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At 20 years old, I made the bold decision to drop out of architectural school. I realized I didn’t want to wait ten years in a firm before earning real money or having the freedom to create on my own terms. Encouraged to try freelancing, I started with small design jobs worth just $150 — learning how to work with clients, write proposals, and deliver professional results.

Each project became a stepping stone. By building stronger systems, refining my approach, and learning how to market myself, I quickly scaled from small residential work to larger commercial contracts. Within my first year of going all in, I had closed projects in the tens of thousands of dollars, including a franchise client like Smoothie King. That growth confirmed what I already believed — with the right strategy, it’s possible to build a profitable design business without waiting for permission.

This masterclass, How to: Starting a Small Design Business, gives you the same tools and strategies I used — so you can move confidently from entry-level freelance jobs to securing high-value clients and long-term success.

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✔ How to position yourself in the freelance architecture and design market

✔ The essentials of setting up your business: structure, licenses, and tools

✔ Proven strategies to attract clients on platforms like Upwork and SAM.gov

✔ How to build a portfolio, website, and outreach plan that gets noticed

✔ The art of writing winning proposals and presenting with confidence

✔ Contract and onboarding systems that protect your business and clients

✔ Effective client communication to avoid scope creep and build trust

✔ When and how to scale: hiring, managing, and leading a small team

✔ Workflow systems using Trello, Notion, and feedback loops to stay organized

✔ How to use client reviews and testimonials to grow your reputation

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