Architectural Designs

Can i open an ID solution business DURING my architectural Degree?

Im 21 and I am pursuing architecture (Bachelor of Architecture w Applied Sciences) 2nd year, where I got another 2 years to graduate before i start my Masters. I have been very keen on designing and since i received my CAD/Architectural Design Softwares, i have started to design for my parents home (interior - currently being renovated) and even fully designed a single-floor family house myself both exterior and interior from scratch which is currently being built under a separate building contractor. My designs has been praised by family members and even the general public around my neighborhood, in result, my designs has been used (to the drawing) for homes of families i don't even know (who peeked through windows and took photos). Because im designing for myself and my parents, i don't have copyright materials. It has been frustrating to i see my own kitchen design, integrated bed design and home layout being used/copied by the general public around my area, where i can make money out of it and pay off the hefty student loans later. I want to start a small business, one man business, to design rooms for clients living around my city. I believe if they can pay millions for their homes, why cant they spend 1-3K for me to design a unique solution for their rooms since our finished neighborhood is just 3 months old. An Interior design consultant would charge around RM8K-15K for a single floor. Plus every design i make consists of renovated floor plan, materials list, 3D representation and 3D Visual Animated Walk through. Can i start this business without finishing my Degree yet? and should I (from what you have read)?

Public Comments

1. Of course you can start your own business before getting a degree. In fact, if it turns out to be successful, you really won't ever need to finish your degree unless you wish to do so for your own personal satisfaction. ----------------- About ten years ago, I was doing the exact same CAD design things for contractors here in the USA (west coast Seattle). I really enjoyed it and made some rather good money. But it didn't really pan out to be a career because of the now-current recession which even back then was getting started. I don't have a degree in Architecture, but my plans were (not bragging) just like what one would get from an architect. I sometimes experienced the same frustrations as you, i.e. I would give a potential client preliminary plans I had drawn up for their project. I received a minimal fee. Then sometimes the client would not use my contacts as the contractors for the project. They hired cheaper contractors yet still used my design for their project(s). I eventually went into the accounting field instead, which has turned out to be a wise decision.