EntreArchitect Podcast with Mark R. LePage

Architecture After the California WildfiresIn this episode, architect and contractor Marcos Santa Ana shares how his journey—from growing up in a family of artists in Woodstock, New York to launching a design-build firm in Los Angeles—shaped his philosophy on resilient, high-performance architecture. Drawing on his international education in Denmark, Spain, and the U.S., Marcos explains how cultural influences and feng shui principles inform the aesthetic and functional qualities of his work at Alloi. He reflects on launching his firm during an economic downturn and how becoming both a licensed architect and contractor allowed him to bridge the gap between design and construction.The conversation dives into the impact of California wildfires on the built environment and how Marcos is helping redefine architecture in fire-prone areas. He details new fire protection systems, the challenges of rebuilding communities, and the evolution of high-performance design in response to climate realities. His certification from the Passive Haus Institute in Germany reinforces his technical approach to reducing energy loss while improving human comfort. Marcos emphasizes the importance of resilience, craftsmanship, and cross-disciplinary knowledge in modern architecture.Beyond the drafting table, Marcos is also a seasoned mountaineer who draws inspiration from high-altitude climbs like Cotopaxi and Mount Eolus—adventures that mirror his passion for pushing personal and professional limits.This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Architecture After the California Wildfires with Marcos Santa Ana.Connect with Marcos online at www.alloi.us or find him on Instagram, Facebook, and 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 & ClarityGabl CES

From Chaos to Clarity: Financial Systems for Small Firm ArchitectsIn this episode, Sam DeBiasi, CPA and founder of ArchiCPA, dives into why financial clarity is essential for small architecture firms. Drawing on his background in tax and ERP consulting for large corporations, Sam shares how he transitioned to working exclusively with architects and what makes their financial needs unique. He explains the most common financial blind spots firms face and how a proactive, technology-driven approach can help architects avoid them.Sam also breaks down why architects need to think like business owners—tracking key metrics, setting up the right systems, and building sustainable growth strategies. With a focus on long-term success, he outlines how ArchiCPA supports firms with everything from cash flow forecasting to tax strategy and profitability planning. His approach combines deep industry knowledge with practical tools to help architects focus more on design and less on spreadsheets.Whether you're a solo practitioner or managing a growing firm, this episode offers actionable tips to elevate your financial game and lead with clarity.This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, From Chaos to Clarity: Financial Systems for Small Firm Architects with Sam DeBiasi.Connect with Sam online at ArchiCPA.com.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 BrandGabl CESContext & Clarity

Inside NCARB By The NumbersIn this episode, Andy McIntyre, Vice President of Marketing & Communications at NCARB, shares how data helps shape the architecture profession. He breaks down licensure trends, reciprocity, and the evolving role of architects, while emphasizing the power of storytelling to make complex data more accessible.The episode announces the launch of a new six-part podcast series, spotlighting key trends in licensure and the real-life experiences behind the data, "Inside NCARB by the Numbers". Andy discusses policy changes, firm culture, and NCARB's efforts to improve access to the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®), while advancing equity and inclusion across the profession.With over a decade of marketing experience, Andy reflects on his journey from the UK to NCARB and the future of licensure. He explores how technology and evolving practice standards are shaping the profession, offering insights for emerging architects on the path to licensure.This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Inside NCARB By The Numbers with Andy McIntyre.Listen to the podcast here.Mentioned in this episode:Context & ClarityGabl CESBuild Your Brand

America's Healthy Home ExpertIn this episode, Caroline Blazovsky, America's Healthy Home Expert, dives into how our homes directly impact our health and well-being. She shares her path into the world of healthy home design, defines what makes a home truly healthy, and reveals the most common environmental issues she uncovers during home investigations. Caroline highlights the critical role architects play in designing wellness-focused spaces and emphasizes the importance of collaboration between architects and environmental consultants.The conversation also explores the power of natural light, the increasing demand from homeowners for healthier living environments, and the industry challenges that come with advancing healthy home standards. With over 24 years of experience and 30,000 home investigations under her belt, Caroline brings unmatched expertise to the conversation. She also discusses her work as CEO of My Healthy Home, her numerous certifications, and her involvement with national organizations focused on indoor air quality.Listeners will gain valuable insights into how simple design choices can dramatically improve the health of our living spaces and what the future holds for healthy home design.This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Move More, America's Healthy Home Expert with Caroline Blazovsky.Connect with Caroline online at America's Healthy Home Expert or find her on YouTube and 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:Gabl CESContext & ClarityBuild Your Brand

The Death of Apprenticeship: Architecture’s Urgent Culture ShiftIn this episode of the EntreArchitect Podcast, Carina Mills, Senior Talent Director at RDC and President of AIA California, dives into the urgent culture shift reshaping architecture. She shares her personal journey from technical architect to leadership, emphasizing the fading model of traditional apprenticeship and the critical need for more inclusive, equitable, and supportive work environments. Carina explores how mentorship is evolving to meet the expectations of emerging architects and stresses the importance of open communication and balanced work culture to sustain the profession’s future. She also highlights the diversity of firm experiences that have shaped her approach to leadership and practice improvement. This episode offers valuable insights into transforming architectural culture to better support and retain talent while fostering innovation and inclusivity.This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, The Death of Apprenticeship: Architecture’s Urgent Culture Shift with Carina Mills.Learn more about Carina and her work at RDC, 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 & ClarityGabl CES

From Ground Zero to Global Practice: Reimagining Architecture’s FutureIn this episode, Fallon Scott, founder of F28&Co, shares how small firms can scale without sacrificing their sanity. Drawing from her background in accounting, auditing, and corporate operations, Fallon explains how implementing enterprise-level systems—like SOPs and financial frameworks—can set the foundation for sustainable growth.She unpacks the common mistakes small businesses make and offers actionable insights on how to fix them, from evaluating key metrics to optimizing workflows. Through a compelling case study, Fallon shows how a client achieved both growth and freedom by restructuring their business model. Her approach centers on deeply understanding client goals and tailoring systems that not only support the business today but make it stronger for the future.If you're overwhelmed trying to do everything yourself or stuck in the weeds of your firm, this episode offers a strategic way forward. This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Fix the Foundation: How to Build a Scalable Firm Without Burning Out with Fallon Scott.Learn more about Fallon and her work at F28&Co, and connect with her on LinkedIn 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:Gabl CESContext & ClarityBuild Your Brand

From Ground Zero to Global Practice: Reimagining Architecture’s FutureKevin Kennon is an internationally renowned architect with over 40 years of experience, known for his innovative and environmentally conscious designs. He is the founder and principal of Kennon Design Consultancy, a multidisciplinary practice that focuses on architecture, urban design, and strategic problem-solving for a rapidly evolving world. Under his leadership, the firm tackles complex challenges through a collaborative and client-focused approach, blending design excellence with cutting-edge technology and sustainable principles.Kennon's portfolio includes landmark projects such as the 1.5 million square foot Barclays North American Headquarters, the Rodin Museum in Seoul, and multiple award-winning Bloomingdale’s stores. He also led United Architects, a finalist in the prestigious World Trade Center design competition, underscoring his role in shaping post-9/11 architecture. His work spans adaptive reuse, urban planning, and large-scale developments and is featured in the permanent collection of MoMA, New York.A sought-after thought leader, Kennon lectures at institutions like Yale and Columbia and frequently serves as an expert witness. His forward-thinking consultancy model positions architects not just as designers, but as strategic partners in solving the pressing problems of our time.This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, From Ground Zero to Global Practice: Reimagining Architecture’s Future with Kevin Kennon.Learn more about Kevin and his work at Kennon Design Consultancy, email him at kevin@kdcaia.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.Mentioned in this episode:Context & ClarityGabl CESBuild Your Brand

What a $500M Tech Exit Taught Him About Building a Thriving Architecture FirmWhat does a $500 million tech exit have to do with building a thriving architecture firm? In this episode, Amos Peleg shares his incredible journey—from a young man determined not to follow in his architect father’s footsteps, to building Pelleck Linehouse, a thriving 20-person architecture firm.After six years of study split between Israel and New York City, Amos graduated from City College in 1999 and was quickly swept into the world of tech, joining a rooftop loft startup that sold for $550 million just three months later. That experience sparked his passion for entrepreneurship, launching a years-long pursuit of starting his own business through repeated trial and error.Eventually, family needs brought Amos back to Israel, where he partnered with a close friend and rebuilt his father’s struggling firm. Along the way, he learned what it really takes to build a sustainable architecture practice—hiring the right people, identifying profitable niches, and designing processes that free him from the daily grind while still leading as CEO.He reflects on lessons from architecture school under his father’s critical eye, working under a Holocaust survivor, and navigating the tension between personal passion and professional success. Through it all, Amos champions the power of vision, strategy, and Ikigai—aligning what you love, what you're good at, and what the world needs.This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, What a $500M Tech Exit Taught Him About Building a Thriving Architecture Firm with Amos Peleg.Learn more about Amos Peleg and his work at Peleg Kleinhause, 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:Context & ClarityGabl CESBuild Your Brand

How the AIA Trust Empowers Small FirmsIn this episode, Mark speaks with Elizabeth Wolverton, Executive Director of the AIA Trust, about how the Trust is uniquely positioned to support small architecture firms. Elizabeth shares her own journey from growing up in Virginia with a love for historic homes to leading the AIA Trust in Washington, D.C. She discusses the wide range of resources the Trust offers, including risk management guidance, cyber insurance solutions, and business support services tailored to the needs of small firms.The conversation explores how these tools can help architects protect their practices and position themselves for long-term success. Elizabeth also emphasizes the importance of being proactive in utilizing available support and staying informed about emerging challenges. She touches on the Trust’s forward-looking initiatives, including helping architects navigate the growing impact of climate change.With her background in English and Public Administration, Elizabeth brings a thoughtful and strategic approach to her leadership. Her story is a reminder of how personal passion and professional purpose can align to serve the greater good of the architecture community.This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, How the AIA Trust Empowers Small Firms with Elizabeth Wolverton.Learn more about the AIA Trust and connect with Elizabeth 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:Context & ClarityGabl CESBuild Your Brand

What To Do When the Pipeline Dries Up: 5 Steps to Keep the Projects ComingWhen the pipeline dries up and the inbox goes quiet, it can be easy to panic—but this week's Solo Session is here to help you take action instead. In this episode of EntreArchitect Podcast Solo Sessions, Mark R. LePage shares five practical steps to keep the projects coming when business slows down.From facing reality and reconnecting with past clients, to doubling down on marketing and expanding your offer without selling out, Mark walks you through what real leadership looks like in uncertain times. He emphasizes the power of staying visible, strategic, and focused—even when the fear creeps in. You'll also learn why slower seasons are the perfect time to work on your business, not just in it. Whether you're in a slump now or want to prepare for the next one, this episode is packed with clear, actionable advice to help you navigate the downcycle and come out stronger on the other side.Tune in—and let’s lead through the hard stuff, together.This week at EntreArchitect Podcast Solo Sessions, What To Do When the Pipeline Dries Up: 5 Steps to Keep the Projects Coming.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:Gabl CESContext & ClarityBuild Your Brand