Architectural millwork is a critical component of any building project. At the same time, the industry suffers from a lack of skilled workers. While these factors are in your favor, it can seem as if the competition for projects is holding your business back. As the volume of available work fluctuates, there are several things you can do to ensure a steady demand for your architectural woodworking services.
Grow your architectural millwork business by keeping the following ideas in mind.
1. Many sources for information about architectural woodworking are available to help you improve your skills.
2. Professional certification can give your architectural woodworking company an edge when bidding on projects.
3. The green building movement is a major trend in architectural woodwork, and a major opportunity for you to create a specialized business niche.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Add to your architectural woodworking and general woodworking skills
Continuing education and the new skills it offers can open doors to projects you avoided bidding on or bid unsuccessfully on in the past. From seminars to books to DVDs, there are plenty of ways to increase your knowledge.
I recommend: The Architectural Woodwork Institute offers a large variety of educational opportunities.
Wiley Publishers sells "Architectural Woodwork Details for Construction." Written by Stephen P. Major, this book is a complete resource for architectural woodworking companies, architects and designers.
Master Woodworking Plans sells a DVD with links to thousands of plans for architectural and general woodworking projects.
Consider professional certification of your architectural woodworking business or projects
Professional certification tells potential customers you're willing to put your time in when it comes to quality workmanship. This extra level of assurance, whether for your business in general or for a specific custom architectural millwork project, can tip the scales in your favor at decision time.
I recommend: The
Architectural Woodwork Institute provides certification in fabrication, finishing and installation. The
Woodwork Institute offers compliance programs that certify the quality level of specified projects.
Jump into the expanding market for green architectural woodworking services
Green building is not going away, and while the concept presents architectural woodwork suppliers and manufacturers with new challenges, it holds opportunities for expanding your architectural millwork business as well. Get on board now - be in position to ride the trend as it expands.
I recommend: The
Architectural Woodwork Institute website has links to several podcasts that discuss the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. Get certified via exam from the
Green Building Certification Institute. Find exam preparation materials at
Green Building Education Services.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- The art of architectural woodworking has a tendency to attract solitary types who don't mind spending the day alone in their shops. However, networking can be a great way to grow your business. The Internet makes it easier than ever to exchange ideas with peers outside your area of competition, so take a look at your woodwork information networking options online.
The official source of Architectural Woodwork is
the Architectural Woodwork page at Business.com
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