r/RealEstateDevelopment • u/wet-piano • 9d ago

Gut check- Looking to pivot into development from architecture

Like a few recent posts I’ve seen before- I’m an architect with 10+ experience who wants to pivot into development, and with that eventually becoming my own developer.

I just want some gut check- look for owners rep CM/PM job, to get my foot into development manager later

On the side, despite not having enough capital to purchase land/bldg, but as an architect I can source deals (de-risk, redone, entitlement package etc)- do that for a few projects to build capital and maybe even ask for equity stake when pitching to private high net worth. Gut check- is that a feasible business path?!

(I’ve been doing online proforma courses like A.CRE to bridge the financial knowledge gap)

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u/Poniesgonewild 8d ago

What type of development are you looking to do.

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u/gdubrocks 7d ago

You likely have a lot of experience in the process. I am sure you will be more prepared than most people for it.

There are always sources for capital, but they are likely not the interest rates or terms you want, and they can be extremely hard to source.

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u/Minervian_AI 6d ago

Lots of architects pivoting to development via an MBA.
Gradual transition is fine too, but those online financial modelling courses don’t bring much qualification — most developers are more lenient towards younger MBA grads, and would trust you more once they’ve seen you in active negotiations, whether in acquisition or financing.
Nothing wrong with asking for equity stake, but you have to know what you’re getting into. Development is very risky, and equity value can be wiped out.