EntreArchitect Podcast with Mark R. LePage

By EntreArchitect // Gābl Media

Architect Mark R. LePage explores the business of architecture, firm leadership and the everyday life of an architect. From Gābl Media, EntreArchitect Podcast features weekly interviews with inspiring... more

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The podcast currently has 841 episodes available.

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Number 1: EA674: Solo Sessions - The One Person Holding Your Architecture Firm Back
The One Person Holding Your Architecture Firm BackIn this solo session of the EntreArchitect Podcast, Mark R. LePage explores the leadership transition in architecture firms as they grow. The skills that helped you start your firm may not be the same skills needed to lead it forward. At some point, sustainable architecture firm growth requires you to shift from being the person who does everything to the person who leads others. Mark examines how the habits that once made you successful can eventually hold your firm back. Solving every problem, making every decision, and managing every client relationship may feel productive. However, those habits can also create a business that depends entirely on you. Leadership means learning when to step in, when to delegate, and when to give others the space to lead. Mark challenges you to ask what your firm needs from you now, rather than what it needed when you started. Growth may require giving up control, developing new leaders, and letting go of work you have always done yourself. Instead of simply designing buildings, you begin designing the culture, standards, and future of your firm. Tune in to discover why the next stage of your architecture firm may depend on making yourself your next project. This week at EntreArchitect Podcast Solo Sessions, The One Person Holding Your Architecture Firm Back.Please Visit Our Platform SponsorsInPro helps architects create buildings that stand up to everyday wear without compromising the design vision. As a trusted partner and single-source supplier, they make it easier to specify products that protect both your projects and your reputation. Learn more at InPro.com and tell them EntreArchitect sent you. ARCAT makes finding architectural product information simple. Access specifications, CAD details, BIM objects, and sustainability documentation from thousands of manufacturers—all free, with no paywalls or registration required. Explore the platform architects trust every day at ARCAT.com. WeCollabify is one of EntreArchitect's trusted allied partners, helping architecture firms build capacity through integrated design, BIM, and technical professionals who work directly within your team. Their goal to help firm owners create the capacity they need to better serve clients, support their teams, and make confident long-term growth decisions. Learn more at WeCollabify.com/EntreArchitect. Visit our Platform Sponsors today and thank them for supporting YOU... The EntreArchitect Community of small firm architects. Mentioned in this episode: DATM
August 21, 202622min
Number 2: EA287: A Time Tracking Strategy for Small Firm Architects
A Time Tracking Strategy for Small Firm Architects As a small firm architect, you already know that your hours and minutes are valuable. They either add value to your business and life, or they don’t. How can time tracking allow you to grow your small architecture firm to be as successful as it can be? This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, A Time Tracking Strategy for Small Firm Architects. Learn more about Gerry’s accounting and advisory services at GoBlueCanyon.com, or connect with him on LinkedIn. Get focused on what needs to be done during the final months of the year with this step-by-step plan for success to plan for 2020! Visit EntreArchitect.com/FreeWebinar to register for the FREE Planning for Small Firm Architects Webinar! Visit Our Platform Sponsors Gusto is making payroll, benefits, and HR easy for small businesses. Learn more at EntreArchitect.com/Gusto. Freshbooks is the easy way to send invoices, manage expenses, and track your time. Access your free 30-day trial at EntreArchitect.com/FreshBooks. (Enter EntreArchitect) ARCAT has huge libraries of free content, Specs, CAD, BIM and more. No registration required. Want to collaborate with colleagues in real time? Visit EntreArchitect.com/ARCAT and click Charrette for more information. The post EA287: A Time Tracking Strategy for Small Firm Architects appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode: DATM Emerging
September 06, 201948min
Number 3: EA254: Burnout as a Small Firm Architect [Podcast]
What Can We Do To Avoid Burnout as a Small Firm Architect? As a small firm architect, have you ever just felt tired? The burden we have for our profession can often be overwhelming, and sometimes our positivity can wane. What can you do to avoid burnout? This week on EntreArchitect podcast, Burnout as a Small Firm Architect with Mike LaValley, founder of EvolvingArchitect.com. Connect with the Mike online at EvolvingArchitect.com, check out the podcast at UnpackingDesign.com, and find him on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Do you need a little encouragement? Reach out to the EntreArchitect community! Visit our Platform Sponsors Freshbooks is the easy way to send invoices, manage expenses, and track your time. Access your free 30 day trial at EntreArchitect.com/FreshBooks. (Enter EntreArchitect) ARCAT has huge libraries of free content, Specs, CAD, BIM and more. No registration required. Want to collaborate with colleagues in real time? Visit EntreArchitect.com/ARCAT and click Charrette for more information. Referenced in this Episode Join EntreArchitect Membership Request Free Access at The EntreArchitect Community on Facebook Leave a Rating and Review for the Podcast at iTunes Download the EntreArchitect Profit Calculator and register for our Special Session Webinar, The EntreArchitect Profit Checklist HERE! EA161: SketchUp for Small Firm Architects with Mike LaValley [Podcast] The post EA254: Burnout as a Small Firm Architect [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode: Emerging DATM
January 18, 201948min
Number 4: EA208: How to Build a Million Dollar Small Firm Using a Remote Team [Podcast]
How to Build a Million Dollar Small Firm Using a Remote Team The future of architecture for small firms is the remote team. Using technology and online tools to acquire new clients, manage projects, and work with a team of top professionals distributed around the world, the virtual studio along with a remote team will allow you the flexiblity, freedom, prosperity and success that many of us are seeking as small firm architects. This week on EntreArchitect Podcast, How to Build a Million Dollar Small Firm Using a Remote Team with Winn Wittman of SelfBuiltArchitect.com. Background Winn Wittman is a contemporary residential architect based in Austin, Texas. His work has been featured in various publications including Architectural Record, Architectural Digest, The Rob Report, Green Building & Design, Hinge, The Discovery Network, and HGTV. He has a BA from Tufts and a Master of Architecture from the University of Texas in Austin. He’s received numerous awards, including best green innovation for his Wittman Panel Designs. He’s also the founder of Self Built Architect, an online community and educational program where Winn shares his knowledge about leveraging technology and using online tools to create personal freedom, prosperity, professional excellence and more. Origin Story Winn’s love for architecture started in his mother’s basement where he woodworked as a kid. From that came a love of art and architecture. As a liberal arts major, he bounced around before discovering art history and falling in love with architecture. A professor suggested that he go to Austin, Texas. Several years later, the recession happened. Winn began to buy homes and fix them up when he discovered an old office building. Him and his ragtag team ran wires, ran equipment, and finished the building. A luxury jet designer then bought the building from him, earning him his first million dollars. After that, going to work for a firm was unappealing. He began developing and building unusual homes that realtors would tell him he had no chance of selling. Surprisingly, he always found a buyer. When the next recession hit, Winn had a trendy office and a bunch of employees. He noticed his expenses were eating up all of his profits. By 2010, all of his work had dried up, he had to let people go and get rid of his office. It was time to do things in a different way. As he began to realize the tools that had recently become available allowing people to work anywhere with an internet connection, he started to do his research. Slowly but surely, he began to build a virtual firm. He had a reputation for high end residential work and needed to figure out how to maintain the same high touch approach to architecture that he had before. He didn’t want the client experience to suffer at all as a result of his remote work. How did you start your remote firm? First, Winn realized he needed a luxury conference room to meet clients in. He rented an apartment in a luxury high rise that a resident could reserve a conference room in. He also sought out other conference rooms he could utilize in a pinch. Now, there are plenty of places that have conference rooms for rent. Many of his tools were the same, but he found them through different channels. Both the internet and GoToMeeting helped him become a laptop architect. When he wasn’t meeting clients, he could work completely remotely. He prepared his clients to know that he was not only very busy, but that he worked in different states. With the technology today, he still has a robust practice with a high degree of client services. His day is now freed up to work on whatever he wants instead of managing a business and office. Have you ever experienced pushback from clients? Only when Winn hasn’t properly prepared them. One client came with him on the transition, and wasn’t prepared for the new expectations. Do you think this is a model that someone can come at from scratch without having established a business before? If anything, there’s less expectation if you’re starting a new business. Young architects and their clients are so receptive to using new technology. The next generation realizes that life is more important than work, and technology is just another part of life. When you have a potential new client, how do they first interact with you? First, they get a live human being answering the phone instead of a voicemail. It sounds just the same as calling an architect’s office. The service Winn uses texts him right away so that he can connect with them to set up an appointment. Until you sign up a client, the purpose of every meeting is to have another meeting. Winn doesn’t send proposals and doesn’t charge for an initial visit. Winn then meets them at their property or a conference room and gathers information. After the initial meeting, he sets a second appointment on the road to figuring out what their dream is and if/how Winn can help them achieve that dream. How do you qualify leads? Winn gets between 2-10 inquires per day from new potential clients. Once they get to his website, they see the vision blueprint which allows them to answer key questions so he knows right away where they are in the process and what their dreams are. If it doesn’t seem like a good fit right off the bat, Winn refers them to someone who may be a better fit for them. Who answers the phone? Winn uses a company called Ruby Receptionist that screens calls and patches them through to the right person. They know everything about the business and function as an in-person front door for his firm. How do you manage each project? Winn starts by sketching on his iPad, snapping a picture, and texting it to a subcontractor for SketchUp. He only works with people who are extremely proficient at SketchUp. They hop on a video call to review. Then, he sets up meetings in person at least every two weeks and on the alternate weeks, he meets with them online. Why are your employees’ proficiency so important? The world is your oyster when you work remotely, so there’s no reason not to find the most proficient person in the industry when your pool is so big. What’s your role in the process and how to you structure things? There’s not a fixed way of doing things, it depends on the task and the project. It’s important to know where your skills lie and to delegate to other areas where it doesn’t to capable, highly compensated people. Winn doesn’t charge or pay for hours, he charges and pays for outcomes. What are your favorite tools for remote work? Ruby Receptionist SketchUp Slack Asana Zelle QuickPay Dropbox iPad Pro More than anything, Winn likes to keep it simple. They use cloud based document sharing to keep track of where they are with each project and what the next step is, potential clients, and financials. Instead of chasing clients for payment, he sets up expectations clearly by making payment due by the next meeting. Do you have any systems in place that help you with creative collaboration? In remote working sessions, they often discover serendipitous things because of the process. Collaborative work is a conscious process. Remote work allows this to happen outside of the office; schedule brunch, find a time to connect over a weekend or a trip, etc. What is the one thing that small firm architects can do today to build a better business tomorrow? “Start going to places where you’ll meet people of influence who may want to build the types of homes that you want to design. There’s only two things that can change your life: meeting a new person and gaining a new piece of information. Be receptive to meeting new people.” – Winn Wittman For EntreArchitect listeners exclusively, check it Winn’s free gift at SelfBuiltArchitect.com/Entre. If you’re interested in exploring the idea of 1:1 coaching, Winn has some packages available on SelfBuiltArchitect.com. Connect with Winn online at SelfBuiltArchitect.com and WinnWittman.com, or find him on Facebook and YouTube. Visit our Platform Sponsors Freshbooks is the easy way to send invoices, manage expenses, and track your time. Access your free 30 day trial at EntreArchitect.com/FreshBooks. (Enter EntreArchitect) Core by BQE Software is a brand new software designed specifically for architect’s project management! Get a free 15-day trial at EntreArchitect.com/BQE. ARCAT has huge libraries of free content, Specs, CAD, BIM and more. No registration required. Want to collaborate with colleagues in real time? Visit EntreArchitect.com/ARCAT and click Charrette for more information. Gusto is making payroll, benefits, and HR easy for small firm architects. Get an exclusive, limited time detail. Sign up today and get three months free. Visit EntreArchitect.com/Gusto and claim your free three months today! Referenced in this Episode Download the Profit For Small Firm Architects course for FREE. Leave a Rating and Review at iTunes The post EA208: How to Build a Million Dollar Small Firm Using a Remote Team [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode: Emerging DATM
February 23, 20181h 19min
Number 5: EA203: The E-Myth Revisited: Why Every Small Firm Architect Should Read This Book [Podcast]
The E-Myth Revisited: Why Every Small Firm Architect Should Read This Book Fivecat Studio Architecture launched in 1999, and Mark discovered a book that changed the way he viewed business. It helped him realize that running a successful architecture firm required so much more than designing great architecture. Inside the owner of every small firm exists a battle among the entrepreneur, the manager and the technician. If we don’t attend to the needs of each one, our firms are destined for failure. This week on EntreArchitect Podcast, The E-Myth Revisited: Why Every Small Firm Architect Should Read This Book. The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It by Michael E. Gerber inspired Mark to build Fivecat Studio Architecture as a franchise prototype. Even though they knew selling their business systems as a franchise was never a goal, it was still important. Those systems have allowed them to thrive and have given them the tools needed to balance the requirements of the firm with the responsibilities of their family. This book inspired Mark to work on his business rather than in his business. Since 1999, Mark and Annmarie have experienced the startup pains of infancy, the hard-earned successes of adolescence, and the launch of a new virtual business model. Part 1 Michael E. Gerber defines the E-Myth as the entrepreneurial myth and discusses how small businesses are often the result of entrepreneurial seizures. What does that mean? “The technician suffering from an entrepreneurial seizure takes the work he loves to do and turns it into a job.” Have YOU done that? How many architects do you know who have launched their own firms with the goal to do it better than the firms they worked for? The three phases of business are infancy, adolescence and maturity. It’s important to build a mature company right from the beginning. “A mature company is founded on a broader perspective, an entrepreneurial perspective, a more intelligent point of view about building a business that works not because of you, but without you. Because it starts that way, it’s more likely to continue that way. Therein the true difference between an adolescent company, where everything is left up to chance, and a mature company, where there is a vision against which the present is shaped.” Part 2 Gerber introduces the concept of the franchise prototype and working on your business and not in it. He encourages the creation of systems, and the predictable results and happy clients that come from them. “The systems run the business, the people run the systems. The system integrates all the elements required to make a business work. It transforms a business into an organism, driven by integrity of all its parts, all working in concert toward a realized objective. With its prototype as its progenitor, it works like nothing else before it.” As architects, our first thought of having a system is negative. What if it takes away or limits creativity? In fact, systems do just the opposite. First, build the business, then you’ll have more time and more flexility to be the architect you want to be. “Great businesses are not built by extraordinary people, but by ordinary people doing extraordinary things. For ordinary people to do extraordinary things, a system is absolutely essential in order to compensate for the disparity between the skills of your people and the skills your business needs in order to produce consistent results.” At McDonald’s, the systems in place allow their tens of thousands of stores to deliver exactly what customers expect every time they walk into one of their locations. “It delivers exactly what we’ve come to expect of it every single time. That’s why I look to McDonald’s for a model for every small business, because it can do in it’s more than fourteen thousand stores what most can’t do in one.” Who among us can say that we do things as well as McDonald’s does? Part 3 Do you want to build a successful small business? Gerber leads readers through a fully-developed business development program, a how-to guide for success. The E-Myth Revisited is not only your guide to success, but it’s entertaining as well. Why is this Mark’s favorite business book? If you take action to implement the lessons that Gerber teaches, The E-Myth Revisited will take your firm to places you’ve never imagined. Read through the book and go through the process of creating a master plan for your life. Visit our Platform Sponsors Freshbooks is the easy way to send invoices, manage expenses, and track your time. Access your free 30 day trial at EntreArchitect.com/FreshBooks. (Enter EntreArchitect) Core by BQE Software is a brand new software designed specifically for architect’s project management! Get a free 15-day trial at EntreArchitect.com/BQE. ARCAT has huge libraries of free content, Specs, CAD, BIM and more. No registration required. Want to collaborate with colleagues in real time? Visit EntreArchitect.com/ARCAT and click Charrette for more information. Gusto is making payroll, benefits, and HR easy for small firm architects. Get an exclusive, limited time detail. Sign up today and get three months free. Visit EntreArchitect.com/Gusto and claim your free three months today! Referenced in this Episode Download the Profit For Small Firm Architects course for FREE. Leave a Rating and Review at iTunes EntreArchitect Membership Visit the home page at EntreArchitect.com to join now. The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It by Michael E. Gerber The post EA203: The E-Myth Revisited: Why Every Small Firm Architect Should Read This Book [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode: DATM Emerging
January 19, 201830min