One of the most popular topics over at the Entrepreneur Architect Linkedin Group (almost 2,000 members strong) is the role of the architect during the construction phase. I am often surprised by the number of firms providing architectural design services and forfeiting the final phase of the process, Construction Administration. Here is a recent comment from the group; "I need to get better at selling my clients on construction administration. Most think they do not need it and refuse it … [Read more...]
10 Tips to Conquer Procrastination
My name is Mark R. LePage and I am a recovering procrastinator. There… I said it. After 40+ years, I don't have much hope of ever finding a cure, but recently I have found some ways to hang on to the wagon and stay focused on getting things done. Here are 10 tips I'm using to conquer my procrastination. 1. Write out a plan. In order to get anything done, you need to create a plan. What does the end result look like and how are you going to make progress. Write it out. As a serial … [Read more...]
How To Complete an Overwhelming Project
Last week I announced the 12/12/12 Project and with it, an invitation for you to join me in committing to your own life altering decision. On December 12, 2012, together, we'll start the next phase of our lives. A life altering commitment is pretty heavy. A 12/12/12 Project is overwhelming by definition. So, how in the world do we approach such a thing? How do we accomplish, quite possibly, one of the most important decisions of our lives? This week, I want to show you a simple way to get … [Read more...]
Michael Gallin: Entrepreneur Architect
While at Carnegie Melon University’s school of architecture in the early 90’s, Michael Gallin developed a passion for finding innovative solutions combining design and technology. Although his primary interest has always been architecture, computer technology has been a close second. Gallin founded his architecture firm just north of New York City in 1999. He recently merged his practice with another firm, forming Gallin Beeler Design Studio. The current office, with a staff of nine, has a … [Read more...]
The Power of Stopping
When my brain is rested and not required to complete a specific task or stay focused on success, amazing things happen. During scheduled breaks, like vacations and holidays, I often develop my biggest ideas, like new business systems, strategies or concepts for future entrepreneurial endeavors. My right brain (the creative side) is free to roam, shifts into a lower gear and finds some additional horsepower. Some of my most interesting, most innovative ideas have been discovered during these … [Read more...]
My 5 Rules
I am sharing my latest post over at the Living Well in Westchester blog, My 5 Rules to a Successful Architecture Project. What are your rules to a successful project? http://fivecat.wordpress.com/2012/03/10/5-rules-to-a-successful-architecture-project/ … [Read more...]
How Do You Organize Your Week?
So today is Monday. I typically reserve Mondays for administrative work and prepping for the rest of the week. I work on business systems and schedule project interviews on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Friday is a day to wrap up loose ends and make sure clients are happy. Obviously, in order to be successful my routine is flexible. In fact I have a project interview this evening... on a Monday. By keeping my tasks for each day consistent, it allows me to stay focused on what I am trying to … [Read more...]
Architects Can Learn Much from Other Industries
What can we learn from other industries to make the traditional architectural and construction processes better? Hospitals are filled with checklists and other systems to make sure that every step of a procedure is done correctly. NASCAR racing teams also use checklists and directives from multiple layers of team members, each with their own specialty. Toyota uses their Product Development System, also known as Lean Manufacturing, to make every subsequent product better than the last. At … [Read more...]
Too Many Choices?
When performing our Design Development phase with clients, we typically assist them in selecting all their finishes, plumbing fixtures and lighting. This process is completed most efficiently when we discover and learn, through questionnaires and images, what our clients like and what they dislike. Then, with thorough knowledge of their taste, we offer a limited number of items from which they select. We find that when clients attempt to perform this task themselves, they are often … [Read more...]
The Process of Architecture?
At Fivecat Studio, our process of delivering architectural services includes a very highly developed set of construction documents. Every possible decision is made. Every product is specified. Every fixture is scheduled, ready for purchasing. Our intent is to obtain very competitive bids from general contractors, minimize change orders and reduce construction time by eliminating delays caused by slow or incomplete decisions. Most of the time, this focus on detail pays off in an appreciative … [Read more...]