Unlocking Your Architectural Success: A Journey Towards Professional Growth and Recognition

As an architect with a three-decade journey behind me, I am so excited to be your guiding companion on this remarkable path to recognition and professional growth. This is for the architect who is navigating the industry independently, the architect brimming with passion and boundless ideas, the one who wants to be impactful.


We'll explore the nuances of what makes an architect stand out in the current landscape, the things that make us unique, our work and approach desirable. My aim is to ignite within you a flame that will propel your career to unparalleled heights and allow you to leave an undeniable legacy within the architectural world.

 
Architect walking down a path

Carving Your Unique Path

Defining Your Architectural Identity: Embracing Uniqueness to Stand Out

I urge you to embrace your distinctiveness in the architectural realm. As an independent architect, your capacity to break away from the crowd and forge a unique identity becomes your greatest asset. Daring to challenge conventions and pioneer innovative design approaches that transcend the ordinary will set you apart as a visionary in the field.

Identifying Your Distinctive Style and Approach

Throughout my career, I've witnessed the power of a well-defined architectural style. Embrace your individuality. Spend some time identifying the everpresent elements of your work that define your design DNA. By aligning your distinctive style with your personal values and design principles, you will make yourself instantly desirable to clients seeking a particular aesthetic and design philosophy.

Leveraging Your Personal Brand as an Architect

Architecture is not just about erecting structures; it's also about connecting with people. By nurturing a strong personal brand, you infuse authenticity and trustworthiness with your architectural work. Utilize your online presence, professional website, and engaging blog to showcase your passion, experiences, and architectural journey, solidifying your status as a respected thought leader in the industry

 

Finding Your Niche

Discovering Your Architectural Niche: Paving the Way to Excellence

I cannot stress enough the significance of finding your niche in the vast landscape of architecture. By honing in on a specialized area that aligns with your strengths and interests, you position yourself as an expert with a profound understanding of your chosen domain. Specialization not only elevates your credibility but also attracts clients seeking tailored and innovative solutions.

Exploring Niche Architectural Services

I advocate for exploring niche architectural services once you've decided on an area of specialization. Immersing yourself in the intricacies of your chosen field opens new avenues for design excellence. Collaborate with other experts, research-related projects, and embrace a continuous learning mindset to stay ahead in your niche. You can use this knowledge to craft specific high-value service offerings that provide unparalleled value to your clients.

Targeting a Specific Audience and Market

Define your target demographic, and tailor your architectural services to cater to their unique needs and aspirations. Throughout my career, I've witnessed the transformational impact of targeting a specific audience. By addressing a particular market, you establish yourself as the go-to architect for clients seeking solutions that resonate with their vision and lifestyle.

 

Storytelling in Architecture

Connecting with Clients Through Personal Stories

Storytelling can be a powerful tool for forging meaningful connections with clients. From nap time to a big-budget box office release, everyone loves a good story.  Personal anecdotes and experiences have the ability to humanize your architectural work and create an emotional bond with those who experience your designs. Share your journey, challenges, and triumphs to inspire confidence and trust in your clients.

Sharing Your Architectural Journey and Challenges

This may sound counterintuitive. If I want to be seen as an expert, the go-to person for a prospective client why would I share anything but my triumphs? Everyone has a learning curve to high-level proficiency, in showing your authenticity it's important to be transparent. Share your architectural journey with humility, acknowledging the challenges you faced and the lessons you learned. By revealing your vulnerability and resilience, you create an open and honest environment for collaboration with clients who value your sincerity.

Inspiring Trust and Relatability

Again, trust is the cornerstone of successful collaborations. Sharing personal stories, allow you to foster relatability and create an approachable persona that resonates with clients. Building trust through storytelling lays the foundation for long-lasting partnerships and projects that transcend mere structures.

 

Data-Driven Designs

Empowering Design with Data: The Key to Efficient Architectural Solutions

Over the years I've witnessed the transformative potential of data-driven design. Information is so easily accessible now, we would be remiss not to take advantage for the benefit of our work and client satisfaction. Embrace the wealth of information available to you, from user behaviour to environmental factors, to inform and optimize your architectural solutions. By harnessing data and technology, you elevate your designs to new levels of efficiency and innovation.

Using Analytics to Inform Design Decisions

I encourage architects to be analytical in their approach. Gather and analyze relevant information to derive insights that bolster your design decisions. Share these insights with your clients, demonstrating the basis for your recommendations and instilling confidence in your expertise.

Presenting Data to Clients Effectively

An experienced architect knows that effective communication is vital to project success. Present data in a visually compelling manner using charts, infographics, and interactive presentations. Simplify complex information, focusing on key takeaways that resonate with your client's project goals. By presenting data confidently and compellingly, you showcase your proficiency in integrating empirical evidence into your architectural solutions.

 

Mastering the Art of Details

Elevating Projects with Meticulous Attention to Detail

As architects, we operate in a space where details are everything. Throughout my career, I've witnessed the transformative impact of paying meticulous attention to details. Thoughtfully designed elements, be it materials, lighting, or spatial arrangement, elevate your projects from ordinary to extraordinary. Embrace a commitment to perfection and craftsmanship that distinguishes your work and establishes you as a true master of your craft.

Showcasing Craftsmanship in Your Work

The art of craftsmanship is at the heart of remarkable architecture. Celebrate the collaboration between your creativity and skilled craftsmen, as it yields unique and awe-inspiring results. Emphasize the handcrafted elements and artisanal touches that make each project a bespoke creation. By showcasing craftsmanship, you inspire admiration for the artistry behind your designs.

How Details Enhance the User Experience

Details, both noticeable and subtle can profoundly impact a user's experience. Thoughtfully designed elements can evoke emotions, create comfort, and foster a sense of belonging for occupants. From warm wood tones to acoustic considerations, details contribute to spaces that are visually stunning and functionally purposeful. To highlight the uniqueness of your work It's important to communicate how your attention to detail enhances the human experience within your architectural projects.

 

Provoking Thought Through Design

Pushing Boundaries in Architectural Concepts

Throughout my extensive career, I've encouraged architects to be visionaries. Dare to transcend the ordinary and challenge architectural norms by exploring innovative materials, construction techniques, and spatial configurations. Thought-provoking architecture captivates the imagination and leaves a lasting impression on those who experience it. As an experienced mentor, I urge you to be the architect who dares to dream beyond conventions.

Creating Designs that Elicit Emotions and Reflections

I'll say it again, architecture isn't just about structures. Over the years I've seen how powerful an emotional effect a fantastically designed building nestled on a gorgeous landscape can have. Design spaces can resonate with the human spirit and evoke a range of emotions. Whether it's creating a serene sanctuary or a vibrant community space, tap into the psychological impact of design. Use your skill to create an object of unmatched beauty that your clients will fall more in love with every day! Emotionally charged architecture forges deep connections with people and creates cherished memories.

Balancing Innovation with Practicality

The balance between innovation and practicality is delicate and an experienced architect knows this. While pushing boundaries is essential, it is equally important to ensure your designs are feasible and functional. Consider the usability and sustainability of your concepts to deliver designs that are both visionary and practical. By achieving this equilibrium, you demonstrate your ability to deliver real-world solutions that surpass expectations.

 

Passion: Fuel for Success

The Role of Passion in an Architect's Career

Passion is the lifeblood of an architect's career. It fuels your dedication to the craft and infuses your work with enthusiasm and energy. Embrace your passion for architecture, for it is this ardour that connects you with clients and collaborators on a profound level. Passion is the driving force behind the exceptional architecture that leaves an enduring legacy.

Cultivating and Sustaining Your Love for Architecture

Throughout my career, my passion for architecture has been my guiding light. Surround yourself with inspirational designs, engage in design discussions, and seek out opportunities to expand your knowledge. Cultivate your love for architecture through continuous learning and appreciation for the beauty of design. By nurturing your passion, you ensure that your architectural journey remains fulfilling and rewarding.

Transferring Passion to Clients and Collaborators

Passion is contagious. Share your passion with clients, collaborators, and aspiring architects alike. Engage clients in your design process, inspiring them with your vision and excitement. Encourage collaborators to contribute their ideas and expertise, fostering a collaborative environment that yields remarkable results.

 

Sharing Knowledge: Mentoring and Blogging

Becoming a Mentor in the Architectural Community

As an architect and construction manager with decades of experience, I believe in the transformative power of mentorship. Give back to the architectural community by becoming a mentor to aspiring architects. Share your knowledge, experiences, and insights, guiding the next generation of architects towards greatness. Mentorship not only benefits mentees but enriches your own understanding and leadership skills.

The Impact of Blogging on Your Reputation

Throughout my career, I've witnessed the evolution of communication in the architectural space. The knowledge of 1000 generations has been passed on through the written word, as experts pushing the boundaries to improve our craft we are obliged to share our experiences with the current and future crop of architects. Embrace the art of blogging to showcase your expertise and thought leadership. Share insightful articles, project case studies, and architectural trends that resonate with your target audience. A well-curated blog establishes you as an authority in your niche, attracting like-minded clients and collaborators who appreciate your expertise.

Writing Attention-Grabbing Headlines for Your Blog

David Ogilvy once said, “On average, five times as many people read the headline as read the body copy. When you have written your headline, you have spent eighty cents out of your dollar”. Coming from the godfather of advertising this shows how significant a captivating headline is. Craft titles that ignite curiosity, employ intriguing questions or convey powerful statements that entice readers. Use language that compels readers to explore the architectural wonders you share. By mastering the art of attention-grabbing headlines, you ensure that your blog remains a captivating platform for architectural inspiration.

 

Conclusion

As we conclude this insightful journey, I encourage you to carve your unique path, embrace your distinctive style, and leverage your personal brand to resonate with clients and the architectural community. Find your niche, share your architectural journey through storytelling, and harness the power of data-driven designs and meticulous attention to detail.

As you push the boundaries of design and evoke emotions through your creations, remember that passion is the fuel that sustains your success. Cultivate your love for architecture and share it with clients and collaborators, inspiring a collective commitment to excellence. Become a mentor, sharing your knowledge and guiding the next generation of architects. And as you embrace the art of blogging, write headlines that captivate readers and draw them into the captivating world of architecture you create.

May this journey toward professional growth and recognition be as fulfilling as it is transformative. As you continue to evolve as an independent architect, remember that your dedication, innovation, and commitment to excellence are the building blocks of an enduring reputation that will shape the architectural landscape for generations to come.

My Covid Remodel

During the height of Covid, everyone knows that products were not available …so how do you remodel?

Featuring Holly Hunt wallpaper

The key to success was ONLY order what was absolutely available….no waiting, no custom orders…”in stock” was the mantra!

In doing so, I used materials that I would have never thought to use otherwise….

I researched for in stock cabinets and found Robern, known mostly for their medicine cabinets makes a wonderful wall mounted cabinet, in. Stock, in a variety of finishes.

Then there is always RH Modern, at my disposal for bath fixtures to furniture where the delivery date is noted when you order…no questions here!

Newly bleached floors lightens up the space

Flower arrangements from Terrain by Anthropologie.

stay tuned for the next project!

Viva Mexico!

Mexico is not too far from Arizona so it’s easy to get there until…..

You enter the airport and your luggage takes an hour to claim. That’s the first clue that you have arrived to a city that is relaxed.

The most incredible indoor outdoor pool ever!

Mexico does color so I decided to chip into the effort!

Mole! Mole!

The contemporary museum owned by Carlos Slim.

The

Muted colors and what she might be thinking seems so soft.

The colors are so vibrant that it shakes you up and awakes you to the life here!

New construction project

Every construction start begins with a photo!

Best way to record the start date and do much fun to look back and remember the “beginning”.

This project had a few hiccups before the start like COVID affecting progress, price jumps and a difficult land acquisition. But we are still smiling and ready for progress!


Driveway anticipates many trades, many trades, and some gorgeous materials!

The start up is exciting, everything is new, and all of the conversations and ideas are about to emerge!

From sketches to reality.

Truly a dream home in progress!

I think we are going to build this project now and breath!

A day in the life of...

As an Architect, the first part of the job is designing the project, situating the home on the property, understanding your clients and moving the design to completion. It takes numerous conversation, emails, zoom calls, drawings, and redrawing, the engineering, and finally deciding on all of the finishing touches.

Residence under construction in Sedona

And then, after all of the work….the build of the project begins!

The construction starts with the removal of the trees that would otherwise fall within the footprint of the home…

 

Just having a bit of fun!

Our “team” start up photo

The home is outlined in the dirt, and then the retaining walls are built to maintain the dirt in place. This involves many concrete blocks. Its now evident where the home is going to be situated and although the entire site looks very confusing, there is a way in which to walk it and say well here is the front door, here is the kitchen, dining, etc.

 

Then concrete block walls and plumbing start telling the story…and although its really a heap of dirt and concrete, its starting to make sense!

 

What’s really wonderful for me, is all of the calls, drawings and work is behind me, and I get to watch the home emerge from the ground. Of course questions arise, and sometimes options as the build starts, but for the most part I’m just jumping in my skin awaiting the final form!

This is at the point where the plumbing is in the ground as we gain inspection approvals.

Concept design

Initial Design for the placement of the home.

DREAM HOMES

We’re Being Featured in Dream Homes


We are proud to be featured in DREAM HOMES upcoming book, Dream Homes of North America. This book contains one-of-a-kind urban, suburban, and vacation homes crafted by the nation’s leading architects, and we are proud to be among the featured professionals.


To view the breath taking document visit here.

The Color Orange

Marigolds are probably the most vibrant form of Orange


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It is believed that the spirits of the dead visit the living during the celebration. Marigolds guide the spirits to their altars using their vibrant colors and pungent scent. Marigolds, or flowers in general, also represent the fragility of life.

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Aside from being offered as a sacrifice to gods from Christian, Aztec, Buddhist, Hindu, and Pagan religions, this little flower has strong ties to the sun and its power to resurrect. All types of Marigold offer the same basic meanings because they all share the same bright yellow, red, or orange color.

Victorian flower language experts considered it a symbol of despair and grief, which is shared with the Mexican cultural conception linking it to the remembrance of the dead during Dia de Muertos.

The Victorians also linked it with cruel treatment towards a loved one. Modern meanings focus on the sunny color and beauty instead, giving the flower a meaning of optimism and success instead.

Marigolds were carried as love charms or spells in the Middle Ages by both genders who wanted to attract someone new.

The inspirations for the color orange primarily come from the the parts of the world that use marigolds in their religion services. Then there is the sunlight that gives a golden color, related to Orange, and even wood, adds the golden warmth as a texture. Raw steel, another material that has the strength and the color orange; lava rock; stained glass, a simple balloon.

Although I do not use Orange as a dominate color, I sparingly use the color to add a POP of color by way of fabrics, Citrine glass objects, mosaic, roses, shoes….

Neutra and recent project

Recently I was doing my latest pastime of Drawing Botanical, when my instructor told me the best way to draw is slowly with patience which is often promoted by listening to Podcasts. So there I went, to figure out how to get the speakers to talk to my phone, to talk to the podcast world….and after a short time I was set!

As an Architect, what I never had much time for while working to the max….always…was to check out the stories of Architects. So as it is, I have the time, thank you COVID, and Im listening to a talk on Frank Loyd Wright.

What I didn’t know was that he has a strong relationship with Richard Neutra, in fact Neutra idolized him and immigrated to the United States in the early 1920’s with the dual motivation of working for his idol, Mr Wright, and for exploring American industrial potential for economical and lightweight housing, schools, medical facilities and “architecture of social concern”.

Wright's early cordiality changed to vitriol when he characterized those projects as "Cheap and Thin." Although meant as an insult, the characterization revealed a recognition of the different direction that Richard Neutra's goals had given to the basic strategies that Wright had developed twenty years earlier: and thus Mid Century “California Modern” was born.

I found this fun and interesting…evidently with the thin lines and lots of glass, people would mistake the glass panes for openings and walk into the glass. And naturally, Neutra thought that was perfect as it showed that his design intention was working! Form over function!

Dorothy Serulnic was Neutra’s executive assistant. And why do we care…well here comes the connection to my recent work. Richard Neutra designed a home for her and her husband in California.

Dorothy Serulnic’s California Residence

Dorothy Serulnic’s California Residence

And then Dorothy came to Sedona, Arizona and had this home built!

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I met the lovely owner’s of this Historic Home, otherwise known as the Hummingbird House, and was pleased to assist with some upgrades to the lighting, paint and furnishings!

We are keeping the intention of Dorothy’s vision, inspired by her home in California by Richard Neutra…staying with neutral tones to enhance the original beauty of the home….maybe we will paint the front door orange!….it’s a thought!

Who would have thought that New Zealand has an Art Deco influence?

Truly amazing that while New Zealand is about nature, and the beautiful landscape, by quite a surprise there is a town Napier, that is truly Art Deco style!

Here’s typical scenery in New Zealand. Just incredible!

And then you have this Art Deco town, Napier.

1925

Originating in Europe, in the early 20th century the Art Deco style became widely known following the great Exposition de Arts Moderness Decoratifs et Industriels held in Paris in 1925 and from which its name was ultimately derived.

1931

The 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake, also known as the Napier earthquake, occurred in New Zealand at 10:47 am on Tuesday 3 February 1931 devastating the Hawke's Bay region. It remains New Zealand's deadliest natural disaster.


Nowhere else can you see such a variety of buildings in the styles of the 1930s - Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission, and above all Art Deco, the style of the 20th Century - in such a concentrated area.

Napier's Art Deco is unique, with Maori motifs and the buildings of Louis Hay, admirer of the great Frank Lloyd Wright.

Enhanced by palms and the angular Norfolk Island pines which are its trademark, and surrounded by fertile fruit and grape growing plains, dramatic hills and the shores of the South Pacific, beautiful Napier is the centre of the Hawke's Bay region…also good white wine! :)

How an art class can change your sense of color....

Have your ever thought to take a class in cooking, so that you can have a better understanding of the taste of foods, or a wine class to learn to develop a better palate for wines?

Why not consider taking an art class if you really want to develop a better sense of color in your home furnishings and accessories?

I’m taking a Botanical Art class on line, inspired by my sister, and taught by an amazing artist Wendy Hollender.

I find that spending time with colored pencils, both traditional and ones that turn into watercolor……opens my awareness to every color I see…whether walking in nature, or viewing a ceramic piece that I have had for years…I just want to say how incredible the experience has been to recognize and know exactly which colors of the spectrum were used in a given object!

I work with color and design and I was shown a sample of a millwork stain last week, and suddenly I knew exactly the essence or the potential formula for the paint and stain…..it was a transformation! Normally I would have gravitated towards the aesthetic and if it was acceptable for a given environment….but this time I really understood the colors behind the product!

I think by mixing colors, especially colored pencils which one can control so much more than paint…you absorb the essence of color.

And the product of that awareness is being able to match colors in your decor and or surroundings, even if you are setting a table, or making bedding choices!

Try it and enjoy!