February 5, 2007
One-man show | A chat with Timothy Braun, founder of Tidewater Architects in Scarborough.
Founded: September 2006
Employees: One
Startup costs: $35,000
Projected revenue, year one: $100,000
Projected revenue, year two: $120,000
Contact: 837-3026
360 U.S. Rte. One, Scarborough 04074
www.tidewaterarchitects.com
Can you explain a bit about what you do?
I specialize in commercial and retail architecture. I'm currently working on a project in Scarborough. It is a retail conversion ˆ taking over an existing retail building, doing a full upgrade to the exterior as well as the interior, and getting it ready for new tenants.
How many projects are you working on?
I currently have about six going on.
That sounds like a lot for one person.
It is. I can't find time to finish them all. A lot of them are little projects, like tenant fit-ups. I'm working with another architect as a consultant, doing some bank renovations. And I'm also just getting some proposals out to different companies to offer some of my services.
Why did you decide to specialize in commercial and retail architecture?
There's more of a team feeling when it comes to working with a developer on commercial and retail [projects]. In retail, the owner typically has an idea and a team already established, and knows what it's like to work with contractors and architects. You're able to help the process move easier. Most residential people ˆ I don't want you to take this the wrong way ˆ but most residential people [aren't] really expecting what they're up for.
Is there a particular style that defines your work?
I like to say that I'm a traditional architect, in the means of keeping within the New England style. I feel that Maine's a very conservative state. In Scarborough they're very grounded to the historical, the country look. I'm looking to keep that efficiency using materials that are found throughout New England ˆ your standard clapboards, gabled roofs, masonry.
How did you learn that clients here like that style?
A lot of towns have design standards that have been incorporated throughout the years, through the town council and the planning staff, and every town reverts back to the historical, very traditional forms. That is the look that people are comfortable with. Sometimes the more modern buildings make people anxious or uncomfortable to be in.
Is it limiting to be working just traditionally?
No. I think that you can incorporate different ideas within that traditional. Like adding different colors, different accents, adding glass to different areas instead of your standard windows here and there, adding trim and some panels that break up the façade.
What made you decide to start your own architecture firm?
For five years I had been with Port City Architecture in Portland, and I was working on a project on the side, helping my friend out. The timing was everything. I had that job that could last me a few months or more and I had enough support within my family to do it.
What's the benefit of being on your own?
Making your own hours, doing your own thing. The main reason was to explore the option of doing everything myself, and to be the one making the decisions.
Did you take clients with you when you started your firm?
Yes, I was able to take a client with me. I work with the owner of Allied Home Mortgage, and I work in a building at 360 Rte. One, and that is a building that I designed while I was at Port City Architecture. So for me it's a great marketing tool. I kind of fell into a little office space, only 500 square feet, that is just the right size for one person.
Is there a dream project you'd love to do?
Actually, my goal beyond architecture is to get more into developing myself. To developers, architects are one more expense, and by owning my own firm, designing it myself and then owning the building, I can kind of cut one more fee out of the picture. But also it's a good investment for the future.
New Entrepreneurs profiles young businesses, 6-18 months old. Send your suggestions and contact information to kelson@mainebiz.biz.
Employees: One
Startup costs: $35,000
Projected revenue, year one: $100,000
Projected revenue, year two: $120,000
Contact: 837-3026
360 U.S. Rte. One, Scarborough 04074
www.tidewaterarchitects.com
Can you explain a bit about what you do?
I specialize in commercial and retail architecture. I'm currently working on a project in Scarborough. It is a retail conversion ˆ taking over an existing retail building, doing a full upgrade to the exterior as well as the interior, and getting it ready for new tenants.
How many projects are you working on?
I currently have about six going on.
That sounds like a lot for one person.
It is. I can't find time to finish them all. A lot of them are little projects, like tenant fit-ups. I'm working with another architect as a consultant, doing some bank renovations. And I'm also just getting some proposals out to different companies to offer some of my services.
Why did you decide to specialize in commercial and retail architecture?
There's more of a team feeling when it comes to working with a developer on commercial and retail [projects]. In retail, the owner typically has an idea and a team already established, and knows what it's like to work with contractors and architects. You're able to help the process move easier. Most residential people ˆ I don't want you to take this the wrong way ˆ but most residential people [aren't] really expecting what they're up for.
Is there a particular style that defines your work?
I like to say that I'm a traditional architect, in the means of keeping within the New England style. I feel that Maine's a very conservative state. In Scarborough they're very grounded to the historical, the country look. I'm looking to keep that efficiency using materials that are found throughout New England ˆ your standard clapboards, gabled roofs, masonry.
How did you learn that clients here like that style?
A lot of towns have design standards that have been incorporated throughout the years, through the town council and the planning staff, and every town reverts back to the historical, very traditional forms. That is the look that people are comfortable with. Sometimes the more modern buildings make people anxious or uncomfortable to be in.
Is it limiting to be working just traditionally?
No. I think that you can incorporate different ideas within that traditional. Like adding different colors, different accents, adding glass to different areas instead of your standard windows here and there, adding trim and some panels that break up the façade.
What made you decide to start your own architecture firm?
For five years I had been with Port City Architecture in Portland, and I was working on a project on the side, helping my friend out. The timing was everything. I had that job that could last me a few months or more and I had enough support within my family to do it.
What's the benefit of being on your own?
Making your own hours, doing your own thing. The main reason was to explore the option of doing everything myself, and to be the one making the decisions.
Did you take clients with you when you started your firm?
Yes, I was able to take a client with me. I work with the owner of Allied Home Mortgage, and I work in a building at 360 Rte. One, and that is a building that I designed while I was at Port City Architecture. So for me it's a great marketing tool. I kind of fell into a little office space, only 500 square feet, that is just the right size for one person.
Is there a dream project you'd love to do?
Actually, my goal beyond architecture is to get more into developing myself. To developers, architects are one more expense, and by owning my own firm, designing it myself and then owning the building, I can kind of cut one more fee out of the picture. But also it's a good investment for the future.
Interview by Kerry Elson
New Entrepreneurs profiles young businesses, 6-18 months old. Send your suggestions and contact information to kelson@mainebiz.biz.
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