25 Business Ideas For Architects [2024]

Updated: September 21st, 2024

Interested in starting a business as an architect in 2024?

If managed well, building a business as an architect could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for architects?

We put together 25 of some of the best architect business ideas you can start in today.

For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other architect businesses to help you see what it takes.

Here's the full list:

1. Start an interior design consulting business ($33.6K/month)

As an architect with a keen eye for detail and a solid grasp of spatial dynamics, you could seamlessly transition into starting an interior design consulting business. Leveraging your understanding of design principles and your experience in visualizing and communicating complex ideas, you could help clients create aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces, whether in their homes or commercial establishments.

Starting such a side business would allow you to tap into your existing skill set while expanding into a new market. With services like space planning, furniture selection, and color consultation, you could provide comprehensive solutions that complement your architectural expertise. Additionally, a well-curated portfolio of past projects and a solid grasp of business skills like marketing and project management could set you on the path to a successful and rewarding consulting venture.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $110,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $6,250 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How We (Mother And Daughter) Started A $1M/Year Boutique Design Firm

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.

Read by 8,886 founders

2. Start a home decor business ($43.4K/month)

As an architect, you could leverage your skills and eye for design to start a home decor business, transforming your talent for creating functional spaces into a lucrative side venture. By building a compelling portfolio, you could showcase your unique style and expertise, whether through examples of your own home or projects completed for friends and clients. This portfolio would be vital in attracting potential customers and establishing your reputation in the home decor industry.

Given your professional background, you already possess a keen understanding of spatial dynamics, aesthetics, and functionality, making you well-suited for captivating clients with innovative decor solutions. This side business not only offers a way to supplement your income but also allows you to diversify your offerings and build a personal brand in the highly visual market of home decor. Marketing your services with high-quality photos from your previous projects could significantly boost your chance of closing sales and achieving long-term success.

How much you can make: $400 — $415,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How I Started A $8K/Month Home Organizing Service

Less is More Organizing Services, founded by Sarah Giller Nelson, is a home organizing service that operates in two states, serving an average of 95 households per year with an 85% repeat customer rate, offering services by the hour with a 4-hour minimum, and using a guided decluttering process to help customers achieve their goals.

Read by 16,562 founders

3. Start a furniture business ($207K/month)

As an architect, you could leverage your design expertise and understanding of spatial aesthetics to venture into the furniture business. The rise of flexible workspaces and the expanding real estate sector offers a growing market for well-designed, functional furniture.

By focusing on a specific niche such as office or luxury home furniture, you could create unique, high-demand pieces that attract discerning customers. While starting this business requires preparation, market research, and a solid business plan, your architectural background would give you a competitive advantage in designing standout products. Taking business classes can also equip you with the necessary skills to succeed.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $999,999/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Took My Woodworking Hobby Full Time To Build A Successful Brand

Sasha Weekes, owner of Timber Grove Studios, turned her fine arts and cabinetmaking education into a successful home-based woodworking business that grew from a side project to netting 20-50% profits month-to-month and up to $10,000 in sales during peak periods through Etsy, with her company's growth continuing to increase through other social media outlets.

Read by 59,658 founders

4. Start an art business ($61.4K/month)

As an architect, starting an art business could perfectly complement your existing skills and creative passion. You have an innate understanding of design, composition, and aesthetics, which can translate into creating compelling artwork. By leveraging your architectural expertise, you could produce unique, sophisticated pieces that stand out in the art market.

Moreover, the flexibility of running an art business would allow you to work on your own schedule and set your own prices, giving you the freedom to balance it with your primary job. Whether you choose to sell your art online on platforms like Etsy, through galleries or museums, or even at local craft fairs and flea markets, the possibilities to supplement your income are vast. This venture not only offers financial benefits but also allows you to pursue a fulfilling and creative outlet.

How much you can make: $876 — $415,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Turned My Hobby For Painting Into A Successful Art Business

Innerglow Art is a successful custom abstract painting business that incorporates scripture and personable connection with buyers to produce beautiful and unique artwork.

Read by 53,377 founders

5. Start a real estate business ($281K/month)

As a qualified architect with a broad range of knowledge in the real estate field, starting a real estate business could be a highly profitable endeavor. You're already equipped with finely honed visual awareness and a deep understanding of various building materials and structures, giving you a competitive edge in identifying valuable properties that others might overlook.

By leveraging your architectural expertise, you could offer unique insights into property renovations, design potential, and structural integrity, providing added value to clients. Whether you decide to focus on purchasing, selling, managing, or investing in land and buildings, your background as an architect positions you to excel in the real estate market and generate supplemental income or build a thriving business.

How much you can make: $1,500 — $1,500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How I Started A $500K/Month Real Estate Investment Business

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.

Read by 12,052 founders

6. Start a board game business ($47.7K/month)

Starting a board game business could be an exciting and profitable venture for you as an architect. Given your skills in design, spatial awareness, and creativity, you could create engaging and aesthetically pleasing board games that stand out in the market. This endeavor could be a rewarding way to supplement your income or even develop into a full-fledged business.

Creating a board game allows you to utilize your knowledge of structures and layouts in an innovative way, translating your architectural expertise into game mechanics and visual design. With just basic programming knowledge or a few hours of dedicated practice, you could bring your game ideas to life. Board games are relatively easy to manufacture and can be produced from home, making it a scalable business opportunity aligned with your creative strengths.

By merging your architectural background with the cultural appeal of board games, you have the potential to create a unique and memorable gaming experience. This could not only provide an additional revenue stream but also expand your professional portfolio in a fun and fulfilling manner.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $250,000/month

How long does it take to build: 61 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week

How I Built A Successful Business Out Of My Passion For Board Games

Facade Games has raised over $1 million on Kickstarter and sold about 80,000 copies of their board games around the world, with the goal to publish one new game a year on Kickstarter and build on their line of games in books as well as a new party game line in the near future.

Read by 10,539 founders

7. Start an auto parts shop ($375K/month)

As an architect, you could leverage your expertise in design and project management to launch a successful auto parts shop. Given that the auto parts business is one of the most successful sectors worldwide, there’s significant potential for supplemental income. The structural understanding and attention to detail that you possess as an architect can be valuable in setting up an aesthetically pleasing and efficiently organized retail space, attracting and retaining customers.

Starting an auto parts shop could also serve as a dynamic outlet for your entrepreneurial spirit, keeping you engaged and financially secure. You could begin by picking a strategic location and conducting thorough market research to assess demand and competition. With the necessary permits, a business bank account, and your unique design touch, you could create a vibrant and successful auto parts business as a side project or potentially a full-time venture in the future.

How much you can make: $9,000 — $1,200,000/month

How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)

How I Started A $12K/Month Aftermarket Vehicle Accessories

This case study follows an inspiring 22-year-old entrepreneur who started an eCommerce store for aftermarket vehicle accessories, making 5x the amount of money he used to make per month, and generated over $90,000 in sales last year.

Read by 19,217 founders

8. Start an outdoor apparel brand ($37.4K/month)

Starting an outdoor apparel brand could make sense for you as an architect due to your keen eye for design and understanding of materials. Your expertise in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing structures can easily translate into designing durable, weather-resistant clothing tailored for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and climbing. This venture allows you to channel your design skills into a new, exciting medium while diversifying your income stream.

Moreover, your familiarity with current market trends and material sourcing from architecture can provide a head start in developing a unique brand identity. You'll likely find joy in merging your passion for the outdoors with your entrepreneurial spirit, leading to a fulfilling side business or potentially a full-time enterprise. With the right strategies, you could build a brand that resonates with adventure enthusiasts and stands out in the marketplace.

How much you can make: $250 — $125,000/month

How long does it take to build: 248 days (?)

How I Started A $70K/Month Premium Ski Goggles And Helmets Brand With Just $5K

Glade Optics is a premium ski goggles and helmets brand that achieved close to $1M in annual sales with just $5,000 to start, using a favorable price point, streamlined messaging and marketing, and partnering with like-minded brands to lower CACs and get in front of more skiers.

Read by 16,156 founders

9. Start a software company ($375K/month)

As an architect, you could leverage your unique understanding of design, spatial planning, and user experience to create innovative software solutions tailored to the architectural industry. For example, developing applications for 3D modeling, project management, or virtual reality walkthroughs could address common pain points in your field, enhancing efficiency and client satisfaction.

Starting a software company would allow you to combine your architectural expertise with a passion for technology, enabling you to craft tools that not only serve fellow architects but also extend to broader construction and real estate markets. With the booming demand for digital transformation in these industries, your technical solutions could offer significant value, potentially leading to lucrative opportunities.

If you're entrepreneurial-minded and driven by a desire to solve meaningful problems, this venture could be a rewarding way to supplement your income or even transition into a new business. The possibilities for innovation are vast, and your background gives you a unique edge in creating software that truly resonates with its users.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $3,333,333/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How Two Non-Technical Founders Raised $2M And Started A SaaS Company

Freeflow, a B2B software company providing a 'virtual office' for remote teams, raised $1.7M in pre-seed funding, reduced meeting times by as much as 50%, boasts 35+ daily team conversations, and helps globally scaling firms integrate new hires and onboard into the culture.

Read by 4,493 founders

10. Start an ecommerce brand ($79.9K/month)

As an architect, starting an ecommerce brand presents a unique opportunity to leverage your design skills and aesthetic sensibilities. You could create and sell niche products related to architecture, such as custom-designed home décor, architectural blueprints, or educational materials for aspiring architects. By choosing a niche that resonates with your expertise, you could establish a brand that stands out for its quality and unique perspective.

Setting up an online store using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce allows you to maintain control over your product offerings and customer experience. Though managing inventory, marketing, and order fulfillment requires effort, the potential rewards include considerable income and the ability to scale your business at your own pace. Crafting a strong brand identity and engaging directly with customers provides a fulfilling supplement to your architectural career, or even a potential full-time venture.

How much you can make: $450 — $300,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $7,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How I Turned A $5K Investment Into A $7.2M Apparel Brand

This case study follows the story of a successful online business that has made 7.2 million dollars in sales since 2012, with profits of around 30-45%, and the founders share insights on lessons learned and tools used.

Read by 8,770 founders

11. Start an ecommerce store ($287K/month)

As an architect, starting an eCommerce store could be a fantastic way to supplement your income and make extra money. You could sell architectural blueprints, design templates, or 3D models that cater to both fellow architects and DIY enthusiasts. With the convenience of eCommerce, you can reach a global audience, sharing your unique designs and expertise without the limitations of a traditional local client base.

Additionally, you might offer digital products such as e-books on architectural theories and practices or online courses that teach aspiring architects the skills they need. These products can be highly lucrative, given the current demand for online learning and professional development. By leveraging your professional knowledge and experience, your eCommerce store could become a substantial side business or even a new primary venture.

How much you can make: $350 — $13,500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How I Started A $20K/Month Southern Inspired Candle Business

Southern Elegance Candle Company, founded by D'Shawn Russell, started as a side hustle making around $200 per weekend at a local Farmers Market, but now averages approximately $20,000 per month in sales across their retail site, wholesale site, and Faire.

Read by 72,304 founders

12. Start a blockchain systems creation business ($22.5K/month)

As an architect, leveraging your problem-solving skills and attention to detail could make starting a blockchain systems creation business highly feasible. You could develop and implement secure, transparent blockchain solutions for various industries, including finance, healthcare, and supply chain management. This venture allows you to utilize your ability to manage complex projects and understand intricate systems, akin to how you manage architectural projects.

With the growing adoption of blockchain technology, this business idea capitalizes on a burgeoning market filled with innovative opportunities. You could offer tailored blockchain solutions to businesses looking to enhance their efficiency and trust in their transactions. This entrepreneurial pursuit places you at the cutting edge of technological advancement, enabling you to play a pivotal role in the emerging digital economy.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $35,000/month

How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)

We Built An Open Source Crypto Platform & Make $420K/Year

HollaEx, an open-source crypto software startup, evolved into a general-purpose crypto service and created a white-label exchange software with a one-day launch, resulting in a revenue of $420k per year as of 2021, with a focus on exchange technology and tackling key crypto infrastructure solutions like wallet tech, exchange hosting, and white-label services.

Read by 5,603 founders

13. Start a face recognition software

As an architect, you could venture into developing face recognition software to diversify your income and tap into the rapidly growing tech market. If you have a strong background in programming or data science, or are willing to collaborate with experts in these fields, this could be a lucrative side business. This technology, which identifies and verifies faces from digital images or videos, has widespread applications ranging from improving building security to enhancing user experiences in smart home systems.

Given your expertise in designing spaces, you could create face recognition solutions specifically tailored for architectural projects. For instance, you could develop software that integrates with smart building systems to streamline access control, enhance security, and provide personalized environments for occupants. This not only meets the increasing demand for smart, secure buildings but also positions you as a forward-thinking innovator in your field.

How much you can make: $40,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $50 (?)

How long does it take to build: 300 days (?)

We Built A $40K/Month AI Face Recognition Based Attendance Software [From India]

Truein is a face recognition-based attendance solution that uses AI technology to address attendance use cases for contractual and distributed staff, boasting an MRR of $40,000 and targeting low and medium skill enterprise customers.

Read by 3,887 founders

14. Start an online courses business ($118K/month)

Starting an online courses business could be an excellent way for you as an architect to supplement your income or even launch a full-scale business. By leveraging your expertise in areas such as sustainable design, software like AutoCAD or Revit, or project management, you could create engaging, informative courses for budding architects and design enthusiasts. You could include interactive lectures, downloadable resources, and even personalized feedback to enhance learning.

Creating a user-friendly website to host your courses and utilizing social media and email marketing could help attract a broad audience. As your courses gain popularity, positive reviews and word-of-mouth could significantly boost your business. Over time, you could expand your offerings to cover more specialized topics or advanced architectural techniques, allowing your online teaching business to grow and diversify.

How much you can make: $2,500 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How Justin Welsh Built A $2M Solopreneur Empire

Solopreneur Justin Welsh built a knowledge business through social media with over $2M in annual revenue and no full-time employees, offering flagship digital courses with a monthly revenue of $80K and $45K respectively, through LinkedIn and Twitter growth as well as organic and affiliate marketing.

Read by 29,269 founders

15. Start an entrepreneurship blog ($23.2K/month)

Starting an entrepreneurship blog could be a fantastic way to supplement your income as an architect. By sharing your unique journey, strategies, and challenges in building a successful architectural practice, you can provide valuable insights to aspiring entrepreneurs in your field. This platform allows you to create content like how-to guides on running an architectural firm, interviews with other successful architects, and tips for overcoming industry-specific obstacles.

The appeal of this endeavor lies in the growing demand for practical advice from experienced professionals. Readers are eager to learn from someone who understands their struggles, making your blog a potentially fulfilling project. Over time, with consistent content creation and effective social media marketing, you could monetize your blog through advertising, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing, turning your passion for business into a lucrative side hustle or even a full-fledged business.

How much you can make: $1,200 — $240,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $225 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

How I Started A $10K/Month Website With Resources For Entrepreneurs And Startups

From blogging about the best technology ideas to earning $10K/month through paid newsletters and courses, this case study explores the journey of entrepreneur and blogger Thomas Oppong and his successful online platforms.

Read by 9,385 founders

16. Start a digital services business ($299K/month)

As an architect, starting a digital services business could be a logical and lucrative way to supplement your income. You could leverage your expertise in design and spatial planning to offer services like 3D modeling, CAD drafting, or virtual walkthroughs for other professionals and firms. These services can be delivered entirely online, allowing you to work from anywhere and eliminating the need for a physical office space.

Given the growing reliance on digital solutions, the demand for such specialized skills is increasing. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr could connect you with clients needing your expertise, helping you to build a steady stream of income. By setting up efficient project management and communication tools, you could also scale your operations, perhaps even building a team of freelancers to take on larger projects. Starting a digital services business allows you to monetize your skills flexibly and on your own terms, making it an attractive venture for entrepreneurial-minded architects.

How much you can make: $15,500 — $1,766,666/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)

How I Started A $15K/Month Marketing Agency Specialised In Lead Generation

A 25-year-old entrepreneur shares his journey of starting a property marketing agency, with a current monthly income of $18,000/month, and divulges the importance of having a niche and going all-in on client results and experience.

Read by 6,855 founders

17. Start a social media marketing agency ($116K/month)

As an architect, starting a social media marketing agency could be a smart way to supplement your income or even create a new business venture. Your existing skills with design and spatial thinking can be invaluable in creating visually appealing and impactful social media content for other businesses. By leveraging social media marketing tools, you could automate many tasks, allowing you to manage the agency with minimal time commitment.

Moreover, creating a portfolio of your agency’s work would be similar to crafting a portfolio for architectural projects, showcasing your ability to generate high-quality content and strategic campaigns. This approach could serve various clients, from local businesses to real estate companies, helping them amplify their online presence while you diversify your income streams. If you’re entrepreneurial-minded, this could be an exciting extension of your existing expertise, broadening both your professional skills and financial opportunities.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $4,166,667/month

How much does it cost to start: $7,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 30 hours/week

How I Started A $80K/Month Content Writing Business

How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.

Read by 24,821 founders

18. Start a web development business ($91.1K/month)

As an architect, starting a web development business could provide an exciting opportunity to supplement your income and utilize your keen eye for design and structure in a new medium. Architects inherently understand the importance of form, function, and user experience, which are crucial elements in both building design and website development. By leveraging your architectural background, you could excel in creating visually appealing and highly functional websites that meet the specific needs of clients.

Additionally, your problem-solving skills and attention to detail can help in addressing the technical and aesthetic requirements of web projects. This side business could evolve into a significant additional revenue stream or even a full-time venture, offering a flexible way to apply your skills beyond traditional architecture.

How much you can make: $3,000 — $700,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

I Built A $300K/Year Vue.js Component Library

Vuetify is a popular open-source user interface library, built with the Vue.js framework, that generates revenue through digital content and services such as paid digital content in the Vuetify store, direct support through consulting, ad revenue from Carbon ads on the documentation pages, and donations/sponsorships via GitHub and Patreon, generating an average income of $6,500 per month.

Read by 46,502 founders

19. Start a SEO business ($105K/month)

As an architect with a flair for design and an analytical mindset, starting an SEO business could be a natural fit for you. By helping businesses improve their online visibility, you could use your strategic thinking to analyze and optimize websites, driving organic traffic and improving search engine rankings. The demand for SEO expertise is ever-growing, presenting a lucrative opportunity to supplement your income or transition into a new entrepreneurial path.

With the flexibility to set your own hours, you could take on various clients and build long-term relationships while continuing to pursue your architectural projects. Leveraging your ability to balance creativity and analytics, you could provide valuable insights that unlock significant online success for your clients. This strategic venture not only broadens your skill set but also opens up new revenue streams in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $600,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

Quitting My Full Time Agency Job To Build My Own Software Product

OneSEO.io is an SEO marketing business that helps digital agencies and business owners increase website relevancy, generating over $50,000 in revenue with an average MRR of $15,000 through Facebook ads and email marketing, with a focus on providing value to leads and building trust.

Read by 14,661 founders

20. Start a website development business ($387K/month)

As an architect with an eye for design and attention to detail, you could seamlessly transition into website development as a supplementary income stream. You already understand the importance of visual appeal and user experience, which are critical components of effective website design. By leveraging your existing skills, you could create visually stunning and easy-to-navigate websites for eCommerce business owners or brick-and-mortar businesses seeking to enhance their online presence.

In addition, your problem-solving and project management skills can be directly applied to optimize website performance and capacity, ensuring client satisfaction. As you learn web programming languages, you'll expand your technical toolkit, making you a versatile and in-demand professional in both architecture and web development. This dual expertise can open up numerous entrepreneurial opportunities, making it easier to attract and retain a diverse range of clients.

How much you can make: $200 — $8,500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 55 days (?)

How I Started A $20K/Month Web Design Agency

How a founder turned his passion for marketing and technology into a successful Boston-based web design and SEO company, generating over $20k in sales each month by focusing on serving the niche market of small businesses through affordable and personalized services, while establishing his reputation through B2B networking and online initiatives.

Read by 26,635 founders

21. Become a data management consultant

As an architect, you could leverage your analytical and organizational skills to become a data management consultant, helping businesses manage their data more effectively. This side business could involve working closely with clients to understand their data needs, developing strategies to organize and store data, and implementing systems to ensure data integrity and accessibility.

Given that architects are inherently detail-oriented and accustomed to managing complex projects, transitioning into data management could be a natural fit. The demand for expertise in data governance, compliance, security, and optimizing database performance spans across all industries, allowing you to tap into virtually any market. If you enjoy problem-solving and have a knack for communicating complex concepts to non-technical stakeholders, this could be a rewarding entrepreneurial path to supplement your income.

How much you can make: $5,000/month

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

How I Started My Business With A Vision To Disrupt The Data Economy [Bootstrapped]

Data Daddy Inc. is a mobile application that enables users to manage their personal data networks and automate manual data exchanges, such as exchanging information after a car accident, with the use of a scannable QR or URL. The company has generated $5K/month through an early supporter program and is targeting industries like eVisa, healthcare, and esports for automation.

Read by 1,082 founders

22. Start a queue management software

As an architect, you could leverage your understanding of spatial design and user flow to create an efficient queue management software that enhances customer experience and business efficiency. By applying your expertise, you can develop a user-friendly platform that reduces wait times and optimizes service delivery for various industries such as healthcare and retail.

This entrepreneurial venture addresses a significant pain point—long wait times—that many businesses face, making it highly marketable. Furthermore, with features like virtual tickets, real-time wait time updates, and automated notifications, your software could become an indispensable tool for organizations aiming to improve customer satisfaction and streamline operations. This could be a lucrative side business, or even a full-time endeavor, allowing you to diversify your income and make a significant impact on customer experience.

How much you can make: $66,000/month

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

Launching A $790K/Year Queue Management System [From Singapore]

Singapore-based Qwaiting's cloud-based queue management software helps businesses manage customer queues, reduce wait times, increase productivity and improve visitor experience. With average monthly revenue of $66k, Qwaiting has attracted 500+ clients and specialises in data analytics reporting, customer feedback support and centralised management.

Read by 3,637 founders

23. Start a gaming gadgets rental business

As an architect, you could leverage your keen sense of design and understanding of space when setting up a gaming gadgets rental business. Your experience in creating aesthetically pleasing and functional environments can be invaluable in curating an attractive, user-friendly rental inventory that appeals to gamers who appreciate quality and innovation. Additionally, your project management skills could help streamline the logistics of the rental process, ensuring a smooth and efficient operation.

Starting a gaming gadgets rental side business could diversify your income sources and serve as a creative outlet, aligning with your interest in cutting-edge technology and design. By capitalizing on the growing gaming industry and the increasing demand for high-tech gadgets, you could create a profitable venture that complements your architectural career while providing a balanced work-life dynamic. This business could begin as a side gig and, if successful, potentially evolve into a full-time endeavor.

24. Start a software security business

As an architect, starting a software security business could leverage your precision and attention to detail, essential traits for identifying and mitigating cyber threats. You could translate your systematic problem-solving skills and methodical planning, honed through designing resilient structures, into creating robust digital protections for companies' software systems. With cyber threats escalating, there’s a crucial demand for such expertise, making this venture both relevant and potentially lucrative.

Moreover, your experience in risk assessment and compliance in architecture could seamlessly transition into understanding cybersecurity compliance standards and risk mitigation strategies. You could start by offering tailored security solutions to small businesses and gradually expand to larger enterprises. Not only would this provide a reliable income stream, but it also allows for significant growth opportunities given the rising data privacy concerns and regulatory requirements in today’s digital landscape.

How much you can make: $300,000/month

How long does it take to build: 760 days (?)

How I Raised $70M To Build Autonomous Security Robots That Are Patrolling The Country Today

William Santana Li, the Chairman and CEO of Knightscope, has raised over $70 million in equity to build Autonomous Security Robots (ASRs) that are patrolling the country today to provide smart eyes and ears for law enforcement and security professionals.

Read by 7,808 founders

25. Become an artist ($26K/month)

As an architect, you could effortlessly transition into an artist, leveraging your skills in design, spatial awareness, and creative vision. Your expertise in visualizing structures and spaces provides a unique foundation for producing compelling artwork that resonates with both art lovers and industry professionals. This venture could be a form of personal expression while also offering the possibility of earning supplementary income through sales of your art pieces.

Becoming an artist allows you not only to explore new creative avenues but also to diversify your professional portfolio. By showcasing your artwork, you could attract additional clients who appreciate your multifaceted talents, potentially leading to more architecture commissions or even collaborations between art and architectural projects. This side business could enhance your entrepreneurial spirit, providing a fulfilling and financially rewarding complement to your architectural career.

How much you can make: $876 — $160,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $6,762 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Turned My Hobby For Painting Into A Successful Art Business

Innerglow Art is a successful custom abstract painting business that incorporates scripture and personable connection with buyers to produce beautiful and unique artwork.

Read by 53,377 founders

meet the author
Pat Walls