If you’re taking the plunge and starting your own architecture business, you have a list of things to do and decisions to make.  One of the most important, though it may not seem so, is choosing a name for your business. Your business name will be the first impression that potential customers have of your business, so you want it to reflect your brand identity, whatever you may want that to be.

But choosing the right name is not always an easy task. Here we’ll offer some effective ways to find a unique name for your architecture business. 

Characteristics of a Good Business Name

Good business names tend to have some common characteristics. While you obviously want your name to be unique, there are some other things to consider. Your business name should:

  • Be easy to spell and remember
  • Say what you do
  • Reflect your brand identity
  • Allow for expansion (i.e., don’t use a location in your name)
  • Include a word that will make you easy to find on the web (i.e., architecture or architect)

While your name doesn’t have to have all those characteristics, keep them in mind when you’re trying to come up with ideas. 

Brainstorming

Brainstorming business names does not mean just sitting down and hoping some great names pop into your head. 

Start by writing down your company mission, vision, and value proposition. Also, write down a description of what you want your brand identity to be. Those things may contain words that would be of value in your business name.

For example:

Mission

“Our mission is to create innovative and sustainable architectural solutions that inspire, uplift, and enrich the lives of people and communities. We are committed to delivering exceptional design, personalized service, and fostering collaborative relationships with our clients, partners, and stakeholders.”

Vision

“Our vision is to be a leading architecture firm known for our transformative and cutting-edge designs that leave a lasting positive impact on the built environment. We strive to be at the forefront of technological advancements, sustainability practices, and design trends, empowering our team to push boundaries and set new industry standards.

Value proposition

“We bring creativity and expertise together to realize your architectural dreams. Our client-centric approach ensures that your vision is at the core of every project, while our team of passionate architects and designers works tirelessly to exceed your expectations. By choosing us, you gain access to a wealth of experience, an unwavering commitment to quality, and a sustainable design philosophy that respects the environment. Together, we will craft spaces that not only meet your needs but also reflect your unique identity and aspirations.”

Brand identity description

“Our brand identity is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence in design. As a forward-thinking architectural firm, we embrace creativity and embrace challenges, channeling our passion for architecture into transformative spaces that elevate human experiences. Our logo, a modern and dynamic emblem, embodies the continuous flow of ideas and the seamless integration of form and function. The color palette, inspired by nature, evokes a sense of harmony and timelessness, reflecting our dedication to sustainable practices and sensitivity to the environment. From our meticulously crafted marketing materials to our well-crafted online presence, our brand consistently communicates a message of professionalism, reliability, and cutting-edge expertise. At XYZ Architecture, we stand as a beacon of architectural innovation, always pushing the boundaries to create spaces that inspire and endure.”

You can see many potential words that you could use in your business name.

  • Innovative
  • Sustainable
  • Transformative
  • Creative
  • Experienced
  • Excellence
  • Modern
  • Reliable
  • Inspirational

Or perhaps other words stand out to you or come to mind. The point is that those words will reflect the goals and identity of your company. 

Family and Friends

Never underestimate the power of diverse perspectives!  You can gather your family and friends together to discuss the name ideas that you’ve come up with, and to let them offer ideas of their own. Share with them your vision, mission, value proposition, and brand identity, and you may be surprised at what they come up with.

A whiteboard is great for this exercise, and maybe a few adult beverages to make it a party!  

Once you have a short list of ideas, you can have them vote on their favorites, although the final decision is obviously yours.

Surveys

You can also go to the source – your potential customers. Post a survey of your short list of potential names and let people vote. Post the survey on a site where you’re most likely to find your target customers. If you’re going to do commercial architecture, LinkedIn is probably a good bet. If you’re doing residential, you might also post on Facebook. 

Business Name Generators

To find unique business names, you can also turn to a business name generator. You can find any number of them online. You just have to enter keywords, and the tools will generate hundreds of business names for you to browse. 

Make Sure It’s Available

Once you have a short list of your favorites, you need to make sure the names are available. Start with your Secretary of State’s website and do a business name search. That will ensure that the name is not taken in your state.

Next, check the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s website to make sure the name is not trademarked. 

Finally, you should check to make sure the domain name that you want is available on a site like GoDaddy.  

In Closing

Don’t take choosing your business name lightly. It should be designed to attract customers based on the appeal of your brand. By using the methods discussed, you should be able to come up with any number of ideas. Your biggest challenge might be choosing a favorite out of a list of winning possibilities!