Cutting-edge architecture firms are now enjoying the tools of Web 2.0: Projects can be rendered remotely with powerful programs like 3D Studio Max and Maya or viewed online in places like SecondLife. Collaboration can take place virtually around the world. This left me thinking with what this means as the world goes flat for this industry.

So, here are my Top 3 things to consider with Web 2.0 and Architects:

1. Social Media. Facebook seems to be outpacing everything at the moment and many in the tech circles believe this will truly be the next Google. The nice thing is they have made it easy to use their platform as a way to build all sorts of spin-offs.
   Opportunity: Make it easy for satisfied clients to talk about your work and experience your designs. Facebook promises to make it ridiculously easy to link exponential numbers of people…make sure you’re ready for that conversation with examples of work that can be viewed easily online. Think flash movies, renderings, animations and YouTube videos.
2. Outsourcing. It’s often referred to as a dirty word but there are real opportunities to grab some time back for yourself using a Virtual Assistant. One company in particular offers a service: Your Man in India that will assign you assistant to help with the drudgery tasks like email, scheduling, invoicing, logging time. Basically, this is somebody that can free you up for more design time or project management.
   Opportunity: Consider hiring an assistant for the preliminary research for projects. Spell out in clear terms what is needed and let them do the surfing online, while you focus on more profitable aspects.
3. Management. The opportunity to manage multiple projects and communicate better with sub-contractors is now at hand. As Wi-Fi access continues to grow, look for the opportunities to take advantage of people in the field being online.
   Opportunity: Check out BaseCamp from 37 Signals. This is a cheap but amazingly powerful tool for collaboration. You can track time, expenses, milestones, share photos and CAD files, etc. Multiple projects can be managed under one account and updates are sent via email or even with RSS feeds.

The web is growing and as access gets easier and faster it will continue to change how work gets done. Staying on top of these trends makes for a better client experience and ultimately results in better word of mouth. In this business, referrals are the seedlings of growth for any architecture firm. Do your best to make it easy to grow.