Business Of Architecture Podcast

This week, I'm speaking with Jake Rudin and Erin Pellegrino, Founders of Out of Architecture, a career consulting firm interested in exploring the value of their skills both in and out of the architectural profession. Jake has a decade of experience in building things from the ground up. At Adidas, he leads teams in Computational Design, Digital Technologies, and Pattern Engineering.  Previously, Jake was the Director of Business Development at an EdTech Startup, worked around the world as a designer for top architecture and design firms, and taught extensively in the architecture and design fields. Erin is a designer and registered architect with a decade of experience in the fields of design, business development, and creative consulting. She currently works as the Founder and Principal of Matter, a design firm that solves problems that span from brand and digital experiences to the built environment.  She has worked extensively in the venture and start-up space in the Northeast, with early-stage companies

This week, I'm speaking with partners and best friends of 30 years, David Tracz and David Shove-Brown of //3877, a multi-disciplinary firm in Washington, DC that focuses on single-family, multiple-unit residential, commercial, restaurant, and hospitality projects In the fall of 2010, they began the process of realizing their decades-old dream of forming a professional architecture + design partnership. Through over two decades of experience, the duo developed goals of not only working with clients interested in the design process but also teaming with partners who can help provide the highest levels of design, construction, and presentation.  In this episode, both Davids walk us through their partnership, the early days of the business, the lessons they've learned starting out and whilst dealing with the pandemic, how they view sales vs business development, and how they nurture and build partnerships with their clients.   ► Access your free training at http://SmartPracticeMethod.com/ ► If you want to speak d

This week, we're sharing with you one of the workshops held by Business of Architecture with a special guest, Jonathan Reeves. Jonathan is an award-winning architect, author and educator. He's the Owner and Director of Jonathan Reeves Architects with offices in Loughborough, Leicestershire, and previously North Devon working nationally and internationally. He also runs JRA Vectorworks, an authorised partner of Vectorworks and UK reseller of Vectorworks software, and is the author of "Revolutionise Your Rendering." This workshop covers effective and efficient use of Vectorworks to maximize productivity, best practices for CAD libraries and workflows, getting staff up to speed, developing good drafting habits, and many more. Reach out to Jonathan via email through: info@jonathanreeves-cad.co.uk Jonthan's Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC56qp6QeXSAayDOOHu3BcCA To learn more about Jonthan's Vectorworks training, visit: https://jonathanreeves-cad.co.uk/ To purchase Jonathan's book, "Revolutionis

This week, I'm speaking with the Design Principal and Founder of Arno Matis Architecture, Arno Matis. Arno has over 28 years of experience delivering award-winning architectural projects in greater Vancouver and internationally. A former Senior Director of Bing Thom Architects, he played an active role in the design and management of numerous award-winning landmark projects including Arena Stage in Washington, DC and the Sunset Community Centre in Vancouver, Canada.  In 2005, Arno founded Arno Matis Architecture (AMA). Located in Vancouver, Canada, AMA specializes in densifying coastal cities with modern spaces that connect to nature. AMA’s portfolio includes mid-to-large-scale hotel, residential, and office projects in USA and Canada. They strive for responsive, sustainable design solutions beyond the utopian that serve the present yet point to an unimaginably exciting future. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Oregon, a Master of Design Studies from Harvard University, and an MBA fro

This week, I’m speaking with Michael Daddio, Founder and Principal of premier artisanal building firm, M. Daddio, Inc. Mike is a third-generation contracting professional, skilled carpenter, and effective leader with a thorough understanding of the process required to bring a highly detailed project from concept to successful completion. Throughout his career, Mike has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to serving the New York community through his active support of several organizations and leading numerous volunteer initiatives to rebuild the homes of New Yorkers whose properties suffered catastrophic damage in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. He also sits on the Board of St. Ignatius School, a middle school dedicated to providing quality education to children in the South Bronx. A native of Long Island, Mike graduated from Providence College, where he double-majored in Mathematics and Quantitative Economics. He currently resides in Brooklyn with his family. In this episode, Mike gives us an insig

Today, we have a very special episode for you. Here at Business of Architecture, it is one of our mantras that we "Lead from what we live," meaning that we try our darnedest to make sure that we are actually implementing and doing all the things that we talk about and all the things that we teach. What we're going to be talking about today is about when there are lapses in a business in terms of teamwork, in terms of processes. What happens when the ball gets dropped? What we're hoping from this conversation today is for you to see a little bit behind the curtain of Business of Architecture, see how we run our business, how we coach our clients and the firms we work with, and how we dealt with the little fire we had in our own business. We would love to hear your feedback on what you've learned from this episode and how YOU handle your own little hiccups in your own business.   ► Access your free training at http://SmartPracticeMethod.com/ ► If you want to speak directly to our advisors, book a call at https:

This week, we have Andrew Foreman. Andrew runs an architecture practice in Hawaii called Blueprint808. Andrew's practice has been awarded for consecutive years as Hawaii's Home + Remodeling Readers' Choice Architecture Firm. Blueprint808 specializes in custom home designs and is dedicated to improving the design and constructions that are completed in Hawaii. In this episode, we're going to talk about what it's like starting a small architecture firm from scratch and, specifically, Andrew's thoughts on embracing an innovative business model as he continuous forward with his practice. ► Access your free training at http://SmartPracticeMethod.com/ ► If you want to speak directly to our advisors, book a call at https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/call ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful, and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups

Today, I bring you an incredible conversation with the Founder of FreeState, Adam Scott. Adam is an architect, he's a designer, and the creative force of FreeState, which is a pioneering experience master planning agency. In this episode, you'll discover how he's taken his skills as a designer and applied them not just to the architectural built space but also the entire experience in an environment.   ► Access your free training at http://SmartPracticeMethod.com/ ► If you want to speak directly to our advisors, book a call at https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/call ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful, and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www

In today's show, I'm going to let you in on a little interview I did with architect Michael Smith. Michael runs an architectural practice on the central California coast. Last year, he reached out to me to interview me on his podcast. Today, we're going to talk about what it's like running a small architectural practice. We talk about marketing a small architectural practice. We talk about podcasting and much, much more. Give Michael's podcast a listen at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7PnJ1tNkZmOHoQB6YaEdTw ► Access your free training at http://SmartPracticeMethod.com/ ► If you want to speak directly to our advisors, book a call at https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/call ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful, and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/

Are architectural services commoditized? Here’s the problem: it isn’t uncommon for clients to undervalue architectural services, to undervalue what it is that we do. And when they don’t value it, they don’t want to pay for it. This leads to a race to the bottom and unrealistic and hard to meet expectations of clients. Today I’m joined by Rion Willard. After training at London’s Bartlett School of Architecture and a successful career as an architect, Rion Willard joined the Business of Architecture team. Rion is the Director of Consulting and Business Transformation here at Business of Architecture. In this episode, you’ll discover 3 reasons why architectural services get commoditized, and what you can do to prevent it so you are respected and compensated for your creative work.   ► Access your free training at http://SmartPracticeMethod.com/ ► If you want to speak directly to our advisors, book a call at https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/call ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.you

This week, I’m speaking with the Founding Principal of Bittoni Architects, Mark Bittoni. Founded in 2004, Bittoni Architects is a full-service architectural practice based in Los Angeles, California. Their body of work ranges in building type and scale, from interiors to master planning, driven by a methodology defined by their explorative approach and a curiosity for the unconventional. In this episode, we discuss the firm's process in navigating through their shift into commercial work, nurturing their relationship with developer clients, and how the practice has maintained its design sensibilities despite the constraints that come with taking on commercial/developer projects. We also enquire a bit into what Mark sees as challenges the architecture industry will be facing in the next few years and what the future looks like for Bittoni Architects.   ► Access your free training at http://SmartPracticeMethod.com/ ► If you want to speak directly to our advisors, book a call at https://www.businessofarchitectur

This week, I’m speaking with Paul Iddon of Agency PSI Ltd. Paul Iddon RIBA, has over 30 years of experience in construction, architecture, and marketing, having run his own architecture firm, OMI Architects, in 1992 to running a marketing agency in 2006, developing brand and engagement strategies with architects and manufacturers. Paul is also the Vice President of the Manchester Society of Architects and a Council member of RIBA NW. In this episode, we investigate what makes architects tick, the collective value of the word "architect" as a brand, and how understanding our psychology helps us be better salespeople, marketers, and better architects. ► Access your free training at http://SmartPracticeMethod.com/ ► If you want to speak directly to our advisors, book a call at https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/call ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful, and fulfilling pra

This week, I’m speaking with Bolanle Williams-Olley, Chief Financial Officer and part-owner of Mancini Duffy, a technology-first design firm based in NYC, overseeing the firm's financial and operational performance. Bolanle has had 12 years working in the AEC industry, having worked with HLW and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) prior to joining Mancini Duffy. She holds a Masters in Education & Social Policy from NYU, Masters in Applied Mathematics, a Bachelors in Mathematics from the City University of New York, Hunter College, and is also a board member of the Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation (BWAF). In addition to her role at Mancini Duffy, she has founded several impact organizations in Nigeria that aim to improve education in low-income communities, empower women in the A/E/C industry and at small design firms, as well as create awareness about NGOs across Nigeria. Bolanle is launching her first book in November called "Build Boldly: Chart Your Unique Career Path", as a playbook for success

This week, I’m speaking with the Co-Founder of Studio Banana, Key Kawamura. Studio Banana founders Key Kawamura and Ali Ganjavian met and became fast friends while attending the University of East London for their architecture degrees. Not quite fitting into the places they were working in, they decided to start their own architecture and product design firm, Studio Banana in 2007, further expanding into a wide breadth of creative projects and developing a rich repertoire of entrepreneurial projects in the fields of transdisciplinary creativity, communication, design-led innovation, and education. Studio Banana is responsible for the globally acclaimed OSTRICHPILLOW® and involved in high-yield, high-impact innovative projects for clients such as United Nations, Nestlé, Coca-Cola, Al Jazeera, Ernst & Young, Qatar Foundation, BBDO, McCann Erickson, Santander Bank, Vodafone or Telefonica, among others. In 2019, they published "Work Out of the Box," a collection of conversations with industry leaders and case

This week, I’m speaking with Wendy Dunnam Tita, Principal at Page. Early in her career, Wendy worked for the residential practice of Ike and Kligerman in New York and, in 1995, became the Vice President of the firm of Page Southerland Page in Austin. In 2002, she set off and operated her own boutique practice in Austin and Hood River, Oregon, returning to Page in 2013 as Principal and Director of the Interior Architect Division of Page, which she has been running for about 8 years. She was also the 2018's Board President of AIA Austin, and currently chairs the group's Women in Architecture committee. In this episode, Wendy shares insights into her role in Page and the root of her success as a leader. We also discuss the importance of communication and transparency in dealing with your clients and within the firm to nurture a more collaborative environment and bridging the connection between design and people.   ► Access your free training at http://SmartPracticeMethod.com/ ► If you want to speak directly to o

This week, we're taking a human-centered approach to architecture discussions with Dr. Tyrone Yang. Tyrone graduated with a Master's in Architecture from the Harvard Graduate School of Design in 2002. He also has a Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology from the University of Virginia and a BA in Psychology from Cornell University. Currently, he has recently founded Architectural Health and Yang Architects. Before doing that, he worked as a designer and project manager at Butz + Klug, RIZVI Architects, and also Moshe Safdie and Associates and worked on a large array of projects. Tyrone's academic involvement includes classes in Psychology and Research Methods at the University of Virginia and classes in Human Factors and Sustainable Architecture at Wentworth Institute of Technology. He's also worked as an affiliate researcher and course collaborator at the City Science / Changing Places Group at the MIT Media Lab. Currently, he's teaching Environmental Design Research at the Department of Architecture at Roger William

This week, I am speaking with the award-winning architect and designer Suman Sorg, a fellow of the AIA and founder of Sorg Architects. She has also recently formed a non-profit design firm, A Complete Unknown, in her home in Washington DC. The A Complete Unknown design firm has a mission to promote social justice, peace, and unity through architecture and design. Suman has over 30 years of building a successful architecture practice. Some of her notable projects include John and Jill Ker Conway Residence for formerly homeless veterans and the Southern Regional Technology and Recreation Center in Fort Washington. In this episode, Suman explains and discusses her career, how she founded Sorg Architects and how she transitioned from that practice into creating A Complete Unknown, and the intentions behind doing that. She summarizes her philosophy and goes into a lot of depth into her experience and overview in her career and how to run a profitable and successful architecture firm.   ► Access your free training

This week, I'm speaking to Mike Grosswendt who is the CEO and Founder of All Coast Construction, a construction company based on the west coast of the US. Mike focuses his attention onto new construction and restorations. He's worked with many world-renowned architects. He's worked with an incredible array of A-list celebrities as well including Quincy Jones. He's recently completed the home of Robert Downey Junior and his wife Susan, which is based in Malibu; quite an incredible and unusual architectural feat. He's currently working on a remodel of a 27,000 sq ft home for Charles Gwathmey, again, in Malibu. In this conversation, Mike and I talked about his beginnings, how he began as a carpenter, and how he won projects in the early days. We get a really good insight into the workings of a construction business, how a contractor views modern construction, what makes a good relationship between contractor and architect, and all the different nuances of making construction profitable, and the complexities of r

This week, I'm speaking with Mark Weaver and Darrell Wilson of Mark Weaver Associates. Mark Weaver Associates is a full-service design firm based in Los Angeles that was founded in 1970. Since then, they have built an impressive portfolio of work with residential installations, they worked on private aircraft, yachts, and even private island retreats in a vast array of locations from Los Angeles to New York City to London, and also in Italy. Mark has been recognized by a breadth of national and international publications and has earned himself a loyal following of clients from around the world. He regularly lectures at UCLA and is a founding member of both the LA Museum of Contemporary Art and the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art. Darrell is the Principal Designer at Mark Weaver Associates, and they've been working together for the best part of 20 years. His approach to design has been shaped by a wide range of influences from mid-century Italian and French furniture to classical architecture. Darr

This week, I am talking to Los Angeles-based interior designer, Ryan Saghian, who is emerging as one of the most formidable talents, inspiring many young people that they too can follow their dreams. Ryan is only 28, and even before hitting his 30th birthday, he's overcome many challenges to find international acclaim, become a social media darling, and is now building his product empire. Ryan has been brought up in LA and founded his interior design firm at the young age of 21. He has since become a go-to designer for discerning clientele and A-list celebrities alike who revere his raw yet refined sensibilities. Ryan's firm has completed some extraordinary projects, including luxury homes in Beverly Hills, Bel Air, New York City, and a $40 million private residence at the Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas, Mexico. In this interview, we talk a lot about how Ryan has grown the practice, how he's used social media to leverage and win work, how he interviews his clients and has them enrolled into his