EntreArchitect Podcast with Mark R. LePage

Crafting Sustainable Architecture in Urban Neighborhoods
Crafting sustainable architecture in urban neighborhoods requires more than good design. It takes technical skill, strong partnerships, and a deep understanding of how people live in cities. In this episode, Lauren Thomsen shares how she approaches high-performance residential design through collaboration, adaptive reuse, and thoughtful renovation work in Philadelphia.
Lauren discusses her path from architecture school at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to launching her own practice, Lauren Thomsen Design. She explains how historic renovations and urban infill projects shaped her design philosophy over time. In addition, she shares practical advice for architects working with contractors, navigating tight city sites, and balancing sustainability with client expectations.
The conversation also explores the future of small residential firms and the value of multidisciplinary thinking. Lauren reflects on teaching architecture, building a client-focused business, and creating homes that perform well for decades. As a result, listeners will walk away with clear insights into sustainable design, urban renovation strategy, and the realities of running a modern architecture practice.
This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Crafting Sustainable Architecture in Urban Neighborhoods with Lauren Thomsen.
Learn more about Lauren at Lauren Thomsen Design, or connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram.
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Arcatemy is Arcat's Continuing Education Program. Listen to Arcat's Detailed podcast and earn HSW credits. As a trusted provider, Arcat ensures you earn AIA CE credits while advancing your expertise and career in architecture. Learn more at Arcat.com/continuing-education.
WeCollabify helps small architecture firms build sustainable capacity through an insourcing model that integrates skilled BIM and technical professionals directly into your team—working in your time zone, inside your systems. Learn how to scale with intention at wecollabify.com/entrearchitect.
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How Small Architects Can Save Thousands on Retirement Fees
In this episode of the EntreArchitect Podcast, Mark R. LePage sits down with Paul Sippil to discuss 401(k) fee transparency and how architects can build healthier retirement plans for their firms. Paul reveals how small business owners can identify hidden fees, avoid conflicts of interest, and improve long-term financial outcomes. Since 2009, his work has focused on analyzing retirement plans at a granular level across cost, services, and technology.
Paul explains why many firms unknowingly overpay for retirement plans while receiving limited value in return. He also breaks down how conflicts of interest often appear inside the 401(k) industry and why compliance issues can create serious risks for business owners. As the conversation continues, Paul shares practical ways architects can evaluate their current plans and ask smarter questions of advisors and providers.
Mark and Paul also discuss how better retirement planning can strengthen both employee trust and firm stability. They also explore the importance of transparency when managing benefits for growing teams. Whether you already offer a 401(k) plan or are considering one for the first time, this episode provides clear and practical guidance for firm owners.
This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, How Small Architects Can Save Thousands on Retirement Fees with Paul Sippil.
Learn more about Paul PaulSippil.com, or connect with him on LinkedIn.
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Arcatemy is Arcat's Continuing Education Program. Listen to Arcat's Detailed podcast and earn HSW credits. As a trusted provider, Arcat ensures you earn AIA CE credits while advancing your expertise and career in architecture. Learn more at Arcat.com/continuing-education.
WeCollabify helps small architecture firms build sustainable capacity through an insourcing model that integrates skilled BIM and technical professionals directly into your team—working in your time zone, inside your systems. Learn how to scale with intention at wecollabify.com/entrearchitect.
Visit our Platform Sponsors today and thank them for supporting YOU... The EntreArchitect Community of small firm architects.
Mentioned in this episode:
NCARB Podcast
Build Your Brand
Gabl CES

How Architecture Firms Can Use Data to Thrive
Ashish Desai, CEO of Monograph, joins the EntreArchitect Podcast to discuss architecture firm management software and the future of AI in practice. He explains how architecture firm management software can help firms improve profitability, forecasting, and operational efficiency. Ashish shares why many architecture firms struggle to connect business performance with everyday project management.
Before becoming CEO in 2026, Ashish led product and design at Monograph as Chief Product Officer. Earlier in his career, he helped scale companies like 99designs and Handshake by focusing on user experience and product strategy. As a result, he brings a unique perspective on how technology can help architecture firms work more efficiently while staying people-centered.
In this episode, Ashish and Mark discuss the growing gap between thriving firms and struggling firms in today’s market. They also explore how AI can support project management, staffing, forecasting, and decision-making inside architecture practices. Finally, Ashish shares practical advice for firm leaders who want to build stronger businesses while preparing for the future of the profession.
This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, How Architecture Firms Can Use Data to Thrive with Ashish Desai.
Learn more about Ashish at Monograph, check out the Monograph 2026 Benchmark Report, or connect with him on LinkedIn.
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Arcatemy is Arcat's Continuing Education Program. Listen to Arcat's Detailed podcast and earn HSW credits. As a trusted provider, Arcat ensures you earn AIA CE credits while advancing your expertise and career in architecture. Learn more at Arcat.com/continuing-education.
WeCollabify helps small architecture firms build sustainable capacity through an insourcing model that integrates skilled BIM and technical professionals directly into your team—working in your time zone, inside your systems. Learn how to scale with intention at wecollabify.com/entrearchitect.
Visit our Platform Sponsors today and thank them for supporting YOU... The EntreArchitect Community of small firm architects.
Mentioned in this episode:
NCARB Podcast
Gabl CES
Build Your Brand

Communal Housing Design Guidelines
Communal housing design guidelines take center stage as Kyle Barker joins the EntreArchitect Podcast. Kyle is the founder of Primary Projects, where he focuses on sustainable, affordable, and community-driven housing. In this episode, he shares how his work challenges traditional housing models and pushes toward more connected living.
Along the way, Kyle discusses his Rotch Scholar research, which took him across Europe, Australia, and Japan to study collective housing. He explains how these global insights shaped his book and design approach. In addition, he breaks down how reducing embodied carbon and improving communication can lead to better outcomes for both architects and residents.
Kyle also reflects on his path into architecture and his role as an educator and mentor. He also shares how architects can rethink housing to meet modern needs without losing sight of community. As a result, this conversation offers practical ideas for designing spaces that are both meaningful and adaptable.
This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Communal Housing Design Guidelines with Kyle Barker.
Learn more about Kyle at Primary Projects, check out his book Communal Housing Design Guidelines, or connect with him on Instagram and LinkedIn.
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Arcatemy is Arcat's Continuing Education Program. Listen to Arcat's Detailed podcast and earn HSW credits. As a trusted provider, Arcat ensures you earn AIA CE credits while advancing your expertise and career in architecture. Learn more at Arcat.com/continuing-education.
WeCollabify helps small architecture firms build sustainable capacity through an insourcing model that integrates skilled BIM and technical professionals directly into your team—working in your time zone, inside your systems. Learn how to scale with intention at wecollabify.com/entrearchitect.
Visit our Platform Sponsors today and thank them for supporting YOU... The EntreArchitect Community of small firm architects.
Mentioned in this episode:
Build Your Brand
Gabl CES
NCARB Podcast

When Architects Communicate Their Value, Everything Changes
When architects communicate their value, everything changes. In this episode, Joyce Owens FAIA RIBA shares why clear communication is the key to elevating both your work and your impact. As the founder of Architecture Joyce Owens LLC and a leader in Tropical Modern design, she brings decades of global experience to the conversation.
After 15 years in London, Joyce returned to Florida and built a practice known for climate-sensitive and resilient design. Along the way, she became the first woman to receive the AIA Florida Gold Medal and was elevated to the AIA College of Fellows. Because of this journey, she understands how architects can better position their expertise and stand out in a crowded market.
Throughout the discussion, Joyce explains how architects can communicate their value with confidence and clarity. She also shares insights on marketing, leadership, and the future of the profession as she runs for AIA national president. Ultimately, this episode offers a practical and inspiring look at how stronger messaging can transform careers and the industry.
This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, When Architects Communicate Their Value, Everything Changes with Joyce Owens.
Learn more about Joyce at Architecture Joyce Owens LLC (AJO), or connect with her on LinkedIn.
Referenced in this Episode
EA510: Joyce Owens – Leverage Your Expertise to Share the Value of Architects
Please Visit Our Platform Sponsors
Arcatemy is Arcat's Continuing Education Program. Listen to Arcat's Detailed podcast and earn HSW credits. As a trusted provider, Arcat ensures you earn AIA CE credits while advancing your expertise and career in architecture. Learn more at Arcat.com/continuing-education.
WeCollabify helps small architecture firms build sustainable capacity through an insourcing model that integrates skilled BIM and technical professionals directly into your team—working in your time zone, inside your systems. Learn how to scale with intention at wecollabify.com/entrearchitect.
Visit our Platform Sponsors today and thank them for supporting YOU... The EntreArchitect Community of small firm architects.
Mentioned in this episode:
NCARB Podcast
Build Your Brand
Gabl CES