At the age of 13, I purchased my first automobile. A navy blue 1972 Camaro. It took three summers working at my dad’s gas station, sweeping the pavement, cleaning tools and pumping gas, to save the $1,200.00 required to make the deal. The ’72 was part of a well developed plan to earn enough to acquire my dream ride. Every autumn dad would pack up the Suburban, load a trailer with car parts for sale and head west with our entire family of five to Carlise, Pennsylvania. Carlise hosts one of … [Read more...]
Living an Integrated Life as a Small Firm Architect
I am a day late with this post. It was a crazy week at Fivecat Studio and the weekend was packed with activities for the kids. (Have you ever gone fox hunting with a HAM radio?) Life lately has become one long busy day after another, running from project to project, trying to keep all the balls in the air. Even my nights have been preoccupied with priorities. Hence this late post. (Despicable Me 2 preempted much of my Sunday night writing time.) Living an Integrated Life Much of the current … [Read more...]
My Ultimate Guide to Landing Your First Job in Architecture
This past December I was invited to speak at AIAS Forum 2013; the American Institute of Architecture Students national convention. This year the event was held in Chicago… Yes, Chicago in December, and yes, we were snowed-in for days. While we waited for the airports to open, I had the opportunity to speak in length with many of the architecture students in attendance. They asked me many questions, but the one concern they had more than any other was what they should do to land their first job … [Read more...]
Believe
Christmas is upon us. Its a time of twinkling lights, evergreen trees and giving gifts to the ones we love. For many, its a time looked forward to all year long. Unfortunately, for some, its a time of stress, depression and anxiety. For Christians, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It's a time of new beginnings, peace, love and joy. It's a time for dreams... a time hope and optimism. It's a time to believe. It's a time to believe that we will reach our goals and achieve the success … [Read more...]
Fear
Annmarie and I spent the past week deconstructing, disassembling, demolishing and disposing of the Pleasantville Studio. More than 11 years of files, record documents, samples, manufacturers' binders, reference books, code manuals and accumulated "stuff" needed to be sorted, relocated or trashed. To be honest, its been overwhelming. I am thankful that our move has been voluntary. I can not imagine how hard this process would have been if it were forced upon us. With the final few items … [Read more...]
To See Change in Your Life… Be Intentional
Since dedicating all my waking moments to growth at Fivecat Studio, the development of Entrepreneur Architect and all its associated support mechanisms, the duration of those waking moments have become unreasonable and quite unhealthy. Sleep has become a luxury. We've succeeded in reaching all the goals set by my 12/12/12 Project almost 1 year ago and I have YOU to thank. Your support, encouragement and participation has been my greatest motivation to proceed and progress. This site has … [Read more...]
Life Needs White Space
This week's post is short, but the message presented is an important one. I learned much of what I know of white space from John McWade from Before and After Magazine. White space is the empty space between and around the elements of design. Every graphic design has white space, but it is often ignored or used incorrectly. White space is often viewed as empty space ready to be filled with a photo, a headline or more information. You've seen white space used in some of today's most … [Read more...]
Get Out!
Feeling stuck in a rut and frustrated with your business? Get out! Find a business organization to join. Attend a networking event. Meet some new people. Not only will this one simple act put your state of mind in a more positive place, you may just find your next big job. … [Read more...]
Oklahoma State University: Architecture & Entrepreneurship
Oklahoma State is developing a program called Architecture & Entrepreneurship. Every architecture school should be doing the same. Do you know of any other programs teaching entrepreneurship to architects? … [Read more...]
Merry Christmas
"Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." (Luke 2:10) … [Read more...]
LEED AP Update
I passed the exam on Monday. I am officially Mark R. LePage, AIA, LEED AP. … [Read more...]