In this episode Jon chats with Ian Knowles, a Norfolk-based architectural designer and the director of Ikonic Architecture, sharing his journey from an employee to starting his own architecture business specialising in residential architecture, including bespoke new builds and renovations. Ian discusses overcoming the initial fears associated with leaving a steady income, the importance of a business plan, handling home renovation projects, and tips for finding clients and managing finances as a new business owner. The podcast also advises listeners on leveraging personal networks, direct outreach, and using government schemes for business support. Ian shares his personal experience with starting Ikonic Architecture, the decision to specialise in retrofit and sustainability within residential architecture, and the steps towards establishing a successful practice.

Today's Guest...

Ian Knowles is a Norfolk-based architectural designer and the director of Ikonic Architecture, with over 10 years in architecture and construction, and a background in architectural stonemasonry. Ikonic Architecture specialises in residential architecture, from unlocking space in existing homes to bespoke new build dwellings.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:03 Meet Ian Knowles: From Architectural Stonemasonry to Ikonic Architecture

01:50 The Journey of Renovating a 1930s Home

03:40 Setting Up Ikonic Architecture: Challenges and Strategies

05:08 The Financial Blueprint for Starting an Architecture Business

08:01 Navigating Business Growth and Outsourcing

08:42 Filling Knowledge Gaps and Leveraging Resources

12:42 Choosing a Business Structure: Sole Trader vs Limited Company

14:40 Financing Strategies for New Architecture Practices

24:57 The Importance of Specialisation in Architecture

30:24 Acquiring Clients and Leveraging Networks

35:14 Ian's Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Practice Owners

38:11 Ian's Favorite Place: The Vibrancy of London

40:11 Closing Remarks and Future Episodes

Key Takeaways...

Overcoming Fear: The transition from employment to starting your own practice can be daunting. Ian's biggest fear was finding clients and ensuring a steady flow of work. His experience highlights the importance of confronting these fears and embracing the challenges of entrepreneurship.

Preparation and Planning: Ian underscores the importance of preparing a detailed business plan before launching. This plan serves as a roadmap, outlining your business's identity, target market, financial strategy, and more.

Learning and Adaptation: Both emphasise the importance of continuous learning and filling knowledge gaps, especially in areas not covered by traditional architectural education, such as business management.

Networking and Utilising Resources: Leveraging networking opportunities, reaching out to people within your existing network, and making use of governmental and regional business support schemes can offer valuable guidance and support.

Client Acquisition Strategies: Diverse strategies, including leveraging previous professional relationships, direct outreach, and engaging in conversations, as well as experimenting with online lead generation platforms, can help in acquiring clients.

The Value of Specialisation: Specialising in a particular niche, such as residential architecture, can differentiate your practice in a competitive market and help in attracting clients.

Financial Management: Understanding the financial aspects of running a business, from startup loans to cash flow management and the strategic use of savings, is crucial for sustainability.

The Courage to Start: The overarching advice from Ian is to 'go for it,' emphasising that the fear of failure should not deter aspiring entrepreneurs, as learning from failures