Business of Architecture Podcast

Today I speak with Scott Kelsey, FAIA. Kelsey is the managing principal of CO Architects, a 120-person firm that has seen incredible success since its founding in 2006. Kelsey describes the firm as a practice-centered business - a firm that focuses on design while not ignoring sound business fundamentals. This attitude and culture have allowed CO Architects to become one of the world's leading firms in its chosen niches. In this episode, you'll discover the value-based, intentional approach that has helped this firm thrive.   ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

Today I speak with Jeffery Morris. Morris comes from the graphic design and branding industry, his firm has been recognized as one of the best design firms in the United States. His mission is to help companies move out the design ghetto, or as he puts it on his website: "We help our clients define their business, dramatize their brands and harness the power of design, as a strategic asset." We started talking because he just completed a new identity and brand for John Friedman Alice Kim Architects. In this episode, you'll discover the important elements for creating a strategic brand.   ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

Nic Granleese is a self-proclaimed "recovering architect" who is now the CEO of BowerBird. BowerBird is an online platform that makes it easy to submit your architecture to 1487 magazines, newspapers & websites. Today, Nic pulls back the curtain on his entrepreneurial journey, sharing valuable and hard-won tips and lessons you can use in your architectural journey. Early in his career, Nic took a year to explore what successful architects did to achieve their success. He discovered that the architects who had fulfilling practices had something in common. Listen to this episode to discover what Nic discovered, and how he has applied his business learnings through the years to eventually co-found BowerBird with his partner, Ben Morgan.   ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

Architect Zach Soflin was frustrated with the tedium of keeping track of as-built measurements, existing conditions, and job site photographs. He knew there had to be a better way to leverage today's powerful software tools and technology and streamline the connection of real world and computer data. Because of that, Zach created Layer, a software tool that makes it easy to link data such as descriptions and photographs to digital building model. After a decade practicing as an architect and leading computational design initiatives, he created the software application Layer to change how architects leverage building data for better efficiency, transparency, and profitability.   ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

Today's guests are famed architect Lorcan O'Herlihy and renowend LA developer Richard Loring. Richard Loring is the Director of Design + Construction for Domos. He's an award-winning developer with a long-standing history of working with many of the most forward-thinking architecture firms. After receiving his masters in the History of English Architecture at Cambridge University, Loring founded Archetype, a general contracting company, where he built many noteworthy contemporary buildings for 26 years. Loring then served as Managing Director for Habitat Group Los Angeles, developing contemporary multifamily projects throughout the city. Many of Loring’s Habitat Group projects won AIA awards at the local, state and national level in addition to garnering coverage in leading architecture and design publications such as The New York Times, Dwell and Architectural Record. Today, Loring is leading the latest Los Angeles Domos project in Hancock Park. In partnership with Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects, Domos plans to reconfigure the property to bring the building up to current city codes and invigorate the living spaces, while preserving the building’s classic exterior. These plans include the addition of at least three new floors to the building, including co-living suites. Lorcan O'Herlihy FAIA is the founder and principal of LOHA (Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects) which seeks opportunities to engage the ever-changing complexities of the urban landscape while embracing architecture as a catalyst of change. Since its inception in 1994, LOHA's urban and social concerns have been paired with an interest in artistry. Lorcan spent his formative years working in New York and Paris on the Grand Louvre Museum as a designer at I.M. Pei Partners. Lorcan has also worked as a painter, sculptor, and furniture maker. The methodologies of material exploration and formal inflection, derived from the looseness of abstract art have played a significant role across all media and are a critical driver of his architecture. Lorcan’s professional practice has been accompanied by his academic and intellectual pursuits. He received a Master of Arts in History and Critical Thinking from the Architectural Association in London, writing a dissertation on social connectivity and generative urban strategies. He has taught and lectured extensively over the last decade, including at the Architectural Association in London, Southern California Institute of Architecture [SCI-Arc], Cranbrook Academy of Art, Columbia University, Carnegie Mellon University, Pratt Institute, and the National Building Museum in Washington D.C. He is currently an Adjunct Professor at the University of Southern California. In 2004 the Architectural League of New York selected Lorcan O'Herlihy as one of the eight “emerging voices” in the United States. In 2009, Lorcan was elevated to the prestigious College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects, an honor awarded to members who have made significant contributions to the profession. Lorcan’s commitment to design excellence in commercial, educational and residential projects has earned over 90 national and local design awards, including the AIA CC Distinguished Practice Award, AIA Los Angeles Firm of the Year Award, and in 2018 LOHA was awarded the status of #1 Design Firm in the US according to Architect Magazine's Architect 50.   ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

Today's guest is architect Alyse Makarewicz. “Be better today than I was yesterday.” Alyse Makarewicz applies this philosophy to her life as a mother, wife, architect, small business owner, and volunteer. She is the founder and president of AMB Architects, based in Houston, Texas. In this role, she ensures happy clients and successful outcomes on projects the firm undertakes and maintains a work culture that keeps employees fulfilled and energized. AMB specializes in corporate, retail, and healthcare interiors and new construction, and provides landlord and facilities management services. Alyse’s goal with AMB, and what most sets it apart from other firms, is the firm’s employee-first culture. No more all-nighters and burning the candle at both ends; AMB’s staffing is organized to provide employees balance. “Work-life balance is a huge focus here at AMB. People do their best work when they’re enjoying life, so everybody benefits.” This mentality leads to happy employees, enjoying their work, and giving it 100%, ultimately resulting in great projects and satisfied clients. Abraham Lincoln is reported to have said, give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend four sharpening the ax. Alyse believes in this philosophy and as such has invested heavily in her own leadership and management skills. She is a Certified DISC Consultant and Ziglar Legacy Certified Trainer. She uses these skills to train employees based on their strengths and personal development goals. Alyse donates her time to the American Institute of Architects, BNI, her neighborhood HOA, and her daughter’s Girl Scout Troop, holding a variety of leadership roles in each. She holds personal time sacred and uses it to spend time with family, build massive Lego projects, crochet, read, and travel. Today, you'll discover the valuable lessons Alyse Makarewicz learned surviving two recessions, and how this experience has prepared her and her team for the COVID-19 pandemic.   ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

Our guest today is Ren Yee, the Head of Innovation Strategy and Forecasting at UN Studio. He is also the Head of Design Strategy at UN Sense. UN Studio is an international architectural design network with four full-service international offices in Amsterdam, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Frankfurt. You may have seen the firm's work in publications such as Architectural Record, Architect, and ArchDaily.   ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

Julia Gamolina is dedicated to the built environment and the visibility and advancement of the women who work in it. She is the Director of Strategy at Trahan Architects, a global architecture firm where she focuses on new business, digital communications, and brand development. Julia is also the Founder and Editorial Director of MadameArchitect.org, an online publication about, by, and for the women that advance the practice of architecture. Thus far, Julia has interviewed over 125 architects and designers, as well as CEOs, publicists, journalists, business strategists, counsel, and more. Her writing has also been featured in Fast Company, A Women’s Thing, Metropolis Magazine, Architizer, and the Architect's Newspaper. She is a Founding Member of The Wing, a network of community spaces for women, as well as a member of Brick & Wonder, a member of the Female Founder Collective, a fellow of the Urban Design Forum, and a communications co-chair of ULI New York’s Young Leaders Group. In 2019, Julia received the Special Citation from AIANY for her work with Madame Architect, and was named one of Professional Women in Construction's "20 Under 40". She has served on juries for the 2019 World Architecture Festival and the DNA Paris Design Awards, and has held various speaking engagements at Harvard, Columbia, Yale, UPenn, Pratt, Georgia Tech and more. Julia received her Bachelor of Architecture at Cornell University, graduating with the Charles Goodwin Sands Memorial Medal for exceptional merit in the thesis of architecture. She is based in New York City. More of Julia's work: Madamearchitect: https://www.madamearchitect.org/ Trahan Architects: https://trahanarchitects.com/ I Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julia.gamolina/ Some of Julia's favorite interviews: Jean Brownhill: https://www.madamearchitect.org/interviews/2019/7/10/thorough-curiosity-jean-brownhill-of-sweeten-on-embracing-diversity-and-realizing-dreams Kim Holden: https://www.madamearchitect.org/interviews/2020/1/15/kim-holden   ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

Matthew Gullo is a native Houstonian and graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in architecture. After 14 years into an architecture career as a licensed architect he found himself as a principal of a multi-office Texas based firm with a need for a change. In 2013, after being married for almost two years to his supportive and beautiful wife, his back felt like it was against the wall career wise. The market was on an uphill climb but the Houston office, of the firm he was with, was experiencing some light work loads. With the mood in the office waning, a strong desire to see what he could do on his own, and a lot of deep questions on his mind he started writing and publishing his thoughts on a blog called Smart Simple Life. He was exploring ideas, coaching, self development, business acumen, and alternatives to the traditional architecture career. To put it bluntly, Matthew was motivated to make a bigger change than just going to another firm and did not want to be dependent on someone else to bring work into office. In December of 2013, he put in his notice to leave his principal position after having lunch with his great friend, Chris Grizzaffi, that was at the time and still is a part of Keller Williams. They talked about how the Smart Simple Life blog and how a lot of the things he was writing about paralleled Keller Williams teachings and philosophies. With a cheat sheet to getting a real estate license that Chris gave him, Matthew devised a plan to become a licensed Real Estate agent in 14 days. Over the next 10 days he got up super early before work to study and complete all of the required courses, took a 2 day prep class, scheduled a test and passed. The last few days of 2013, Matthew signed up with KW and took their extensive training called Ignite during the first week in January. With that training, the great people in my office, his coach Sheri Malone, Chris, the support of his wife and family he was able to sell 20 properties that first year for almost $4M in volume and was named the rising star in real estate. In 2016 his wife was able to quit her job and began helping Matthew part-time. They also hired someone to help show properties so he could focus on growing the company. Today, The Gullo Group is in the top 1% of Realtors in Houston, they have a full time operations manager, an agent that focuses on buyers, a marketing department, and several partners that help them get it all done.   ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

Today, I speak with Iben Falconer.  Iben Falconer is the former Business Development Director of the Americas for BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group. Iben joined BIG's NYC office in 2010. During her tenure, the NYC office grew from 13 to 200 employees, and greatly expanded its market reach, winning its first North American cultural and institutional projects. In addition to being involved with the company's business development strategy and leading its implementation, she was also a member of the executive management team. Prior to BIG, Iben worked for Steven Holl Architects, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Urban Land Institute. More recently, she was a Director at Gehl, and before that, the Director of Strategic Initiatives at Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. I'm excited to have Iben on with us today to talk about BIG's explosive growth during it's early years in the United States. As we record this episode, we are 4 months into the COVID-19 pandemic, so this conversation is especially crucial as you look for strategies to maintain and gain new clients and projects during difficult times. You can reach Iben via her email at iben.falconer@gmail.com or through her LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ibenfalconer/.   ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

Today, I speak with Ondřej Chybík, co-founder of Czech architecture and urban design practice, CHYBIK + KRISTOF. On today's episode, you’ll discover how Ondřej and his partner Michal Krištof have built and grown a design-focused practice of 56 people in the Czech Republic by building their reputation and getting recognized through joining competitions. To view CHYBIK + KRISTOF's work, visit: https://chybik-kristof.com/   ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

Today, I speak with Jerónimo van Schendel. Jerónimo van Schendel is a Harvard-trained architect who is currently the Director of the Master's degree program in Business For Architecture and Design at the IE University in Spain. In today's episode, Jerónimo shares the three qualities he feels are most important in the intersection of architecture and business, and he also shares about this new program that IE University has launched that combines and explores the intersection between entrepreneurship, business and architecture. You can find out more about IE University's programs and events through: IE University's website – https://www.ie.edu/ Jerónimo van Schendel's LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeronimovanschendel IE University's LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/school/ie-school-of-architecture-and-design/ IE University's Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/iearchdesign/?hl=en   ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

Today is the second half of my interview with former HOK CEO Patrick MacLeamy. In this episode of the Business of Architecture podcast, you'll discover how to lead through crises and challenges, as well as the essential building blocks for a long-lived company culture. MacLeamy spent 50 years at HOK, which grew into one of the largest architecture and engineering firms in the world during his time there. MacLeamy rose from Junior Designer to CEO of HOK and witnessed the firm’s growth from a single midwestern office to 27 locations across the globe offering architecture, interiors, engineering, planning and more. MacLeamy joined HOK St. Louis in 1967, after which he helped establish the firm’s San Francisco outpost in 1970 - later becoming managing principal of that office. He joined HOK’s executive committee in 1995 and was named COO five years later. In 2003, HOK shareholders elected MacLeamy Chief Executive Officer. He led the firm for 13 years. In 2016, MacLeamy chose a new CEO for HOK, remaining as Chairman for one more year before retiring —or as he likes to say, “repurposing.” In this episode of Business of Architecture, MacLeamy shares hard-learned business lessons from his time at HOK and the principles that led this company to be the success that it is today.

Today's guest should need no introduction, but you may not have heard of him because the firm he led as CEO from 2003 to 2017, one of the largest and most successful architecture firms in the world, doesn't revolve around the fame of one individual. Our guest is Patrick MacLeamy, former CEO of the firm HOK. MacLeamy just released a book on his experience in leadership and business through his time at HOK titled: Designing a World-Class Architecture Firm: The People, Stories and Strategies Behind HOK. MacLeamy is also the Chairman of buildingSMART International, which works to achieve open standards for the exchange of digital information in the building and infrastructure industries. He was a founding member of buildingSMART, in 1994. He spent 50 years at HOK, which grew into one of the largest architecture and engineering firms in the world during his time there. MacLeamy rose from Junior Designer to CEO of HOK and witnessed the firm’s growth from a single midwestern office to 27 locations across the globe offering architecture, interiors, engineering, planning and more. MacLeamy joined HOK St. Louis in 1967, after which he helped establish the firm’s San Francisco outpost in 1970 - later becoming managing principal of that office. He joined HOK’s executive committee in 1995 and was named COO five years later. In 2003, HOK shareholders elected MacLeamy Chief Executive Officer. He led the firm for 13 years. In 2016, MacLeamy chose a new CEO for HOK, remaining as Chairman for one more year before retiring —or as he likes to say, “repurposing.” In this episode of Business of Architecture, MacLeamy shares hard-learned business lessons from his time at HOK and the principles that led this company to be the success that it is today.   ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

Today we have the privilege of hearing from one of the icons of architecture - the man who co-founded one of the largest architecture firms in the world, Kohn Pedersen Fox or KPF. Now In its 46th year, KPF spans the world with offices in 8 countries and with projects in more than 40. KPF founder Gene Kohn has, with his two partners, built an architecture business that flourishes because when it comes to good business he practices what he preaches. Gene just released a book chronicling the challenges and successes of building this incredibly successful firm: The World by Design: The Story of a Global Architecture Firm. What are his secrets for success? On this episode you'll discover that KPF is set up and operates as the antithesis of the starchitect syndrome, the firm is not built around the personality or designs of an individual. From the outset KPF was designed as a firm that would carry on after Gene and the other founders retired or passed away. This strategy different from many other prominent firms where the reputation of individual designers emphasized. Instead, KPF developed and lives by a culture of teamwork, rather than one of star designers. Gene believes in discovering the most talented recent graduates, training them in all aspects of the profession and then elevating them to leadership positions. This approach has worked and KPF now has 31 principals – and a president - who rose from the ranks. Today KPF employs more than 650 people with offices in New York, San Francisco, London, Berlin, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Seoul, Abu Dhabi and Singapore The KPF team has been hugely successful with major buildings all over the world. Of the world’s 12 tallest buildings, 6 of them were designed by KPF – the Ping An Finance Center in Shenzhen, the Lotte World Tower in Seoul, the CTF Finance Center in Guangzhou, the CITIC Tower (also known as China Zun) in Beijing and the Shanghai World Financial Center. These bona fides in global markets have positioned KPF to be named the architects for one of its newest projects One Vanderbilt, the 1401-foot-high-tower across Vanderbilt Avenue from Grand Central terminal that, with its observation deck and office floors, will make it higher than the neighboring Empire State building. Gene turned what was initially a NY-based firm into a global powerhouse. This expansion strategy has allowed the firm to ride out major recessions in the U.S. by doing work abroad. It has also given the firm the chance to develop expertise in designing large complicated projects – first in Asia and now in the U.S. For example, the firm designed the JR Central Towers atop an active rail yard in Nagoya, Japan in the 1990’s, and then used that experience to work on Hudson Yards in NY. Now you man be wondering - what does the story of one of the worlds largest firm's have to do with my success as a practitioner in a small firm? Listen closely, because the strategies that Eugene Kohn used to grow his practice are the same you can use in your firm to build a firm to suit your life. Many architects think of business as a dirty word. Gene however has emphasized the need for architects to solve their clients’ problems on time and on budget, without compromising design integrity. He and his partners have made a practice of developing strong connections between the architectural profession and the business world.   ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!