Many of us dream about working for powerhouse firms, designing high-profile award-winning projects, but who can blame us for what we have been shown in school and told to idolize? However, do you ever wonder why some might choose a smaller firm over big names like Gensler, SOM, BIG, or Perkins + Will? Fortunately, I’ve had the opportunity to intern and freelance for small firms, and now I’m with a large-sized firm, so I’m sharing both my personal experiences along with some results of some online sleuthing!
Let’s break down what defines a small architecture firm! In a previous article, Choosing an Architecture Firm, we identified that small firms typically have 1-10 employees. Today, we will be highlighting some key factors that might persuade you to consider smaller firms for your professional path. It’s important to note that firms of all sizes and structures have their pros and cons, and you should choose (size of) the firm that suits you best!
1. Involvement
In our interview with architectural designer turned UX/UI designer Eastina Zhang, she discussed how so many people were involved in the architectural process, and projects took so long to see through, Eastina felt the ownership of her ideas and designs was lost in the process too. This is why a major incentive to work for a smaller architecture firm is the opportunity to be involved through a project’s life cycle – that includes concept design, contract documents, to construction administration. Whether a new graduate or experienced professional, it’s an incredible and fulfilling moment to have seen an architectural concept that you supported coming to life!
While remote freelancing, my employer tasked me with coming up with multiple design options and schematic layouts for clients, which I had minimal experience doing since I was a fresh graduate.
As my employer shared, “This type of experience for a new grad is rare, so enjoy this process.” He was exactly right! I was able to gain a lot of practical knowledge regarding residential design having that responsibility! Disclaimer: this was after developing a strong professional relationship, but imagine yourself working full-time in a small firm! The things you could accomplish? Wow!
The great thing about being at the start point of any project is that your opinion can be highly valued, and/or design choices impact the overall production. Plus, participation at different stages of multiple projects allows you to quickly gain experience to fill in necessary professional experience hours to get licensed and receive greater responsibilities.
2. One on One Support
The team dynamic is key to any successful firm and projects, and smaller firms often have well-balanced cultivated teams that have built trust in each other and their abilities. Just like with any job, they would have carefully screened qualified candidates to a handful of metrics to determine if you would or would not fit well in the office.
You may not get to know all of your cohorts in big firms, especially when there are other offices, so don’t be surprised if a name is tossed around that you didn’t know. Meanwhile, smaller firms can be ideal for those who want to create deep bonds with a small and supportive work-family where everyone knows each other! It also provides a great space to establish a close mentor that will help you develop your professional career with one-on-one support. Although you can still find one-on-one support in larger firms, it can feel more intimidating to some and challenging to reach them.
During my periods with smaller firms, I wasn’t as shy to stay after the workday and ask questions about any aspect of architecture that I was curious about. For instance, what are some considerations one would have to consider opening their own architecture firm? I felt noticed and safe to ask these questions that might otherwise be scary asking a high-ranking supervisor in a 10+ or 50+ employee studio.
3. Firm Size ≠ Project Size
Many will immediately equate that small firms will work on small projects, but this is not always the case! Think about what you consider to be small; the value or the scale of the project? Small firms can receive a small-scale project that’s highly valued, playing into finer details like construction, materials, and design choices. Small firms can also win large, high-profile projects too. There are limitless paths for small firms if you consider value or scale as the determinant of each project.
Small and mighty – they also have the same opportunities to choose the projects and clients they would like to pursue, just like larger firms. While smaller firms may have fewer resources than larger ones, this doesn’t mean they don’t pursue and win exciting projects! Alternatively, smaller firms can have a unique power dynamic when choosing their clients and projects, establishing a strong project typology niche that competes with bigger firms! Make sure to review their portfolio and determine if you are interested in the work they do – who knows, you might want to apply for a position!
4. Flexibility in Design
As I briefly touched on in the last point, small firms have the ability to screen their clients based on the firm’s values demonstrating what direction the firm is heading towards both as designers and as a business. In doing so, they have more flexibility in pushing the boundaries of design and conventional practices. Although big firms have the same privilege, many have set drawing standards or layouts for project types or specific companies, such as Amazon, McDonald’s, Apple, Marriot, etc. The list can go on!
My experience in a small firm offered varying degrees and perspectives when designing homes from renovation, ground-up, converting units, ADUs, and more. Each had its unique characteristic based on context and the freedom to introduce modern taste, like open plans, materials, or quite literally a whole new home. Let’s just say I have never designed using bay windows as much as I did here! Now, I find myself working on much larger projects, but with more restrictions and guidelines to follow, though still enjoyable, it is very different when I could, simply, say that this house needs some pizazz! I share this to offer my experiences in a small and big firm giving you a glimpse of what could be for you.
5. Flexible Work Hours
Although this isn’t the case for all firms, and who am I kidding? We are designers – we can naturally end up overworking just because there’s always something to design and find more solutions! However, smaller firms can sometimes grant a better quality of life due to flexible hours and the simple fact that all your colleagues are nearby to support you. Most likely, team members of small firms will have worn several hats in the office, so it’s not shocking to see them readily available to fill in for you if needed. While they also experience stringent deadlines and require overtime from time to time, they know that providing their employees with a healthy work-life balance is essential to company morale and work quality. Small firms, simply, cannot afford to have their employees burn out, so they can be more conscious of your well-being and satisfaction!
Although bigger firms are slowly integrating flexible work hours, they may require additional help from a different office, which requires extensive communication and coordination within the work schedule, making the time you are present ever more important.
Every size and shape of all firms has something to offer! You can find all the incentives of smaller firms we mentioned above in larger firms too. However, we wanted to open your eyes to what smaller teams and firms have to offer as well. It’s important as an emerging professional to maximize an opportunity that best fits your character and goals! Do you work for a small firm or thinking about it? What has your experience been like? Sharing is caring! We hope to provide you with valuable insights and share them with someone who might find this useful. Make sure to follow our Youtube and Instagram for more content!