for Members; Non-Member: $50   
Registration closes: June 16 at 4 p.m. ET

This event is part of The Deep Dive: A Roundtable Series for Emerging Professionals.

Starting an architectural practice requires more than design expertise. It involves understanding the financial, operational, and professional realities of running a business, from securing clients to managing risk and sustaining consistent work.

This session explores the key considerations involved in starting a firm, including readiness, setup costs, client development, and long-term viability. Through practical insights and personal experience, presenters will examine the challenges of transitioning from employee to business owner and the decisions that shape a successful practice.

Participants will gain insight into: 

The real costs and requirements involved in setting up an independent practice

Assessing readiness to lead projects from initial client engagement to completion

Strategies for building and sustaining a reliable client base

The role of professional networks, consultants, and mentors in supporting practice growth

Key business considerations, including firm structure, financial management, fee strategies, and defining a clear vision 

This session is designed for emerging and early-career professionals who are considering starting their own firm and want a realistic understanding of the responsibilities, risks, and opportunities involved. 

Additional Notes:

An electronic registration confirmation will be emailed to you once your registration is complete.

This event is offered in a live format and will be recorded.

You will receive an email with a link to the Zoom meeting and a reminder the day prior.

Sessions can be reported as self-directed learning.

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