The most important tool for a developer is the pro forma. This malleable document calculates all the variables that go into putting a deal together with the intent of giving you the ability to make informed decisions regarding the project’s expected financial performance. Once created by hand, there are now plenty of software options that can be used to put these together, from the expensive and polished Argus Developer to the free and sometimes limited Google Sheets. Many developers use the same software I do, the tried-and-true Microsoft Excel. The depth of this software is phenomenal once you learn how to perform complex calculations. Architects tend to shy away from Excel, but if you want to be an Architect & Developer, you will need to spend just as much time in Excel as you do in your design software of choice. You should begin to form a love affair with Excel.

Online Course

Architect & Developer Danny Cerezo of C|S Design has created a great online tutorial of pro formas. Take a look at his videos on YouTube {here}. Also, be sure to download his example pro forma to follow along from his slack page {here}.

Example Pro Formas

There are a few Architects & Developers who have been nice enough to share their pro formas online. Kevin Cavenaugh of Guerrilla Development has a simple pro forma for most of his projects on his website. You can download them below and see more about his work on his website at guerrilladev.co.

Atomic Orchard Experiment {download pro forma}

Box + One {download pro forma}

Dr. Jim’s Still Really Nice {download pro forma}

Fair-Haired Dumbbell {download pro forma}

New New Crusher Court {download pro forma}

The Zipper {download pro forma}

Rig-A-Hut {download pro forma}

The Ocean {download pro forma}

The Shore {download pro forma}

Tree Farm {download pro forma}

Two Thirds Project {download pro forma}

Architect and Developer Zeke Freeman of Root Architecture + Developement shared his pro forma for a project he described in his Business of Architecture interview which included a 203(k) loan. See his interviews {here} to follow along.

Root Architecture + Development {download pro forma}

John Anderson posted an example pro forma on the Neighborhood Development Facebook group. See more information and download the pro forma {here}.