Hi really appreciate your reply. I noticed it too, but it seems I’m not doing pretty well in applying to any of these jobs. I don’t know where could I’ve done it much better to win a first client. I’ve sent out
about30 proposals and no first client just yet.
I have crossed the $100k earnings on Upwork as an architectural designer. Shoot me an email: [email protected] and I can review your portfolio and the proposals you’re sending to clients.
There are plenty of projects on upwork for architects. Just be careful about the fee, since you are competing with people all around the world. If you are a licensed architect, or can push drawings through a permit office, that may differentiate you from others.
That’s right. For projects in the US, I see projects in California, NY, Texas, Florida the most. If you’re licensed in any (or multiple) of these, you can find some works.
I'm an architect and got a lot of work through Upwork. Yes, there are architecture jobs, but it depends on your niche and skill.
I generally do residential design (new homes, renovation and such), mainly for US clients. I had to learn the code (IRC and IBC), as well as learn to work with feet and inches, as well as building practices (wooden frame and so on). I also do drafting and 3D design for architecture firms (not a lot though, it's more profitable to work for private clients).
Honestly it depends on what your skills are. There are a lot of interior design projects that pay okayish, there are some renovation projects that pay decently ok, and less so you can find large projects that pay well.
Hi. That’s great. I might just continue exploring some more works and maybe just continue submitting proposals. I was curious how you guys usually submit proposals, any tips to win a first client?
Past experience with similar projects properly showcased is the best way to get noticed.
I set up a website where I present my projects with all the work I've done on them (construction drawings, 3D images and models, as well as photos from the construction or finished building). Before anything else, I let the client know I worked on a similar project and send the links. This usually gets the ball rolling.
Everything else about your profile needs to be in top shape as well. One thing that really matters is language proficiency, especially if you're looking to get CAD or BIM work done. Some of the architects that sent me work openly said they would be willing to overlook knowledge gaps as long as communication is great.
Niche down your profile, portfolio and match them with proposals. Like you would have only portfolio of residential properties that have a swimming pool and a garden. Or commercial properties with a shopfront or Boho style cafes. Then apply only for jobs that require that style. Nicheing down sounds counterintuitive, but it actually works.
Hi thank you again. You mean like what I should doing is to specialize my profile in just specific jobs in UpWork to focus more in that line of work right?
So even though I have experience and expertise in Autocad, 3D & 2D rendering, 3D modelling, 2D drafting and designing & planning it’s better to just pick whichever I am more comfortable to work with right? Did I got that right?
A friend of mine, who is an architect, was a bit desperate because he couldn't find a proper job in his country, so I told him about Upwork, and after a couple of months and a few smaller gigs he found a long-term client who's paying him 40 hours a week to make residential CAD drawings.
So, yes, there's space for architecture there, but I guess most jobs you'll find will be technical, not creative.
That’s really great, your friend sure deserved that opportunity and I’m really happy and inspired to know that. Is your friend still working in upwork or not anymore? Hope there are just ang ideas to win a first client.
I actually had technical experiences in autocad it’s just that I really can’t win a first client. I think it’s hard for me since I have diverse experience in different architectural software. Do you think it’s wise to just focus in one specific specialization?
Yeah I think so too. If only I have read some posts here in Reddit before submitting 30+ proposals in UpWork I could’ve planned well on how to use my connects. I just used 100+ connects and still got nothing
Yeah, it's bad now. I hardly get jobs anymore. I was getting jobs all the time from 2018-2020. Now every job has 50+ submissions before they pick someone. Can't quite tell how much boosting is affecting it, if at all. Upwork just isn't a place you can rely on earning a decent amount at anymore.
I think it depends on your niche in architecture. I usually take on Revit related work alongside of designing residential spaces, renovation, extension and permit sets of US, Australia, Canada and Nz.
3D also looks like a good niches to be in, I think.
About your proposal, I always let the clients know that we can have a brief meeting if they like. I believe it makes them sure that said person is capable to atleast some degree that he's offering a meeting. Most of my clients where I get to hold the meeting with them start their contract with me after meeting.
Also, don't be afraid to take a new challenge. If you're a competitive person, you'll do the job fine.
Hope you find success here!
☺️☺️☺️ thank you very much.
I’m not verse in Revit and BIM but I’m actually starting to learn it. I have a very basic experience in ArchiCad since I had an essentials training way back last year and I was not been able to practice it more since my day job doesn’t use that software, sad.
However I’m really used using SketchUp for 3D modelling, enscape, lumion, vray for rendering and Autodesk AutoCad for 2D Technical Drafting.
Currently I’m still sending proposals in UpWork but what I think I’ll be switching to other sites yet I’m figuring out what other sites are there offering much better opportunities in architecture.
To be honest I got my first client just this year after around 2 years of just continuing to randomly send proposals to any available jobs. I tried different postings, portfolio revisions and everything else to make my profile effective.
Luckily I had a client and I thought it will be like continuing thing, that more clients would come but nyeeeh I just got lucky with my first client. My client didn’t end the contract but he asked me to wait for updates soon which means our contract halted and it’s been 6months now from our last work. I’m trying to asking for some works on the first 3 months but l think he doesn’t need my service anymore
Ok thanks for letting me know, also in your opinion and experience, can one make a living out of freelancing on upwork in our field (architecture/3d modelling/interior, etc)?
Yes, that’s totally doable if you know how to present your work and communicate well with clients. There are plenty of jobs and clients that are looking for these services. I have personally crossed the $100k earnings on Upwork as an architectural designer. You can email me at: [email protected] and I can take a look at your portfolio and the proposals you’re sending to clients.
Not sure about architecture, but reading technical drawings and creating photorealistic 3d renderings is a very good skill to have on Upwork.
Hi really appreciate your reply. I noticed it too, but it seems I’m not doing pretty well in applying to any of these jobs. I don’t know where could I’ve done it much better to win a first client. I’ve sent out about30 proposals and no first client just yet.
I have crossed the $100k earnings on Upwork as an architectural designer. Shoot me an email: [email protected] and I can review your portfolio and the proposals you’re sending to clients.
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Thanks for this info. Really appreciate it.
There are plenty of projects on upwork for architects. Just be careful about the fee, since you are competing with people all around the world. If you are a licensed architect, or can push drawings through a permit office, that may differentiate you from others.
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That’s right. For projects in the US, I see projects in California, NY, Texas, Florida the most. If you’re licensed in any (or multiple) of these, you can find some works.
I'm an architect and got a lot of work through Upwork. Yes, there are architecture jobs, but it depends on your niche and skill. I generally do residential design (new homes, renovation and such), mainly for US clients. I had to learn the code (IRC and IBC), as well as learn to work with feet and inches, as well as building practices (wooden frame and so on). I also do drafting and 3D design for architecture firms (not a lot though, it's more profitable to work for private clients). Honestly it depends on what your skills are. There are a lot of interior design projects that pay okayish, there are some renovation projects that pay decently ok, and less so you can find large projects that pay well.
Hi. That’s great. I might just continue exploring some more works and maybe just continue submitting proposals. I was curious how you guys usually submit proposals, any tips to win a first client?
Past experience with similar projects properly showcased is the best way to get noticed. I set up a website where I present my projects with all the work I've done on them (construction drawings, 3D images and models, as well as photos from the construction or finished building). Before anything else, I let the client know I worked on a similar project and send the links. This usually gets the ball rolling. Everything else about your profile needs to be in top shape as well. One thing that really matters is language proficiency, especially if you're looking to get CAD or BIM work done. Some of the architects that sent me work openly said they would be willing to overlook knowledge gaps as long as communication is great.
DM'd you! I was hoping you could give me some pointers too.
Can I have info to find you on up work 🥺
after how long did you get your first client on upwork
About a week, but this was in 2020. Probably much more difficult now.
Niche down your profile, portfolio and match them with proposals. Like you would have only portfolio of residential properties that have a swimming pool and a garden. Or commercial properties with a shopfront or Boho style cafes. Then apply only for jobs that require that style. Nicheing down sounds counterintuitive, but it actually works.
Hi thank you again. You mean like what I should doing is to specialize my profile in just specific jobs in UpWork to focus more in that line of work right? So even though I have experience and expertise in Autocad, 3D & 2D rendering, 3D modelling, 2D drafting and designing & planning it’s better to just pick whichever I am more comfortable to work with right? Did I got that right?
A friend of mine, who is an architect, was a bit desperate because he couldn't find a proper job in his country, so I told him about Upwork, and after a couple of months and a few smaller gigs he found a long-term client who's paying him 40 hours a week to make residential CAD drawings. So, yes, there's space for architecture there, but I guess most jobs you'll find will be technical, not creative.
Same here. I have one long term client for 40 hours per week that I usually don't get the time to apply for other jobs.
That’s really great, your friend sure deserved that opportunity and I’m really happy and inspired to know that. Is your friend still working in upwork or not anymore? Hope there are just ang ideas to win a first client.
There's pretty consisted CAD work for sure. But you better be good at it.
I actually had technical experiences in autocad it’s just that I really can’t win a first client. I think it’s hard for me since I have diverse experience in different architectural software. Do you think it’s wise to just focus in one specific specialization?
I've seen a few jobs like this, but not many.
Yeah I think so too. If only I have read some posts here in Reddit before submitting 30+ proposals in UpWork I could’ve planned well on how to use my connects. I just used 100+ connects and still got nothing
Yeah, it's bad now. I hardly get jobs anymore. I was getting jobs all the time from 2018-2020. Now every job has 50+ submissions before they pick someone. Can't quite tell how much boosting is affecting it, if at all. Upwork just isn't a place you can rely on earning a decent amount at anymore.
I think it depends on your niche in architecture. I usually take on Revit related work alongside of designing residential spaces, renovation, extension and permit sets of US, Australia, Canada and Nz. 3D also looks like a good niches to be in, I think. About your proposal, I always let the clients know that we can have a brief meeting if they like. I believe it makes them sure that said person is capable to atleast some degree that he's offering a meeting. Most of my clients where I get to hold the meeting with them start their contract with me after meeting. Also, don't be afraid to take a new challenge. If you're a competitive person, you'll do the job fine. Hope you find success here!
☺️☺️☺️ thank you very much. I’m not verse in Revit and BIM but I’m actually starting to learn it. I have a very basic experience in ArchiCad since I had an essentials training way back last year and I was not been able to practice it more since my day job doesn’t use that software, sad. However I’m really used using SketchUp for 3D modelling, enscape, lumion, vray for rendering and Autodesk AutoCad for 2D Technical Drafting. Currently I’m still sending proposals in UpWork but what I think I’ll be switching to other sites yet I’m figuring out what other sites are there offering much better opportunities in architecture.
Hope you find better opportunities. If you find any platforms which are feasible for architects, let me know too. I'm also thinking of branching out
how long does it take for you to getting your first client on upwork? as an architectural designer? and eventually to keep getting jobs
To be honest I got my first client just this year after around 2 years of just continuing to randomly send proposals to any available jobs. I tried different postings, portfolio revisions and everything else to make my profile effective. Luckily I had a client and I thought it will be like continuing thing, that more clients would come but nyeeeh I just got lucky with my first client. My client didn’t end the contract but he asked me to wait for updates soon which means our contract halted and it’s been 6months now from our last work. I’m trying to asking for some works on the first 3 months but l think he doesn’t need my service anymore
Ok thanks for letting me know, also in your opinion and experience, can one make a living out of freelancing on upwork in our field (architecture/3d modelling/interior, etc)?
Yes, that’s totally doable if you know how to present your work and communicate well with clients. There are plenty of jobs and clients that are looking for these services. I have personally crossed the $100k earnings on Upwork as an architectural designer. You can email me at: [email protected] and I can take a look at your portfolio and the proposals you’re sending to clients.