EntreArchitect Podcast with Mark R. LePage

Building a "Back Office in a Box" for Small Firm ArchitectsIn 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 evin@s-works.io, and connect with him on LinkedIn.Please Visit Our Platform SponsorsArcatemy 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:SpacesContext & ClarityBuild Your Brand

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 1In 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.

Flying Solo: Introducing the Newest EntreArchitect PodcastIn 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.Please Visit Our Platform SponsorsArcatemy 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 BrandContext & ClaritySpaces

Navigating Uncertainty: Economic Trends Every Small Firm Must WatchIn 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.Please Visit Our Platform SponsorsArcatemy 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:SpacesBuild Your BrandContext & Clarity

ESOPs for ArchitectsIn 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 matt.middendorp@visionpointcapital.com, and connect with him on LinkedIn.Please Visit Our Platform SponsorsArcatemy 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:SpacesBuild Your BrandContext & Clarity

Why He Left Architecture Behind to Solve the Industry’s Biggest ProblemsRobert 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.Please Visit Our Platform SponsorsArcatemy 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:SpacesContext & ClarityBuild Your Brand

Building Websites That Work for Small Firm ArchitectsIn this episode of EntreArchitect, Mark R. LePage sits down with Bryon McCartney, co-founder and CEO of Archmark, to unpack the findings of a new business report on architecture firms. Together they explore why an effective online presence has become a non-negotiable for architects who want to grow their practices. Bryon explains how many firms still treat their websites as static portfolios when, in reality, they should function as dynamic business development tools. The conversation emphasizes the role of visibility, SEO fundamentals, and strong website content in reaching and engaging potential clients.Bryon shares common pitfalls he sees in the industry, from neglected websites with too little content to messaging that focuses more on the architect than the client. He stresses that architects who adopt a client-centered approach to their marketing see stronger results, attracting higher-value clients who understand and appreciate their expertise. Mark and Bryon also highlight how small changes in messaging and content strategy can have a dramatic impact on firm growth. Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding of what it takes to align their digital presence with their business goals.With over 36 years of experience in international branding and digital strategy, Bryon brings deep expertise and a passion for helping architects succeed as business owners. Before launching Archmark in 2016, he led campaigns for global brands like Calvin Klein and General Motors, and today his agency has guided more than 5,000 architects worldwide. As a certified Business Made Simple, Small Business Flight School, and StoryBrand coach, Bryon blends education and strategy to equip architects with the confidence to grow their firms. His mission is simple: when architects thrive, more people get to experience and enjoy great architecture.This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Building Websites That Work for Small Firm Architects with Bryon McCartney.Connect with Bryon online at Archmark.co or find him on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn. Check out his website to apply for a Clarity Call with Bryon.Click here for a link to the report From Portfolio to Pipeline: How to Turn Your Architecture Firm's Website into a Business Development Engine.Please Visit Our Platform SponsorsArcatemy 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 BrandContext & ClaritySpaces

How to Become Irreplaceable as a Small Firm ArchitectIn this solo session of the EntreArchitect Podcast, Mark R. LePage addresses the urgent question many architects are asking: how do we remain relevant as AI and automation reshape the profession? He emphasizes that the answer doesn’t lie in outpacing technology at technical tasks, but in doubling down on what machines cannot replicate. Authority, strategy, and authentic human connection are where architects can build irreplaceable value for their clients. This episode reframes the role of the architect as more than a designer—positioning you as a trusted leader who guides people through some of the most significant decisions of their lives.Mark introduces five key commitments every architect can adopt to stay ahead in this new landscape. These commitments focus on building trust, communicating with authority, and thinking strategically about the client’s full experience. Rather than allowing automation to reduce your role, these practices expand your influence and ensure you remain at the center of the project. With clarity and encouragement, Mark shows how to shift from being task-focused to being impact-driven.This is not a conversation about resisting technology—it’s about embracing the unique human qualities that set you apart. By committing to growth, empathy, and leadership, you can position yourself as indispensable in a rapidly changing industry. Tune in for practical steps and empowering insights to help you evolve and thrive as an architect in the age of AI.This week at EntreArchitect Podcast Solo Sessions, How to Become Irreplaceable as a Small Firm Architect.Please visit Our Platform SponsorsArcatemy 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.The Small Firm Breakthrough Series is a free three-part webinar from EntreArchitect designed to help small firm architects master profitability, delegation, and project systems. Over three sessions, you’ll gain tools, templates, and clarity to build a stronger, more sustainable practice—plus you’ll earn 3 AIA CES credits. Register now at EntreArchitect.com/breakthrough.Visit our Platform Sponsors today and thank them for supporting YOU... The EntreArchitect Community of small firm architects.Mentioned in this episode:Context & ClarityBuild Your BrandSpaces

Why Most Firms Stall (And How to Scale Without Breaking)In this episode of the podcast, Mark Orttung, CEO of Projectworks and Chair of Provoke, unpacks why so many service-based firms hit growth plateaus—and how to scale without breaking. Drawing from his decades in the tech industry, Mark shares lessons learned leading high-growth companies like Nexient and Bill.com, as well as his time in product leadership at GetThere, Genesys, and Rearden Commerce. He explains the critical balance between selling work and hiring staff, why defining a unique value proposition is non-negotiable, and how transparency in financial management drives long-term success. Listeners will gain actionable insights on adopting a growth mindset and structuring operations to support sustainable scaling.Mark also offers an inside look at how Projectworks is using AI to transform service firm management. He highlights how leveraging technology can help smaller firms optimize staffing, forecast revenue, and improve project delivery without sacrificing culture or quality. The conversation blends strategic thinking with practical examples, showing leaders how to prepare their businesses for both rapid growth and unexpected market changes. From startup founders to established firm executives, the takeaways are designed to help leaders unlock new growth opportunities.Beyond the boardroom, Mark’s diverse experiences—from inventing 43 U.S. patents to creating Andersen Consulting’s Palo Alto tech center—inform his approach to leadership and innovation. He also shares personal passions, from running and snowboarding to traveling and exploring great food and wine. This mix of professional expertise and personal perspective makes for a compelling conversation that inspires leaders to reimagine what’s possible for their organizations. Whether you’re scaling a consultancy, agency, or tech-enabled service firm, this episode offers a roadmap for building a thriving, future-ready business.This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Why Most Firms Stall (And How to Scale Without Breaking) with Mark Orttung.Learn more about Mark online at Projectworks and Provoke, or connect with him on LinkedIn.Please Visit Our Platform SponsorsArcatemy 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:SpacesContext & ClarityBuild Your Brand

Unapologetically DOPE: Building an "Empire" on Her Own TermsDanilda Polanco is unapologetically redefining what it means to be a woman in architecture and construction. As the founder of DOPE Architecture Inc., a woman-owned design-build firm in Denver, Danilda shares how her journey from the Dominican Republic to running a successful practice is fueled by purpose, intuition, and a passion for transforming lives through design. In this episode, she walks us through her early dreams of becoming a scientist, her pivot to architecture, and the pivotal moments that shaped her bold, people-first approach to building.More than just creating beautiful spaces, Danilda is committed to empowering clients, especially women, to feel seen, heard, and supported throughout the design process. She shares the behind-the-scenes challenges of launching her own firm, the lessons she’s learned about marketing and boundaries, and how she stays rooted while navigating the demands of motherhood, entrepreneurship, and community leadership. Her honesty, heart, and deep respect for collaboration make this conversation both practical and inspiring for anyone dreaming of doing things differently.From trusting her gut when selecting projects to envisioning a future where women have a bigger seat at the construction table, Danilda’s story is one of courage, conviction, and creativity. She invites us to think bigger, lead with integrity, and, above all, stay dope in the process.This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Unapologetically DOPE: Building an "Empire" on Her Own Terms with Danilda Polanco.Learn more about Danilda online at DOPE Architecture, or connect with her on LinkedIn or Instagram.Please Visit Our Platform SponsorsArcatemy 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:Context & ClarityBuild Your BrandSpaces