623: Why Architects Struggle to Innovate—And How to Fix It with Josh Sanabria of GoArchitect

Mar 24, 2025

Josh Sanabria, Founder and CEO of GoArchitect, takes listeners on a journey from traditional architecture to innovative community-centered solutions. He discusses the broken system of school funding and how his pivot to technology and engagement has transformed facility planning. Josh shares a crucial lesson learned from a failed media venture and reveals the simple strategy that skyrocketed his startup's growth. Tune in to discover how architects can innovate and the surprising tools that are empowering school districts across the nation.

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ANECDOTE

GoArchitect's Niche

Josh Sanabria's GoArchitect helps school districts with facility master planning, using bonds for funding.
He got involved in this niche area early in his career, working with school districts in Southern California.

INSIGHT

Intentional Accident

GoArchitect's focus on facility master planning was partly intentional and partly accidental.
Sanabria's experience working with school districts led him to identify the need for better technology.

ANECDOTE

Early Innovation

Sanabria's first firm allowed some innovation, including a Tinder-like career app for high school students.
His second firm, DLR Group, was more open to experimentation, helping develop online master plans.

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What happens when an architect breaks free from traditional practice and takes an unconventional path? In this episode, Josh Sanabria, founder of GoArchitect, shares how his journey led him from design studios to a unique intersection of software, community engagement, and architecture. His company has found an innovative way to help school districts secure funding for major projects—but it’s not what you’d expect.

Josh reveals how a surprising realization forced him to pivot his business model completely, leading to explosive growth. He also discusses the overlooked challenges that architects face when trying to innovate within the industry—and how he overcame them. Plus, he shares a simple yet powerful strategy that took his company from a struggling startup to a nationally recognized platform.

The unexpected business lesson Josh learned from a failed media venture
Why the traditional way of planning school projects is broken—and what’s replacing it
How a hidden rule about school funding changed the course of his career
The one email that instantly created demand for his services

To learn more about Josh, visit his:

Website: https://www.goarchitect.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpsanabria/

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