Entrepreneur Architect

Pat Flynn graduated from UC Berkeley Architecture, loved the profession and was working his way through the ranks to become an architect. He was living his dream… until the day he was Let Go. In this episode of the Entrepreneur Architect Podcast, Pat Flynn tells the story about how he made the decision to leave the architecture profession and follow his passion for internet business. Today he earns more than $60,000 per month through his many online properties, including his very popular blog SmartPassiveIncome.com. (Yes... you read that correctly. That's $720,000 per year.) Pat shares his thoughts on how architects can apply the lessons he has learned through building his online businesses and tells a story of how small choices can lead to big things. Subscribe to The Entrepreneur Architect Podcast on iTunes.   Check out some of Pat's online projects: PatFlynn.me GreenExamAcademy.com SmartPassiveIncome.com SecurityGuardTrainingHQ.com CreateAClickableMap.com Let Go (Pat's Book) NicheSiteDuel.com (Pat is publically documenting the development of his newest online business) Smart Passive Income Podcast Pat's Podcasting Tutorial on YouTube (the videos that helped me launch The Entrepreneur Architect Podcast) Say thanks to Pat on Twitter @PatFlynn  

In this episode of the Entrepreneur Architect Podcast, I am speaking with Ian Harris, the co-Founder of Arbuckle Industries and the co-Director and Producer of the new documentary film archiCULTURE. The film offers a unique glimpse into the world of studio-based design education through the eyes of a group of students finishing their final design projects at Pratt Institute's undergraduate architecture program. Ian premiered the film at the Newport Beach Film Festival just a few days before we sat down to record this conversation, so I appreciate that he took the time out of his busy schedule to speak with me here on the podcast. We discussed the film's development, the state of architectural education, the crisis within our profession and we even proposed a few solutions. It was a great conversation, so I know you're going to like this one. If you like what you hear, please spread the word by clicking here. Please subscribe to The Entrepreneur Architect Podcast at iTunes. Topics Discussed Newport Beach Film Festival 2013 Ohio State University Cincinnati, Ohio University of Cincinnati School of Architecture Copenhagen Alvar Alto Hart Howerton Architecture David Krantz archiCULTURE Film Empty Kingdom SCI-Arc Pratt Institute Architorture Film Architecture Education Funding the film The business of architecture The current crisis of the architecture profession Solutions for the future of architecture profession Built Film ("Food Inc. for the built environment") Archispeak Podcast Architecture and design films Screenings of archiCULTURE film   Links Newport Beach Film Festival 2013 archiCULTURE Film Built Film (twitter) Ian Harris (twitter) archiCULTURE (twitter) My blog post on Architorture Film from 2007 Arbuckle Industries AIA Convention 2013 Archispeak Podcast

Subscribe to The Entrepreneur Architect Podcast at iTunes We've enjoyed lots of engagement here on the blog lately and one subject that consistently triggers a response from readers is Professional Liability Insurance; what it is, why we need it and if we need it as sole proprietors and owners of small architecture firms. In this episode of The Entrepreneur Architect Podcast, I interview Frank D. Musica. Frank is trained as an architect, practiced in Chicago, has earned a Masters of Business Administration and a law degree. Today he is the Senior Risk Management Attorney at Victor O. Schinnerer & Co. Who better to answer all our questions and concerns about this critical and often misunderstood subject, than the man who is in charge of doing just that for at the largest provider of insurance to the architecture profession? I hope you find this episode very informative. If you have any additional questions regarding professional liability insurance, please send me an email or contact Frank directly. His contact information is listed below with many other useful resources. If you like what you hear, please take a minute or two to leave a review of The Entrepreneur Architect Podcast over at iTunes. Your review will help other Entrepreneur Architects find the podcast. Together we will make a difference and be an influential force in the profession. Topics and People Referenced in This Episode Frank D. Musica Professional liability insurance for architects Vic Schinnerer Victor O. Schinnerer & Co., Inc. History of professional liability insurance for architects AIA Trust American Institute of Architects (AIA) Insurance requirements for small firms Reasons why architects should buy professional liability insurance How professional liability insurance differs from other insurances Other benefits resulting from holding professional liability insurance Do AIA Contract Documents require professional liability insurance? Pre-claims assistance from insurance company with no additional cost to architect Owner/Architect Contract review assistance Regional and project type effects on insurance rates Types of liability claims on architects "Claims Made" insurance coverage Limits on claims based on when work was completed "Prior Acts" coverage Asbestos insurance coverage example CNA as underwriter to Victor O. Schinnerer & Co, Inc. Exclusions to insurance policy coverage Reasons for new firms to obtain coverage immediately Difference between insurance brokers and insurance agents Importance of choosing the right insurance broker Other types of insurance policies recommended for small firms Limits of homeowners insurance policies on home-based business claims Technology insurance coverage (crashed servers, CAD/BIM file failures, file transfers, viruses, data theft) Cost of professional liability insurance Factors effecting cost of professional liability insurance Why corporations and LLCs do not protect architects' from professional liability Limited liability and waiver provisions to include in your Owner/Architect Agreement to protect from claims Resources from This Episode Schinnerer.com TheAIATrust.com Professional Liability Insurer Database PlanetRiskManagement.com Broker Finder Contact Frank with additional questions or just to say "thank you" Additional Resources The Risk Management Podcast Did You Get The Owner's Manual for Your Practice? (AIA Convention 2013 Seminar) Leading A Practice: Making the Transition to Running Your Own Firm (AIA Convention 2013 Seminar)

Subscribe at iTunes Blu Homes has reinvented residential design with their patented folding prefab construction... offering architecture as a product. Todays guest at The Entrepreneur Architect Podcast is Blu Home's VP of Design, Karl Daubmann. We talked about Karl's background, how he landed an architect's dream job at Blu and their integrated approach to delivering custom prefab modern homes throughout the United States. If you liked Episode 1 with my friend Christopher Pollard, you're going to love my conversation with Karl. Blu is taking home construction and the business of architecture to the next level. We discussed how Blu is changing the home building industry and what architects can learn from Blu's success. Topics Discussed in This Episode Roger Williams University Massachusetts Institute of Technology University of Michigan PLY Architecture Integrated design Architecture as product The differences among modular, panelized and Blu's patented folding designs The birth of Blu Homes in 2008 Founders; Bill Haney, Maura McCarthy and Dennis Michaud CATIA 3D Software Founded by entrepreneurs and developed as a business, rather than an architecture firm Problems with past prefab companies Architects vs. Business Secrets to success for Blu Home The importance of company owned factory and on-staff tradespeople How Blu Homes is funded and future investment Similarities to tech company business structures Prefab developer markets Pricing of typical Blu Homes house Growth of the company The benefit of Blu NOT being a "architecture firm" Tips for architects wanting to explore alternative paths to the traditional firm Links Blu Homes University of Michigan Taubman College School of Architecture + Urban Planning Faculty Directory PLY Architecture Dana Smith of Dadascope Leave a Review for this Episode The Entrepreneur Architect Podcast on iTunes

Subscribe on iTunes Subscribe via RSS Architects are storytellers. We all know stories inspired by architecture. Stories of success and failure. Our greatest works of architecture hold stories that are passed down from generation to generation; no different than great works of art or a classic novel. Today on the podcast we're speaking with architect and storyteller Collier Ward. By day, Collier is an architect with the firm CASA Designs in Huntsville, Alabama, but at every other waking moment, he's a storyteller. Sit back, relax and listen as Collier tells us a short story that he wrote just for us at the Entrepreneur Architect Podcast. Links from This Episode http://www.getstoried.com (Know Your Story) http://www.duarte.com/ (Tell Your Story) http://www.nanowrimo.org/ (Write Your Story)   Collier's blog: http://www.buildingcontent.highercontent.com On Twitter: collier1960 AND BuildingContent E-mail: collier1960@hotmail.com   Please remember to leave a review of The Entrepreneur Architect Podcast at iTunes.  

We finally made it to Episode 2. Subscribe on iTunes Subscribe via RSS I'm thinking a month between episodes might be a bit too long. I could not wait to record the second episode of The Entrepreneur Architect Podcast. We may need to make some changes to the podcast schedule in order to get you more episodes posted more often. Let me know what you think about that by leaving a comment below. How often would you like to hear a new episode of The Entrepreneur Architect Podcast? I received some very encouraging feedback from Episode 1 and my interview with Christopher Pollard, founder and CEO of Anon Design Collective. We spoke about using our architectural education, the skills we have as architects and taking our careers to places other than the traditional architecture firm. If you haven't listened to that episode, please be sure to check it out. For my very first effort, I am really proud of the result and I hope it makes you to think beyond the traditional roles we have as architects and maybe even inspires you to take YOUR career in a very different direction. Today I have another great interview with my friend, Bob Borson, a dallas based residential architect who has become rather well known online through his blog, Life of an Architect. We discussed his role at the firm, Bernbaum Magadini Architects and how he loves working with residential clients. He even shares a few behind-the-scenes secrets to his success as a blogger. I hope you enjoy it. Please let me know what you think in the comments or send me an email by clicking CONTACT above. Topics Discussed Personality-based success in residential architecture The history of the Life of an Architect Playhouse Competition Behind the scenes at Life of an Architect blog Secrets to success at Life of an Architect blog Traffic stats at Life of an Architect blog Impact of blogging on business Bob Borson's close call with quitting architecture The good and the bad of blogging Tips for architects thinking about launching a blog Friends made through blogging Texas barbecue and beer making Bob Borson's musical talents ...and much more! Links Life of an Architect Bernbaum Magadini Architects Dallas CASA Life of an Architect Playhouse Competition 2012 (stay tuned for info on the 2013 competition) BUILD LLC Coffee with an Architect blog with Jody Brown Architect Life of an Architect FAQ Page Contact Bob Borson Let me know what you think... How often would you like to hear a new episode of The Entrepreneur Architect Podcast? Please remember to leave a review of The Entrepreneur Architect Podcast at iTunes.

It's finally here... Episode 001 of The Entrepreneur Architect Podcast. Subscribe on iTunes now. In this first episode, I sit down with Christopher Pollard, Founder and CEO of Anon Design Collective (live at Fivecat Studio). He is trained as an architect, but has taken his career in a very different direction. Chris says, "Architecture is Dead". Listen and find out if you agree. I hope you enjoy it. Please let me know what you think in the comments or send me an email by clicking CONTACT above. Topics Discussed Architecture School Education of an architect Experiential Design and Marketing The intersection of architecture, design and business Design is the "killer app" Architects delivering business solutions Collaborative model of project delivery Using the skills and talents of architectural training for alternative careers Identity crisis in the profession of architecture "Architecture is Dead" The "brand" of architect Leadership Advice for recent graduates and interns Don't be afraid Places and People Mentioned Christopher Pollard Anon Design Collective Fivecat Studio Purepartner by Design Syracuse University Rockwell Group David Rockwell Coca Cola Live Nation (Clear Channel Entertainment) Pininfarina XBOX 360 (Microsoft) Astro Studios JDK Design Bruce Mau Design Imagination Obscura Digital Apple Jonathan "Jony" Ive Steve Jobs Art Vandelay (George Costanza) Links Anon Design Collective The Entrepreneur Architect Podcast: Introduction Episode    iTunes Update The Entrepreneur Architect Podcast is now available on iTunes. Subscribe now and don't miss the next episode. Please don't forget to review and give it a rating on iTunes. This will help other Entrepreneur Architects find the podcast.  

One month ago, on November 12, 2012, I published a blog post introducing The 12/12/12 Project. The idea behind the 12/12/12 Project is to push through your fear of failure, make a decision final and commit to something that will literally alter your life. Something that you have been dreaming about but have always been afraid to do. It's an opportunity to follow your passion and become what you are truly meant to be. My challenge to you, and to myself, was to prepare a plan and commit to executing that plan on December 12, 2012. Well… that day has come. Today, is 12/12/12. So what is my 12/12/12 Project? Click the link below to find out. I hope you enjoy it. Please take a moment to post a comment and tell me what you think. Click Here To Listen Now -->> EA000 _ Introduction- The Entrepreneur Architect Here's the Transcript: Episode 000 | Introduction: The Entrepreneur Architect Podcast Every summer as a kid, my parents would load up the old Suburban, hook up the boat and head to a crystal clear lake in upstate New York's Adirondack Mountains. My brothers and I would look forward to that trip all year long. In anticipation our imaginations would take over and create an event so amazing that the excitement of thinking about the vacation was almost more fun than the actual trip itself. We had such a great time on those trips. We would swim and picnic and fish and go on long rides in the boat. My Dad is a retired auto mechanic and he loves all things FAST. Our boat was a 27 foot Magnum; an offshore powerboat with twin 350 Chevy engines... and it was FAST. We would strap on our goggles, hang on tight and we would race across the top of the waves. We would visit amazing places on the lake;  which as a kid I would imagine were undiscovered territories never before seen with human eyes. Some of these special coves and bays are surrounded by shear cliffs where hundreds of thousands of years ago tectonic activity ripped through the region and mountains rose from the earth. Sometimes we would anchor and swim to shore, climb these cliffs... and jump. It is truly an amazing feeling to jump from a 30 foot cliff and plunge into cool deep water below… but it is NOT easy to do the first time. The first time you climb to the top of one of these cliffs and look down, your heart pushes up against your throat and your stomach tightens up and you say, NO WAY am I jumping into that water. You are filled with complete and total fear. But then your courage pushes through your fear... and you just do it! And it is awesome. The feeling of pride. The freedom. The physical sensation of the wind whipping past your ears and the adrenaline pumping through your veins finding its way to your brain. It is amazing. And its a feeling that I haven't felt in a very long time. Until now. One month ago, on November 12, 2012, I published a blog post introducing The 12/12/12 Project. The idea behind the 12/12/12 Project is to push through your fear of failure, make a decision final and commit to something that will literally alter your life. Something that you have been dreaming about but have always been afraid to do. It's an opportunity to follow your passion and become what you are truly meant to be. My challenge to you, and to myself, was to prepare a plan and commit to executing that plan on December 12, 2012. Well… that day has come. Today, is 12/12/12. So what is my 12/12/12 Project? I will get to that in a moment. First, I want to tell you a little bit about me. My name is Mark LePage and I am an Architect. I am the President and Partner in Change of Operations at the architecture firm, Fivecat Studio, which I own with my most beautiful and talented architect wife Annmarie McCarthy. Annmarie and I have three young kids, two dogs and… let's just say several cats… oh, and a guinea pig named Reilly. Annmarie and I are slowly restoring our little 1934 stucco cottage in the woods of Chappaqua, New York.

Prior to starting our own firms, we business-owner architects experienced an "entrepreneurial seizure", as Michael Gerber so accurately described in his book, The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It. It's the ...