In this solo session of the EntreArchitect Podcast, Mark R. LePage addresses the urgent question many architects are asking: how do we remain relevant as AI and automation reshape the profession? He emphasizes that the answer doesn’t lie in outpacing technology at technical tasks, but in doubling down on what machines cannot replicate. Authority, strategy, and authentic human connection are where architects can build irreplaceable value for their clients. This episode reframes the role of the architect as more than a designer—positioning you as a trusted leader who guides people through some of the most significant decisions of their lives.

Mark introduces five key commitments every architect can adopt to stay ahead in this new landscape. These commitments focus on building trust, communicating with authority, and thinking strategically about the client’s full experience. Rather than allowing automation to reduce your role, these practices expand your influence and ensure you remain at the center of the project. With clarity and encouragement, Mark shows how to shift from being task-focused to being impact-driven.

This is not a conversation about resisting technology—it’s about embracing the unique human qualities that set you apart. By committing to growth, empathy, and leadership, you can position yourself as indispensable in a rapidly changing industry. Tune in for practical steps and empowering insights to help you evolve and thrive as an architect in the age of AI.

This week at EntreArchitect Podcast Solo Sessions, How to Become Irreplaceable as a Small Firm Architect.

Arcatemy is Arcat's Continuing Education Program. Listen to Arcat's Detailed podcast and earn HSW credits. As a trusted provider, Arcat ensures you earn AIA CE credits while advancing your expertise and career in architecture. Learn more at Arcat.com/continuing-education.

The Small Firm Breakthrough Series is a free three-part webinar from EntreArchitect designed to help small firm architects master profitability, delegation, and project systems. Over three sessions, you’ll gain tools, templates, and clarity to build a stronger, more sustainable practice—plus you’ll earn 3 AIA CES credits. Register now at EntreArchitect.com/breakthrough.

Visit our Platform Sponsors today and thank them for supporting YOU... The EntreArchitect Community of small firm architects.

Mentioned in this episode:

Emerging

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In this solo session of the EntreArchitect Podcast, Mark R. LePage explores how artificial intelligence and automation are reshaping the profession of architecture. While efficiency tools continue to evolve, Mark reminds us that technology alone cannot define success for small firm architects. What sets you apart is not how quickly you complete tasks, but how deeply you connect with the people you serve. This episode challenges architects to think beyond productivity and focus on building the kinds of human relationships that truly matter.

Mark breaks down the shift from being seen solely as experts to being trusted guides for clients. He shares why empathy, attentive listening, and transparent communication are no longer optional, but central to a thriving practice. By prioritizing trust over transactions, architects can move away from being commoditized service providers and instead become indispensable advisors. Through real-world examples and practical steps, Mark paints a clear picture of how these skills create long-term value for both architects and their clients.

Ultimately, this session is a call to embrace what machines cannot replicate: authentic human connection. Technology will continue to accelerate, but the architect’s role as a guide and relationship-builder is what will secure the future of the profession.

This week at EntreArchitect Podcast Solo Sessions, They’re Not Hiring You for Your Drawings.

Arcatemy is Arcat's Continuing Education Program. Listen to Arcat's Detailed podcast and earn HSW credits. As a trusted provider, Arcat ensures you earn AIA CE credits while advancing your expertise and career in architecture. Learn more at Arcat.com/continuing-education.

Visit our Platform Sponsors today and thank them for supporting YOU... The EntreArchitect Community of small firm architects.

In this episode of the podcast, Mark Orttung, CEO of Projectworks and Chair of Provoke, unpacks why so many service-based firms hit growth plateaus—and how to scale without breaking. Drawing from his decades in the tech industry, Mark shares lessons learned leading high-growth companies like Nexient and Bill.com, as well as his time in product leadership at GetThere, Genesys, and Rearden Commerce. He explains the critical balance between selling work and hiring staff, why defining a unique value proposition is non-negotiable, and how transparency in financial management drives long-term success. Listeners will gain actionable insights on adopting a growth mindset and structuring operations to support sustainable scaling.

Mark also offers an inside look at how Projectworks is using AI to transform service firm management. He highlights how leveraging technology can help smaller firms optimize staffing, forecast revenue, and improve project delivery without sacrificing culture or quality. The conversation blends strategic thinking with practical examples, showing leaders how to prepare their businesses for both rapid growth and unexpected market changes. From startup founders to established firm executives, the takeaways are designed to help leaders unlock new growth opportunities.

Beyond the boardroom, Mark’s diverse experiences—from inventing 43 U.S. patents to creating Andersen Consulting’s Palo Alto tech center—inform his approach to leadership and innovation. He also shares personal passions, from running and snowboarding to traveling and exploring great food and wine. This mix of professional expertise and personal perspective makes for a compelling conversation that inspires leaders to reimagine what’s possible for their organizations. Whether you’re scaling a consultancy, agency, or tech-enabled service firm, this episode offers a roadmap for building a thriving, future-ready business.

This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Why Most Firms Stall (And How to Scale Without Breaking) with Mark Orttung.

Learn more about Mark online at Projectworks and Provoke, or connect with him on LinkedIn.

Arcatemy is Arcat's Continuing Education Program. Listen to Arcat's Detailed podcast and earn HSW credits. As a trusted provider, Arcat ensures you earn AIA CE credits while advancing your expertise and career in architecture. Learn more at Arcat.com/continuing-education.

Visit our Platform Sponsors today and thank them for supporting YOU... The EntreArchitect Community of small firm architects.

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Unstruct

Emerging

Danilda Polanco is unapologetically redefining what it means to be a woman in architecture and construction. As the founder of DOPE Architecture Inc., a woman-owned design-build firm in Denver, Danilda shares how her journey from the Dominican Republic to running a successful practice is fueled by purpose, intuition, and a passion for transforming lives through design. In this episode, she walks us through her early dreams of becoming a scientist, her pivot to architecture, and the pivotal moments that shaped her bold, people-first approach to building.

More than just creating beautiful spaces, Danilda is committed to empowering clients, especially women, to feel seen, heard, and supported throughout the design process. She shares the behind-the-scenes challenges of launching her own firm, the lessons she’s learned about marketing and boundaries, and how she stays rooted while navigating the demands of motherhood, entrepreneurship, and community leadership. Her honesty, heart, and deep respect for collaboration make this conversation both practical and inspiring for anyone dreaming of doing things differently.

From trusting her gut when selecting projects to envisioning a future where women have a bigger seat at the construction table, Danilda’s story is one of courage, conviction, and creativity. She invites us to think bigger, lead with integrity, and, above all, stay dope in the process.

This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Unapologetically DOPE: Building an "Empire" on Her Own Terms with Danilda Polanco.

Learn more about Danilda online at DOPE Architecture, or connect with her on LinkedIn or Instagram.

Arcatemy is Arcat's Continuing Education Program. Listen to Arcat's Detailed podcast and earn HSW credits. As a trusted provider, Arcat ensures you earn AIA CE credits while advancing your expertise and career in architecture. Learn more at Arcat.com/continuing-education.

Visit our Platform Sponsors today and thank them for supporting YOU... The EntreArchitect Community of small firm architects.

Mentioned in this episode:

Emerging

Unstruct

In this episode of EntreArchitect podcast, Mark R. LePage sits down with Jane Frederick, FAIA, 2020 President of the American Institute of Architects and principal of Frederick + Frederick Architects. Jane reflects on the path that led her to co-found her award-winning firm in Beaufort, South Carolina, and how her passion for sustainability shaped their focus on climate-responsive residential design. She also shares insights from her co-authored book, Contemporary Southern Vernacular, which offers strategies for building sustainable homes in hot, humid climates.

As a leader in the architectural community, Jane opens up about her role as AIA President during the pandemic, a time that tested adaptability and resilience. She discusses the realities of running a small firm, the value of collaboration, and the importance of architects staying engaged with their local communities and policy decisions. From planning boards to zoning appeals, Jane’s civic involvement exemplifies how design professionals can influence positive change beyond the drafting table.

Throughout the conversation, Jane advocates for sustainable design not just as a practice, but as a mindset. She urges architects to embrace their leadership potential, whether through public service, writing, or mentorship, and to always keep climate and context at the forefront of their work. Her story is one of purpose, persistence, and a deep commitment to the future of the profession.

This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Contemporary Southern Vernacular: Designing Sustainable Homes for Hot, Humid Climates with Jane Frederick.

Learn more about Jane online at Frederick + Frederick, check out her book Contemporary Southern Vernacular, or connect with her on LinkedIn.

Arcatemy is Arcat's Continuing Education Program. Listen to Arcat's Detailed podcast and earn HSW credits. As a trusted provider, Arcat ensures you earn AIA CE credits while advancing your expertise and career in architecture. Learn more at Arcat.com/continuing-education.

Visit our Platform Sponsors today and thank them for supporting YOU... The EntreArchitect Community of small firm architects.

Mentioned in this episode:

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In this episode of EntreArchitect Podcast, Mark R. LePage speaks with Mike Koger, Associate General Counsel at Perkins&Will, about the critical role of AIA Contract Documents in small firm practice. Mike shares his unique path from architect to attorney, offering insights into how legal expertise can strengthen architectural practice. He discusses the importance of setting clear expectations with clients and how small firm architects can use contracts to manage risk and protect their businesses.

The conversation also explores common legal challenges small firms face, including the need for limitations of liability and the impact of rapidly advancing technology. Mike encourages architects to adopt new tools like AI while maintaining a strong understanding of their professional responsibilities. He offers practical advice on how to take smart risks and ensure contracts support the long-term success of a firm.

Mike’s background in both design and law gives him a powerful perspective on the intersection of architecture and legal strategy. His tips and stories offer small firm architects actionable steps for navigating contracts with confidence. Whether you're drafting your first client agreement or reviewing long-standing templates, this episode is packed with knowledge that can help you build a more resilient practice.

This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, AIA Contract Documents for Small Firm Architects with Mike Koger.

Learn more about Mike online at Perkins&Will, check out AIA Contract Documents, or connect with him on LinkedIn.

Arcatemy is Arcat's Continuing Education Program. Listen to Arcat's Detailed podcast and earn HSW credits. As a trusted provider, Arcat ensures you earn AIA CE credits while advancing your expertise and career in architecture. Learn more at Arcat.com/continuing-education.

Visit our Platform Sponsors today and thank them for supporting YOU... The EntreArchitect Community of small firm architects.

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In this episode of the EntreArchitect Podcast, architect and general contractor Zach Sunderland shares how his dual expertise fuels the mission behind Haven, a certified B Corp based in Durham, North Carolina. Haven is working to solve the affordable housing crisis by creating high-quality, community-centered developments for underserved populations. Zach unpacks the challenges and opportunities within design-build delivery and how Haven integrates vision, construction, and social impact.

Zach also dives into what it means to lead with purpose, from building a strong internal culture to embedding community collaboration into every phase of development. As both a leader and practitioner, he discusses how Haven is redefining what it means to be an architect-led design-build firm, balancing business operations with long-term impact. His ambitious goal? To house one million people over the next 100 years.

Listeners will hear valuable insights on B Corp certification, community-focused entrepreneurship, and the power of aligning values with practice. Zach’s story is a reminder that housing can be more than shelter, it can be a foundation for flourishing communities.

This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Design Build Architects Creating Housing Where Communities Thrive with Zach Sunderland.

Learn more about Zach online at Haven, or connect with him on Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

Arcatemy is Arcat's Continuing Education Program. Listen to Arcat's Detailed podcast and earn HSW credits. As a trusted provider, Arcat ensures you earn AIA CE credits while advancing your expertise and career in architecture. Learn more at Arcat.com/continuing-education.

Visit our Platform Sponsors today and thank them for supporting YOU... The EntreArchitect Community of small firm architects.

Mentioned in this episode:

Unstruct

Emerging

In this episode, Mark R. LePage sits down with Jim Zack, an accomplished architect and master craftsman, and Je’Nen Chastain, a business strategist and creative entrepreneur, to explore the path to achieving AIA fellowship. Jim reflects on his roots growing up on the Northern California coast, his journey from builder to architect, and his lifelong passion for merging design and construction. He shares how his early DesignBuild projects shaped his career and led to his advocacy for architect-led DesignBuild practices nationwide.

Je’Nen brings her unique perspective as a strategist helping architects shape their stories and advance their careers. She discusses her collaboration with Jim on his fellowship submission, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a compelling portfolio and gain recognition within the AIA. Together, they highlight the critical role of mentorship, storytelling, and community support in elevating small firm architects to new levels of leadership.

Listeners will come away with practical advice and inspiring insights on navigating the fellowship process, overcoming challenges, and celebrating professional milestones.

This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, AIA Fellowship for Small Firm Architects with Jim Zack & Je’Nen Chastain.

Connect with Jim online at zackdevito.com or find him on LinkedIn, and connect with Je’Nen at apostropheconsulting.com or find her on LinkedIn. Check out Jim's fellowship submission and learn more about applying for AIA Fellowship here.

EA102: Risks and Rewards with Architect Developer Jim Zack [Podcast]

EA185: The Passion, The Process and Problems of Running a Design/Build Architecture Firm [Podcast]

EA572: Je’Nen Chastain – Guiding Architects Through The Process of Change [Podcast]

Arcatemy is Arcat's Continuing Education Program. Listen to Arcat's Detailed podcast and earn HSW credits. As a trusted provider, Arcat ensures you earn AIA CE credits while advancing your expertise and career in architecture. Learn more at Arcat.com/continuing-education.

Visit our Platform Sponsors today and thank them for supporting YOU... The EntreArchitect Community of small firm architects.

Mentioned in this episode:

Emerging

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In this episode of the podcast, Gayathri (G3) Venkataraman, founder and CEO dodda.ai, shares her inspiring journey from leading product teams at Microsoft and DocuSign to launching her own startup focused on transforming site feasibility and permitting in the construction industry. Frustrated by outdated, fragmented data systems, G3 created dodda.ai to consolidate information on land use, zoning, and building codes into one streamlined, accessible platform. She explains how AI can dramatically speed up the pre-development process, allowing architects and developers to make smarter, faster decisions.

G3 dives into the unique challenges of integrating advanced technology into the traditionally conservative construction sector and discusses the future potential of AI to reshape urban planning and civic tech. She also reflects on her mission to empower real estate and design professionals, ultimately driving both operational efficiency and community impact. As a nonprofit board chair, G3 believes deeply in using technology for the greater good and shares insights on balancing innovation with societal responsibility.

Throughout the conversation, she offers practical advice to small firm architects on embracing change and cultivating a mindset of continuous improvement in their practices.

This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, AI for Site Feasibility: Streamlining Zoning, Codes, and Permits for Architects with Gayathri (G3) Venkataraman.

Connect with G3 online at dodda.ai or find her on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Arcatemy is Arcat's Continuing Education Program. Listen to Arcat's Detailed podcast and earn HSW credits. As a trusted provider, Arcat ensures you earn AIA CE credits while advancing your expertise and career in architecture. Learn more at Arcat.com/continuing-education.

Visit our Platform Sponsors today and thank them for supporting YOU... The EntreArchitect Community of small firm architects.

Mentioned in this episode:

Emerging

Unstruct

In this episode, experiential architect and design entrepreneur Kitae Kim shares how his early love for art evolved into a mission to transform how designers connect with clients. Drawing from his experiences with large-scale public art and architectural installations, Kitae discusses the communication gaps that plague traditional design presentations. He explains how current methods often fail to convey the emotional and functional depth of a design, which can hinder trust, collaboration, and profitability.

Kitae introduces Foveate, a platform he co-founded to help designers present their ideas using immersive 3D tools and intuitive storytelling. By leveraging technology like VR and interactive design environments, Foveate enables a more human-centered design process that strengthens the architect-client relationship. He emphasizes that in an increasingly digital world, the future of design will belong to those who can build connection, not just concepts.

Kitae also shares advice for small firms looking to stand out, urging them to focus on brand clarity and the emotional impact of their work. As the design industry evolves with AI and immersive tech, he argues that architects must evolve too—by mastering the art of storytelling and redefining the way they sell ideas. 

This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Why Human Connection Will Define the Future of Design with Kitae Kim.

Connect with Kitae online at foveate.com or find him on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

Arcatemy is Arcat's Continuing Education Program. Listen to Arcat's Detailed podcast and earn HSW credits. As a trusted provider, Arcat ensures you earn AIA CE credits while advancing your expertise and career in architecture. Learn more at Arcat.com/continuing-education.

Visit our Platform Sponsors today and thank them for supporting YOU... The EntreArchitect Community of small firm architects.

Mentioned in this episode:

Unstruct

Emerging