Veteran architect launches new firm
Walter Arsenault will be the first one to say, "There is really no good time to start a new business."
But the architect decided to go ahead and open a new architecture firm in Falmouth this year that he believes will do well because of his experience and its ability to competitively bid on projects large and small.
Fraser Matson Architecture and Planning LLC officially opened for business on Feb. 15 with three employees that include Arsenault, a drafter and an office assistant.
Arsenault, certified by the American Institute of Architects, has 20 years of experience working in Maine for firms such as Harriman Associates of Auburn and Morris Switzer Environment for Health of Portland. But as the industry has suffered in the recession, Arsenault sees a chance for an operation like his.
"I've been talking about it for years and because it is slower in the larger firms, there may be more opportunity for the smaller, leaner firms," he says.
The new architecture firm's focus will be commercial, health care and residential projects similar to some of the projects he has designed previously. Arsenault says he is currently pursuing the new company's first projects in Bangor, Portland and East Baldwin. Overall, he likes his chances for success.
"I would rate my chances as pretty good because I am prepared to stick it out for a year," Arsenault says.
When asked what his revenue goal is for his company's first year, Arsenault says, "I would like to personally earn $80,000."
While working for Morris Switzer, he was the project manager for a $50 million renovation and expansion project at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston that is in the construction phase now.
He also designed a $2.5 million standalone clinic at the Mount Desert Island Hospital in Southwest Harbor that includes a physical therapy facility, an adult daycare facility and a medical clinic. Arsenault says he also designed a $2.5 million technical building for Southern Maine Community College in South Portland six years ago while working for Harriman Associates.
As a new business owner, Arsenault says his two biggest challenges are getting his business' name out in the community and establishing credibility that his firm is capable of handling a project of significant size.
Arsenault plans to take on bigger projects through his relationship with the Designer Group Collaborative, a group of architects with offices in Ellsworth, Portland and San Francisco, Calif. If his company lands a large project, Arsenault says he can reach out to members of his group and generate some work for them so his company can get the job done.
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