Thinking about starting your own architecture firm? It’s a daunting proposition, fraught with doubts and uncertainty. Where do you start? How can you succeed? What challenges will you run up against and how can you avoid the pitfalls.

I know this well – because I went through the process myself when I started my design firm in 1999.

Through a process of trial and error I built my practice into a successful 6-person firm that left a legacy of successful projects across the city of Chicago. It was great fun, but it was challenging work. And in retrospect I find myself thinking of all the things I learned along the way that I wish I’d known from the outset.

So, in the interest of paying it forward, here are the top 10 things I wish I’d known when I went out on my own!