In the Industry
I’m an architecture student, or thinking about going to architecture school. What’s your best advice?
I love this question, and as much as I would love to talk to every student who sends me an email, it’s not always possible with our schedule. So my best advice for architecture / design students is: Work for a contractor and/or energy rater for a summer, there is nothing quite like hands on experience. And, it’s never too early to start building your network. I wish I knew everything, but I don’t. The best thing you can do is have a network of people to reach out to who can answer your questions.
How do you convince your clients to build better homes?
I don’t, and i’ll expand on that here. One of the best things you can do as a professional is set a few standards of your own, and start telling people that is what you do. It’s just as important, if not more important, the things you say no to. It’s hard when you are just starting out because you have to build a portfolio and pay your bills. But be careful that you don’t wake up 10 years later burnt out and still not working on the projects that make you happy. Set up a mission statement for yourself, weigh all the new projects that come in against that statement or goal. Start talking about (blogs, podcasts, articles, web content) the things you are passionate about. Get a certification, take a training course, or offer to help someone else who has the skills you’re looking to acquire. That’s what I did, I kept learning, I kept educating, and I kept saying no to the things that didn’t serve the goal I established for myself and this company.
What are your favorite books?
I’m a reader, so here is a list of books i’ve read. I like both technical books to keep growing and learning with the industry, but I also love business and finance books. This is not an exhaustive list and I’m likely to add and subtract in the future.
“The E-myth Architect” by Michael Gerber and the original “The E-myth Revisited”
“Profit First” by Mike Michalowicz - great if you’re just starting out and you don’t know anything about finances.
“Healthy Buildings” Allen & Macomber
“7 Habits of Highly Effective People” Stephen Covey
“How to Win Friends and Influence People” Dale Carnege
“The Pretty Good House” - plug here - I was a co-author of this book
“Musings of an Energy Nerd” - Martin Holladay
Other people who are doing great things resource:
Entrepreneur Architect - great website, content, and community for architects.
Building Science Fight Club - great instagram community & learning opportunities for architects
Emu Systems - excellent passive house builder training - great for architects and builders
Construction Instruction - excellent online and in person training
Green Architects Lounge Podcast
Unbuildit Podcast
The Build Show Network - Youtube (Especially anything by Steve Baczek, Jake Bruton, Peter Yost, and the new series for kids by Travis Brungardt)
30x40 Design Workshop - Youtube - great for starting your architecture business
Great Websites:
