EntreArchitect Podcast with Mark R. LePage

In this episode of the Entrepreneur Architect Podcast, I am speaking with Ian Harris, the co-Founder of Arbuckle Industries and the co-Director and Producer of the new documentary film archiCULTURE. The film offers a unique glimpse into the world of studio-based design education through the eyes of a group of students finishing their final design projects at Pratt Institute’s undergraduate architecture program. Ian premiered the film at the Newport Beach Film Festival just a few days before we sat down to record this conversation, so I appreciate that he took the time out of his busy schedule to speak with me here on the podcast. We discussed the film’s development, the state of architectural education, the crisis within our profession and we even proposed a few solutions. It was a great conversation, so I know you’re going to like this one. If you like what you hear, please spread the word by clicking here. Please subscribe to The Entrepreneur Architect Podcast at iTunes. Topics Discussed Newport Beach Film Festival 2013 Ohio State University Cincinnati, Ohio University of Cincinnati School of Architecture Copenhagen Alvar Alto Hart Howerton Architecture David Krantz archiCULTURE Film Empty Kingdom SCI-Arc Pratt Institute Architorture Film Architecture Education Funding the film The business of architecture The current crisis of the architecture profession Solutions for the future of architecture profession Built Film (“Food Inc. for the built environment”) Archispeak Podcast Architecture and design films Screenings of archiCULTURE film   Links Newport Beach Film Festival 2013 archiCULTURE Film Built Film (twitter) Ian Harris (twitter) archiCULTURE (twitter) My blog post on Architorture Film from 2007 Arbuckle Industries AIA Convention 2013 Archispeak Podcast The post EA006: Living the archiCULTURE | An Interview with Film Director/Producer Ian Harris [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Build SmartFrosty & Fired Up

Subscribe to The Entrepreneur Architect Podcast at iTunes We’ve enjoyed lots of engagement here on the blog lately and one subject that consistently triggers a response from readers is Professional Liability Insurance; what it is, why we need it and if we need it as sole proprietors and owners of small architecture firms. In this episode of The Entrepreneur Architect Podcast, I interview Frank D. Musica. Frank is trained as an architect, practiced in Chicago, has earned a Masters of Business Administration and a law degree. Today he is the Senior Risk Management Attorney at Victor O. Schinnerer & Co. Who better to answer all our questions and concerns about this critical and often misunderstood subject, than the man who is in charge of doing just that for at the largest provider of insurance to the architecture profession? I hope you find this episode very informative. If you have any additional questions regarding professional liability insurance, please send me an email or contact Frank directly. His contact information is listed below with many other useful resources. If you like what you hear, please take a minute or two to leave a review of The Entrepreneur Architect Podcast over at iTunes. Your review will help other Entrepreneur Architects find the podcast. Together we will make a difference and be an influential force in the profession. Topics and People Referenced in This Episode Frank D. Musica Professional liability insurance for architects Vic Schinnerer Victor O. Schinnerer & Co., Inc. History of professional liability insurance for architects AIA Trust American Institute of Architects (AIA) Insurance requirements for small firms Reasons why architects should buy professional liability insurance How professional liability insurance differs from other insurances Other benefits resulting from holding professional liability insurance Do AIA Contract Documents require professional liability insurance? Pre-claims assistance from insurance company with no additional cost to architect Owner/Architect Contract review assistance Regional and project type effects on insurance rates Types of liability claims on architects “Claims Made” insurance coverage Limits on claims based on when work was completed “Prior Acts” coverage Asbestos insurance coverage example CNA as underwriter to Victor O. Schinnerer & Co, Inc. Exclusions to insurance policy coverage Reasons for new firms to obtain coverage immediately Difference between insurance brokers and insurance agents Importance of choosing the right insurance broker Other types of insurance policies recommended for small firms Limits of homeowners insurance policies on home-based business claims Technology insurance coverage (crashed servers, CAD/BIM file failures, file transfers, viruses, data theft) Cost of professional liability insurance Factors effecting cost of professional liability insurance Why corporations and LLCs do not protect architects’ from professional liability Limited liability and waiver provisions to include in your Owner/Architect Agreement to protect from claims Resources from This Episode Schinnerer.com TheAIATrust.com Professional Liability Insurer Database PlanetRiskManagement.com Broker Finder Contact Frank with additional questions or just to say “thank you” Additional Resources The Risk Management Podcast Did You Get The Owner’s Manual for Your Practice? (AIA Convention 2013 Seminar) Leading A Practice: Making the Transition to Running Your Own Firm (AIA Convention 2013 Seminar) The post EA005: Professional Liability Insurance with Frank D. Musica of Victor O. Schinnerer & Co., Inc. [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Frosty & Fired UpBuild Smart

Subscribe at iTunes Blu Homes has reinvented residential design with their patented folding prefab construction… offering architecture as a product. Todays guest at The Entrepreneur Architect Podcast is Blu Home’s VP of Design, Karl Daubmann. We talked about Karl’s background, how he landed an architect’s dream job at Blu and their integrated approach to delivering custom prefab modern homes throughout the United States. If you liked Episode 1 with my friend Christopher Pollard, you’re going to love my conversation with Karl. Blu is taking home construction and the business of architecture to the next level. We discussed how Blu is changing the home building industry and what architects can learn from Blu’s success. Topics Discussed in This Episode Roger Williams University Massachusetts Institute of Technology University of Michigan PLY Architecture Integrated design Architecture as product The differences among modular, panelized and Blu’s patented folding designs The birth of Blu Homes in 2008 Founders; Bill Haney, Maura McCarthy and Dennis Michaud CATIA 3D Software Founded by entrepreneurs and developed as a business, rather than an architecture firm Problems with past prefab companies Architects vs. Business Secrets to success for Blu Home The importance of company owned factory and on-staff tradespeople How Blu Homes is funded and future investment Similarities to tech company business structures Prefab developer markets Pricing of typical Blu Homes house Growth of the company The benefit of Blu NOT being a “architecture firm” Tips for architects wanting to explore alternative paths to the traditional firm Links Blu Homes University of Michigan Taubman College School of Architecture + Urban Planning Faculty Directory PLY Architecture Dana Smith of Dadascope Leave a Review for this Episode The Entrepreneur Architect Podcast on iTunes The post EA004: Selling Architecture as a Product with Karl Daubmann of Blu Homes appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Build SmartFrosty & Fired Up

Subscribe on iTunes Subscribe via RSS Architects are storytellers. We all know stories inspired by architecture. Stories of success and failure. Our greatest works of architecture hold stories that are passed down from generation to generation; no different than great works of art or a classic novel. Today on the podcast we’re speaking with architect and storyteller Collier Ward. By day, Collier is an architect with the firm CASA Designs in Huntsville, Alabama, but at every other waking moment, he’s a storyteller. Sit back, relax and listen as Collier tells us a short story that he wrote just for us at the Entrepreneur Architect Podcast. Links from This Episode http://www.getstoried.com (Know Your Story) http://www.duarte.com/ (Tell Your Story) http://www.nanowrimo.org/ (Write Your Story)   Collier’s blog: http://www.buildingcontent.highercontent.com On Twitter: collier1960 AND BuildingContent E-mail: collier1960@hotmail.com   Please remember to leave a review of The Entrepreneur Architect Podcast at iTunes.   The post EA003: Storytelling with Architect Collier Ward [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Frosty & Fired UpBuild Smart

It’s finally here… Episode 001 of The Entrepreneur Architect Podcast. Subscribe on iTunes now. In this first episode, I sit down with Christopher Pollard, Founder and CEO of Anon Design Collective (live at Fivecat Studio). He is trained as an architect, but has taken his career in a very different direction. Chris says, “Architecture is Dead”. Listen and find out if you agree. I hope you enjoy it. Please let me know what you think in the comments or send me an email by clicking CONTACT above. Topics Discussed Architecture School Education of an architect Experiential Design and Marketing The intersection of architecture, design and business Design is the “killer app” Architects delivering business solutions Collaborative model of project delivery Using the skills and talents of architectural training for alternative careers Identity crisis in the profession of architecture “Architecture is Dead” The “brand” of architect Leadership Advice for recent graduates and interns Don’t be afraid Places and People Mentioned Christopher Pollard Anon Design Collective Fivecat Studio Purepartner by Design Syracuse University Rockwell Group David Rockwell Coca Cola Live Nation (Clear Channel Entertainment) Pininfarina XBOX 360 (Microsoft) Astro Studios JDK Design Bruce Mau Design Imagination Obscura Digital Apple Jonathan “Jony” Ive Steve Jobs Art Vandelay (George Costanza) Links Anon Design Collective The Entrepreneur Architect Podcast: Introduction Episode   iTunes Update The Entrepreneur Architect Podcast is now available on iTunes. Subscribe now and don’t miss the next episode. Please don’t forget to review and give it a rating on iTunes. This will help other Entrepreneur Architects find the podcast.   The post EA001: Architecture is Dead | An Interview with Christopher Pollard appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Build SmartFrosty & Fired Up

One month ago, on November 12, 2012, I published a blog post introducing The 12/12/12 Project. The idea behind the 12/12/12 Project is to push through your fear of failure, make a decision final and commit to something that will literally alter your life. Something that you have been dreaming about but have always been afraid to do. It’s an opportunity to follow your passion and become what you are truly meant to be. My challenge to you, and to myself, was to prepare a plan and commit to executing that plan on December 12, 2012. Well that day has come. Today, is 12/12/12. So what is my 12/12/12 Project? Click the link below to find out. I hope you enjoy it. Please take a moment to post a comment and tell me what you think. Click Here To Listen Now –>> EA000 _ Introduction- The Entrepreneur Architect Here’s the Transcript: Episode 000 | Introduction: The Entrepreneur Architect Podcast Every summer as a kid, my parents would load up the old Suburban, hook up the boat and head to a crystal clear lake in upstate New York’s Adirondack Mountains. My brothers and I would look forward to that trip all year long. In anticipation our imaginations would take over and create an event so amazing that the excitement of thinking about the vacation was almost more fun than the actual trip itself. We had such a great time on those trips. We would swim and picnic and fish and go on long rides in the boat. My Dad is a retired auto mechanic and he loves all things FAST. Our boat was a 27 foot Magnum; an offshore powerboat with twin 350 Chevy engines… and it was FAST. We would strap on our goggles, hang on tight and we would race across the top of the waves. We would visit amazing places on the lake; which as a kid I would imagine were undiscovered territories never before seen with human eyes. Some of these special coves and bays are surrounded by shear cliffs where hundreds of thousands of years ago tectonic activity ripped through the region and mountains rose from the earth. Sometimes we would anchor and swim to shore, climb these cliffs… and jump. It is truly an amazing feeling to jump from a 30 foot cliff and plunge into cool deep water below but it is NOT easy to do the first time. The first time you climb to the top of one of these cliffs and look down, your heart pushes up against your throat and your stomach tightens up and you say, NO WAY am I jumping into that water. You are filled with complete and total fear. But then your courage pushes through your fear… and you just do it! And it is awesome. The feeling of pride. The freedom. The physical sensation of the wind whipping past your ears and the adrenaline pumping through your veins finding its way to your brain. It is amazing. And its a feeling that I haven’t felt in a very long time. Until now. One month ago, on November 12, 2012, I published a blog post introducing The 12/12/12 Project. The idea behind the 12/12/12 Project is to push through your fear of failure, make a decision final and commit to something that will literally alter your life. Something that you have been dreaming about but have always been afraid to do. It’s an opportunity to follow your passion and become what you are truly meant to be. My challenge to you, and to myself, was to prepare a plan and commit to executing that plan on December 12, 2012. Well that day has come. Today, is 12/12/12. So what is my 12/12/12 Project? I will get to that in a moment. First, I want to tell you a little bit about me. My name is Mark LePage and I am an Architect. I am the President and Partner in Change of Operations at the architecture firm, Fivecat Studio, which I own with my most beautiful and talented architect wife Annmarie McCarthy. Annmarie and I have three young kids, two dogs and let’s just say several cats oh, and a guinea pig named Reilly. Annmarie and I are slowly restoring our little 1934 stucco cottage in the woods of Chappaqua, New York. It’s about a 10 minute commute from our studio in Pleasantville. Being married to my business partner and working so close to home allows me to be a very involved Dad. My kids are a huge part of my life and Annmarie and I have worked very hard to find the proper balance between the firm and our family. Fivecat Studio is a residential architecture firm located about 40 minutes north of Manhattan in Westchester County. We have a small staff, a diverse portfolio of work and we specialize in high-end small projects. These past five years have been extremely challenging, but with a loyal crew and a smart business strategy, we have survived. And in this economy, survival is success. I decided to become an architect when I was 10, the day I realized that artists didn’t make much money. You see, I also wanted to be rich. So… I thought “Architects are professionals. They must make a lot of money. I can be an artist, design buildings AND buy all the toys I would ever want.” Like most creative professionals, I’m a dreamer and as a kid I would spend hours of my day fantasizing about what my life would someday become. I would plan out my own “success stories”, step by step. Today, I owe much of my success to those early days of developing strategies and tactics for how I would one day dominate the world of architecture. Well, thankfully, as I matured, my priorities changed. The material things became much less important. Although, I do like my toys. I still drive my 1969 Camaro Rally Sport. I purchased it when I was 16. And the desire for world domination? Well, luckily it subsided too as the idea of improving the everyday lives of people through architecture became a reality to me. I love being an residential architect. I love that we can, very literally, change the world, one family at a time with the work that we do. But, as much as I love being an Architect, my true passion is business and the concept of “success”. I love the game of business and how, if you learn the rules, practice and get good at the game, you can win . you can succeed. And if you’ve been reading my blog for any amount of time or following me on Twitter, you know that I love to help other people succeed too. I share everything I know and everything I learn. The concept of success has always interested me. I have an entire library of books on the subject and have been researching “success” for as long as I can remember even before I realized it was the concept of success that I found so fascinating in those early “success stories” I developed as a child. The word success has so may definitions. It could mean financial peace and stability. It could mean positive growth and accepting a leadership position in business or in life. It could simply mean that you have found a place of contentment, a balance in your life, where everything is as it should be. Success. Everyone wants it, yet, its very difficult to achieve. It takes hard work, knowledge and dedication. So… this all leads me back to my 12/12/12 Project. My 12/12/12 Project is Entrepreneur Architect. Yeah I know… Entrepreneur Architect has been around for quite a while now. In fact, it was officially launched in 2009 2007 when I published my first post on the Entrepreneur Architect blog and then created the Entrepreneur Architect Linkedin Group in 2009. But until now, it has always been a hobby it’s been a side job that I did for fun. A way to connect with other aspiring Entrepreneur Architects around the world. And its been great! I have met so many people a tribe of enthusiastic and encouraging individuals, who’ve inspired me to pursue my passion and reach for my dreams. So today, as the first step of my 12/12/12 Project, I am pushing through the fear and jumping off that cliff. I am committing to taking Entrepreneur Architect to the next level. I am committing to the idea of Entrepreneur Architect as a platform for supporting architects, designers and creative professionals throughout the world, and inspiring their everyday success in business, in leadership and in life. I will continue to publish my blog, EntreArchitect.com. I will also continue to host the Entrepreneur Architect TweetChat at Twitter.com which happens every Wednesday evening at 9PM Eastern Time… and I will continue to administer the very popular Entrepreneur Architect Group over at Linkedin.com. These are all great places where our tribe of Entrepreneur Architects come together as a community, support one another and learn how to be more successful everyday in everything we do. and this podcast, The Entrepreneur Architect, is the next step. The Entrepreneur Architect podcast will continue to feed my passion, and facilitate my research and mission to discover new, and maybe even forgotten, paths to success for architects, designers and other creative professionals. I will post a new episode each month. The podcast will include interviews with architects and designers, as well as any other interesting people who have something to teach us about the path to everyday success. The first official episode will be posted to the Entrepreneur Architect blog after the new year. It will feature an interview with my friend, Christopher Pollard. He’s the founder and CEO of Anon Design Collective. Chris is trained as an architect and has used his background and skills as a designer to take his career in a very different direction. He has a very inspiring story and I’m excited to share it with you. So save the date, Episode 001. It’s coming to Entrepreneur Architect in January 2013. And like I said, this podcast is just the next step. My 12/12/12 Project includes much more than just this podcast. I have lots more planned for Entrepreneur Architect, for Fivecat Studio and for me personally. And I’m going to share my progress, successes AND failures, with you here on this podcast and on my blog. Today, December 12, 2012. It’s the first day of the rest of our lives. So, what is your 12/12/12 Project? I want to know what you’re doing. What life-altering commitment have YOU made? Share your plans with me on the blog in the comments, or privately by direct message or email. And for those of you who have not yet made the commitment It’s not too late. I once again, invite you to join me. I challenge you to push through YOUR fears and jump off that cliff. Follow your passion. Feel the freedom. Take that big idea in your head and do it. Develop a plan, take a deep breath and jump. So that’s it. The Entrepreneur Architect podcast. It’s official. Please share this with everyone you know… on Twitter, on Facebook, Google+. Email it to everyone in your address book. Tell everyone in your office. Shout it from the rooftops. The more people who know about what’s going on here, the more successful it will be for all of us. And please subscribe to my blog (there’s a link on the upper right margin). That way you won’t miss anything and I promise that everything I do here will be worth your time. By subscribing to the blog, each post will be delivered directly to your inbox. So Are you ready? Are you ready to make good things happen in your business in your life? Together, we’ll learn and be inspired to take our lives to places we only dreamed about as kids. Have a blessed Christmas and happy Hanukah. And we’ll see you after the new year at The Entrepreneur Architect podcast. Remember, today, 12/12/12, is the first day of the rest of our lives. Let’s do this… *** photo credit: EJP Photo via photopin cc The post EA000: Introduction to The Entrepreneur Architect Podcast appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Frosty & Fired UpBuild Smart