EntreArchitect Podcast with Mark R. LePage

Stop to Reflect and Be Proud of Your Success Before You Prepare for the New YearAs the year winds down, many leaders rush ahead instead of pausing. In this episode of the EntreArchitect Podcast, we explore why it matters to stop to reflect before the new year. Mark R. LePage is joined by Shannon Hughes of Enliven Studios to talk about pride, progress, and presence.Shannon shares her path from corporate recruitment advertising to building a people-first coaching practice. Along the way, she explains how intentional culture keeps teams engaged and connected. She also walks through a real firm turnaround and introduces her Five Finger Reflection process as a simple planning tool.Finally, the conversation offers clear, practical guidance for small firm architects. Therefore, listeners learn how reflection builds confidence before setting new goals. The result is leadership with more clarity, trust, and momentum.This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Stop to Reflect and Be Proud of Your Success Before You Prepare for the New Year with Shannon Hughes.Learn more about Shannon at Enlivened Studios, and connect with her on LinkedIn.Please Visit Our Platform SponsorsArcatemy 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.Visit our Platform Sponsors today and thank them for supporting YOU... The EntreArchitect Community of small firm architects.

A New Era for AIA Contract Documents and What It Means for Small FirmsA new era for AIA Contract Documents is reshaping how small firms manage risk, clarity, and collaboration. In this episode of EntreArchitect, Mark R. LePage talks with Nick Macey, CEO of AIA Contract Documents, about what this shift really means for practice today. Together, they explore why contracts matter more than ever in an increasingly complex design and construction landscape.Nick shares how AIA Contract Documents has evolved from static PDFs to smarter, digital tools. He explains how clear agreements support better relationships, fewer disputes, and stronger project outcomes. Along the way, the conversation highlights why small firms often feel the pain of poor contract processes first.The discussion looks ahead to the future of contract intelligence. Nick explains how AI and data-informed tools can make contracts more accessible and less intimidating. As a result, architects can spend less time managing risk and more time designing with confidence.This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, A New Era for AIA Contract Documents and What It Means for Small Firms with Nick Macey.Learn more about Nick at AIAcontracts.com, and find him on LinkedIn.Please Visit Our Platform SponsorsArcatemy 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.Visit our Platform Sponsors today and thank them for supporting YOU... The EntreArchitect Community of small firm architects.

Designing Resilient Homes for a New Climate Reality (Case Study House 2.0)In this episode of the EntreArchitect Podcast, we explore designing resilient homes for a new climate reality with architects Harper Halprin and Aaron Leshtz of AAHA Studio. They share the story behind their Case Study 2.0 project, a modern reimagining of the iconic Case Study House Program built for an era marked by wildfire risk and climate urgency. As they explain, this initiative grew from both professional experience and personal encounters with fire-damaged communities in Southern California.Harper and Aaron walk through the origins of AAHA Studio, their early careers in New York, and the creative influences that shaped their approach to architecture. They describe how Crest Real Estate enlisted them to develop a catalog of fire-resilient prototype homes with predictable fees and targeted construction budgets. Their courtyard-based design responds to real burn-site conditions, strengthens defensible space, and supports indoor–outdoor living while keeping residents safer. Through each step, they emphasize that design is about more than aesthetics; it is about how a building performs, protects, and supports the people who live in it.The conversation also highlights the vital leadership role architects play after disasters. Harper and Aaron share how the architectural community mobilized through roundtables, AIA coordination, and shared resources to help neighborhoods rebuild. They close with practical encouragement for small firm architects: stay curious, keep learning, be open to opportunity, and always lead with service. This episode offers a timely reminder that resilient design isn’t just a trend—it’s a responsibility.This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Designing Resilient Homes for a New Climate Reality (Case Study House 2.0) with Harper Halprin and Aaron Leshtz.Learn more about Harper and Aaron at AAHA Studio, check out Case Study 2.0, follow them on Instagram, and connect with Harper and Aaron on LinkedIn.Please Visit Our Platform SponsorsArcatemy 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.Visit our Platform Sponsors today and thank them for supporting YOU... The EntreArchitect Community of small firm architects.

Your Next Hire Should Be a Systems ChampionYour next hire should be a systems champion, especially if you’re an architect drowning in day-to-day operations. In this episode of the EntreArchitect Podcast, Mark R. LePage talks with David Jenyns, founder of Systemology and author of Systems Champion. David explains why architects must build systems that work without them and how a dedicated systems champion can transform the way a small firm runs. He also shares why systemization feels hard for creatives, and how to make it simpler and more sustainable.David and Mark break down the mindset shift required to step out of daily production. They also explore the role accountability plays in keeping systems alive, not just documented. Because AI is now part of every firm’s workflow, David outlines simple ways to use it to make systems easier to create and maintain. The conversation feels practical, encouraging, and rooted in real-world firm experience.By the end, you’ll know where to start, what to delegate first, and how a systems champion can unlock more time, profit, and clarity in your business. You’ll also gain tools to empower your team, improve consistency, and build a business that supports your life instead of consuming it. This is a must-listen for any architect ready to scale with less stress and more intention.This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Your Next Hire Should Be a Systems Champion with David Jenyns.Learn more about David at systemHUB, check out the book Systems Champion, listen to the Business Processes Simplified Podcast, and connect with him on Facebook, X and LinkedIn.Please Visit Our Platform SponsorsArcatemy 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.Visit our Platform Sponsors today and thank them for supporting YOU... The EntreArchitect Community of small firm architects.

Using the Right Words: How Copywriting Builds a Better Architecture BrandIn this episode, Mark R. LePage talks with award-winning copywriter Larry Lindner, opening the door to a conversation many architects overlook: why the right words matter just as much as great design. Larry explains how strong storytelling helps architects stand out in a crowded market and connect with the clients they want to serve.As the conversation unfolds, Larry shares the biggest communication mistakes he sees architects make and how simple shifts in messaging can dramatically change how a firm is perceived. He also breaks down what editors look for when publishing architect-written articles and why authentic narratives easily outperform generic marketing language. Furthermore, Mark and Larry discuss how AI can support, not replace, a strong human-driven voice.Listeners will walk away with practical steps they can apply today. From tightening up website copy to pitching a story to a magazine, Larry outlines clear actions to strengthen any firm’s brand. Even small improvements in communication can build trust, deepen relationships, and fuel long-term business growth.This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Using the Right Words: How Copywriting Builds a Better Architecture Brand with Larry Lindner.Learn more about Larry at Larry Lindner and connect with him on LinkedIn.Please Visit Our Platform SponsorsArcatemy 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.Visit our Platform Sponsors today and thank them for supporting YOU... The EntreArchitect Community of small firm architects.Mentioned in this episode:SpacesBuild Your BrandContext & Clarity