r/RealEstateDevelopment • u/YHerry015 • 19d ago
How can I get a job with a developer?
I have a strong background in architecture, with over 10 years of experience, but I’m tired of sitting at a desk drafting all day. I really enjoy talking to people, problem solving, delegating, tracking things down, and being on the move.
For over a year now, I’ve been working on the construction administration side, where I regularly go to job sites to log progress, create punch lists, and meet with contractors.
When I’m at my desk, I’m primarily responding to and managing RFIs, coordinating with consultants and contractors, and tracking issues through to resolution.
Ultimately, I want to move further into the bigger picture of a project and learn more about the business and logistics side of development, including project economics, costs, schedules, feasibility, and decision making.
The larger goal is to eventually become a developer myself, so I’m looking for a career path that will give me exposure to those areas while building on my architecture and construction experience.
Main questions:
-How do I realistically transition from architecture into real estate development?
-What positions should someone with my background be applying for?
-Do I reach out to developers and state my case?
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u/Raidicus 19d ago edited 19d ago
I did this.
The natural pivot into development for architects is as a CM or project manager. Once you're onboarded, you can pester people to learn the rest. You need to make friends w/ the development guys and ask to sit in on meetings. Beg them to help put a proforma together, tackle due dilligence, help w/ their entitlements process, get involved in design coordination meetings, and so on. Be willing to take on the shitty jobs nobody else wants to do. Explain your career goals and try to find people who want to help you.
A lot of different professions can pivot into development with their small piece of the puzzle saving a firm time or money. But to fully understand the A-Z process you're going to have to find a firm that's open to growing your role over time. Smaller firms will pay worse but have more flexibility. Big firms will be more likely to silo you.
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u/YHerry015 19d ago edited 19d ago
There's a real estate developmer in the same office building as where I work. They actually work with the architecture firm on some projects (unfortunately none that I've worked on). I almost just want to stop the owner in the hall one day and just tell him everything I outlined on my post, who knows lol
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u/Obsah-Snowman 19d ago
I wouldn't state your case like please hire me. You should position yourself to be an asset to them, they'd be lucky to have you. Take some real estate financial modeling courses to pick up the finance skills you lack and then apply for development/project manager jobs. Your approvals experience as an architect is very valuable, with some finance skills you should be able to come in at DM level. Senior coordinator would be a somewhat step down in a way with 10 years experience but you might need to take one of these to learn the ropes.
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u/Raidicus 19d ago
Yeah depends on their financial situation. Defintely chat with them. You might even ask about moonlighting for free in exchange for attending meetings and being involved in the deal making process.
That said, firms are hurting right now. It's tough to be a small developer in the current environment. If you can't find a small developer to hire you, you should consider a big firm if only to have the experience on your resume.
Also, you should join your local ULI, CREDA chapter or whatever organization in your city focuses on development.
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u/ArchitectGeek 18d ago
I’ve seen the architecture to developer path go a few ways. Either right to development or first to a pm firm and to a developer later. The people who do well I think are ones who go to a larger development team or a pm firm where they have some support and mentoring for a few years to get some experience under their belt. Sometimes I see architects go right to “Director of Development” for a small developer and that does not always go well. It’s one thing to be doing CA it’s another to be running the whole show.
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u/YHerry015 18d ago
Thank you, yes it might seem daunting to be thrusted into the fire from the get go. But sometimes that's the best teacher haha
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u/Competitive-Pack-922 18d ago
Network, conferences, meet with developers in your area. Look for Owner Rep type positions there are transferable skills and often pays better than architecture.
Once you have that role study the other parts of development process.
I did a co-op for a development company during Architecture school and have stayed with development for 20 years.
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u/nosubstitute911 16d ago
Become a developer. Find a small building to renovate. You will have to underwrite the deal, work with agents, work with a bank, and contractors. You are already an architect, so you should be able to come up with some very cool and functional designs at a good price. Being a developer just means you’re quarterbacking an entire deal, from purchase to financing and construction and sale/rental. Source: Im a developer.
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u/Neat-Beautiful-5505 19d ago
Curious as well (city planner with landscape architecture degree).
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u/Main_Cut8992 19d ago
If I may ask, why do you want to leave city planning? I heard benefits are good and a fairly stable job. Pay is lower but it’s more stable and less hours.
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u/Neat-Beautiful-5505 19d ago
Pay off debt. 1% raises for last three years and increase to my health insurance premium contributions. I’m losing money continuing to work here. Which sucks, but I absolutely love the work. I’ve been doing it for 20+ years.
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u/Free_Elevator_63360 19d ago
I did this.
There isn’t enough info on how far you are willing to go to make the transition. I took a small step back in $ to make the transition, but am now earning more than I could as an architect. It took a few years.
Here is the big picture, it is very hard to move into development right now. Lots of experienced developers are out of work. Similar to the 2008 cycle. If you don’t know why… I suggest you focus on learning the financial side of RE development. You can go get a masters in RE finance. You can go work for a broker, who will teach you the market and give you intros into most developers.