Leadership, education and diversity in architecture with Marc Teer of Black Spectacles

Marc Teer is the Founder and CEO of Black Spectacles and Spectacular. Black Spectacles is a business that offers online videos for architects including courses and tutorials. Their democratized approach to learning is designed for newcomers and established architects alike. He is a Member of The Economic Club of Chicago and the Entrepreneurs’ Organization. 

Marc has learned what architects need to thrive through firsthand experience, working in architecture for Gensler and Legat Architects. He received his bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and his master’s in architecture from Clemson University. In 2020, he was elevated to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects.

In this episode:

Both architecture and law firms have more in common than you would think. They are both detail-oriented institutions, composed of entrepreneurial individuals and a sense of prestige. They also share the same needs in leadership and support that often get overlooked. Since these careers are so competitive and skill-based, any kind of advantage is needed. Marc Teer was an architect who saw the need for greater education, so he started Black Spectacles in 2010. The company provides resources to inspire and train architects outside of the conventional classroom. He has also started to lead the next generation of architects into the future with better technology and better leadership. So what does this look like in practice?

Michelle Calcote King takes the time to interview Marc Teer, the Founder and CEO of Black Spectacles, to hear his thoughts on leadership and education in architecture. The two go over pertinent topics including diversity, connecting architects with firms and how to work as a fully remote company. They also discuss the work that Black Spectacles is doing and how it’s made an impact. Check out this episode of the Spill the Ink! podcast to hear the rest for yourself!