general questions + FAQ
I receive many recurring questions about architecture, interior design, starting a business + running a design practice. So many that I can’t personally reply to them all by email. To keep things efficient, I’ve collected the core resources and answers here.
First stop is to check my resource page, it triages the major learning assets on my site: Courses, Sketching, Model Making, Drawing, Tutorials, Templates, and Book recommendations.
I want to be an architect, but… (insert your question variant)?
I’ve answered them all in the video above…
How do I start my own design practice. Can you guide me?
My complete frameworks for starting and running a design business are taught in my online courses and books. I’m not able to provide one-to-one business coaching. You can find all the resources here.
Can I send you my business idea, niche, or plan to get your feedback?
I can’t review business plans or provide personalized strategic feedback. The systems I use in my own practice are taught step-by-step in my courses. More than 5000 students are currently enrolled, they’re really good!
Can you look at my design, plans, or site and give feedback?
Due to the volume of custom work in my studio, I’m not able to review project designs outside of commissioned client work. For design guidance, please explore my videos and project case studies.
I’m considering a career change. Can you give me personal advice?
I’m not able to offer individualized career coaching. The best starting points are the videos and resources I’ve created on practice, independence, and building a values-aligned career path in the design field.
Can I hire you for business consulting or a strategy call?
I no longer offer consulting or one-to-one calls. My focus is on creating systems and educational resources that serve many people at once.
What do you use in the studio for… (insert your specific question)?
I’ve compiled EVERYTHING I use in my studio, in one place: 30X40’s Studio Toolbox (I update it frequently, so be sure to bookmark it.
Can I interview you for my (high school/college) career report?
I receive many requests each week for interviews for school projects. I’m flattered and I’d love to help you, but if I granted these requests I wouldn’t have time for any of the creative work you’ve come to expect from me. My short film, ‘A Choice to Make’ shows my career path. Also, check out my vlogs for ‘Day in the Life of an Architect’ content.
Can you review my: portfolio, website, offer, or brand?
I don’t offer individual reviews. My videos and courses cover the principles I use to evaluate and develop this work. If you’re working on a portfolio, I made a video discussing the most important elements I think you should include in an architectural portfolio. You’ll find my best advice there.
How do I find clients for my design business?
I’ve created detailed guidance on this topic in the How to Find New (+ Better) Clients course and the Investment Guide Toolkit. These resources describe in detail the approach I use and recommend.
How can I create passive income as a design professional?
I teach the frameworks I use in my books and in the Architect + Entrepreneur Course. These are the systems that allowed me to diversify beyond billable hours.
Can I pick your brain? I have just a few quick questions…
I receive many requests to ‘pick my brain’ each week via email. I wish I could personally respond, but the amount of inbound email has simply exceeded my capacity to reply without sacrificing the time I need to be creative + make new things. I do hope you’ll understand! Leaving a comment on my most recent video is a good place to catch me, I try to respond to as many as I can.
What kind of computer should I buy for… (architecture school, my new design business, etc.)?
This changes frequently, my updated recs can always be found here.
Do I have to be good at math to be an architect?
No. Here’s why.
Can I work for you as an intern? Are you hiring?
Following me on my social media accounts is the best way to learn about employment opportunities as they arise. YouTube + Instagram.
What architecture school should I attend?
I graduated from architecture school (Roger Williams University) in 1996. I was researching schools back in the late 1980’s (30 years ago) which means I’m a really bad person to ask. I chose which schools to apply to based on: A) how much I liked the work I saw when I visited, and B) how much I liked the studio space knowing I’d be spending a lot of time there.
Do I have to be good at drawing to be an architect?
No. But learning to visually communicate your ideas is a skill you’ll need to develop over time. You’ll find a style with lots of practice and that style will be unique to you. Here’s a video I made on this very subject. Many architects sketches look like scribbles to the uninformed. What matters is being able to convey your ideas to others in a visual format. You get to choose what that is: computer, sketch, model…something else?
Is it too late to pursue a career in architecture?
No. However, to become a licensed architect takes many years. If you go into the process knowing this, you can decide if it’s right for you. A Bachelor of Architecture is a 5 year professional degree, (or you can pursue a 4 + 2 Master’s). This is followed by 5 years of a mandatory internship (in the USA) and then you’ll be eligible to sit for your licensing exams.
Can I become a licensed architect in the USA without going to architecture school?
That depends on the state where you’d like to practice. It is possible in some states in the USA, however the equivalent training requirement will likely to take longer to complete than attending architecture school. Check NCARB’s list of state-specific licensing requirements.
Will you mentor or coach me?
I’m not available for mentoring or coaching. The most effective way I can share what I’ve learned is through the educational resources linked here.
I’m visiting Maine, can I drop by your studio for a quick tour and a chat?
Totally flattered and I’d love to meet you, but private studio visits are reserved for my current clients. Enjoy Maine, it’s a fantastic place!
Can you help me design my house, project, music studio, etc.?
Because I run a small studio, I’m only able to take on a few commissioned projects at a time. If the studio is accepting new work, inquiries can be submitted through the project request page.
Can I get a discount on… (insert the course or template you want to buy)?
I don’t offer discounts on my products. Here’s why: 99% of what I do online I give away for free; I only offer a few paid products and it’s the sales from those products that help support my family and make the work I do possible. If it’s not the right time for you to invest in these tools for your business, I understand, but I also know that you’ll find value in these products that far outweigh their price.
Will you feature my (product, app, software, tool) on your YouTube channel?
If you’d like to make me aware of your product or service, please use the media requests button on my contact page to reach me and I’ll be in touch shortly.
What gear do you use to make your videos?
What fonts do you use in your videos.
Fonts aren’t (that) important. When in doubt, use Comic Sans.
Will you be a guest on my podcast?
I love podcasts (In fact, I have my own: Two Sides of FI) and I seriously consider every request. Please refer to my contact page to reach me.
Can I republish your video, article, or imagery on my site?
No, you may not republish any of my content without my express written permission. All content is copyright of 30X40 Design Workshop and Eric W. Reinholdt. Making videos, writing, and blogging is a difficult and time-consuming endeavor. It’s well worth the time it takes to find your own voice and express your own unique ideas. You'll be glad you took it on yourself rather than rely on mine. We need your work in the world…go make things!
Can I translate your videos and re-upload them to YouTube on a separate channel?
No. Video copyrights are all retained by 30X40 Design Workshop and Eric W. Reinholdt. If you’d like to submit translations of my videos on my channel this can be done here. I don’t permit any downloading of my original content, or any dubbing or re-uploading of my video content from my existing library of videos. Not only is this a violation of my copyright, it will also result in a copyright strike on YouTube as it violates YouTube’s terms of service. Make your own original content, you’ll be glad you did.
Why the name 30X40?
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