Context & Clarity for Small Firm Architects (EntreArchitect // Gābl Media)

I love asking, 'What if you couldn't use the word architect?' I don’t mean what if you weren’t allowed to use the word. What I mean is, what if the word architect or architecture for that matter didn’t even exist? How would you talk about what you do? If you met someone at a ball game or a cocktail party and they said, “So, what do you do?” How would you answer them without using the word architect? 

Making the leap from architect to architect as developer may seem intimidating, so what are some simple steps that you could take in that direction? What are some smaller ways that you could add more value and extract more value from a project that don't require you to take on the full mantel of architect and developer?

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What are your goals for the rest of the year? Are you dreaming big or are you keeping it practical? According to Mark W. Schaefer in his latest book, your goals are a necessary part of the Cumulative Advantage, so let's talk about how your best ideas translate into what you'll accomplish the rest of this year.

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Technology is evolving at an ever-increasing pace and it's changing the way architects practice architecture, but how much of that is technology evolving in our offices and how much is technology evolving our offices? How has technology changed how you practice? And, who's actually driving that change?

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If you're busy and overwhelmed by inquiries, how do you respond? You may use automation or other technology in to help you weed through and qualify leads, schedule conversations, and onboard new clients, but how do you keep the personal touch in technology driven processes? Afterall, your clients want an architect that feels like the right fit. They don't want to buy architecture from Amazon.com

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How do you balance everything through the evolution of your career, life, and firm?

In this podcast episode, join Jeff and Katharine backstage to reflect on a conversation that we had on Context & Clarity LIVE, Betsey Olenick Dougherty - Life, Architect, Firm. Betsey Olenick Dougherty is Managing Principal at Perkins Eastman.

In the original conversation, we talk with Betsey about starting a firm, having your family in the firm, managing a firm, and merging your firm.

If you enjoy this show, you can find similar content at Gābl Media.

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How can you stand out as an architect?

In this podcast episode, join Jeff and co-host Katharine MacPhail backstage for an encore presentation of a "best of" conversation that we had on Context & Clarity LIVE, Jesse Cole - Standing Out. Jesse Cole is the Owner of the Savannah Bananas baseball team and Author of “Find Your Yellow Tux: How to Be Successful by Standing Out”.

In the original conversation, Jesse talked with us about doing the opposite of what's expected, delivering an unforgettable client experience, and standing out in an authentic way.

If you enjoy this show, you can find similar content at Gābl Media.

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Do you work in a silo? Are you in a bubble? Silos aren’t just in big firms and they're a big threat. How can we do our best work, be our best selves in a silo? O believe we thrive when we immerse ourselves in our community. I think we need to break down silos, understand the people that we work with, that we work for, that are impacted by what we do. Afterall, how can we do our best work, if we don’t first, accept the fact that we impact people far beyond our clients, and that those people may not look like us, think like us, or sound like us?

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In this episode, Jeff Echols and Co-Host Katie Kangas welcomed Peter G. Smith to Context & Clarity LIVE.

Listen to the conversation as they talked with Pete, a retired architect, former FAIA, and former CEO. Pete retired from his post as CEO of BWBR, gave up his FAIA, and is riding off into the sunset as, among other things, an accomplished watercolor artist. Is there really life after architecture?

If you enjoy this show, you can find similar content at Gābl Media.

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It's the Labor Day Holiday in the United States and we're taking the day off, but I wanted to give you a rundown of what's coming up. This week, we'll talk to Julie Brown about relationships and networking. Next week, we'll talk to Bryon McCartney about SEO, search engine optimization for architects' websites. The week after, we'll talk to Zach Brown about risk management for architects. And, we'll round out the month of September with Mr. Smart Passive Income himself, Pat Flynn.

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What kind of positive impact can architects make through cooperation?

In this podcast episode, Boston, Massachusetts, Architect, and Educator Isra Banks and Barton, Vermont-based Architect and Developer Jay Caroli join us backstage to reflect on a conversation that we had on Context & Clarity LIVE, Declan Keefe - Positive Impact Through Cooperation. Declan Keefe is a Co-Founder and Co-Developer at Co-Everything

In the original conversation, Declan talked with us about about thinking differently about the needs of a community and finding the most cooperative ways to meet those needs.

If you enjoy this show, you can find similar content at Gābl Media.

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Cash flow for architects.

That's where we'll start our conversation on today’s Context & Clarity LIVE.

Katharine White MacPhail and I will welcome Bolanle Williams-Olley, CFO of Mancini Duffy to Context & Clarity LIVE.

Join the conversation today as we talk about Bolanle’s love of math, how she ended up in architecture firms, and the best ways to generate and protect cash flow.

Share your perspective, and bring your questions to the conversation today at 4:00 pm ET on Facebook in the EntreArchitect Community Facebook Group, on Jeff’s LinkedIn profile, the EntreArchitect YouTube channel, or the EntreArchitect Twitch stream.

We’ll also preview the conversation in our 30-Minute Coffee Talk inside the Context & Clarity Club on the Clubhouse App Thursday morning at 9am ET.

Context & Clarity LIVE is live-streamed on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitch, and YouTube.

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How can we promote equity beyond the built environment?

In this podcast episode, Morrisville, Vermont-based Architect, Artist, and Activist, Jay Caroli joins us backstage to reflect on a conversation that we had on Context & Clarity LIVE, Pascale Sablan - Equity Beyond The Built Environment. Pascale is a Senior Associate at Adjaye Associates, the President-Elect of the National Organization for Minority Architects, and the Founder of Beyond The Built Environment.

In the original conversation, we talked to Pascale about dismantling injustice and elevating diversity by engaging, elevating, educating, and collaborating.

If you enjoy this show, you can find similar content at Gābl Media.

Referenced in this episode:

• SAY IT WITH MEdia
• Great Diverse Designers Library

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I feel like I’ve gotten to know a number of people over the past 15 months that I’d call friends and that I could count on, even though for some of you, I’ve never seen your face, and for most of you, we’ve never met in person. So we've started a new regular Context & Clarity feature that we're calling Member Spotlight, and this week, Revit Coach and Guru, John Kinney will join Katharine and me. Join us for a loose and lively conversation as we see our friends and get to know them a little bit better.

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Where will innovation in the built environment come from?

In this podcast episode, Jeff Echols and Co-Host Katharine MacPhail welcomed KP Reddy to Context & Clarity LIVE.

Listen to the conversation as we talked with KP, the Founder, and CEO of Shadow Ventures, a firm that invests in startups innovating the built environment.

To watch the full conversation, visit YouTube.

If you enjoy this show, you can find similar content at Gābl Media.

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How does technology help (or hurt) architects?

In this podcast episode, join Jeff and Katharine backstage to reflect on a conversation that we had on Context & Clarity LIVE, Clifton Harness - Architecture, Tech, the Future. Clifton Harness is Co-Founder and CEO of TestFit.

In the original conversation, we talk with Clifton about how can technology can elevate the value of an architect.

If you enjoy this show, you can find similar content at Gābl Media.

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I feel like I’ve gotten to know a number of people over the past 15 months that I’d call friends and that I could count on, even though for some of you, I’ve never seen your face, and for most of you, we’ve never met in person. So we've started a new regular Context & Clarity feature that we're calling Member Spotlight, and this week, Chris Novelli will join Katharine and me. Join us for a loose and lively conversation as we see our friends and get to know them a little bit better.

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Context & Clarity is launching February 1, 2021.

There's a movement called F.I.R.E. That's an acronym that stands from Financially Independent. Retire Early. You may know Eric Reinholdt from one of his books or his video series from 30X40 Design Workshop, but Eric has a new project with his childhood friend Jason, The Two Sides of FI podcast. Eric and Jason explore what it means and how to become financially independent and what it would take to retire early.

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In this podcast episode, Jeff Echols and Co-Host Katie Kengas welcomed Emily Soccorsy back to Context & Clarity LIVE.

Listen to the conversation as we talked with Emily, Context & Clarity LIVE alum, brand strategist, Co-Author of the book, "Rooting Up: Essays on Modern Branding,” and one of the speakers at The EntreArchitect Community Annual Meeting last year in Austin.

If you enjoy this show, you can find similar content at Gābl Media.

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It's Memorial Day in the United States, so we won't have Context & Clarity on Clubhouse or in the EntreArchitect Community Facebook Group today. We'll take the day off, but I wanted to record this episode to say thank you for all who served. For our friends who aren't in the U.S., Memorial Day is a Federal Holiday where we remember and honor fallen military heros, so Thank You to all the mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, whose loved ones paid the ultimate sacrifice, and also, Thank You to everyone that's served. I know every single person that serves for a higher cause makes some sacrifice and I hope we'll all remember that today.

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Can you make money while you sleep? I know if you've built your business around charging an hourly fee, that question may really push the limits for you, but I also think it's an important question for you to consider. The definition of passive income is money you earn that doesn’t require you to do a lot of active work to continue making it. Basically, you do the work and create the value upfront and then sell it over and over again to create an income stream. My real question is, what's one small piece of what you already do that you could sell over and over again for passive income?

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When is mentorship most important?

In this podcast episode, join Jeff and guest co-host Mandy Freeland backstage to reflect on a conversation that we had on Context & Clarity LIVE, Carl Sergio - Mentorship and the Future of Architecture. Carl Sergio is an architect and mentor.

In the original conversation, we discuss mentors, mentorship, and mentoring.

If you enjoy this show, you can find similar content at Gābl Media.

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I wonder if there are things that you can do, ways that you can apply you knowledge and skill in the realm of your client’s business, even if you wouldn’t necessarily consider it “architecture,” that can expand or pivot your services to make your client’s business better? That's a pretty practical approach. I think there are ways to help your clients that don’t involve drawing lines on paper that represent great opportunities. And, I don’t think it would be hard for you imagine a way or point out an example, either.

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In this episode, we reshare one of our favorite conversations of Context & Clarity LIVE! Back in March 2021, we welcomed Seth Godin, host of the Akimbo podcast, founder of altMBA, author of "The Practice," and a dozen other business books you should read. Some of the topics we discussed in this conversation were:

• How are architects perceived by the public?

• What affects that perception?

• What can architects do to change that perception?

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On Context & Clarity LIVE, we talked to Lora Teagarden, Architect, Advocate, and Author about writing, publishing, and educating.

What are our big takeaways from the conversation and how will our audience of small firm architects apply what we learned from Lora?

Jeff and Co-Host, Katharine MacPhail are joined backstage by Hopedale, Massachusetts, Architect, Chris Novelli to break down the conversation, share his biggest takeaways, and talk about how he's going to apply Lora Teagarden’s advice to his work.

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How can Architects leverage innovation to change the future of the profession?

In this podcast episode, architects and community members Mandy Freeland and Hans Breaux join us backstage to reflect on a conversation that we had on Context & Clarity LIVE, Jennifer Castenson - Innovation in Architecture, where we welcomed Jennifer Castenson, Vice President of Ambassador and Partner Programs at Buildxact. In the original conversation Jennifer mentioned that she doesn't believe Architects focus on Architecture anymore. She discusses the need to innovate, how sharing leads to innovation, and innovating where you have deep expertise.

If you enjoy this show, you can find similar content at Gābl Media.

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Where are you going? Maybe the question I should have asked is, "Are you going in the same direction today that you thought you would have when you got out of school?" You may have heard me say that I've ended up where I am today at no fault of my own. I'm not at all where I thought I'd be, but I think I'll keep going in this direction. What about you?

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Making Building Codes More Accessible

That's where we'll start our conversation on Thursday’s Context & Clarity LIVE.

Jeff Echols and Katharine White MacPhail will welcome Scott Reynolds, Co-Founder, and CEO of UpCodes, to Context & Clarity LIVE.

Join the conversation Thursday as we talk to Scott about making building codes more accessible, usable, and understandable.

Share your experience, and advice, and bring your questions to the conversation Thursday at 4:00 pm ET on Facebook in the EntreArchitect Community Facebook Group, on my LinkedIn profile, the EntreArchitect YouTube channel, or the EntreArchitect Twitch stream.

We’ll also preview the conversation in our 30-Minute Coffee Talk inside the Context & Clarity Club on the Clubhouse App Thursday morning at 9:00 am ET.

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Since we talk about business of architecture type topics every day on Context & Clarity, talking all week about empathy and emotional intelligence, this week may have come as a surprise. I mean, why wouldn’t we talk about business systems or marketing or something like that? Well, as it turns out, developing emotional intelligence can affect your business, your relationships, and your life, so maybe it's time to commit some focus to emotional intelligence.

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Shannyn Lee - Winning Work For Your Architecture Firm

How do you win work for your architecture firm?

That's the question we'll start with today on Context & Clarity LIVE.

Katharine White MacPhail and I will welcome marketing and business development expert, and Head of Coaching for Win Without Pitching, Shannyn Lee to Context & Clarity.

Join the conversation this week as we talk about marketing, developing business, and selling while positioning yourself and your firm as a valued expert.

Share your perspective, and bring your questions to the conversation this Thursday at 4:00 pm ET.

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How many times have you met with a prospective client, delivered a proposal to them within 24 hours that detailed everything you talked about... and then they ghosted you? Or they came back and wanted lots of explanation, or worse, wanted you to reduce your fee? How can you write a proposal that's so clear that there's no way that your client can say 'no'? Should you even be writing and emailing proposals?

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Should you get licensed? Do you need to be licensed? That can be a contentious topic, but what are the pros and cons to licensure? There are roles you can play and project types that you can work on that don't require a license and there are plenty of things outside of the realm of traditional architecture practice that your skills, and experience, and education have prepared you for, so in the end, what is the value of being a licensed architect?

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How do you book yourself solid with the projects and clients you really want?

In this podcast episode, join Jeff, Katharine, and Chris Novelli backstage to reflect on a conversation that we had on Context & Clarity LIVE, Michael Port - Book Yourself Solid. Michael Port is the author of “Book Yourself Solid” and “Steal The Show,” and CEO of Heroic Public Speaking.

In the original conversation, Michael helps us put ideas like your ideal client and your personal brand into action to attract as many of the right clients and projects as you want.

If you enjoy this show, you can find similar content at Gābl Media.

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What are your best tips for passing the ARE? The architect’s registration exam. Depending on which of the ever-evolving versions you take, there’s section upon section to pass. You’ll probably schedule your test taking efforts out over a number of months. Of course COVID-19 may have thrown a wrench into your schedule… will the test-taking sites be open or not? There’s a lot of studying and worrying and practicing going on, so if you’ve passed the ARE, how did you do it?

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"On Context & Clarity LIVE, we talked to Zach Waters, CEO of Black Swan Risk Management, AND Steve Litchfield, Founding Partner of Litchfield Law PC, about using contracts, communication, and insurance to manage or even mitigate risk. In other words risk management from both the insurance and legal perspectives.

What are our big takeaways from the conversation and how will our audience of small firm architects apply what we learned from Zach and Steve?

Jeff and Co-Host, Katharine MacPhail are joined backstage by Detroit, Michigan, Architect, and Educator, Kenneth Crutcher, to break down the conversation, share his biggest takeaways, and talk about how he's going to apply Zach Waters and Stephen Litchfield's advice to his work.

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Do you choose your work or does your work choose you? I think that's an interesting question because it could take the conversation in a couple of different directions. Should we talk about the pragmatic? Are you attracting the work you want or are you settling for what comes in the door? OR... Should we talk about the philosophical? What role does fate, serendipity, whatever you want to call it, play in where you start, where you go, and what you do?

How will you answer the question?

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The more technology creeps into our lives and our worlds, the easier it is to connect and work, but what are we losing? Are we making better, more meaningful connections? At the same time that technology is making it easier to communicate, it is making it harder to connect on a human level?

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How do we take back the Master Builder?

That's the question we'll start with today on Context & Clarity LIVE.

Jeff Echols and Katharine White MacPhail welcome Al Gore and Lance Cayko, Co-Founders of F9 Productions, Co-hosts of the Inside The Firm Podcast, and Teachers of the Architect to Builder course.

Many in the profession rue the day that architects gave up the role of the master builder. Some, think the idea of the modern architect becoming the modern master builder is absurd, so here are the questions:

• Can architects re-establish the role of master builder?

• Should architects reclaim that role?

• Should you become the master builder?

Share your thoughts and opinions, and ask your questions.

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How can we make the built environment more sustainable?

In this podcast episode, join Jeff and co-host Katharine MacPhail backstage to reflect on a conversation that we had on Context & Clarity LIVE, Melissa Wackerl - A More Sustainable Future. Melissa Wackerle is a change agent, and sustainability and resiliency strategist.

In the original conversation, we discuss the future of resilience and sustainability in the built environment.

If you enjoy this show, you can find similar content at Gābl Media.

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When you think about the relationships that are important to you... from the point of view of your architecture firm... that list probably extends beyond your referral partners. It might include consultants, mentors, employees, and vendors. What's your list look like? Who do you include in the relationships that are important to your business?

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What's the first rule of the Building Science Fight Club?

That's the question we'll start with today on Context & Clarity LIVE.

Many of you have requested and applauded the fact that we'll have her on and today, Katharine White MacPhail and I will welcome Building Scientist, educator, and host of the Building Science Fight Club, Christine Williamson to Context & Clarity.

Join the conversation as we explore all things building science, and most importantly...

What do you want to ask Christine? Post your questions in the comments below.

Share your building science stories and advice, and ask your questions, today at 4:00 pm ET.

Context & Clarity LIVE is live-streamed on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitch, and YouTube.

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Have you ever thought about designing your career? You probably spend a lot of time designing other people's futures... at least how they're built. If you haven't and if you don't have a plan, like we talked about yesterday, the question becomes, are you holding yourself back from the career or the life that you want? 

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I know a lot of people get uncomfortable when it comes to talking about sales or persuasion, but if you’re going to have clients to work with and projects to work on, you need to get them to believe in you and get them to hire you… you need to persuade them.

The idea of adjacent possibilities that Steven Johnson talks about in "Where Do Good Ideas Come From?" Is a good illustration of why we need to connect with people if we want our ideas to be a catalyst for motion. If we want to build momentum for our ideas. So, where do you connect with people? I guess we're in an interesting time when your answer may have gone through some serious evolution over the past 15 or 16 months from pre, during, and post-pandemic. 

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What are you afraid of? As I think back across my career, I realize that many of the worst stories I have to tell, start with fear. Maybe you’ve experienced similar things. I've suffered from fear of not having work, a scarcity mindset, fear of making phone calls, I guess fear of rejection, and fear of having difficult, honest conversations. What are you afraid of? What fear is holding you back right now?

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Do you have trouble saying no? Many of us do. The problem is, that little two-letter word is one of the most important words and using it can be one of the most liberating actions you take. It’s hard to say no! You don’t want to disappoint people. You don’t want to miss out on an opportunity. You don’t feel like you’re entitled to or hold the power to say no… but you have to. You have to take control and learn to say no. Think of it like this, if you’re not saying no, you’re probably not building the business you want, because you’re too busy doing what other people want you to do.

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What will AI mean for the future of architecture?

In this podcast episode, join Jeff, Katharine, and Chris Novelli backstage to reflect on a conversation that we had on Context & Clarity LIVE, Matias del Campo - AI and Architecture. Matias del Campo is Director of Architecture and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at Taubman College of Architecture + Urban Planning, University of Michigan.

In the original conversation, Matias helps us put understand where AI is, where it’s going, and what its implications are for the future of architecture.

If you enjoy this show, you can find similar content at Gābl Media.

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Many in the profession rue the day that architects gave up the role of master builder. What if you could (if you wanted to) re-establish your place as master builder. How can an architect learn to be more than an architect, learn to be more than an architect, deliver more value to their clients? How can an architect learn to be a builder?

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Bolanle Williams-Olley loves math and she sees numbers everywhere. She recently presented an excellent Expert Training Session on Cash Flow For Architects for the EntreArchitect membership. We've been talking all week about financials for architects and I think this topic of cash flow may be the most important. If you don't have a handle on what's coming in and what's going out and how fast, you're in trouble.

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Succession Planning for Small Firm Architects

That's where we'll start our conversation on Thursday’s Context & Clarity LIVE.

Jeff Echols and Katharine White MacPhail will welcome Angela Donahoe, Chief Executive Vision Officer of The Donahoe Group, to Context & Clarity LIVE.

Join the conversation Thursday as we talk to Angela about her legacy, succession planning, and what the next generation of your work looks like.

Share your experience, and advice, and bring your questions to the conversation Thursday at 4:00 pm ET on Facebook in the EntreArchitect Community Facebook Group, on my LinkedIn profile, the EntreArchitect YouTube channel, or the EntreArchitect Twitch stream.

We’ll also preview the conversation in our 30-Minute Coffee Talk inside the Context & Clarity Club on the Clubhouse App Thursday morning at 9:00 am ET.

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I’ve run across a number of projects over the years that I didn’t want to take for one reason or another. Maybe they were too small or outside of my comfort zone. There have been some where something didn’t feel right, maybe the client didn’t feel like the right fit. Some of those, despite everything in front of me I took anyway, usually because I just needed the work. What about you? Are there projects you won’t take? Why won’t you take them?

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How will emerging technologies shape the future of architecture as a profession?

In this podcast episode, Jeff Echols and Co-Host Katharine MacPhail welcomed ChatGPT to Context & Clarity LIVE.

Listen to the conversation as we talked with ChatGPT about AI and the future of architecture.

To watch the full conversation, visit YouTube.

If you enjoy this show, you can find similar content at Gābl Media.

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Designing, Drawing, Riding

In this podcast episode, Jeff Echols and Co-Host Katie Kengas welcomed Richard Worsham to Context & Clarity LIVE.

Listen to the conversation as we talked with Richard, Notre Dame architecture grad, Founder, and Lead Designer at Janus Motorcycles.

If you enjoy this show, you can find similar content at Gābl Media.

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Where is the intersection of place and healthy longevity?

In this podcast episode, Jeff Echols and Co-Host Katie Kangas welcomed senior housing and aging-in-place expert, Ryan Frederick to Context & Clarity LIVE.

Ryan is the Founder and CEO of Here (formerly Smart Living 360), and he’s also the Author of “Right Place, Right Time: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Home for the Second Half of Life.” Listen to the conversation as we talked about aging, architecture, and longevity.

To watch the full conversation, visit Facebook.

If you enjoy this show, you can find similar content at Gābl Media.

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How can architects identify and respond to trends?

In this podcast episode, join Jeff and Katharine backstage to reflect on a conversation that we had on Context & Clarity LIVE, Bob Fisher - Design Intelligence - Responding to Trends. Bob Fisher is Principal of DesignIntelligence.

In the original conversation, we talk with Bob about how to identify trends and how to respond to trends in your business.

If you enjoy this show, you can find similar content at Gābl Media.

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How do you learn how to market your architecture firm?

That's the question we'll start with Thursday, June 24th on Context & Clarity LIVE.

Katharine White MacPhail and I will welcome marketing mentor and trainer, Lindsay Diven to Context & Clarity.

Join the conversation as we talk about learning how to market and develop business for your architecture firm. 

Share your perspective, and bring your questions to the conversation this Thursday, June 24th at 4:00 pm ET.

Context & Clarity LIVE is live-streamed on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitch, and YouTube.

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Much of the built environment isn’t designed by architects and the majority of work that is designed by architects is commissioned by the so-called 1%. That means that we’re not really engaging with a very large portion of the population. Should we be? If so, the question is, how do you serve the other 99%? How do we make architects more accessible to a greater percentage of the population?

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How can it be that there empty, abandoned buildings, and there are homeless people? There are buildings that need people and people that need buildings. There's an interconnectedness of architecture, historic preservation, sustainability, race, and gender that you may not realize, that you may have never thought about. The question is, once we understand those connections what are we going to do about it?

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Who are the women who have shaped architecture?

In this podcast episode, Jeff Echols and Co-Host Katharine MacPhail welcome all three Co-Hosts of the She Builds Podcast to Context & Clarity LIVE.

Listen to the conversation as we talk with Norgie Rivas, Jessica Rogers, and Lizi Raar, friends from architecture school who wanted to tell the seldom-told stories of women who build; women whose worth is not taught in schools, but who have shaped the industries of architecture, construction, and development over the last century.

To watch the full conversation, visit YouTube.

If you enjoy this show, you can find similar content at Gābl Media.

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Context & Clarity LIVE - Your first year owning your own firm

What are the things you need to know in your first year of business on your own?

That's the question we'll start with today on Context & Clarity LIVE.

My Co-host, Katharine White MacPhail, and I welcome Rion Willard, Host of the Business of Architecture UK podcast, to talk about his experience as a firm owner and draw on what he's learned interviewing over 120 guests for his podcast.

Your first year is critical. It may determine whether you're still running it next year or looking for a job.

• How do you set yourself up for success?

• What did you learn in your first year as an owner?

• If you're getting ready to start, what are you afraid of?

These are just some of the topics we'll discuss. What questions do you have?

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What’s the future of the shopping mall?

In this podcast episode, join Jeff and co-host Katharine MacPhail backstage to reflect on a conversation that we had on Context & Clarity LIVE, Alexandra Lange - The Future of the Shopping Mall. Alexandra Lange is an architecture and design critic and author of "Meet Me By The Fountain: An Inside History Of The Mall".

In the original conversation, we discuss the history and future of the American shopping mall.

If you enjoy this show, you can find similar content at Gābl Media.

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What does a justice and equity-centered design process look like?

That's the question we'll start with Today on Context & Clarity LIVE.

Katharine White MacPhail will welcome architect, "Game-Changer", and founder of Equity by Design, Rosa T. Sheng to Context & Clarity.

Join the conversation as we look for the answer to the question: What does a justice and equity-centered design process look like?  

We're taking a little different approach this week and asking you to work alongside Rosa to brainstorm and crowdsource the solution to this design problem.

Join us and INVITE 2 FRIENDS to share your perspective, and help us find the best answer to this week's question, Thursday at 4:00 pm ET.

Context & Clarity LIVE is live-streamed on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitch, and YouTube.

What’s the business case for doing the right thing?

In this podcast episode, join Jeff and guest co-host Mandy Freeland backstage to reflect on a conversation that we had on Context & Clarity LIVE, Antoinette Bunkley - The Business Case for EDI+J. Antoinette Bunkley is an expert on diversity training, and leader of CO Architects’ Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Justice (EDI+J) initiatives.

In the original conversation, we discuss the business case for EDI+J.

If you enjoy this show, you can find similar content at Gābl Media.

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When it comes to JEDI and hiring, I think the natural reaction is to think about race, maybe gender, or orientation, but I also want us to consider generational gaps and I don’t say that to diminish any of the other factors I mentioned. We certainly need to keep all of these in mind and I want to make sure that we talk about generational bias because this is a divide that I see bubbling up over and over. I think it's going to get worse as the baby boomers age out, and it’s not just more experienced folks that have trouble here.

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In this episode, Jeff Echols and Co-Host Katie Kangas welcomed David Meerman Scott to Context & Clarity LIVE.

Listen to the conversation as they talked with David, strategist and best-selling author of "Fanocracy." David and his daughter Reiko wrote Fanocracy to demonstrate how to turn your fans into clients and your clients into fans.

If you enjoy this show, you can find similar content at Gābl Media.

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How do you get homeowners interested in building science? It's about education, but not necessarily educating them on the technical aspects of building science. We need to help homeowners understand the benefits and results of incorporating the best building science into the design and construction of their home. What are they going to get out of it in terms and that are tangible and meaningful to them?

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How do you learn to be a leader? How can we help others develop their talent?

In this podcast episode, join Jeff and co-host Katharine MacPhail backstage to reflect on a conversation that we had on Context & Clarity LIVE, Leo MacLeod - Learning to Lead. Leo MacLeod is a coach, trainer, pie maker, author of, “From the Ground Up: Stories and Lessons from Architects and Engineers Who Learned to Be Leaders".

In the original conversation, we discuss the transitions we’ve all gone through to get to where we are and how we can help others grow and excel.

If you enjoy this show, you can find similar content at Gābl Media.

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On Context & Clarity LIVE, we talked to Jonathan Segal talked about architecture, development, and even the future of education and practice.

What are our big takeaways from the conversation and how will our audience of small firm architects apply what we learned from Scott? 

Jeff and special guest Co-Host, Mandy Freeland are joined backstage by Boston, Architect and Educator, Isra Banks to break down the conversation, share her biggest takeaways, and talk about how she's going to apply Jonathan Segal’s advice to her work.

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Do you use email marketing? Do you have an email newsletter? Just like any digital or social effort, email marketing takes creativity, and persistence. You need to be consistent and that’s not easy. In the spirit of full transparency, I spent a few weeks recently burning down my email list. Now, I have a small list of people that are interested enough that they said, please keep sending me emails. The thing I have to do now is think differently about how to create interesting, engaging, maybe even moving messages for that dedicated list. What are you doing with your emails?

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What does the future of architecture firm culture look like?

In this podcast episode, join Jeff and Katharine backstage to reflect on a conversation that we had on Context & Clarity LIVE, Alfonso Wenker & Trina Olson - Behave Culture. Alfonso Wenker and Trina Olson are Co-Founders of Team Dynamics and Co-Hosts of the podcast BEHAVE.

In the original conversation, we talk with Alfonso and Trina about what our workplace culture is, what it should be, and what you can do about it.

If you enjoy this show, you can find similar content at Gābl Media.

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You shouldn't do any work for your clients without an agreement in place, but how do you make sure your contracts cover all your liability and risk, have you compensated fairly, and simply keep you out of trouble? Do you have your attorney review your contracts? How much will that cost? Do you have your insurance carrier review them? Is that enough? It can be hard to make the right decisions to balance the cost and potential risk involved.

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Architecture is not a perfect profession. There's plenty to love, but from starchitects, to McMansions, to developers, to the HGTV effect, there are plenty of complaints being voiced as well. Do you remember how we got here? More importantly, do you know how we can change the course of the future of the profession? 

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In this episode, we embark on an inspiring adventure through time, tracing the roots of Context & Clarity. Listen to the conversation as we bring you an exclusive live recording from A’23. Jeff and Mark, renowned architects and entrepreneurs, share their personal stories, unveiling the pivotal moments that first led them to conceive Context & Clarity. Discover the challenges they faced, the insights they gained, and the driving force behind their mission to transform the architecture industry.

With a shared passion for empowering architects and design professionals, Jeff and Mark discuss how Context & Clarity has become a beacon of knowledge, a thriving community, and a catalyst for positive change.

If you enjoy this show, you can find similar content at Gābl Media.

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If you're listening to this podcast, you're probably passionate about architecture. Have you ever been so passionate about some aspect of what you do that you created an organization, a not-for-profit, or you led a movement? When we talk to George Smart of US Modernist about preserving architecture, we'll certainly talk about his journey to creating the largest open archive of mid-century modern houses, conducting architectural tours, offering a masters gallery, and becoming the modernist authority, but I think the bigger takeaway is really about how to start a movement.

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It’s easy to get caught up in your profession. The good, the bad, the ugly. The ability of design to change lives. Why don’t people understand what we do? Are HGTV and Houzz ruining us? The intensity of the past 12 months with massive layoffs, food insecurity, racial and social strife, and polarized politics, tells us there’s more to worry about than HGTV, but what can architecture, or an architect, do to change the world, or maybe just your neighborhood? Let's explore ways that this profession can have a much needed positive impact on the world around us.

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When you read that question, you probably thought, ‘Well, demonstrating our expertise, of course.’ And yes, that’s the way to truly be seen as an expert, but it’s a path that’s wrought with ironies and problems. The websites of many, architecture firms proudly and sometimes loudly proclaim, WE’RE THE EXPERTS!!! So, they're definitely saying it. Are they also showing it? I also know that it’s really hard to establish yourself when you’re new to the game. How can you demonstrate that you're an expert without the portfolio to show it? Maybe you’ve worked in firms my entire career and you don’t have anything of your own to show. Don’t you just have to just say, “I’m the expert” at this point?

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What happens when Architects actually follow all the great advice we get?

In this podcast episode, Hopedale, Massachusetts, Architect and Podcast Host Chris Novelli joins us backstage to reflect on a conversation that we had on Context & Clarity LIVE, Ken 'Spanky' Moskowitz - Acting on and giving advice, Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook Style, where we welcomed Ken 'Spanky' Moskowitz, Founder & CEO of Ad Zombies, and Author of "Jab Till It Hurts: How Following Gary Vaynerchuk's Advice Helped Me Build A 7-Figure Brand". In the original conversation Spanky mentioned that there's a difference between serving your community and giving your work away for free. He also discusses how he implemented what he learned from Gary's book, and how you can do it too.

If you enjoy this show, you can find similar content at Gābl Media.

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Is there a system for building momentum for our ideas or our business? Is there a method for getting noticed and spreading our ideas and our influence? There must be some reason that some people rocket into the limelight while we toil away in obscurity. The good news is that there is a system and a strategy and it's fairly simple to understand.

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How can architects manage (or reduce) risk?

That's where we'll start our conversation on TODAY’s Context & Clarity LIVE at a SPECIAL TIME... 3:00pm ET.

Katharine White MacPhail and I will welcome Zach Waters, Founder, and CEO of Black Swan Risk Management to Context & Clarity LIVE.

Join the conversation TODAY as we talk to Zach about where risk comes from, how to manage it, and maybe even how to reduce the risks you're taking on.

Share your experience, and advice, and bring your questions to the conversation TODAY at 3:00 PM ET on Facebook in the EntreArchitect Community Facebook Group, on Jeff’s LinkedIn profile, the EntreArchitect YouTube channel, or the EntreArchitect Twitch stream.

We’ll also preview the conversation in our 30-Minute Coffee Talk inside the Context & Clarity Club on the Clubhouse App this morning at 9am ET.

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We've looked at your financial past and what's influenced your financial present. Now, let's look at your financial future. What's determining your future and would it be possible for you to adjust what you're doing today to the point that you can retire early?

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How can architecture firms become works of art?

In this podcast episode, Farmington, Michigan-based Architect, and Educator Kenneth Crutcher and Morrisville, Vermont-based Architect and Developer, Jay Caroli join us backstage to reflect on a conversation that we had on Context & Clarity LIVE, Jane Walton - Architecture Firms As Works Of Art. Jane Walton is an organization design consultant and author of “Work Is Art".

In the original conversation, Jane about taking inspiration from the world of art to organize and operate your firm.

If you enjoy this show, you can find similar content at Gābl Media.

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How do we understand ourselves better? I’m talking about emotional intelligence. Emotional Intelligence is our capability to recognize our own emotions… and those of others (like in empathy) and our ability to discern between different feelings, and label those feelings, and use that information to guide uor thinking and our behavior, and adjust to situations. It seems to me that emotional intelligence is probably a critical skill for being the best architect you can be… probably even the best partner or best human being you can be.

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How can architects build a personal brand?

In this podcast episode, Bakersfield, California, Architect, Mandy Freeland, and Farmington, Michigan-based Architect, Kenneth Crutcher join us backstage to reflect on a conversation that we had on Context & Clarity LIVE, Joann Lui - Using Your Personal Brand to Create Your Own Success. Joann Lui is a personal brand strategist, Founder of Women Architects Collective, and Product Marketing Manager at Monograph.

In the original conversation, Joann talked with us about her journey of discoverty as she pursued her dream career, burned out, and learned the importance of overcoming insecurities, understanding your own definition of success and advocating for yourself by building an authentic personal brand.

If you enjoy this show, you can find similar content at Gābl Media.

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What stories should architects tell?

In this podcast episode, join Jeff and Katharine backstage to reflect on a conversation that we had on Context & Clarity LIVE, Rain Bennett - What Stories Should Architects Tell? Rain Bennett, keynote speaker, storytelling coach, and author of “Six Second Stories".

In the original conversation, Rain helps us understand what stories we should be telling and how to tell those stories.

If you enjoy this show, you can find similar content at Gābl Media.

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How do equitable practice and the hybrid workplace intersect?

That's where we'll start our conversation on today’s Context & Clarity LIVE.

Katharine White MacPhail and I will welcome Diana Nicklaus, Architect and President & CEO of saam architecture, to Context & Clarity LIVE.

Join the conversation today as we talk to Diana about what equitable practice means and how hybrid workplaces of the past, present, and future relate.

Share your experience, and advice, and bring your questions to the conversation today at 4:00 pm ET on Facebook in the EntreArchitect Community Facebook Group, on my LinkedIn profile, the EntreArchitect YouTube channel, the EntreArchitect Twitch stream, or my Twitter profile.

We’ll also preview the conversation in our 30-Minute Coffee Talk inside the Context & Clarity Club on the Clubhouse App this morning at 9:00 am ET.

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Your first year in business may be your most critical year? It's a time when the old adage that the entrepreneur wears 17 hats was never more true. How do you balance all of those hats? How do you develop the systems and processes necessary to set out on the right foot and set you and your firm up for success? Even if you don't want to own your own business, every employee should understand what the first year in business was like for the firm they work for.

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Let's play The Words Matter Game! We've learned and used a lot of lingo and jargon over the years and unfortunately, it's confusing to a lot of our prospective clients. Kathy Klotz-Guest calls that jargon-monoxide poisoning, so the game today is to take your favorite architecture words and phrases and translate them into the words your clients would use.

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How can you stand out as an architect?

In this podcast episode, Ithica, New York, Architect, a translator, a spec writer, and a QA/QC hawk, Christian Nielsen-Palacios and Hopedale, Massachusetts-based Architect, podcast host, and educator, Chris Novelli join us backstage to reflect on a conversation that we had on Context & Clarity LIVE, Jesse Cole - Standing Out. Jesse Cole is the Owner of the Savannah Bananas baseball team and Author of “Find Your Yellow Tux: How to Be Successful by Standing Out”.

In the original conversation, Jesse talked with us about doing the opposite of what's expected, delivering an unforgettable client experience, and standing out in an authentic way.

If you enjoy this show, you can find similar content at Gābl Media.

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Robert Ivy is an architect, but he left his practice to spend 15 years promoting the profession through publications, and now 10 years at the healm of the American Institute of Architects. He's seen a lot of change in the profession and, I imagine even as he prepares to leave the AIA later this year, he probably has some opinions about the future of the profession and where it's going.

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How do you get a handle on your firm’s finances?

In this podcast episode, join Jeff and Katharine backstage to reflect on a conversation that we had on Context & Clarity LIVE, Megan Dahle - Your Firm's Finances. Megan Dahle is a Virtual CFO, Author of “Getting Your Money Right,” and Creator of Keep More Profit.

In the original conversation, we talk with Megan about what really matters when it comes to your business finances.

If you enjoy this show, you can find similar content at Gābl Media.

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What is SEO and how can Architects build better websites?

That's where we'll start our conversation on Thursday’s Context & Clarity LIVE.

Jeff Echols and Katharine White MacPhail will welcome Bryon McCartney, SEO expert and Co-Founder and Chief Creative Strategist of ArchMark to Context & Clarity LIVE.

Join the conversation Thursday as we talk to Bryon about attracting clients to your website by showing up in Google searches.

Share your experience, and advice, and bring your questions to the conversation Thursday at 4:00 pm ET on Facebook in the EntreArchitect Community Facebook Group, on Jeff’s LinkedIn profile, the EntreArchitect YouTube channel, or the EntreArchitect Twitch stream.

We’ll also preview the conversation in our 30-Minute Coffee Talk inside the Context & Clarity Club on the Clubhouse App Thursday morning at 9am ET.

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Today, we welcome Evan Troxel, Host of the TRXL podcast, and Co-Host of Archispeak podcast, to talk about how technology is changing the profession and ask, who's driving the change.

Technology is evolving at an ever-increasing pace and it's changing the way architects practice architecture.

• How much of that is technology evolving in our offices and how much is technology evolving our offices?

• How has technology changed how you practice?

• Who's actually driving that change?

These are just some of the topics we'll discuss. What questions do you have?

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When it comes to financials… What do you track? What do you report on? And When? It's awefully hard to plan for something if we don't know where we're coming from or where we're going. I know this is something that can be really complicated and time consuming or it can be boiled down to its essence and simplified. I’m a fan of the simplified version.

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For an architect, licensure is the heart of the profession, different licensing requirements from state to state or country to country can be confusing, expensive, and time consuming. What if there was a national license in the United States? Or an international license that allowed you to practice without borders? How would it benefit your practice?

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We're taking this show on the road! I'm headed to northern Vermont today and Context & Clarity will be live and I'll be joined by members of the C&C community who were able to make the trip to our first ever Echolstock. Join us for a special live edition and tomorrow for a superlive Context & Clarity panel discussion.

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Is there more than architecture?

In this podcast episode, join Jeff and co-host Katharine MacPhail present an encore presentation that we had on Context & Clarity LIVE, Erin Pellegrino + Jake Rudin - Out of Architecture. Erin Pellegrino and Jake Rubin are Co-Founders of Out Of Architecture.

In the original conversation, Erin and Jake help us understand the value of our skills and education and what lies beyond architecture.

If you enjoy this show, you can find similar content at Gābl Media.

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A few weeks ago, I was in a conversation about public relations and someone insisted that no one reads or even looks at print magazines any more. They may be right or they may be wrong, but I think a more important discussion is about what does being published mean anymore? Does it mean traditional print publications like magazines and news papers, or is it also the online edition of those publications and also social media, and also video shows and podcasts? 

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This week, I wanted to group several services together that I’m calling similar, so let’s talk about Thumbtack, NextDoor, and HomeAdvisor for architects. I know there are several others out there and the landscape continues to change, so if you have another one that you like (or hate) be sure to leave it in the comments. My experience with these services is that your mileage will vary. I know some architects really like them and some really hate them and as best I can tell is that the type of work that you do and your location will probably play a major role in your outlook in this conversation. 

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In this episode, Jeff Echols and Co-Host Katie Kangas welcomed Amanda Dunfield to Context & Clarity LIVE.

Listen to the conversation as they talked with Amanda, Architect, Founder, and Director of Design at Astra Studios, about harnessing the power of design for good.

If you enjoy this show, you can find similar content at Gābl Media.

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