In this episode of the EntreArchitect Podcast, Mark R. LePage explores holistic design process architecture with Susan Barnes and Robin Wilcox of Skylab. Based in Portland, Skylab integrates architecture, interiors, and master planning into one seamless approach. Their work shows that design is more than solving problems. It is storytelling and placemaking. Susan and Robin share how curiosity and a deep understanding of people and place guide every project. The result is memorable environments that connect with both users and communities.

Susan Barnes discusses her path into architecture and what motivates her design leadership. She believes that architecture should be timeless and anchored in material quality. Susan led the team behind Nike’s World Headquarters Serena Williams Building, a project shaped by careful listening and stakeholder collaboration. She explains why holistic design process architecture puts people first and helps teams make decisions that stay true to project goals. For Susan, a refined concept emerges only when everyone feels valued and heard.

Robin Wilcox brings the conversation into the world of resort, hospitality, and large-scale commercial projects. He has guided the design of destinations like the Deer Valley Masterplan, the A-Frame Club in Colorado, and new work at Telluride Ski and Golf. Robin explains how collaboration and storytelling drive alignment among large project teams. He believes design must respond to the land and the culture of a place to create lasting value. Together, Susan and Robin offer a clear message: meaningful architecture happens when relationships, story, and place lead the process.

This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, The Power of Placemaking at Skylab Architecture with Susan Barnes & Robin Wilcox.

Learn more about Susan and Robin at Skylab Architecture, and connect with them on Instagram 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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Build Smart

Build Smart

Gabl CES

Build Your Brand

In this episode of the EntreArchitect Podcast, Stacey Brown Randall shares why designing an intentional client experience is the key to long-term business success. She explains that every business, whether by design or default, has a client experience—and those touchpoints deeply impact how clients feel throughout their journey. Stacey emphasizes the importance of understanding not only the logical side of client satisfaction but also the emotional journey clients undergo, revealing how these elements shape lasting impressions and loyalty.

As the author of the new book, The Referable Client Experience, Stacey offers fresh insights into how businesses can foster relationships that naturally generate referrals. She draws from her expertise in teaching entrepreneurs and business owners how to create trust and connection without manipulation, incentives, or even asking for referrals. Her strategies provide a framework for building relationships that lead to repeat business and a steady stream of referrals by focusing on the client’s needs and experiences first.

With her background in organizational communication and years of coaching, Stacey provides actionable advice for architects and business owners alike who want to build meaningful, long-lasting client relationships that sustain and grow their practice.

This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Designing a Referable Client Experience with Stacey Brown Randall.

Learn more about Stacy at StaceyBrownRandall.com, check out her new book The Referable Client Experience, and connect with her on Facebook, X, or LinkedIn.

EA240: How to Get Referrals Without Asking [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:

Build Smart

Build Smart

Build Your Brand

Gabl CES

In this episode of the EntreArchitect Podcast, Mark R. LePage sits down with architect and entrepreneur Greg Holman, AIA, founder of Studio 27 and creator of CADMonkeyAI. Greg shares his journey from earning his Master of Architecture at Texas Tech University to managing multimillion-dollar projects and eventually launching his own practice in Roswell, New Mexico. With over two decades of experience across diverse project types, Greg brings both a seasoned design perspective and an entrepreneurial mindset to the conversation.

The discussion explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping the workflow of architects, particularly within small firms. Greg explains how CADMonkeyAI, his new platform, streamlines building system and material selections by leveraging manufacturer data and AI-driven efficiency. He highlights the opportunity for architects to reclaim valuable time for creativity, collaboration, and client relationships by integrating smart technologies into their daily practice.

Looking ahead, Greg shares his vision for a future where AI acts not as a replacement, but as an empowering partner in architectural design. He and Mark dive into the challenges of adoption, the importance of adaptability for small practices, and the broader implications for community-focused architecture. This episode offers both inspiration and practical advice for architects ready to embrace the tools of tomorrow while staying true to the values that define their work.

This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, How AI is Reshaping the Architect Workflow with Greg Holman.

Learn more about Greg at Studio 27, check out CADMonkeyAI, and 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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Build Smart

Build Smart

Gabl CES

Build Your Brand

In this episode of EntreArchitect, citizen architect Kurt Neiswender, AIA, shares how he is rebuilding the fabric of a city with purpose and design. With over two decades of architectural experience, Kurt has dedicated his work to advancing low-to-no energy consumption projects that not only meet but often exceed net-zero standards. Through Urban CoLab Architecture, he is pioneering solutions that integrate building and landscape design in ways that reduce environmental impact while also fostering healthier communities. His efforts extend beyond traditional practice, weaving together social, political, and economic threads to create meaningful change through architecture.

Kurt reflects on the city of Flint, Michigan, a place emblematic of resilience and struggle, where his projects focus on affordable housing, sustainability, and long-term community well-being. By prioritizing engagement, he demonstrates how architecture can be a catalyst for empowerment and revitalization in underserved areas. His work stands as proof that design, when applied with empathy and purpose, has the power to heal cities and restore trust in their built environments. This episode dives deep into how architects can use their skills not just to create buildings, but to repair the social and cultural bonds that define a community.

Beyond practice, Kurt’s passion for mentorship and teaching shines through his role at Lawrence Tech University, where he shapes the next generation of architects. He shares how he instills creativity, resilience, and responsibility in students who will inherit the challenges of tomorrow. Kurt also co-hosts the globally recognized Coffee Sketch Podcast, where informal conversations inspire collaboration and spark new ideas within the profession. Through these platforms, he fosters dialogue that pushes architecture toward a more sustainable and inclusive future. Listeners will leave inspired by the ways design can address systemic issues and rebuild cities with intentionality.

This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Rebuilding the Fabric of a City with Purpose and Design with Kurt Neiswender.

Learn more about Kurt at UrbanColab.design check out the podcast at CoffeeSketchPodcast.com, email him at [email protected], and connect with him on Instagram, Facebook, 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:

Build Your Brand

Gabl CES

Build Smart

Build Smart

In this episode of the EntreArchitect Podcast, Mark R. LePage welcomes Evin Wick, a former tax lawyer who transitioned into the world of fintech entrepreneurship. Evin shares the story behind his company, S Works, an AI-powered back office solution designed to support small businesses and solo professionals. He reflects on his journey through tax law and product leadership in fintech, and how those experiences shaped his vision for simplifying bookkeeping, payroll, and tax compliance.

The conversation dives into the unique challenges faced by architects and other small business owners who often struggle with financial organization and entity setup. Evin explains how technology, and specifically AI, can transform tedious tasks into streamlined, automated processes that free up valuable time. By automating 96% of transaction classifications while keeping human experts just a click away, S Works balances efficiency with personalized service. He also highlights the average $6,100 in tax savings per customer, underscoring the tangible impact this type of technology can deliver.

Evin and Mark also explore the larger implications of financial hygiene and why overcoming the fear of new technology is crucial for small business success. Evin emphasizes that AI doesn’t replace relationships but instead eliminates the repetitive work that prevents professionals from focusing on their passions. For architects balancing creative practice with the demands of running a firm, his insights paint a compelling picture of the future of small business finance and how the right systems can provide confidence, clarity, and long-term growth.

This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Building a "Back Office in a Box" for Small Firm Architects with Evin Wick.

Learn more about Evin at S-Works.io, email him at [email protected], and 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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Build Smart

Build Smart

Build Your Brand

Gabl CES

Introducing Flying Solo with Katie Kangas, a podcast where professionals share how they have pursued their dreams of architectural practice and design.

Listen to the full season 1

In this episode of Flying Solo, host Katie Kangas explores what it really means to fly. She begins with perspective—examining why choosing to step into the unknown and aiming for “blue oceans” can open up new horizons for both personal life and professional practice. Drawing inspiration from Blue Ocean Strategy by Renée Mauborgne and W. Chan Kim, Katie reflects on how architects and solopreneurs can create fresh opportunities rather than competing in overcrowded markets. Flying becomes a metaphor for dreaming big and daring to venture into new territories.

Katie then shifts to how Solopreneurs must pivot in professional practice. Just as birds adjust midflight, entrepreneurs must cultivate adaptability and nimbleness. She highlights the precision of a hawk shifting direction in the air—its sharp instincts serving as a powerful model for business strategy when plans inevitably change. Like the hawk or even the falcon in flight, success often comes from being able to adjust quickly without losing momentum.

The conversation continues with possibility—the endless opportunities that flight symbolizes. Different models of business growth can be paralleled to birds such as the hummingbird, albatross, and swift, each with unique flight patterns. From rapid bursts of creative energy to long-distance endurance, these birds illustrate the many ways Solopreneurs can flourish. With the right mindset, the potential for growth, impact, and earning is limitless.

The episode concludes by recapping the three themes: Perspective, Pivot, and Possibility. Together, they form a guide to embracing the entrepreneurial journey. Referencing Atomic Habits by James Clear, Katie underscores how small, consistent steps can lead to extraordinary results. Join the Flying Solo community on Instagram and connect through Gabl Media to continue exploring what it means to build a practice—and a life—on your own terms.

To join this flying solo movement, you can follow Flying Solo Arch on Instagram where Katie posts content to encourage your business life. Find out which bird defines your marketing strategy with the Bird Quiz on the Flying Solo Website. 

Listen to more encouraging content on the Gabl Media platform including podcasts with CEU and HSW credit towards your licensure renewal. Consider joining the EntreArchitect Network by becoming a member or joining the free EntreArchitect Community Facebook Group.

Mark R. Page, founder of EntreArchitect and Gabl Media, has been building a community of small firm architects who are having tough conversations to improve their professional practice and live their best life every day.

In this episode of EntreArchitect, Mark R. LePage welcomes Katie Kangas, a solopreneur architect and the host of the brand-new podcast Flying Solo. Katie shares her journey from growing up in the Black Hills of South Dakota to founding her own practice, Pasque Architecture, in Minnesota. She reflects on the challenges and rewards of running a one-person firm and how her experiences inspired her to create a platform designed to encourage and support other solopreneur architects.

Mark and Katie dive into the importance of storytelling in architecture and how personal narratives can strengthen connections with clients and communities. Katie explains how her process-centered practice blends simplicity, function, and beauty to create meaningful designs. She also opens up about balancing family life with professional growth, living in Ham Lake with her husband and three young daughters, while pursuing creative passions like ceramics, writing, and kayaking.

Together, they explore why community and continuous learning matter more than ever for architects navigating the profession independently. Katie highlights the role of mentorship, peer support, and professional volunteer work through organizations like the AIA and her church. Listeners will walk away with insight into what it takes to thrive as a solopreneur architect—and how Flying Solo will serve as an inspiring resource for others ready to chart their own course.

This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Flying Solo: Introducing the Newest EntreArchitect Podcast with Katie Kangas.

Listen to Flying Solo, check out Katie's firm Pasque Architecture, and 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:

Gabl CES

Build Your Brand

Build Smart

Build Smart

In this episode of EntreArchitect Podcast, Mark R. LePage welcomes Kermit Baker, Chief Economist for the American Institute of Architects, for an in-depth conversation on how small firms can navigate today’s uncertain economic climate. Kermit unpacks the shifting landscape of the U.S. economy, the role of architecture within it, and why keeping a close eye on key indicators can help firms prepare for what’s ahead. From construction demand to housing starts and client investment trends, he explains the signals architects should monitor to remain proactive rather than reactive. His insights make clear that economic fluency isn’t optional for firm owners, it’s essential to building resilience.

Kermit also emphasizes the importance of strengthening client engagement in times of uncertainty. He shares how firms can position themselves by leaning into their unique competitive advantages, fostering trust, and maintaining clear communication with clients about costs, schedules, and long-term value. Rather than being sidelined by market shifts, architects who understand their differentiators and build deeper relationships can seize opportunities that arise, even when conditions feel unpredictable. These strategies are not just defensive, they’re the foundation for sustainable growth.

Listeners will also gain perspective from Kermit's extensive career analyzing architecture and construction trends. As the originator of the Architecture Billings Index and a long-time leader of the AIA Consensus Construction Forecast, his research and guidance are widely recognized across the profession. Drawing on decades of experience, Kermit offers practical advice for firm leaders looking to weather downturns, plan strategically, and thrive through economic cycles. This episode provides clarity and foresight for small firm architects ready to chart a steadier path through uncertain times.

This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Navigating Uncertainty: Economic Trends Every Small Firm Must Watch with Kermit Baker.

Learn more at AIA.org, and connect with Kermit 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:

Build Smart

Build Smart

Gabl CES

Build Your Brand

In this episode of EntreArchitect, Mark R. LePage sits down with Matt Middendorp, Director of ESOP Consulting at Vision Point Capital, to demystify the world of Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) for architects and design firm owners. They explore how ESOPs work as both a business transition strategy and a tool for building long-term employee wealth. Matt explains the financial and cultural benefits of this model, from creating buy-in at every level of a firm to offering owners an alternative to traditional succession paths. He also outlines common pitfalls to avoid when approaching an ESOP and stresses the importance of aligning company culture with ownership goals.

Matt shares his personal journey into the ESOP space, beginning with his time at an ESOP-owned company during college that sparked his passion for employee ownership. With a background spanning banking, entrepreneurship, and consulting, Matt brings a rich perspective on how ESOPs can change the trajectory of a business. He highlights the valuation process, the timeline firms should expect for implementation, and the need for transparency throughout the transition. For architects wondering if an ESOP is the right fit, Matt provides clear insights into what the process looks like and how it affects daily operations.

Beyond technical details, the conversation emphasizes the human side of ESOPs—how ownership impacts morale, culture, and the sense of shared purpose in a firm. Matt points out that employee ownership is more than a financial arrangement; it’s about creating sustainable businesses that thrive well beyond their founders. With his practical expertise and passion for education, Matt helps leaders envision how ESOPs can serve as both a growth strategy and a legacy plan. Whether you’re an architect preparing for succession or simply curious about alternative ownership models, this episode offers the clarity and context you need to start exploring ESOPs.

This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, ESOPs for Architects with Matt Middendorp.

Find Matt online at Vision Point Capital, email him at [email protected], and 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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Build Smart

Build Smart

Build Your Brand

Gabl CES

Robert Yuen’s path to entrepreneurship didn’t begin in a boardroom, it started in the studio. Trained as an architect, Robert quickly realized that while architects loved design, they were struggling with the business side of running a firm. That insight led him to co-found Monograph, a platform built specifically to help architecture and engineering firms manage projects, budgets, and resources more effectively. In this conversation, he shares how Monograph evolved from a simple website builder into a comprehensive project management tool, highlighting the hard lessons and breakthroughs along the way.

In this episode, listeners will hear Robert’s reflections on navigating funding rounds, scaling his team, and steering Monograph through the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. He opens up about mistakes that became turning points, how his perspective on leadership has shifted, and why resilience matters more than perfection when building a business. With candor and clarity, Robert shows how stepping away from traditional practice gave him the freedom to tackle the very problems that once frustrated him as an architect.

Looking ahead, Robert envisions Monograph as more than just software—it’s becoming an operating system for the entire A/E industry. His mission is to empower architects and engineers to focus on what they love most: designing. By offloading the burden of business management, Monograph helps firms increase profitability and improve workflows, ensuring design professionals can keep shaping our built environment with creativity and confidence. This episode is a candid exploration of how leaving architecture behind allowed Robert Yuen to make an even greater impact on the profession.

This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Why He Left Architecture Behind to Solve the Industry’s Biggest Problems with Robert Yuen.

Find Robert online at RobertYuen.com, and connect with him on Facebook, Twitter 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:

Build Smart

Build Smart

Build Your Brand

Gabl CES