EntreArchitect Podcast with Mark R. LePage

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EA536: Aya Shlachter - A Change in Plans: The Journey from Building a Practice to Serving Practitioners Nov 24, 2023

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A Change in Plans: The Journey from Building a Practice to Serving Practitioners

Aya Shlachter is the CEO and owner of MGS Global Group, a female-minority-owned business that supports architecture and design firms. Her team provides Revit, ArchiCAD, AutoCAD, and 3D visualization services to architects and interior designers.

Aya holds a Master's degree in Architecture and Urban Design from Columbia University and a Bachelor's degree in Architecture from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Additionally, her interest in the hospitality industry led her to further her education through Harvard University's Hospitality Design and Planning professional development program.

Aya is an international speaker and hosts the "Architect My Life" podcast, where she spotlights women business owners in the creative fields.

In addition to her professional pursuits, Aya is a wife and mother of two. She also enjoys travelling, cooking, and spending time outdoors.

This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, A Change in Plans: The Journey from Building a Practice to Serving Practitioners with Aya Shlachter.

Connect with Aya at MGS Global Group, check out their Youtube, or follow her on LinkedIn.

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Go to https://betterhelp.com/architect for 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help. Thank you to our sponsor BetterHelp for supporting our community of small firm entrepreneur architects.

ARCAT.com is much more than a product catalog, with CAD, BIM, and specifications created in collaboration with manufacturers. ARCAT.com also offers LEED data, continuing education resources, newsletters, and the Detailed podcast. Visit https://ARCAT.com to learn more.

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EA535: C. Ray Harvey - The 3 Essential Factors of Effective Project Management Nov 17, 2023

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The 3 Essential Factors of Effective Project Management

C. Ray Harvey is a product specialist at Factor, an app that connects people, projects, and invoicing for modern architecture and engineering firms. Through Factor, he works directly with customers to consult on ways to improve workflows using the Factor product, and internally he works with the design and development team to continue adding valuable features to make it more effective for the firms that use it.

Prior to Factor, he spent over a decade as a business analyst and director in a growing professional services firm that grew to over 100 consultants and sold in 2021. His passion is in process improvement, and on the side he spends time with his wife and son and stays active in music composition, production, and performance.

This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, The 3 Essential Factors of Effective Project Management with C. Ray Harvey.

Connect with C. Ray at Factor, or follow him on LinkedIn.

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Detailed is an original podcast by ARCAT that features architects, engineers, builders, and manufacturers who share their insight and expertise as they highlight some of the most complex, interesting, and oddest building conditions that they have encountered… and the ingenuity it took to solve them. Listen now at ARCAT.com/podcast.

EntreArchitect Network. Since 2012, EntreArchitect has helped thousands of architects like you find the connections, training, and critical business resources needed to build happy, healthy, profitable architecture firms. Join EntreArchitect Network today.

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EA534: Eric Reinholdt - The 3 Phases of Growth for a Successful Small Firm Architecture Business Nov 10, 2023

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The 3 Phases of Growth for a Successful Small Firm Architecture Business

Eric received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Roger Williams University in 1996, graduating with high honors and the Independent Architecture Project Thesis Award. Eric is a licensed Architect in Maine and NCARB certified, eligible for reciprocity in all US jurisdictions.

He is widely known for creating the 30X40 Design Workshop YouTube channel, where he makes videos about architecture, designs simple modern homes + openly shares his process online. The videos are used as curriculum in architecture schools, and by students + professionals worldwide.

This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, The 3 Phases of Growth for a Successful Small Firm Architecture Business with Eric Reinholdt.

Connect with Eric at 30X40 Design Workshop, check out 30X40’s YouTube channel, or follow him on Instagram.

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EA533: Réda Amalou - Sustainable Luxury | Creating the Most Prestigious Hospitality Properties in the World Nov 03, 2023

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Sustainable Luxury | Creating the Most Prestigious Hospitality Properties in the World

Reda Amalou is a French architect, trained and graduated at the University of East London in Great Britain. After a few years working for London based firms, he moved back to Paris and joined Thurnauer Architects as a design architect. In 1997, he founded AW² - Architecture Workshop – and is later joined by Stéphanie Ledoux in 2000 who became partner in 2003. Both partners have led the studio in tandem ever since and play an active role in the design of each project. With projects in 40 different countries, the studio has an international reputation for quality high-end design and covers all project typologies including hospitality, residential, facilities, education, offices, and retail.

Choosing to conceive architecture in its entirety – from the scale of the architecture to the scale of the furniture – Reda Amalou founded his own furniture and object design company: Reda Amalou Design in 2013.

In 2006, Reda Amalou became a member of the board of AFEX (French Architects for Export) where he held several positions on the Board of Directors; until his election as President of AFEX in 2022.

This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Sustainable Luxury | Creating the Most Prestigious Hospitality Properties in the World with Réda Amalou.

Connect with Réda at Reda Amalou Design, or follow him on Instagram and Facebook.

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EA532: Luis Murillo - From Colombia to L.A. | An Architect's Story of Passion and Persistence Oct 27, 2023

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From Colombia to L.A. | An Architect's Story of Passion and Persistence

Luis was born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia, where he also received his bachelor’s degree in Architecture at the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in 1994. Although his birthplace was in the mountains, he always dreamed of living near the ocean where he could embrace his passion for an outdoor lifestyle. In 1997, the opportunity to work at a Los Angeles based design firm presented itself, so he chose to move his young, growing family to California. With his fun personality and serious dedication to architectural design, Luis’s career flourished in Los Angeles.

In early 2010 Luis established LMD Architecture Studio. Focusing on his own professional practice he aims to achieve design excellence through efficiency, innovation, and responsible use of materials and forms, always motivated by his Colombian roots and ‘can do’ attitude. His return client list is a testimony to his joyful work ethic, innovative mastery of design and devotion to be personally present in every phase of a project. Luis continues pursuing his goal to orchestrate design solutions that influence and shape the client’s vision into reality, and to enhance their lifestyle. Luis has been doing architectural design in the Los Angeles area for over 20 years. Luis is a Licensed Architect in Colombia and the State of California in the US.

This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, From Colombia to L.A. | An Architect's Story of Passion and Persistence with Luis Murillo.

Connect with Luis at LMD Architecture Studio, or follow him on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

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EA531: Trevor Abransom - Running a Design-Intensive Architecture Practice Oct 20, 2023

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Running a Design-Intensive Architecture Practice

With over three decades of commitment to his craft, Trevor Abramson strives to promote the art of architecture by evoking a deeply felt emotional and spiritual response from clients, critics, and the public. His work responds to his clients, who are facing a moment of change, by engaging deeply. He and Abramson Architects guide their clients with skill and empathy, helping them to make decisions at every step. His creative architecture stands proudly across North America, promoting soulful complexity in the communities they inhabit by striking a balance between known and new. His multi-faceted practice encompasses single family residences, ecclesiastical commissions, educational facilities medical facilities and varied commercial buildings. Abramson’s body of work certainly transcends the ordinary, carefully juxtaposing material and light to modulate surface and form. Pragmatic and purposeful in his design decisions, Abramson employs subtle and stripped-down shapes to allow simplicity of mass and material to govern. His over 400 projects have gained significant acclaim from the international architectural community and have garnered numerous awards and multiple publications.

This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Running a Design-Intensive Architecture Practice with Trevor Abransom.

Connect with Trevor at Abramson Architects, or follow him on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

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EA530: Gina Cotner - How To Hire a Remote Executive Assistant For Your Architecture Firm Oct 13, 2023

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How To Hire a Remote Executive Assistant For Your Architecture Firm

Gina Cotner is the CEO of Athena Executive Services, a firm dedicated to helping busy business owners, entrepreneurs, and executives achieve work-life balance. With over 15 years of remote work experience, she has mastered the art of living from her calendar and coaches others on time management. Gina and her team of remote, part-time executive assistants free up their clients’ time to do what they do best.

This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, How To Hire a Remote Executive Assistant For Your Architecture Firm with Gina Cotner.

Connect with Gina at Athena Executive Services, connect with Jennifer to explore hiring a VA, or follow her on LinkedIn.

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EA529: Jesse Tarr - Permit Expediting for Small Firm Architects Oct 06, 2023

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Permit Expediting for Small Firm Architects

Jesse graduated from Florida International University (FIU) in 2012 with a degree in International Business. At the same time, he joined the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and successfully completed Officer Candidates School (OCS) during their service.

After graduation, Jesse moved to the DC Metropolitan area from Miami and began working at GEICO, aiming for a management role through their Supervisor Leadership Program (SLP). However, he faced a challenge of maximizing his income without further education. He decided to explore bartending as a side job due to its high earning potential and flexible hours.

Getting into bartending was tough, with Jesse initially facing rejections from local bars. He started working as nightclub security, finally got a job as a barback, then as a bartender at a busy nightclub, where he saw the power of sales as he earned more in one night than a week at GEICO.

Jesse eventually left GEICO and found an opportunity in permit expediting for a gas pipeline project in Baltimore County, MD. This new industry allowed him to combine his sales skills and scalability. A year later, Jesse founded City Permit, expanding its services from serving only DC clients to helping commercial and residential clients across the country.

Getting a building permit, whether for residential or commercial projects, can be complicated and time-consuming. City Permit's experienced team simplifies the process. They ensure submissions are complete and accurate, facilitate communication between stakeholders, track the review process, and securely store project documents online for 24/7 access.

This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Permit Expediting for Small Firm Architects with Jesse Tart.

Connect with Jesse at City Permit, contact him at sales@citypermit.us, or follow him on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

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EA528: Toby Witte - Shifting the Housing Industry Toward the Value of Design Sep 29, 2023

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Shifting the Housing Industry Toward the Value of Design

A quarter century of experience in the world of design and construction comes to bear on Toby Witte's work. German by heritage and upbringing, born in Peru, Toby has had the privilege to study architecture, building science, drafting, and construction in Germany and in the USA.

Between various employments with architect, engineering, and construction firms, he graduated cum laude from the School of Architecture at UNCC. He ran his previous design/build companies Dialect Design and Qube11 for over a decade until he founded Wittehaus.

In 2004 he received the Medal & Henry Adams Certificate of Merit by The American Institute of Architects. And in 2018 the 3rd People's Choice Award of the North Carolina Modernist Houses Matsumoto Prize.

To learn, grow, and contribute Toby has been an active member of the American Institute of Architects, the National Organization of Minority Architects, Brick & Wonder, EntreArchitect ASG Mastermind, and the German American Chambers of Commerce.

When Toby parks his pencil he lets himself be sucked in by a vibrant family life centered around his wife, an early education teacher, and their three powerhouse daughters. He cooks, reads, travels, plays two chords on the guitar and loves a good beer.

This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Shifting the Housing Industry Toward the Value of Design with Toby Witte.

Connect with Toby at Wittehaus, or follow him on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

Reference in this Episode

Supersizing Bliss: How We Have Betrayed Our Homes and the Happiness We Seek by Toby Witte [book]

EA438: Toby Witte – How to Brand a Modern Residential Architecture Firm [podcast]

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EA527: Robert Yuen - Strategic Risks for Architects in 2023 Sep 22, 2023

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Strategic Risks for Architects in 2023

Robert Yuen, Assoc. AIA, is the CEO and Co-Founder of Monograph, a software company revolutionizing the future of architecture and engineering firm performance. Trained in architecture, Yuen recognized the need for better business tools and developed Monograph to address the challenges facing A/E professionals. As a result, he has become a leading voice in the industry, promoting the importance of A/E business performance and helping firms improve their workflows and profitability. His mission is to always be in service to the design professionals responsible for our built environment, letting them focus on what they love and do best.

Monograph is a firm performance management platform for architecture and engineering practices. Firms use Monograph to make quick and confident decisions about budgeting and resources to drive their practices forward.

This week on EntreArchitect podcast, Strategic Risks for Architects in 2023 with Robert Yuen.

Find Robert online at RobertYuen.com, check out the 2023 Monograph Risk Report, and connect with him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.