In this episode, we explore the business of architecture with Peter Spera and Colin VanWingen, co-founders of GOAT. They discuss the philosophy behind their firm, and how their individual motivations converged to co-found GOAT. Learn about the critical factors they considered when choosing a partner, how they divide responsibilities, and their strategies for employee engagement and retention. Discover how their identity as polymaths shapes their studio culture and get insights into their physical office space. Understand the influence of New Orleans on their leadership style and the benefits of their partnership during tough times.
Peter Spera and Colin VanWingen are the dynamic duo behind GOAT, co-founded in 2016. Peter has been a licensed architect practicing in the city since 2004. He is also the President of the New Orleans Chapter of the AIA. Colin, a graduate of the University of Michigan and Tulane University, serves as the co-chair of the New Orleans Small Firm Exchange (SFx). Together, with the interplay of experience and curiosity, they drive GOAT's success
- Introduction (00:00:18)
- Early professional Journey (00:01:11)
- Concept/business plan/origin of the name of their firm and the philosophy behind it (00:04:37)
- Personal individual motivations AND HOW THEY CONVERGED into co-founding GOAT (00:09:43)
- Factors while considering a partner (00:15:39)
- How they divide responsibilities between each other (00:21:52)
- Ensuring Employee Engagement and Retention (00:25:14)
- Conflict Resolution (00:26:26)
- Studio culture informed by identifying as polymaths (00:30:49)
- Physical office space, the studio itself (00:36:10)
- Architecture landscape of New Orleans and its influence on their leadership style (00:41:15)
- Advantages of a partnership during tough times (00:51:10)
- GUEST INTERVIEWER (00:57:16)
- ONE PIECE OF ADVICE AND A WORD OF CAUTION (00:59:10)
- BONUS ADVICE (01:02:47)
- Restaurant recommendation (01:04:54)
Colin's Restaurant: https://steinsdeli.com/
Peter's Restuarant: https://www.paladar511.com/
Learn more about their projects - https://www.nolagoat.com/
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