Advice on becoming an Architect / Developer or a Partnership
I hope I came to a good place for some small advice.

I’m a licensed architect with about 10 years of experience specializing in mixed-use and multi-family buildings. My career goal is develop project on my own or be part of a development team that does small infill project either mixed-use or residential.

I think of myself as a designer with entrepreneur tendency. I’ve always been interested in and reading about commercial RE and development. I understand and always got intrigued at pro-forma. My architectural experience includes design, entitlement, construction document and permitting process to construction admin. As an architect, I like to design buildings but I also want them to be built to fit market demands. Being in an architect / developer team, I could design while also being the client that have the final word to safeguard the design integrity. Having an architect in-house would be a valuable asset to a development team. But I know coming from an architectural background and not finance or development, I have a lot to learn.

Let’s say I find a partnership, I could have some skin in the game. I will provide my own fund that can be used as the project equity, along with equity from other partners. In general, I’d like to see myself as one of the general partners taking active role in the development, as an architect / general partner in a development team.

So much for the self-introduction, here’s my **questions**:

1. Would a smaller developer team see value in an in-house architect partner?
2. How much typically each partner would provide, say for a small project that is between $4-5 million of total cost (hard cost plus soft cost)? 
3. Lastly, where do I network and find potential partners that has experience in development and who would welcome an architect on board. I’m talking about smaller developer / partner here. Where do I should be looking at, forum, meetup, conference?

P/S: I obviously doesn’t have the finance and development lingo, I’m an architect after all. I appreciate your feedback in advance. For reference, my plan sounds somewhere similar to Jonathan Segal in CA and Guerilla Development in Portland, OR. The latter is an interesting case since they are architect / developer that develops interesting projects. Their website even posts pro-forma for each of those projects which is a great learning tool for people like me.
[{"id": "ikwqi86", "text": "I am currently building a mixed use along in California.   I am doing it myself but I could imagine the following.  \n\nGo to a bunch of realtors that look like they focus on lots or properties could be developed.  \n\nOffer to draw up exterior plans of what a mixed use project could look like.  You could try and get paid for this drawings or offer them for free.   \n\nThose drawings would be included in the marketing material with the understanding your name is displayed on the drawings. \n\nAs the property gets sold, the developer contacts you about future development.   At that point, you could offer free architectural drawings in exchange for a percentage of a deal.   \n\nI think you should do a deal or two before you try and take a general partner role.  There is a lot to learn (sort of) and it's a good amount of risk and gets expensive quick.  \n\nYou might try and develop a relationship with someone with deep pockets.   They might like a relationship where you have a bunch of sweat equity.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "ikxq10l", "text": "1. Yes a developer would see value having an in house architect. If you are well versed with the local laws and what\u2019s the highest and best use. If you have construction background, can do cost estimate, have contacts for subs, etc that\u2019s even better. \n\n2. Depends on how the lots is purchased. All cash, finance, etc. the less money needed the better. If the developer has a track recorder with lenders great. If not they have to get creative.\n\n3. Meetups and local re groups is a great place to start. If you drive around your area and see new construction, a lot of time the developers info is posted somewhere. \n\nGood luck of your ventures!", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "iu2vr5l", "text": "Both Segal and Guerilla are great starting points.  For me, development started with building my own homes. It\u2019s a good way to earn capital and experience. Good luck", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]