Small Firms Create BIG Opportunities for Architects

One of the most common misconceptions in the architecture industry is that the bigger the firm, the better the opportunities. While working with a large firm has its own advantages, smaller firms offer unique opportunities to advance your career and learn a ton in the process.

Small Firms Offer Big Benefits

Architectural firms don’t just employ architects. No matter the size, most firms also offer positions for interior designers, new business developers, and project managers at several levels. The catch? The larger the firm, the more likely it is that any team member will be siloed into one specific department or project.

For architects who enjoy getting the chance to gain new experiences and work collaboratively, this can be especially frustrating. With a small firm, architects can expect to:

• Build a diverse portfolio. One of the biggest benefits of working with a smaller firm is the ability to work on a diverse range of projects with a diverse group of people. The chance of being siloed into one slot at a small firm is far less likely.

• Get out more. Working with a small firm allows you to spend less time behind a desk or computer screen, and more time lending a hand wherever needed. Depending on the day, you could be meeting with clients, visiting job sites, or even overseeing everything from design to construction.

• Connect with the team on a deeper level. From coworkers and collaborators to executive leaders, working with a small firm allows architects to get to know their team members on a personal level and form strong bonds. The stronger a team is, the more enjoyable it is for everyone to come to work and produce highly creative work.

• Receive greater or faster career advancements. Large firms can have hundreds of employees, which means more competition for career advancement. At a small firm, there’s more room for architects to take on new or additional responsibilities and become personally accountable for passion projects based on their unique skills.

• Become a beacon of insight. Another benefit of not being siloed into one department at a large firm is getting consistent hands-on experience. After some time, this builds a well-rounded, highly-informed architect with experience partnering on projects in multiple industries. Before they know it, they’ll become the person clients and new team members go to with questions.

• Deliver the highest quality work possible. Looking at these benefits collectively shows that small firms offer plenty of opportunity for architects to tap into proven skills, resources, and experiences from team members at all different levels. No matter the position, each person at a small firm needs to add unique value. When teams utilize this unique value, it ultimately helps strengthen the quality of work across the board.

An “All Hands on Deck” Approach

At George Armour Ewart Architect, our architects, designers, and project managers get to work on a wide range of projects for clients in many industries. From healthcare facilities and restaurants to retail and residential buildings, we’ve built a strong portfolio that can’t be attributed to just one team member or department.

Because we’re a small firm, all of our work is very much a group effort. This opens the door for everyone on our team to come together, learn, and grow—regardless of their time spent in the industry.

“Our architects get the chance to work independently and collaboratively in a group of like-minded individuals with diverse experiences. We want everyone on our team to become the most well-rounded version of themselves possible, so we make it a point to include our people in the entire process from start to finish.” – George Ewart

Interested in Advancing Your Career?

George Armour Ewart Architect welcomes interest from architects, designers, and project managers at any level. If you work best in a fast-paced environment with a diverse group of people, we’d love to hear from you.

Get in touch on our site here or email us at info@georgeewart.com to learn about any open positions and see if a role with us is right for you!