The career we invented.
Since 1984, CFA has placed architects and designers as career freelancers — working year-round, across a variety of firms, by choice. Better for your portfolio. Better for the firms that hire you.
Why designers choose project work
Range beats routine
Instead of two or three years on one slice of one firm's work, move across project types — corporate interiors, residential, commercial — and build a portfolio with real range. Mobility, not tenure, is what drives architects' pay.
On your own terms
Learn how a dozen studios actually run — the fastest route to opening your own. And between engagements, take the long trip, teach, pursue research, or sit for your licensing exams.
Paid for every hour
A salary is built on 2,080 hours, but design teams work well past that with no overtime pay. On contract, every hour you book is an hour you're paid for.
The 1099 advantage
As a genuine independent contractor you can deduct the real costs of your practice and may claim the 20% qualified-business-income deduction — often a lower effective burden than the salary it replaced.
Tax outcomes depend on your situation and current law — this isn't tax advice; consult a CPA.
How it works for you
Join the network
Submit your portfolio. A design-native recruiter learns your skills, your rate, and the work you want.
Get matched
We put you in front of firms that fit — pre-vetted, so you arrive credible, not as one more résumé.
Work, paid by the hour
Take the engagements that suit you, billed for every hour. Between projects, the time is yours.
Common questions
Why work freelance or project-based as a designer?
You build a portfolio with real range across firms and project types, get paid for every hour you book, and own your time between engagements.
How do I get project work through CFA?
Submit your portfolio to join the talent network. A design-native recruiter learns your skills and rate and matches you to firms that fit.
Do I need to be CFAeX-certified?
It’s not mandatory — but it’s free, strongly encouraged, and most hiring firms look favorably on it. When two candidates fit a role, the certified one gets presented first. Just joined CFA? Your recruiter will set you up — many candidates certify within days.
Build a portfolio with real range.
Join the talent network and we’ll match you to project work worth your time.