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Concurrent Education Session

Learning to Lead and Grow in Your Career

FRI-A04: Embracing Change: Transitioning from an Established Firm to Launch a Small Practice

Friday, October 10, 2025
8:30 AM – 9:45 AM CT
1.25 PDH, LA CES/non-HSW

Navigating the challenges of starting your own small practice can seem daunting and insurmountable. Three designers, who all started their careers at recognized, established design firms, share practical insight into how they successfully launched their own studios, each with a distinct focus and identity.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Learn the importance of articulating your personal mission statement and identifying your motivations for starting a design practice.
  • Evaluate your readiness to launch your own firm, including assessing your skills, desires, and available resources.
  • Learn about the practical, financial, and legal requirements associated with launching a new design business and how to manage these with an organized strategy.
  • Explore circumstances that can impact the success of your new practice and learn strategies for instituting resilience against those factors outside of your control.