“The earlier I leave my mark on the world, the bigger impact I could do.” are the words that drove Kathy Ryan to start her business KiR Architecture.
At the early age of 12, Kathy knew she wanted to become an architect and pursued her dream career with passion and grit. After working for other architectural firms for 10 years, Kathy started her practice.
KiR Architecture is a boutique architectural firm that designs for commercial and residential spaces.
Kathy’s belief that architectural design is about the experience of the client is strongly reflected in her firm. She offers her clients the full service from feasibility study to contract administration and finally completion or a custom option to suit her client’s needs.
Kathy’s philosophy is about transparency, collaboration and technology to make architecture work. She enjoys working with her clients to achieve the final results that they’ll love.
Who’s your favourite entrepreneur and why?
“Richard Branson, because he is creative, innovative and relentless in his pursuits.”
What do you enjoy most about running your own business?
“To be able to do what I love to in the way I love it!”
What three pieces of advice do you wish you’d been given when you started?
- Get a team behind you ASAP!
- It’s ok to turn your clients into friends, but rarely works the other way around.
- Don’t be afraid to be the disruptor in your industry.
What advice would YOU give someone thinking about starting a business?
“The earlier you start your business, you have time to learn from your mistakes. There is time to get into the rhythm of working for yourself. You are the face of your business.”
What skills and knowledge areas would you recommend those starting in business get acquainted with quickly?
- Time management skills
- Discipline
- Customer Service
What does your IDEAL business look like? Even if you’re not there yet, what would it look like if your business was ideal?
“My IDEAL business would mean that I was successfully designing something new and exciting every day. Every year I would complete a building project on-site and have something to celebrate. I would win some awards for the hard work and equally contributing to my community. My business would be in profit annually.
What problem does being a Member of the HerBusiness Network solve for you and your business? And, how?
“Being a member means I have a support network and I am very much inspired by the profile of the members! I am deeply inspired by all the ladies and I aspire to achieve the same.”
Learn more about Kathy Ryan and KiR Architecture today.
