Business of Architecture Podcast

Today's guest should need no introduction, but you may not have heard of him because the firm he led as CEO from 2003 to 2017, one of the largest and most successful architecture firms in the world, doesn't revolve around the fame of one individual. Our guest is Patrick MacLeamy, former CEO of the firm HOK. MacLeamy just released a book on his experience in leadership and business through his time at HOK titled: Designing a World-Class Architecture Firm: The People, Stories and Strategies Behind HOK. MacLeamy is also the Chairman of buildingSMART International, which works to achieve open standards for the exchange of digital information in the building and infrastructure industries. He was a founding member of buildingSMART, in 1994. He spent 50 years at HOK, which grew into one of the largest architecture and engineering firms in the world during his time there. MacLeamy rose from Junior Designer to CEO of HOK and witnessed the firm's growth from a single midwestern office to 27 locations across the globe offering architecture, interiors, engineering, planning and more. MacLeamy joined HOK St. Louis in 1967, after which he helped establish the firm's San Francisco outpost in 1970 - later becoming managing principal of that office. He joined HOK's executive committee in 1995 and was named COO five years later. In 2003, HOK shareholders elected MacLeamy Chief Executive Officer. He led the firm for 13 years. In 2016, MacLeamy chose a new CEO for HOK, remaining as Chairman for one more year before retiring —or as he likes to say, "repurposing." In this episode of Business of Architecture, MacLeamy shares hard-learned business lessons from his time at HOK and the principles that led this company to be the success that it is today. ► 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.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

Today we have the privilege of hearing from one of the icons of architecture - the man who co-founded one of the largest architecture firms in the world, Kohn Pedersen Fox or KPF. Now In its 46th year, KPF spans the world with offices in 8 countries and with projects in more than 40. KPF founder Gene Kohn has, with his two partners, built an architecture business that flourishes because when it comes to good business he practices what he preaches. Gene just released a book chronicling the challenges and successes of building this incredibly successful firm: The World by Design: The Story of a Global Architecture Firm. What are his secrets for success? On this episode you'll discover that KPF is set up and operates as the antithesis of the starchitect syndrome, the firm is not built around the personality or designs of an individual. From the outset KPF was designed as a firm that would carry on after Gene and the other founders retired or passed away. This strategy different from many other prominent firms where the reputation of individual designers emphasized. Instead, KPF developed and lives by a culture of teamwork, rather than one of star designers. Gene believes in discovering the most talented recent graduates, training them in all aspects of the profession and then elevating them to leadership positions. This approach has worked and KPF now has 31 principals – and a president - who rose from the ranks. Today KPF employs more than 650 people with offices in New York, San Francisco, London, Berlin, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Seoul, Abu Dhabi and Singapore The KPF team has been hugely successful with major buildings all over the world. Of the world's 12 tallest buildings, 6 of them were designed by KPF – the Ping An Finance Center in Shenzhen, the Lotte World Tower in Seoul, the CTF Finance Center in Guangzhou, the CITIC Tower (also known as China Zun) in Beijing and the Shanghai World Financial Center. These bona fides in global markets have positioned KPF to be named the architects for one of its newest projects One Vanderbilt, the 1401-foot-high-tower across Vanderbilt Avenue from Grand Central terminal that, with its observation deck and office floors, will make it higher than the neighboring Empire State building. Gene turned what was initially a NY-based firm into a global powerhouse. This expansion strategy has allowed the firm to ride out major recessions in the U.S. by doing work abroad. It has also given the firm the chance to develop expertise in designing large complicated projects – first in Asia and now in the U.S. For example, the firm designed the JR Central Towers atop an active rail yard in Nagoya, Japan in the 1990's, and then used that experience to work on Hudson Yards in NY. Now you man be wondering - what does the story of one of the worlds largest firm's have to do with my success as a practitioner in a small firm? Listen closely, because the strategies that Eugene Kohn used to grow his practice are the same you can use in your firm to build a firm to suit your life. Many architects think of business as a dirty word. Gene however has emphasized the need for architects to solve their clients' problems on time and on budget, without compromising design integrity. He and his partners have made a practice of developing strong connections between the architectural profession and the business world. ► 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.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

Today, we speak with the co-founder of the architecture firm Wingate Hughes, based out of Washington DC. The firm Wingate Hughes has made a big splash since they came on the scene and were founded over a decade ago in the year 2010. In this episode, co-founder Gavin Daniels shares how he and his partner have been able to win work from more established firms, how they've grown their firm to a team of over 20 employees, and how they've been able to use culture to retain and get the best staff members working on their team. ► 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.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

Today we speak with Darguin Fortuna, a young architect and co-founder of Flow Design Studio based out of Salem, MA. Darguin has been a long-time listener of the podcast, and said that this show helped him make the jump into entrepreneurship as a firm owner. Listen in as Darguin Fortuna shares the story of how he started his firm, and grew it to a team of seven in just a few years. ► 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.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

Today is the second half of my interview with interior designer Michelle Lynne of ML Interiors Group. Tony Robbins is famous for saying that success is 20% mechanics and 80% psychology. When I first heard that, I wondered, what is he talking about? I understand the mechanics of business, but what does he mean by psychology? Well, that's what you'll discover today - how your psychology influences your results - whether you are a firm owner now, you plan to one day have your own firm, or you're currently working for someone else. To know more about Michelle and her work visit her at https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/architecture ► 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.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

Today you'll hear from accomplished Interior Designer Michelle Lynne. I enjoyed this conversation because Michelle isn't just a designer, she's built the business so it suits her life. She also runs an online course teaching other interior designers how to structure their firm for maximum freedom and profit. In this interview you'll discover how to use processes in your business to free you up. To know more about Michelle and her work visit her at https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/architecture ► 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.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

If you listened to episode 201 that I did back in 2018, you'll remember I spoke with Alex Gore and Lance Cayko, founders of the architecture firm F9 Productions, about a multi-unit, mixed use project they were planning on developing. Well, they recently sold the last unit on that project and they reached out to me so they could share the update on how the project turned out. In today's episode, I include the original audio from the interview in 2018 so you can hear the before and after of how they expected the project to go, and how it really went. Alex and Lance are also the hosts of the popular Inside the Firm podcast where they reveal the behind the scenes how they started and operate their architecture firm. If you aren't subscribed to that podcast, go check it out. ► 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.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

Have you ever been frustrated that you saw potential in a project but were constrained by your client? What if you could fire the client and be your own client? Today's guest has done just that. Joining us is architect Cady Chintis, co-founder of WC Studio based out of Tacoma, Washington. Just out of school Cady and her partner John Wolters bought a building in Chicago that they rehabbed and sold at a profit. They used the proceeds from that sale to start up a practice in Tacoma and launch more development projects. In this episode you'll hear how Cady and her partner pulled this off. Cady also talks about the "missing middle" multi-family project type, and the potential these kinds of projects have fill a gap in our urban stock. ► 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.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

Today's guest has a remarkable story. He grew up with a father who ran a successful and well-known architecture firm in St. Louis Missouri. Following in his father's footsteps, he went to Cornell University to study architecture. That's where we actually met, back in our college days. Today's guest is Thomas Wall, an owner of Mitchell Wall Architecture and Design based in St. Louis, Mo. The firm's work has been awarded numerous awards, and in 2017 Tom was listed as one of St. Louis's 5 under 40. Tom is the kind of guy that always has a smile for you. From what I knew of Tom at school, he 'gets' people, and he's used this successfully grow the firm. What you'd never guess unless you know Tom personally, is that his father passed away unexpectedly while he was in school. In today's episode, you'll hear how Tom bounced back from those dark days and found his place in architecture. You'll be moved, touched and inspired. ► 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.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

Let's face it - right now we're facing some unprecedented circumstances. Schools are shutting down, gatherings are cancelled - there's no question that this will have a real economic impact for many of us. So what should we do? How will this impact architects and the architecture industry? With all that's going on, it's far too easy to slip into worry, anxiety and fear. I'm struggling with this myself. We moved into a new house last year and with six kids, a business and team members, I have some decent monthly expenses. It's too easy to worry about what might happen - this does no good at all. When we're fearful, that's when we retreat and stop taking positive actions. What I'd remind you today is that it isn't the circumstances or the challenges that define us - it's how we respond to these challenges. Let me repeat that: it isn't the circumstances or the challenges that define us - it's how we respond to these challenges. No one individual has control over what is happening right now. The only thing within our control is how we respond. Are you with me? So, how do we respond? How do we move ahead with the best foot forward? How do we make sure that the best version of "US" continues to show up every day? Today I want to give you 5 strategies for moving ahead with power and faith. Realize that you're ok. Avoid the virus of the mind. Reframe this opportunity. Analyze your routine. Get cash / financing heavy. You got this. You've been through challenges before and you'll make it through this one stronger than ever before. A last tip is to look at alternate ways of packaging your services as an architect. There are some very cool things you can do to deal with times like this and still stay profitable and moving ahead. This Friday, March 20th, Rion Willard and I are hosting a webinar around COVID-19, what it means for architects, and how to thrive (not just survive) in a possible down market. I'm not saying a down market will happen - and I hope it doesn't but we all know these cycles come and go - the best time to get prepared is yesterday and the second best time to be prepared is today! To register for the upcoming free training, go to http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/future. ► 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.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!