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Page 1
Table of Contents
Page 2
NW Architecture
The target client is segmented into four categories; home owners, developers, government, and
contractors. NW Architecture's competitive edge will be the knowledge of digital-based design
resources. Superior customer service will also be a point of firm differentiation.
First year sales are expected to reach $102,000 and increase to $500,000 by the third year of
operation. We will be profitable within three years of starting.
The most significant challenges ahead include securing a suitable location, establishing the
initial client base, and ultimately positioning the firm to be able to have a presence in a larger,
global market.
This business plan outlines the objective, focus, and implementation of this start-up firm.
Chart: Highlights
Page 1
NW Architecture
1.1 Mission
NW Architecture offers a new type of digital interactive media for both the client and the
builder. This media will clearly show the client and the builder exactly what the design will look
like and the method of construction.
With this new form of media the client doesn't have to know anything about architectural
graphics or terminology (floor plans, sections, elevations & construction documents) to have a
clear understanding of what the end result will look like. This is possible through the use of
computer-rendered images and interactive video.
This media will be taken one step further by using it in the construction documents as well. The
builder will be provided with an interactive video rendering of the entire building containing
both visual photographic quality images and construction specs. Every last detail will be worked
out in three dimensions in such a way that anyone who knows how to use a computer will be
able to access and understand this new means of architectural presentation.
1.3 Objectives
NW Architecture will provide a service of architectural design via digital media to the limits of
technology. This approach will offer optimal efficiency to the firm and superior value, design
processes, and construction methods to the client.
NW Architecture will be created as a California corporation based in the Bay Area near San
Francisco. It will be owned by its principal investor and operator, Nathan Sawyer.
Page 2
NW Architecture
NW Architecture's start-up costs total $36,540. The most significant purchases needed are a
blueprint machine, plotter, and drafting supplies. Nineteen thousand dollars is needed in cash to
sustain the business for the first year to cover rent and wages until a profit is made.
Table: Start-up
Start-up
Requirements
Start-up Expenses
Legal $1,000
Stationery etc. $3,000
Brochures $1,000
Consultants $2,000
Insurance $500
Rent $1,040
Expensed Equipment $9,000
Total Start-up Expenses $17,540
Start-up Assets
Cash Required $19,000
Start-up Inventory $0
Other Current Assets $0
Long-term Assets $0
Total Assets $19,000
Page 3
NW Architecture
Start-up Funding
Start-up Expenses to Fund $17,540
Start-up Assets to Fund $19,000
Total Funding Required $36,540
Assets
Non-cash Assets from Start-up $0
Cash Requirements from Start-up $19,000
Additional Cash Raised $0
Cash Balance on Starting Date $19,000
Total Assets $19,000
Liabilities
Current Borrowing $17,540
Long-term Liabilities $0
Accounts Payable (Outstanding Bills) $0
Other Current Liabilities (interest-free) $0
Total Liabilities $17,540
Capital
Planned Investment
Investor 1 $19,000
Other $0
Additional Investment Requirement $0
Total Planned Investment $19,000
Page 4
NW Architecture
Chart: Start-up
The interim office of NW Architecture will be located in Walnut Creek, California until dedicated
office space is secured.
3.0 Services
NW Architecture will provide many levels of service to cater to large and small corporations,
along with making it affordable for middle and upper socioeconomic classes.
In order for NW Architecture to provide this new innovative service of digital media, the
company will use high speed computers running programs such as AutoCad and Form-Z. To
keep up with changes in technology, NW Architecture will investigate all up and coming software
related to digital 3-D design to stay at the forefront of the market. Again, this is a key strategic
component to differentiate the firm and to optimize productivity and efficiency.
NW Architecture will provide it's service to home owners who are looking to remodel, as well
as developers, contractors and government agencies in the domestic and international markets.
Although we are going to cater to a relatively broad scope of customers, the company will
decide what the target market is based on sales and trends experienced in the initial months of
operation.
Page 5
NW Architecture
Potential clients for NW Architecture's market is broken down into four categories: home
owners, developers, government, and contractors. Home owners are the largest group based on
shear population and this will be emphasized in all of the firm's marketing and promotional
efforts. Targeting the remaining three groups will be dependant upon establishing meaningful
relationships, and responding and qualifying for request for proposals.
Market Analysis
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5
Potential Customers Growth CAGR
Home Owners/Remodels 15% 200,000 230,000 264,500 304,175 349,801 15.00%
Developers 30% 5,000 6,500 8,450 10,985 14,281 30.00%
Government 1% 30,000 30,300 30,603 30,909 31,218 1.00%
Contractors 40% 5,000 7,000 9,800 13,720 19,208 40.00%
Total 14.64% 240,000 273,800 313,353 359,789 414,508 14.64%
Page 6
NW Architecture
The architecture business across the country is primarily made up of small- to mid-sized firms
specializing in a particular architectural type. But there are also a few large firms that have
almost dominated the design of large commercial and industrial facilities. NW Architecture's
main competitors will be the larger firms. The reason for this is that the larger firms have more
capital to work with, which enables them to keep up with technological changes much quicker
than a small firm.
In the first year of business, NW Architecture will focus on the bay area in California. As the
firm grows, sales will expand throughout California and across the country, eventually spreading
worldwide.
"Sales" in this business is a direct result of exceptional client service. It is based on the
firm's image and the referrals that result. The more clients this company pleases, the more
referrals are given. We will work to provide a positive experience in all cases so our clients will
refer and return to us for future work as well.
Page 7
NW Architecture
Sales are broken down into three categories: design, production, and construction. These three
categories put together make up one architecture project. The totals for each project are based
on a 10% cut from the total construction costs of each job. The following table and chart
provides an overview of our forecast sales. Actual sales could vary depending on the project
size and budget.
Sales Forecast
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
Sales
Design $42,000 $90,000 $250,000
Production $26,000 $50,000 $85,000
Construction Documents $34,000 $70,000 $165,000
Total Sales $102,000 $210,000 $500,000
Page 8
NW Architecture
This company will have a competitive edge over both the larger and smaller firms because it will
be composed of the new generation of architects which are fluent in the digital world. Many
firms today employ an older generation of architects which find the computer a mystery, and
those that do use the computer only have the ability to design in 2-D.
This company will start with one AutoCAD/Form-Z architect and the founder. In August of 2007,
a clerical position will be added. By 2010, Other CAD/Form-Z architects will be hired to
compensate the increased work load.
The following table summarizes our personnel expenditures for the first three years of
operation.
Table: Personnel
Personnel Plan
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
Nathan Sawyer $18,000 $35,000 $50,000
Clerical $12,000 $25,200 $26,000
CAD/Form-Z Designers $40,000 $60,000 $210,000
Total People 4 5 7
NW Architecture will increase growth and technology with cash flow as it increases through the
years. Further money will be set aside to pay for further consulting as needed.
The annual assumptions made in the following table are based on a stable economy. We will
adjust these assumptions as changes occur in the now tumultuous ecomony the Bay Area is
experiencing.
General Assumptions
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
Plan Month 1 2 3
Current Interest Rate 10.00% 10.00% 10.00%
Long-term Interest Rate 10.00% 10.00% 10.00%
Tax Rate 25.42% 25.00% 25.42%
Other 0 0 0
Page 9
NW Architecture
Page 10
NW Architecture
The following benchmark chart indicates our key financial indicators for the first three years.
Chart: Benchmarks
Page 11
NW Architecture
Break-even Analysis
Assumptions:
Average Percent Variable Cost 1%
Estimated Monthly Fixed Cost $8,246
Page 12
NW Architecture
Net profit is virtually nonexistent for the first two years of operation, with respectable increases
after that time. Our projected profit and loss is shown on the following table, with sales starting
at $102,000 for the first year and climbing to $500,000 the third year.
Expenses
Payroll $70,000 $120,200 $286,000
Sales and Marketing and Other Expenses $8,200 $12,800 $34,500
Depreciation $0 $0 $0
Leased Equipment $1,440 $1,680 $1,920
Utilities $480 $620 $650
Insurance $1,800 $2,800 $3,500
Rent $17,030 $23,400 $23,400
Payroll Taxes $0 $0 $0
Other $0 $0 $0
Page 13
NW Architecture
Cash flow is vital to the well being of this company because of the duration of payment. The
following chart and table below show cash flow projections.
Chart: Cash
Page 14
NW Architecture
Page 15
NW Architecture
The following table shows our projected Balance Sheet and net worth over the next three years.
Current Assets
Cash $9,036 $25,963 $93,684
Accounts Receivable $13,900 $28,618 $68,137
Inventory $750 $717 $2,867
Other Current Assets $0 $0 $0
Total Current Assets $23,686 $55,297 $164,688
Long-term Assets
Long-term Assets $0 $0 $0
Accumulated Depreciation $0 $0 $0
Total Long-term Assets $0 $0 $0
Total Assets $23,686 $55,297 $164,688
Current Liabilities
Accounts Payable $3,156 $4,533 $8,762
Current Borrowing $13,160 $8,780 $4,400
Other Current Liabilities $0 $0 $0
Subtotal Current Liabilities $16,316 $13,313 $13,162
Long-term Liabilities $0 $0 $0
Total Liabilities $16,316 $13,313 $13,162
Business ratios for the years of this plan are shown below. Industry profile ratios based on the
Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code 7383, Independent Artists (including Architects),
are shown for comparison.
Page 16
NW Architecture
Table: Ratios
Ratio Analysis
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Industry Profile
Sales Growth n.a. 105.88% 138.10% 11.74%
Percent of Sales
Sales 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Gross Margin 98.77% 99.40% 99.50% 100.00%
Selling, General & Administrative Expenses 101.81% 95.72% 79.60% 75.67%
Advertising Expenses 0.00% 0.95% 4.00% 2.64%
Profit Before Interest and Taxes 1.76% 22.50% 29.51% 1.56%
Main Ratios
Current 1.45 4.15 12.51 1.67
Quick 1.41 4.10 12.29 1.32
Total Debt to Total Assets 68.89% 24.08% 7.99% 62.06%
Pre-tax Return on Net Worth 3.84% 109.93% 96.93% 4.93%
Pre-tax Return on Assets 1.20% 83.46% 89.18% 12.99%
Activity Ratios
Accounts Receivable Turnover 7.34 7.34 7.34 n.a
Collection Days 57 37 35 n.a
Inventory Turnover 1.74 1.70 1.40 n.a
Accounts Payable Turnover 10.41 12.17 12.17 n.a
Payment Days 27 25 23 n.a
Total Asset Turnover 4.31 3.80 3.04 n.a
Debt Ratios
Debt to Net Worth 2.21 0.32 0.09 n.a
Current Liab. to Liab. 1.00 1.00 1.00 n.a
Liquidity Ratios
Net Working Capital $7,370 $41,984 $151,526 n.a
Interest Coverage 1.19 43.07 223.87 n.a
Additional Ratios
Assets to Sales 0.23 0.26 0.33 n.a
Current Debt/Total Assets 69% 24% 8% n.a
Acid Test 0.55 1.95 7.12 n.a
Sales/Net Worth 13.84 5.00 3.30 n.a
Dividend Payout 0.00 0.00 0.00 n.a
Page 17
Appendix
Sales Forecast
Month 1 Month 2 Month 3 Month 4 Month 5 Month 6 Month 7 Month 8 Month 9 Month 10 Month 11 Month 12
Sales
Design 0% $8,000 $0 $5,000 $0 $10,000 $5,000 $0 $14,000 $0 $0 $0 $0
Production 0% $0 $5,000 $0 $2,000 $0 $0 $7,000 $2,000 $0 $10,000 $0 $0
Construction Documents 0% $0 $0 $7,000 $0 $4,000 $0 $0 $0 $9,000 $0 $3,000 $11,000
Total Sales $8,000 $5,000 $12,000 $2,000 $14,000 $5,000 $7,000 $16,000 $9,000 $10,000 $3,000 $11,000
Direct Cost of Sales Month 1 Month 2 Month 3 Month 4 Month 5 Month 6 Month 7 Month 8 Month 9 Month 10 Month 11 Month 12
Design $100 $0 $100 $0 $100 $100 $0 $100 $0 $0 $0 $0
Production $0 $50 $0 $50 $0 $0 $50 $50 $0 $50 $0 $0
Construction Documents $0 $0 $100 $0 $100 $0 $0 $0 $100 $0 $100 $100
Subtotal Direct Cost of Sales $100 $50 $200 $50 $200 $100 $50 $150 $100 $50 $100 $100
Page 1
Appendix
Table: Personnel
Personnel Plan
Month 1 Month 2 Month 3 Month 4 Month 5 Month 6 Month 7 Month 8 Month 9 Month 10 Month 11 Month 12
Nathan Sawyer 0% $0 $0 $0 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Clerical 0% $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000
CAD/Form-Z Designers 0% $0 $2,500 $2,500 $2,500 $2,500 $2,500 $2,500 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000
Total People 1 2 2 2 2 2 3 4 4 4 4 4
Total Payroll $0 $2,500 $2,500 $4,500 $4,500 $4,500 $6,500 $9,000 $9,000 $9,000 $9,000 $9,000
Page 2
Appendix
General Assumptions
Month 1 Month 2 Month 3 Month 4 Month 5 Month 6 Month 7 Month 8 Month 9 Month 10 Month 11 Month 12
Plan Month 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Current Interest Rate 10.00% 10.00% 10.00% 10.00% 10.00% 10.00% 10.00% 10.00% 10.00% 10.00% 10.00% 10.00%
Long-term Interest Rate 10.00% 10.00% 10.00% 10.00% 10.00% 10.00% 10.00% 10.00% 10.00% 10.00% 10.00% 10.00%
Tax Rate 30.00% 25.00% 25.00% 25.00% 25.00% 25.00% 25.00% 25.00% 25.00% 25.00% 25.00% 25.00%
Other 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Page 3
Appendix
Gross Margin $7,900 $4,950 $11,800 $1,950 $13,800 $4,900 $6,950 $15,850 $8,900 $9,950 $2,900 $10,900
Gross Margin % 98.75% 99.00% 98.33% 97.50% 98.57% 98.00% 99.29% 99.06% 98.89% 99.50% 96.67% 99.09%
Expenses
Payroll $0 $2,500 $2,500 $4,500 $4,500 $4,500 $6,500 $9,000 $9,000 $9,000 $9,000 $9,000
Sales and Marketing and Other $350 $350 $1,350 $350 $350 $1,350 $350 $350 $1,350 $350 $350 $1,350
Expenses
Depreciation $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Leased Equipment $120 $120 $120 $120 $120 $120 $120 $120 $120 $120 $120 $120
Utilities $40 $40 $40 $40 $40 $40 $40 $40 $40 $40 $40 $40
Insurance $150 $150 $150 $150 $150 $150 $150 $150 $150 $150 $150 $150
Rent $1,040 $1,040 $1,040 $1,040 $1,040 $1,040 $1,040 $1,950 $1,950 $1,950 $1,950 $1,950
Payroll Taxes 15% $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Other $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Total Operating Expenses $1,700 $4,200 $5,200 $6,200 $6,200 $7,200 $8,200 $11,610 $12,610 $11,610 $11,610 $12,610
Profit Before Interest and Taxes $6,200 $750 $6,600 ($4,250) $7,600 ($2,300) ($1,250) $4,240 ($3,710) ($1,660) ($8,710) ($1,710)
EBITDA $6,200 $750 $6,600 ($4,250) $7,600 ($2,300) ($1,250) $4,240 ($3,710) ($1,660) ($8,710) ($1,710)
Interest Expense $143 $140 $137 $134 $131 $128 $125 $122 $119 $116 $113 $110
Taxes Incurred $1,817 $152 $1,616 ($1,096) $1,867 ($607) ($344) $1,030 ($957) ($444) ($2,206) ($455)
Net Profit $4,240 $457 $4,847 ($3,288) $5,602 ($1,821) ($1,031) $3,089 ($2,872) ($1,332) ($6,617) ($1,365)
Net Profit/Sales 53.00% 9.15% 40.39% -164.40% 40.01% -36.42% -14.73% 19.30% -31.91% -13.32% -220.57% -12.41%
Page 4
Appendix
Expenditures Month 1 Month 2 Month 3 Month 4 Month 5 Month 6 Month 7 Month 8 Month 9 Month 10 Month 11 Month 12
Net Cash Flow ($520) ($7,170) $2,960 $2,039 $5,965 ($6,114) $4,639 ($5,889) ($6,760) $3,646 ($2,555) ($207)
Page 5
Appendix
Cash Balance $18,480 $11,310 $14,270 $16,310 $22,275 $16,161 $20,800 $14,911 $8,151 $11,797 $9,242 $9,036
Current Assets
Cash $19,000 $18,480 $11,310 $14,270 $16,310 $22,275 $16,161 $20,800 $14,911 $8,151 $11,797 $9,242 $9,036
Accounts Receivable $0 $8,000 $12,733 $16,833 $13,600 $15,933 $18,533 $11,833 $22,767 $24,467 $18,700 $12,667 $13,900
Inventory $0 $900 $850 $650 $600 $400 $300 $250 $1,100 $1,000 $950 $850 $750
Other Current Assets $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Total Current Assets $19,000 $27,380 $24,893 $31,754 $30,510 $38,608 $34,994 $32,883 $38,777 $33,617 $31,447 $22,759 $23,686
Long-term Assets
Long-term Assets $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Accumulated Depreciation $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Total Long-term Assets $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Total Assets $19,000 $27,380 $24,893 $31,754 $30,510 $38,608 $34,994 $32,883 $38,777 $33,617 $31,447 $22,759 $23,686
Liabilities and Capital Month 1 Month 2 Month 3 Month 4 Month 5 Month 6 Month 7 Month 8 Month 9 Month 10 Month 11 Month 12
Current Liabilities
Accounts Payable $0 $4,505 $1,926 $4,304 $713 $3,575 $2,147 $1,432 $4,603 $2,679 $2,206 $500 $3,156
Current Borrowing $17,540 $17,175 $16,810 $16,445 $16,080 $15,715 $15,350 $14,985 $14,620 $14,255 $13,890 $13,525 $13,160
Other Current Liabilities $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Subtotal Current Liabilities $17,540 $21,680 $18,736 $20,749 $16,793 $19,290 $17,497 $16,417 $19,223 $16,934 $16,096 $14,025 $16,316
Long-term Liabilities $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Total Liabilities $17,540 $21,680 $18,736 $20,749 $16,793 $19,290 $17,497 $16,417 $19,223 $16,934 $16,096 $14,025 $16,316
Paid-in Capital $19,000 $19,000 $19,000 $19,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000
Retained Earnings ($17,540) ($17,540) ($17,540) ($17,540) ($17,540) ($17,540) ($17,540) ($17,540) ($17,540) ($17,540) ($17,540) ($17,540) ($17,540)
Earnings $0 $4,240 $4,697 $9,544 $6,256 $11,858 $10,037 $9,006 $12,095 $9,223 $7,891 $1,274 ($90)
Total Capital $1,460 $5,700 $6,157 $11,004 $13,716 $19,318 $17,497 $16,466 $19,555 $16,683 $15,351 $8,734 $7,370
Total Liabilities and Capital $19,000 $27,380 $24,893 $31,754 $30,510 $38,608 $34,994 $32,883 $38,777 $33,617 $31,447 $22,759 $23,686
Net Worth $1,460 $5,700 $6,157 $11,004 $13,716 $19,318 $17,497 $16,466 $19,555 $16,683 $15,351 $8,734 $7,370
Page 6