31 Profitable Architecture Business Ideas You Can Start In 2024
Are you an architect looking for the best business ideas?
Architecture is one of the most lucrative industries today. The future of architecture is emerging, the sector is varied, and the career opportunities in this industry are endless.
Architects plan, design, construct, renovate and repair buildings and other physical structures. They blend art and science to create plans suitable for people to live, work, shop and worship in.
In this post, we will highlight 31 architecture business ideas to start in 2024.
For most of these architectural business ideas, we highlight real-world examples of startups for your inspiration.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a construction company
Running a construction company can be very rewarding and require hard work, attention to detail, and a hustle mentality.
Construction companies are responsible for building/designing a variety of apartments, buildings, properties, housing, infrastructure, facilities & developments, motorways, roads, paths, pavement, and more.
How much you can make: $40,001 — $10,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Mountain Fire Woodworks founder Cameron Vilcsak shares how he used YouTube to promote his log cabins, chainsaw carvings, and passion for woodworking, culminating in one of his videos that has gone viral with over 25 million views and counting.
2. Become a roofing contractor
A roofing contractor installs and repairs roofs on homes, offices, and commercial buildings. The construction industry is snowballing, and demand for roofing contractors is growing exponentially. Therefore, starting a roofing company or becoming a roofing contractor can be a big business idea.
To start the roofing business, you must complete technical training and become certified as a professional roofing contractor. Once you have the certification, you can apply for the roofing license and start marketing your business.
How much you can make: $665,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Central Florida's Roof Commander CEO talks about how they achieved stability and became one of the top-rated roofing companies in Florida, with $665k monthly revenue and ranked in the 2018 Inc. 5000, by focusing on quality workmanship and materials, new product innovation, and creating a sustainable stream of income.
3. Start a custom home building company
Custom homes are unique houses designed for a particular client and location. As inventory dwindles, the demand for custom build options has increased. Rather than competing for homes that do not suit their needs, homebuyers opt for dream properties.
If you are an architect looking for a good business idea, consider starting a custom home-building company based on the client's specifications.
To become a custom home builder, take the new homebuilder licensing exam and apply for the license. Your clients will most likely be people looking to purchase homes that suit their needs.
How much you can make: $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 14 days (?)
A General Contracting firm founder who grew his company to over $500K a month revenue found his unhealthy obsession on scaling his business by constantly landing new projects and hiring new team members a mistake, and reduced his staff down to four, and shifted to a new target audience while implementing SEO and advertising campaigns.
4. Become a real estate developer
A real estate developer is responsible for overseeing all the people involved in building or renovating homes, offices, retail centers, or industrial sites. Real estate developers are the people who turn empty land or neglected buildings into new properties.
To become a real estate developer, you need some initial capital and also be able to convince other people that your project is worth investing in. What kind of development you want to undertake should be clear to you, and you should be able to persuade others and make them see this venture will be financially successful.
How much you can make: $1,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 500 days (?)
Entrepreneur Brandon Turner explains how he started a real estate investment company, Open Door Capital, which now manages over 5,000 rental units, bringing in $30,000,000 per year in revenue while only working a few hours a week, and aims to cross $1,000,000,000 in real estate by the end of the year.
5. Start a real estate business
Are you a qualified architect with a broad range of knowledge in the real estate field? Starting a real estate business can be a profitable venture.
Real estate involves purchasing, selling, managing, or investing in land and buildings.
To become a successful real estate business owner, you must have finely honed visual awareness and a strong understanding of various building materials and structures.
How much you can make: $1,500 — $1,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
This case study is about T. C. Lewis & Co, a real estate investment and management firm that successfully diversified their approach to include sales, development, remodeling, and construction, with property management being the key to investor doors and organic growth.
6. Sell construction equipment
The global construction market is set to grow to $222.14 Billion in the next few years. Therefore, the construction equipment business is one of the ideas that can be rewarding to sales professionals.
Reselling heavy construction equipment can be a great way to earn some cool cash. The construction equipment can include heavy-duty vehicles, engineering equipment, and heavy hydraulics.
Before launching, conduct feasibility studies and collect the address and details of all the construction sites and construction companies within your reach. Then, write a business plan focusing on the construction sites and companies listed above. Finally, to profit from selling construction equipment, source it carefully from manufacturers with a good reputation.
How much you can make: $20,000/month
7. Start a remodelling business
A home remodeling business focuses on renovating or making additions to one's home. Architects oversee the home remodeling process and are responsible for coordinating with other home remodeling professionals to ensure their client's needs are met.
If you are an architect looking for a side income or even a primary income opportunity, consider starting a home & office renovation business.
How much you can make: $350,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Carolina Exteriors is a residential home improvement service that generates $4,000,000 in revenue annually, with 12 full-time employees and over 50 trade partners, developed in response to the previous housing crisis and their founders' belief that contractors needed to be more customer-focused.
8. Become a handyman
Handyman offers various home repair services based on their skill set and the customer’s needs. Also known as a fixer, the handyman repairs works both on the interior and exterior.
The handyman business is a great part-time opportunity, and you can earn a high-profit margin while the overhead costs are low.
How much you can make: $8,000/month
Learn how a third generation business owner started a profitable pool service and installation business in Southern Ontario, earning an average of $8000/month net revenue during peak season and growing from servicing 0 to 350+ pools since May 2016 by doing things that don't scale, such as manually talking to customers and focusing on the ideal customer.
9. Start a tiny house building business
People love living in small spaces. They're affordable and easy to maintain. Starting a tiny house-building business is a great way to help people and make money. You need to be licensed and insured to work in the state you live in, and you will also need a business license. Additionally, you will also have to research how much it costs to build a tiny house as well as what materials are needed for the project.
Tiny houses are becoming increasingly popular, offering a unique opportunity for you to get involved in the construction industry. The tiny homes industry is expected to grow to 3.57B by 2026.
How much you can make: $295,000 — $10,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 700 days (?)
Tiny Away, a network of eco-friendly 'tiny houses' across Australia, has grown to over 75 private locations and brings in an average of $156,000 in monthly rental revenue, appealing to city dwellers seeking unique and comfortable accommodation experiences.
10. Start an architecture blog
Think of an architecture blog as your industry-specific newsletter where visitors learn new trends or keep up with the local architectural practices locally or globally. Starting an architecture blog can be a great way to share your passion for architecture and design with the world, but it's also important to make sure you're doing it in a way that brings you money.
To start an architecture blog, find a suitable niche with the potential to attract a readership. Update the blog with new posts regularly so you can appeal to a new audience often. Don't just write about the latest trends—write about what inspires you personally and why.
How much you can make: $63,500/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Founder, Dustin Feider, shares how he started O2 Treehouse Commercial, a custom-built treehouse business generating $63K/month, which has been featured in over 85 publications and has a two-year backlog of projects waiting, along with the launch of Treewalkers, a treehouse hospitality franchise seeking to reconnect people with nature on a larger scale through a crowdfunding equity campaign via StartEngine.
11. Start a construction equipment rentals company
Construction equipment rental can be a profitable business idea, and the need for equipment rental has grown over the last few years. With the increased cost of construction equipment, renting has been a solution for many businesses. Especially new startups in the construction industry are opting for equipment rentals instead of purchasing as this is more cost-effective.
If you are starting a tools and equipment rental business, study the market and find which type of construction equipment gets more demand. Focus on regions where you will have more customers and less competition. Offering quality service will attract repeat business and more referrals.
12. Start a real estate inspections business
A thorough home inspection is a critical step in purchasing a home. A proper home inspection could uncover potentially life-threatening problems like faulty wiring, mold, poor plumbing, and other issues that can cause significant loss.
Thus, homebuyers hire certified architects to help them determine if the structure complies with the building code requirements. The Home inspectors inspect to ensure the property meets the zoning bylaws, residents' health and safety, and building standards. Start a property inspection business that is state-certified and follows industry practices to ensure the quality of your work.
13. Offer a building and construction course
The core of building and construction courses includes designing, installing, and maintaining plumbing, electricity, modern framing, and finishing systems. These courses teach students safety procedures for construction sites and machinery.
With the demand for home builders and renovation experts increasing, more people are interested in taking up the available opportunities. Consequently, there is a high demand for building and construction courses. Starting your own building and construction training program can therefore be profitable, but you must be a registered trainer at first.
How much you can make: $125,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 360 days (?)
SI Certs CEO Gabriel Kramer shares how he turned his experience as a construction inspector into an online test prep course business that made over $45,000/month in revenue last year, and is projected to make $60,000/month this year.
14. Start a construction technology company
Construction technology includes building a wide range of innovative tools, machinery, and software used in the construction industry. The construction technology enables advancement in construction methods, including semi-automated and automated construction equipment.
A construction technology company researches and experiments with critical building technology.
With homebuyers concerned about the rising cost of housing, starting a construction technology company that focuses on innovative, cheaper building technology can be profitable.
How much you can make: $10,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 900 days (?)
Boxabl, a building construction technology company that uses an assembly line for houses to provide highly efficient, cost-effective solutions for a trillion-dollar industry, has received over 50,000 names on its waitlist for pre-orders and is set to move into its first factory.
15. Start a custom treehouse business
Tree houses are fun escape places for both young and adults alike. The kids use the tree houses for fun, play, and hiding, while the adults love spending their free time relaxing and enjoying the cool breeze on tree tops. Plus, this tree house concept is becoming quite popular in the hospitality industry as well.
Therefore, starting a tree house construction business could be a lucrative business opportunity. To build a tree house, you need unique design and architectural skills. A custom treehouse business can be a fun, challenging, and rewarding way to make money.
How much you can make: $63,500/month
How long does it take to build: 395 days (?)
Founder, Dustin Feider, shares how he started O2 Treehouse Commercial, a custom-built treehouse business generating $63K/month, which has been featured in over 85 publications and has a two-year backlog of projects waiting, along with the launch of Treewalkers, a treehouse hospitality franchise seeking to reconnect people with nature on a larger scale through a crowdfunding equity campaign via StartEngine.
16. Start a backyard office design & building company
Working remotely has become a popular trend for many of us. Although working from home has its perks, distractions could affect productivity. Therefore, people are considering backyard offices to ensure their productivity level is not affected.
A backyard office is a permanent sheltered structure with a small office space detached from the main house. Constructing a backyard office is an excellent way to transform unused backyard space into a productive powerhouse. A backyard office building and construction company covers every aspect of putting up backyard offices, from design to construction and renovation.
17. Become a countertop manufacturer
Countertops are challenging to build. More importantly, they are substantial and a must-have for households. Building countertops requires expert experience, planning, and equipment. In most cases, homeowners want custom and trendy countertops.
Other than manufacturing, countertop companies can also earn money from the installation fees, repair, and replacement of countertops. To become a countertop manufacturer, you need experience cutting, polishing, and installing granite.
How much you can make: $1,100,000/month
How long does it take to build: 1000 days (?)
Concrete Countertop Solutions, a small but dedicated team that has grown from an idea to over $12M in revenue in 10 years, has succeeded by expanding into the swimming pool industry and investing in advertising, with their instructional videos and targeted social media campaigns contributing to their accelerated growth.
18. Start a bathroom appliance business
Bathroom appliances include bathtubs, toilets, sinks, taps, toilet seats, wall cabinets, and other wired fixtures like showers.
Homeowners often install bathroom appliances for functional and aesthetic reasons. High-quality bathroom appliances also improve the property's value and make the house livable.
To start a bathroom appliances business, research the market and understand consumer preferences. You can offer sales and installation services or partner with a professional appliance installer to help install the appliances.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 540 days (?)
Founder of RinseKit shares how he designed a portable pressurized shower that generates over $1.5M in sales per year and achieved great success with Kickstarter and appearing on Shark Tank, while providing advice on designing, prototyping, and manufacturing your first product.
19. Start a landscape designing business
Landscape design, also known as landscape architecture, involves arranging and modifying features in a landscape, urban area, or garden. The scope of work requires planning, designing, and managing open spaces to create an appealing environment.
The demand for landscape design is high among homeowners and commercial space owners. According to statistics, the employment of landscape architects will grow by 6% in the next few years. The need for planning and developing new and existing landscapes for commercial, industrial, and residential construction will drive the growth.
Starting a landscape design business can be profitable if you are an experienced designer with excellent artistic skills. To start a landscape design business, do market research and write a business plan. Invest in quality landscape design tools and equipment and register your business.
How much you can make: $375,000/month
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
GreenPal has bootstrapped their business to over $30 million a year in revenue, after securing an unsecured line of credit for $85,000, and have built the operating system and platform for small lawncare companies to run their entire business through, becoming live in all 50 US states and having 1.2 million homeowners using the platform.
20. Start a 3D architecture business
3D printing technology has helped bring architects’ dreams to life. The technology uses architectural illustrations and other reference materials to produce photo-realistic 3D images or animations of proposed buildings and developments.
Starting a 3D architecture business is well worth it. The profession is in high demand, and the profit margins tend to be higher than average. If you plan to start a 3D architecture business, you can specialize in interior design, architecture, science, medicine, fashion, etc.
How much does it cost to start: $10 (?)
21. Become an interior designer
Interior designing involves making indoor spaces safe, functional, and beautiful by determining space requirements and selecting essential & decorative items such as colors, lighting, and materials.
The global luxury interior design market is growing at a CAGR of 9.0%. The growth metrics show there is great potential for entrepreneurs targeting households.
If you are starting a luxury interior design business, focus on style and specialty. Add valuables with creative professions, such as interior design, so you stand out from the rest. Ensure you hire the right people and hone the brand identity.
How much you can make: $100,000 — $415,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Mother and daughter duo turn passion for antiques and design into a boutique design firm with over $1 million in annual revenue and hundreds of trophy projects, showcasing the importance of grit, determination, and passion in building a successful business.
22. Start a pond construction business
Are you a designer with construction skills? Starting a pond construction business can be profitable business. The pond construction business involves building and managing ponds. You must understand the planning, designing, and construction of fish ponds. Your customers will be aspiring and existing fish farmers.
The first step in starting a pond construction business is to do some research. Find out what type of equipment is needed for the kind of ponds you want to build and how much it would cost to purchase that equipment. You'll also want to find out how long it takes to build a pond and how much it costs to do so.
This will help you determine whether or not this is really something you want to do. Once you've done your research and decided that this is something you want to pursue, it's time to start talking with potential clients about their needs.
23. Start a construction brokerage business
A construction broker is a professional who guides homebuilders through the process of home construction, from planning to completion. A skilled construction broker helps remove the stress of constructing a new home because they represent the homeowner throughout the construction process.
To become a construction broker, take a course that will equip you with the skills needed in the construction industry. Then, join an established construction company under an internship so you will gain firsthand experience.
24. Start a real estate podcast
A real estate podcast is an audio show that covers topics related to buying, selling, and investing in properties. It provides a convenient and easily accessible way to stay informed and make informed decisions in the dynamic world of real estate.
Starting a real estate podcast is another popular business idea in the real estate industry.
As a real estate podcast host, you'll be responsible for planning, recording, and editing episodes. Episodes may cover a range of subjects, including market trends, financing options, home improvement tips, and interviews with industry professionals.
You'll also need to promote your podcast and build an audience. If you're successful, you could generate income through sponsorships and advertising.
How much you can make: $30,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $4,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Max Options Trading, a completely digital education platform founded by Max Heaney, has reached $24,000/month in revenue with over 400 active monthly members, and utilizes a combination of social media, Facebook ads, weekly newsletters, SEO updates, and partnerships to consistently attract and retain subscribers while maintaining transparency and authenticity in the stock trading industry.
25. Start a CAD designing business
A CAD designer is a professional who specializes in Computer-Aided Design. They use CAD software to create designs for clients and projects.
The CAD design industry has been growing at a rapid pace over the last few years. As a result, the need for 3D modeling and rendering services has risen dramatically in recent years, with many industries looking to CAD designers for their expertise and creativity.
A good CAD designer should have a wide range of skills that will allow them to work on projects from start to finish, from initial concept through final production.
How much you can make: $6,500 — $20,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)
A 3D CAD designer and product inventor who started as a side hustle and averaged $9,000 a month in revenue, shares his insights on the ups and downs of owning a service-based business alongside an eCommerce store, as well as lessons learned in customer acquisition and in generating multiple streams of passive income.
26. Start an architecture firm
An architecture firm offers designing, preparation of construction documents, and administration. Architects also offer feasibility studies, architectural programming, and project management on behalf of their clients.
If you are an architect and wish to start an architecture firm, then you would have to research the market and identify a potential niche based on your unique selling points. Then, determine the most suitable business structure and lay the foundations with a good business plan. Determine what competitors could be doing wrong and how you can stand out from the crowd.
How much you can make: $63,500/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Founder, Dustin Feider, shares how he started O2 Treehouse Commercial, a custom-built treehouse business generating $63K/month, which has been featured in over 85 publications and has a two-year backlog of projects waiting, along with the launch of Treewalkers, a treehouse hospitality franchise seeking to reconnect people with nature on a larger scale through a crowdfunding equity campaign via StartEngine.
27. Start a kitchen remodeling business
Kitchen remodeling means changing the previous appliances, cabinetry, countertops, flooring, and fixtures to add space and value through a new look.
The kitchen remodeling business requires creativity, design, and technical skills. To succeed in kitchen remodeling, you must be well-versed in aesthetics and space planning. You must show deep practical technical knowledge when it comes to the installation of plumbing, electrical, and other kitchen appliances.
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
28. Become an architecture professor
Architecture professors teach architectural design and related subjects at a college or university level. To become an architecture professor, you must complete a Ph.D. in architectural design or a related field. Besides, you must complete 3 years of professional experience to be allowed to practice.
As demand for architects keeps rising, becoming an architecture professor can be a rewarding career.
29. Start a green architecture business
Green architecture is the philosophy of architecture that advocates using sustainable energy sources, energy conservation, and re-use of building materials.
Green architecture offers a host of benefits to homeowners. First, green architecture provides homeowners with a huge amount of saving in terms of energy bills. The property owner also enjoys good temperature regulation since roofs and insulation feature green technology.
The benefits of green architecture technology have contributed immensely to the popularity of this building technology. Therefore, starting a green architecture firm can be a great advantage today.
30. Start an interior and exterior house painter business
House painting is one of the common makeover projects. Interior and exterior house painting can be your perfect venture if you love home improvement projects.
To start a house painting business, learn professional house painting skills. Register your business and apply for business insurance. Your target customers include homeowners undertaking renovation projects and new home builders. Networking with home construction contractors can help you increase customers. Interior and exterior house painting is a low startup business with a high-profit margin.
How much you can make: $27,500/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Hometown Painting LLC, an exterior residential painting company founded by a husband-wife duo, went from no sales in their first year to over $100,000 net profit the next year, and is projected to reach half a million in annual sales with a 30-35% net margin with continued growth and adding more crew in the next year.
31. Architecture marketing business
Every business needs marketing, and architecture is no different. As a result, there is never-ending hunger for good marketing agencies that deliver results.
An architecture marketing business would target architects and architecture firms as clients. The business would offer marketing services and products to help these businesses promote and sell their services.
In the beginning, you can start the business with a website and a blog, offering free resources such as templates, case studies, and tips. This, combined with social media promo and cold outreach, enables you to land your first clients easily.
You can also sell logo designs, website templates, and print materials, which can be a nice passive income.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
