Architects of the digital world

5 platforms where you can work as a freelancer!

Often we have written about the technology and opportunities it brings: easier and faster communication, also better project management and control (especially thanks to BIM), opportunities for almost realistic visualization of ideas,VR..etc. Of course all have a great impact the architect's  profession thus providing more tools at their hand to express their creativity.

Beyond digital capabilities,  technology today gives you the opportunity to create and design for clients you will never meet! (although we strongly believe in relationships with real people)

It is a historic moment of a digital revolution and of course the profession of architect should adapt to emerging changes.

Virtual communication has changed the businesses operations by so creating new paths for collaborations through different platforms.If you have decided to work abroad and be a freelancer we are introducing you to some of the platforms where you can start designing for your clients abroad! In the meantime, you can also find partners through these platforms if you are looking for collaborators!

In this digital market, it does not matter who you know, but what differentiates you is only  dedication, perseverance and above all hardwork!

1.First we would suggest is houzz.com!

In fact this platform has inspired to some extent the creation of pikark, so we share it with you with great pleasure!

Houzz është një platformë e cila ndihmon klientët të arredojnë, rinovojnë, ndërtojnë shtëpitë e tyre me ndihmën e profesionistëve më të mirë si arredues, arkitekt, arkitekt peisazhi, dekorues etj

How does it work?

The model is based on businesses and professionals – called “Pros” – creating profile pages which may include awards, reviews, and compiled portfolios for clients and employers to browse and choose.

To be successful on Houzz, you must nail the presentation of your services so that clients are more likely to hire you.  So create a curated profile so clients can better understand your capabilities.

EARNING POTENTIAL 

Because the website enables freelancers to act like businesses, earning potential with Houzz is very high.

Many architects opt to charge a percentage of construction costs, while others may opt to charge by the hour with rates between $45 and $200. ( Not bad at all no?)

2. GOPILLAR.COM 

GoPillar is a self-described crowdsourcing platform for architectural design services . It is set up for clients to post projects, or contests, for which architects registered on the website will compete.

Once designs are submitted, payment will be sent based on quality (decided by the client), with varying monetary rewards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd; sometimes 4th and 5th places

EARNING POTENTIAL 

The first place has a variable from $ 500 to $ 1000 (depending on the size of the project) of course with increasing project volume increases and the chance to earn more!

DISADVANTAGES

There is competition and not always your project will be a winner because it depends a lot on the client's taste and how much your version manages to meet  all the functional and economic requirements of the client!

Ps: Arcbazaar works in the same way

3. Upwork

You have probably heard of upwork, the most talked freelance platform and of course there is a reason why it is so!

It utilizes a highly effective algorithm – when a client posts a project with the necessary/relevant skills listed, the website will return a preliminary list of likely suitable candidates for the job based on the client’s needs and the freelancer’s skills

Upwork offers a variety of services  but there are many architects who use it and find clients!

In case you are looking for a career change, like passing in  graphic design, web designer etc just take advantage of this platform.

In case you are looking for a career change, like passing in graphic design, web designer etc just take advantage of this platform.

EARNING POTENTIAL 

The top freelance architects on Upwork charge by the hour, at an average rate between $45 and $75, making Upwork one of the better options for those looking to make a full-time income freelancing.

In this way, your time gets a great value and every effort can be evaluated in terms of money (even the research that is carried out for each project)

DISADVANTAGES

There is competition and you will need a little work until you create a winning profile.

4.Fiverr.com 

Fiverr is among the most popular platforms for freelancers.You can find everything from graphics, marketing, design, design, web design, video, music and even a personal trainer. However there is strong competition and many projects from different parts of the world!

Based in Israel, Fiverr states its mission is to “change the way the world works together.”

While Fiverr has received some criticism in the past for a strong bias in favor of the buyer through incredibly low prices (not good if you are selling designs), the company has recently begun reworking itself by responding to customer complaints and improving the experience for sellers. However it offers inmense opportunities for architects!

Fiverr posts jobs and projects as “gigs,” which freelances may browse and apply for the "gigs" that attracts you!

Clients browse the marketplace, where all profesional have a profile that lists   their the skills, works, offer and prices.

Customer ratings are important, so try to meet all the deadlines you list!

EARNING POTENTIAL 

Top-rated sellers on Fiverr can successfully charge $150 and up for a project. Still, the website tends to favor entry-level to intermediate designers who are willing to work for significantly less.

It seems a great deal to start with! Register here  If you need to learn first just have a look at FiverrLearn

But if you are a business start here!

DISADVANTAGES

As we mentioned fiverr favors young professionals, which means if you want to earn more it will be harder!

05.SHAPEWAYS.COM

It is not a real architecture, but for anyone who has a passion for 3D and can create parts of different products, and can generate income by registering on the platform. ShapeWays is an innovative online marketplace specializing in 3d printing and novel production technologies to create a variety of customized items for businesses and consumers, from machine parts to models.

Freelancers may design parts that consumers may then purchase to be made into working parts and models through on-demand 3d printing services.

EARNING POTENTIAL 

ShapeWays is a great way to generate passive income. The amount you make is something you need to determine by experimenting, but many who design parts and models report earning between  400 - 1500 $ per month in addition to their primary source of income.

BONUS

Register as an architect at Pikark.com!

There are plenty of platforms where you can display your work, like Behance, Dribble but of course we suggest you to be an active part of Pikark.com?

How it works?

You register as an architect (with your gmail)  and publish your work, write your own blog, or and if you have even an product you can promote in the platform. Create a professional page with your work, a proffesional portoflio for client to see! pikark.com  is the only platform in Albania that provides you with aproffesional space to expose your work, so take advantange to reach a wider network and meet potential clients.

Projects published on www.pikark.com have reached international atention and winning awards, so give your creativity the right exposure!

EARNING POTENTIAL 

New customers
If you have not registered yet it is very simple! :
Register here and show the world your creative potential!