Business of Architecture Podcast

Today we have world-class videographer Jeff Durkin with us to talk about using the power of video as a tool for persuasion and storytelling. Jeff studied architecture at the University of California Berkeley, worked for 10 years in the architecture industry and then transitioned to videography in 2008. He quickly found a niche using his understanding of space and the built environment to create architecturally rich videos highlighting cutting-edge architecture and redevelopment projects. Jeff has created many of the architecture industry's most recognized mini-documentaries and films, including many projects for San Diego Architect Developer Jonathan Segal and recently the firm Brooks + Scarpa. If you're currently in the industry but thinking about a change, you'll discover in the video one of the many avenues you can use with your design background. Video marketing is the wave of the future, and I'm excited to have Jeff Durkin back here on the show to talk to us about everything from his journey, how he chooses his clients, to how much a typical video engagement costs. Register for the FREE Firm Freedom Formula Online Training: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/freedomwebinar Get access to the 4-part firm profit map here: http://freearchitectgift.com.

In today's episode, FreeeUp.com co-founder Connor Gillivan discusses how architecture and design firm owners can outsource to free up time and be more efficient. You'll discover: 3 keys to not making a mistake when you hire your next team member 6 things you can outsource as an architect to save yourself time What to consider when hiring a virtual or executive assistant Register for the FREE Firm Freedom Formula Online Training: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/freedomwebinar Get access to the 4-part firm profit map here: http://freearchitectgift.com.

Today we speak with architect Mel Price. Mel is a partner in the firm Work Program Architects based out of Norfolk, VA. She's an incredible leader committed to radical transparency in the firm and with her partner Thom White, she's built a thriving and financially successful office with a spectacular team. In today's interview, Mel talks about how she's contributed to building a firm that helps her team members grow to their potential, and how she's created a team culture that includes full financial transparency. Register for the FREE Firm Freedom Formula Online Training: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/freedomwebinar Get access to the 4-part firm profit map here: http://freearchitectgift.com.

Is blogging a good strategy for architects? In this episode of the Business of Architecture Podcast, you'll discover how a Manhattan-based architect grew his firm from one part-time intern to a staff of 5 in 18 months using a blogging strategy to get clients. Leave your thoughts in the comments below.   Register for the FREE Firm Freedom Formula Online Training: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/freedomwebinar Get access to the 4-part firm profit map here: http://freearchitectgift.com.

Discover how architect Dan Sherer created a systematic marketing process for his architecture firm. Register for the FREE Firm Freedom Formula Online Training: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/freedomwebinar Get access to the 4-part firm profit map here: http://freearchitectgift.com.

Today we speak with an architect who, three years ago, realized that his passion for the practice of architecture was dying. Perhaps you've felt this way or you feel this way now. Perhaps you feel that drafting away arranging details on sheets or answering RFIs isn't what you are cut out to do. Or maybe you just spend to much time doing the small stuff that saps your energy instead of the work that energizes and excites you - the reason you got into architecture in the first place. Instead of the excitement of working with clients and designing new clients, today's guest felt like he was jumping from meeting to meeting and project to project without making meaningful progress in his business. He had a fine income, but it wasn't great. He was feeling burn out in a major way and knew something had to change. Today's guest is architect Dan Sherer, founder and owner of Sherer and Associates, a firm with 2 offices based out of South Carolina. He shares his journey to creating a practice that he loves, with exciting projects and clients - His firm empowers his life instead of controlling it, his staff are happier and purposeful, and his clients appreciate and value the work of the firm. Register for the FREE Firm Freedom Formula Online Training: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/freedomwebinar Get access to the 4-part firm profit map here: http://freearchitectgift.com.

Have you ever wanted to work for clients with a mission that you are passionate about? Well, today we speak with Christina Congdon, project and operations manager of Environmental Works. Environmental Works is a Community Design Center based in Seattle Washington. In this episode we talk about what inspired Christina to follow a career path in Community Design. As the operations manager, she also shares some insight about how to handle the growing pains of a firm that is moving into a new stage of scale. Get access to the 4-part firm profit map here: http://freearchitectgift.com.

Have you ever wanted to work for clients with a mission that you are passionate about? Well, today we speak with Roger Tucker, the Executive Director of Environmental Works. Environmental Works is a Community Design Center based in Seattle Washington. In this episode, we discuss what it takes to run a Community Design Center, including the finances and the kind of work this firm does. Get access to the 4-part firm profit map here: http://freearchitectgift.com.

Craig Cody, a Certified Public Accountant, reached out and wanted to share some tax tips here on the show. He's a former New York City police officer and also a Certified Tax Coach, which basically means he specializes in helping business owners find the most tax efficient structure for their business. So if you're not in the US, a lot of the specifics we discuss won't be applicable to you. On the other hand, if you're getting ready to pay taxes or wondering if there are ways you can save some money ethically and legally in this area, then you'll find this conversation interesting and valuable. Access the FREE 4-part architecture firm profit map by clicking here.

Today I'm mixing it up. I had a breakthrough last week and I want to share it with you because I think it will help you. Legendary business consultant Jim Rohn is reported to have said, "You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with." What did he mean by that? Well, the people we associate with have the ability to pull us down, keep us where we are, or pull us up to another level. Let me give you an example. Back in middle school, there was this kid who I thought was pretty cool. He had long wavy hair and even a mustache. When you're in 6th-grade things like that are pretty important. Well, this kid swore like a sailor. F this, F that, you can imagine, but I can't repeat it because this is a G-rated show. You know what happened? I thought he was so cool, I started swearing. F this, F that. Well, that didn't go over too well when I let some of that slip at home. My mom had this container of liquid soap she would put down my mouth. Not the way I teach my kids, but let me tell you - it made an impact. Ultimately decided that language didn't represent who I wanted to be as a person. So I overcame that habit. Here's example #2: Back when I got fired from my last official employer (yes I was actually fired - maybe I'll share the details of that story on the podcast someday, I can't remember if I have already). Anyway, I invested a bit of money to attend a small group mastermind of entrepreneurs. A couple of these entrepreneurs had 7 figure incomes, most of them clearing 6 figures. And here I was after just getting laid off from my architecture job making about $70k / year. With a new kid on the way… I was freaked out about my future, to be sure. But being in that room of successful and motivated entrepreneurs motivated me, and I felt pulled up to their level. Within a year I had surpassed the income I had at my previous job. So I've seen this concept of the 5 people play out in my life, but I haven't been very good in the past at nurturing relationships. I've told myself the story that I'm not very good at keeping in touch with people. Yet, I always admired the people who had large networks and seemed to know everyone, they seemed to be more successful. Especially in this industry, architecture, and design, you won't get far unless you build a team of people who believe in you and refer you work. So .. back to my breakthrough. A mentor recently challenged me to take this advice from Jim Rohn to heart and focus on upgrading the 5 people in all areas of my life. This doesn't mean that just five people are going to be the answers to every area of your life. Perhaps you know some people who have fantastic relationships with their spouse. Others are great at business and others are great at building wealth. Some are great at staying fit. You can have 5 people for each category of your life you care about.So I've made a goal to reach out to 5 people every week. These can be new people or people I already know. The breakthrough happened on the very first day I tried this out. The first call I made, I was invited to speak at a large conference. The second call I made, I was able to help out a lady who is a fantastic business woman, but I don't know her very well. On our call, she shared that her mother had just passed away unexpectedly. I was able to share with her that my mom passed away unexpectedly when I was a teenager, so we were just able to be silent for a moment and honor two women who meant so much to us. Yep, I was close to tears. So my first day of reaching out, and I had these 2 awesome experiences. So let me ask you a question: is there someone that you should reach out to? Ponder that for a minute and I'm sure the answer will come to you. How can you upgrade the 5 people in your life?   Get access to the 4-part firm profit map here: http://freearchitectgift.com .