Asked to contribute an op-ed piece, Joan Capelin challenged the readers of Contract in the June/Neocon issue to consider how design firms may be constrained by a 20th-century approach to design-firm ownership structure.  “You Are Not What You Were” raises strategic questions for leaders who want to broaden their services and generate new sources of […]

Perspective and advice on how to help people navigate the psychological downturn; how to inspire new ideas and plan for the future; why cutting fees is a bad idea; whether design professionals should run design firms; what young people entering the profession can expect.

Perspective and advice on alternate careers for design professionals - in fact, how to reconceive your career; how to find a job you love; and what young people just entering the profession can expect.

Perspective and advice on why it's important to deliver high-quality service, especially now; how to manage your time efficiently; how it's easier to be responsive to clients today, compared to 10 years ago; and how to be cash-rich.

For any number of years, Joan Capelin has been part of the training session for candidates for AIA Fellowship from the New York area.  After the formidable Robin Lee from AIA Headquarters presents the application in all its details, Joan presents “12 Common Mistakes” that people make when completing their application.  Joan has personally guided […]

For any number of years, Joan Capelin has been part of the training session for candidates for AIA Fellowship from the New York area.  After the formidable Robin Lee from AIA Headquarters presents the application in all its details, Joan presents “12 Common Mistakes” that people make when completing their application.  Joan has personally guided […]

Perspective and advice on why “talent” has become the hottest commodity in the industry, whether this recession will cause design professionals to exit the field, what is the outlook for women in the industry, and, given today’s economy, does it still make sense to become an design-firm owner?

Perspective and advice from the king of the marketers on where to look for work, how to handle existing clients, why cutting fees is a bad idea, the purpose of staying visible, communicating well, and being involved in the community.

Ray spoke to Joan about keeping a positive attitude during a downturn, how continuous planning cushions the shock of a downturn, whether it’s wise to reposition a firm in a downturn, how the recession will effect design innovation, and what to do when all your plans tank with the economy.

Hugh talked to Joan about how a design firm can get traction during a recession, what’s the prognosis for the new generation of professionals, whether design professionals should run design firms, the trend of title inflation for marketers, and whether a firm should take advantage of a recession to restructure itself.