EntreArchitect Podcast with Mark R. LePage

When I speak with architects about the critical issues we are facing in the profession, many of us echo the same solution of educating the public on what we do and why we do it. “If they only understood…” This week on the Entrepreneur Architect Podcast I speak with architect and teacher Stephen Chung; the creator and host of the new PBS television show, Cool Spaces! Stephen has a great story to share. We discuss his journey to become an architect and his inspiration for the show. We even talk a bit about some of the criticism he has received from fellow architects for the show's initial focus on big brand firms… and I think you're going to like what he has to say about that. I was also fortunate enough to view a sneak preview of episode one, which premiered on many PBS stations this past week on April 3rd. After watching the show I am even more excited by what Stephen is doing. The show is entertaining and informative. It introduces the world to what we architects do and why we do it. Stephen walks viewers through each building featured, talks about what makes each space special and introduces us to the architects and designers responsible for each creation. As an architect, I was riveted from beginning to end. Anyone interested in architecture (and that is everyone you and I know) will be fascinated by the forms, the spaces and the process explained throughout the episode. I am very happy that we finally have a mainstream television show that introduces the public to our world. Wait until you see the ad created by AIA in support of CoolSpaces! I think you'll love that too. Well done AIA National. I encourage you to support Stephen and Cool Spaces! This is an important moment for us architects. If Stephen's show succeeds, we may see many more shows featuring the real world of architecture. As a residential architect, one of my daily challenges is battling the HGTV effect, where clients have unrealistic expectations for their projects. If we had more shows featuring real life architects, the entire profession will benefit. I want to know what YOU think of CoolSpaces! Have you seen it yet? Please leave a comment below and we’ll chat. Please visit Entrepreneur Architect Podcast on iTunes and leave a review of the show. Visit CoolSpaces.TV to find the schedule for your region and to contact Stephen about the show. The post EA026: Cool Spaces! on PBS TV with Architect Stephen Chung [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Build SmartFrosty & Fired Up

Annmarie and I launched our first website at fivecat.com in 1998, way before any other architects in the region were online. I've been writing blogs since 2006 and as social media grew in popularity, we adopted early and benefited tremendously. Having a strong online presence has made us very accessible on search engines. We've held a top 3 position on Google since launching the website and literally built the firm with inquiries from local prospects searching for Westchester Architects. This week on the podcast I'm sharing my thoughts on each of the channels I visit during my daily rounds online. If you and I are not connected on any of these networks, please be sure to look me up. I'd love to get to know you better. Please leave an iTunes review. My Social Media Channels Twitter Facebook Google+ Linkedin Houzz Pinterest Instagram YouTube More Links Mentioned on the Podcast Marica McKeel on Facebook Method Digital Training by Evan Troxel Big Time Small Firm by Jes Stafford My Pinterest “Inspirational Quotes” Board *** Photo Credit: Shutterstock/squarelogo The post EA025: Successful Social Media Strategies for Architects [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Build SmartFrosty & Fired Up

This Episode is Top Secret In this episode of the Entrepreneur Architect Podcast, I talk about how to create your own life plan and I’ll walk you through my own business plan step-by-step; the actual plan that I developed for Fivecat Studio back in 2006. I’ll share all my previously confidential information and show you how Annmarie and I took Fivecat Studio from a struggling stalled small firm to a successful regional leader. Since that time, my plans have evolved and our current business plan looks very different. The year 2006 was when I enrolled in a local business academy and I learned the things that I didn't know that I didn't know. It was also the year that everything changed for Fivecat Studio, and the business plan that I share in this episode is the reason for that change. Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think of the show. Links Referenced in this Episode The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It Entrepreneur Architect Business Trends Survey Architecture Business Plan Competition Please leave a review or star rating on iTunes The post EA024: My Architecture Business Plan for Fivecat Studio [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Frosty & Fired UpBuild Smart

Money is critical to the success of any architecture firm, but how and why you find that money may determine whether you live or die as a small business. In this episode of the Entrepreneur Architect Podcast, we're talking about building a business without debt and if you already find yourself in the hole (like me), I will share 4 steps to find your way back to debt-zero. Please leave a review on iTunes. Links Referenced on This Episode A New Business Model for Small Firm Architects (Virtual Studio) Entrepreneur Architect Business Trends Survey Architecture Business Plan Competition EA022: How To Find Your First Job in Architecture Book: EntreLeadership: 20 Years of Practical Business Wisdom from the Trenches by Dave Ramsey Book: The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness by Dave Ramsey *** Photo Credit: Shutterstock / LightSpring The post EA023: How to Build a Debt-Zero Architecture Firm [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Frosty & Fired UpBuild Smart

I am a born entrepreneur. It is in my blood. From age 10, when I decided to become an architect, I knew that someday I would lead my own firm. With certainty for my destination, I planned my path, step by step, from graduation to business launch. It wasn't a formal written plan, but I knew from the start what I needed to do before I was ready to take on my own clients. In this episode of the Entrepreneur Architect Podcast, I share my journey from Architecture School to my own architecture firm, Fivecat Studio. If you like the show, please leave a review on iTunes. *** Photo Credit: Shutterstock / biletskiy The post EA021: My Journey from Architecture School to My Own Architecture Firm [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Build SmartFrosty & Fired Up

This one is for the students. Dayne DeSerres is a working intern at Edward Rowse Architects based in Foxboro Massachusetts. He promotes the firm via Social Media and we communicate often on Twitter. A few weeks back, Dayne reached out in response to My Ultimate Guide to Landing Your First Job in Architecture. He offered to come on the show with Jim Partridge and Steve Tucker, two leaders from his firm, to discuss the role of interns at Edward Rowse Architects and what students should be doing to prepare themselves for the hiring process. This episode is filled with information and advice. We get into the details and discuss a specific step by step process for landing your first job in architecture. Summer is coming fast. You should already be out there, pounding the pavement and building relationships with decision makers at the firms in which you are interested. Not sure where to start, how to dress or what to say? This episode will answer all those questions and more. At the end of the show, I asked a very important question for students entering the profession. Listen to the episode to learn what that question was, as well as the valuable responses each of my guests shared with our community. Not a student or intern? No worries. This episode includes some great tips for seasoned architects as well. I found it very interesting from the hiring side, to learn what other firms are doing to find good people. Listen to the show and let me know if you agree. If you have any questions that are not answered on the show, please include them in the comments below and I will ask Dayne, Jim and Steve to share their thoughts. >>Your review of Entrepreneur Architect at iTunes helps other entrepreneur architects find the show.<< Topics Discussed in this Episode Internships Finding the right people for your firm What should students be doing to prepare for their job search? Intern Development Program (IDP) The importance of having hands-on construction experience The role of the intern in an architecture firm Co-op student programs The things architects look for when hiring Exposed to every aspect of the practice Wentworth University Roger Williams University Boston Architectural College The organizational business structure of Edward Rowse Architects The Portfolio and Resume Checklist The process of evaluating potential intern candidates The importance of showing dedication and commitment in your life experience. (e.g. Eagle Scout) Seeking people to grow with the firm How to present yourself to be more attractive to firms Firms getting involved with schools to help students prepare Very specific step by step advice on how to get your first job in architecture What is the single most important thing students should be doing to prepare to enter the profession? The importance of communication skills Links from this Episode http://www.EdwardRowseArchitects.com @EdwardRowseArch (Tweets by Dayne DeSerres) The Portfolio & Resume Review Checklist (This is a great tool to confirm that you are as awesome as you think you are.) The Entrepreneur Architect Business Trends Survey The Charrette Venture Group Business Plan Competition Entrepreneur Architect Podcast Episode 10 with Oscia Wilson Entrepreneur Architect Podcast Episode 12 with Rena Klein My Ultimate Guide to Landing Your First Job in Architecture *** Photo Credit: Shutterstock/Constantine Pankin The post EA022: How To Find Your First Job in Architecture with Edward Rowse Architects [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Frosty & Fired UpBuild Smart

During my interview with a potential client, I answer many questions. Most are very similar; How much will it cost? How long will it take? Are you available to start right away? Do you have any references? You know all the questions they learn to ask from their favorite shows on HGTV. Another question that I'm often asked is, Do you build the project too? And like a good architect, I would explain the difference between architects and contractors and politely say, No. Architects design the project. Contractors build them. Then, about five or six years ago, I changed my answer. We sure do. I would say. In this episode of the Entrepreneur Architect Podcast, I am going to show you how to more than double your fee on your very next project by providing Architect-Led Construction Management Services. It may sounds like a lot of work and a bit overwhelming and scary, but trust me its not. Stay with me and I will show you how. If you like the show, please leave a review on iTunes. *** Photo Credit: Shutterstock/ra2studio The post EA020: How To More Than Double Your Fee on Your Next Architecture Project [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Build SmartFrosty & Fired Up

Do you ever feel overwhelmed with all your responsibilities? Of course you do, you're an architect. We are born and bred to be overcommitted and stressed. On this episode I am going to share my 6 steps for accomplishing your goals without feeling overwhelmed. I hope this episode helps you on your journey to greatness and you find the success of your dreams. I'd love to know what you think of this episode. What are your goals and what are some of the small victories you have enjoyed recently. Please leave a comment and share your thoughts. Links Mentioned in this Episode Entrepreneur Architect Academy 002 | Your Life Plan: Personal and Business Planning Entrepreneur Architect Academy 001 | Personal Productivity Please leave a review on iTunes *** Photo Credit: Shutterstock/dockstockmedia The post EA019: My 6 Steps for Accomplishing Your Goals Without Feeling Overwhelmed [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Frosty & Fired UpBuild Smart

David Zach is a Futurist. I don't know about you, but before meeting David at AIAS Forum in Chicago, I thought Futurism was the creation of science fiction writers. But in fact, David Zach is a professional Futurist. David is a full time speaker and has given more than 1500 presentation over the past 27 years. He was a member of the board of directors for AIA National and has a personal passion for the future of architecture. This is an action packed episode of the Entrepreneur Architect Podcast. We talked about so much, from future trends in architecture to how to get started as a public speaker. He recites quotes, gives great advice and recommends a bunch of videos, books and websites, so you are going to want to visit the show notes for this one posted below. I really enjoyed speaking with David. I hope this one gets you thinking.   Contact David David’s Website David on Twitter David’s YouTube Channel Topics Discussed in This Week’s Show The Futurist Magazine University of Houston, Masters of Studies of the Future Johnson Controls, Milwaukee, WI David's journey to become a proclaimed public speaker Future trends, as well as traditions Architect Cindy Frewen Wuellner, Kansas City Futurist AIAS Forum 2013 The future of architecture How David was invited to be a member of the Board of Directors for AIA National “Architects are futurists Citizen Architects Fear that the future of architecture will be boring. Alain de Botton, confused private imperative. the effect of 3D printing on the future of architecture The freedom to fail leading to success The path to freedom is entrepreneurism Earl Nightingale Every architect must be an entrepreneur Maia Small, Architects of Other Things blog Permission to explore alternatives to traditional practice What Color Is Your Parachute?” target=”_blank”>What Color is Your Parachute? (book) by Richard Bolles Collaboration throughout the profession of architecture Sharing and being transparent in architecture Presentation Skills for Architects Ada Rose Mancusi Public Speaking First steps to become a public speaker Toastmasters International National Speakers Association Garr Reynolds, Author Presentation Zen (book) Nancy Duarte, Author slide:ology (book) Jeremy Donovan, Author How to Deliver a TED Talk (book) How to Design TED Worthy Presentation Slides (book) 1500 talks Stephen Covey Tips on how to get noticed as a public speaker Full time speaker for 27 years Crafting stories in architecture Storytelling Entrepreneur Architect Podcast episode on Storytelling The one trend to which small firm architects should pay attention The power of the internet to equalize the playing field for small firm architects Sign up for the Entrepreneur Architect Academy Pre-Launch List The post EA018: David Zach is a Futurist [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Frosty & Fired UpBuild Smart

In this episode I'll be talking about my Entrepreneur Architect Manifesto. I launched the Entrepreneur Architect blog in 2007 as a personal project to record my thoughts about business in architecture and to organize online resources about business and the profession of architecture. On December 12, 2012, I announced the relaunch of Entrepreneur Architect as an online resource for sole proprietors, students and small firms and introduced this podcast to the world. That first episode is still, to this day, one of my favorite shows and the inspiration for the weekly solo episodes I am creating today. If you haven't listened to that first introduction episode, I encourage you to do so. I share a link below. In order to share my thoughts on what it means to be an Entrepreneur Architect, I published my Entrepreneur Architect Manifesto one year ago in February of 2013. My manifesto is a continuously evolving, living document that describes 11 issues that I believe need to be addressed in the profession. Its my call to action to every Entrepreneur Architect who wants to become an influential force and make the changes required to save our profession. Links From This Episode Episode 000: Introduction to the Entrepreneur Architect Podcast Subscribe to The Entrepreneur Architect Report and download a free PDF of The Entrepreneur Architect Manifesto My Ultimate Guide to Landing Your First Job in Architecture The post EA017: The Entrepreneur Architect Manifesto [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Frosty & Fired UpBuild Smart