How to Start an Architect Business
Opening an architecture firm in stages: licensing, registering the business, insurance and tax IDs, then billing your first project.
This guide starts with licensing and works through registration, insurance and tax IDs to the first invoice. Phase billing and fee splits are covered in the architect invoicing guide linked below.
According to the BLS outlook page for architects (In the US, last modified August 27, 2026), "All states and the District of Columbia require architects to be licensed." It adds "Most states also require some form of continuing education to keep a license." Your state's architectural registration board sets the details.
An example first invoice for a small commission, in sample figures: a feasibility study at 1 × $1,500.00 and three hours of site visits at 3 × $125.00 = $375.00 come to $1,500.00 + $375.00 = $1,875.00. Use your own figures; these are only an illustration.
Step-by-step startup guide
Follow these steps to launch your architect business on solid footing.
- 1
Confirm your license
The BLS architects entry (In the US, last modified August 27, 2026) says "Licensing requirements typically include completing a degree program in architecture, gaining relevant experience through a paid internship, and passing a qualifying exam." Check your state board for its rules on firms.
- 2
Register the firm
The SBA's launch guide (In the US, SBA, checked October 31, 2026) says "Most states require you to register with the Secretary of State’s office, a Business Bureau, or a Business Agency." Ask a lawyer which structure fits a design practice.
- 3
Get a tax ID
The SBA (In the US, SBA, checked October 31, 2026) says "Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) is your business’s federal tax ID number." The IRS's EIN page (In the US, IRS, last reviewed or updated October 16, 2026) says "If it’s approved, we’ll issue your EIN immediately online."
- 4
Arrange insurance
The SBA (In the US, SBA, checked October 31, 2026) says "You also may be legally required to purchase certain types of business insurance." Talk to a licensed agent about professional liability for design work.
- 5
Set your fee approach
Decide whether you'll charge by phase, by the hour or as a fixed fee for a defined scope, and put it in your client agreement.
- 6
Invoice the first phase
Bill each phase or service on its own line, with any reimbursable costs listed separately and a clear due date.
Tips for starting your architect business
- Keep a log of your continuing education so renewals are straightforward.
- Plan for quarterly taxes. The IRS estimated taxes page (In the US, IRS, last reviewed or updated September 25, 2026) says "Individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, and S corporation shareholders, generally have to make estimated tax payments if they expect to owe tax of $1,000 or more when their return is filed."
- Record approved scope changes in writing before the extra work starts.
- Check your state board's rules on firm names and who may sign drawings.
How Billed helps you get started
Features to look at as you set up your business.
Hourly Rate Projects
Billed's features page says: "Manage hourly rate projects and track time for your projects. Easily bill for time tracked."
Project Invoices
Billed's features page says: "Keep all invoices related to your project in one place."
Convert An Estimate To Invoice
Billed's features page says: "Convert your estimate to invoice with a single click after getting approval from your client."
Track Time For Projects
Billed's features page says: "See how much time you are spending on a project with Project time tracking."
Frequently asked questions
More Startup Guides
Invoice Your First Project
Create invoices, track payments and keep your clients' details in one place with Billed.
At a glance
| Stage | What to settle | Source |
|---|---|---|
| License | Your state architectural registration board | BLS (In the US, last modified August 27, 2026) |
| Registration | Secretary of State or business agency | SBA (In the US, SBA, checked October 31, 2026) |
| Tax ID | An EIN | IRS (In the US, IRS, last reviewed or updated October 16, 2026) |
| First invoice | Phase, reimbursables, due date | Architect invoicing guide |
When this isn't for you
If you're still completing your internship or exam, this firm set-up guide is early for you; ask your state architectural registration board what comes first.