• 22

    02, 2022

    Design
    Design

    Tuesday, February 22, 2022

    As a CEO of an architecture and design firm, one of the potential assets to think about is what’s known by so many as “contract labor.” Here at DBI, we refer to it as “interim solutions.” Regardless, contract labor is contract design talent that the firm doesn’t hire on. A […]

  • 15

    02, 2022

    Interview
    Interview

    Tuesday, February 15, 2022

    Every interviewer has to have a set of tools in their arsenal. In the architecture and design industry, there is one specific tool that, when executed properly, can mean the difference between hiring ideal candidates and hiring people that aren’t the best fit for the position. This tool is called […]

  • 8

    02, 2022

    Interviewing
    Interviewing

    Tuesday, February 8, 2022

    Work cultures have seen dramatic changes since the pandemic. COVID-19 enabled employers and employees to think about their values and make changes in their professional lives. Unfortunately, while some changes led to positive outcomes, others negatively impacted the architecture and industry. According to research, the pandemic resulted in the loss […]

  • 25

    01, 2022

    Hiring
    Hiring

    Tuesday, January 25, 2022

    Here at DBI, we are swamped! We require great candidates, which is challenging because we are also in a candidate-friendly market. Now more than ever, we have to accommodate our candidates’ needs if we want the best candidates to choose to work with our firm. Because of this, we have […]

  • 18

    01, 2022

    Architecture Firm
    Architecture Firm

    Tuesday, January 18, 2022

    Marketing plays an integral role in keeping your firm afloat. The architecture industry, in particular, saw a massive decline following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, research by Appleseed Strategy showed that 70% of architecture firms experienced a drop in their billings during the second quarter of 2020. […]

  • 14

    01, 2022

    design, director, architecture
    design, director, architecture

    Friday, January 14, 2022

    Core Leadership Skills in Design are many but some are more important for success than others.  In this week’s design and dialogue I share four critical skills every design leader must master. I have another blog that goes more in-depth here.

  • 10

    01, 2022

    Monday, January 10, 2022

    If 2021 was the year of the Great Resignation, 2022 is shaping up to be the year of the great career up-leveling. For those ready to see their career grow, now is the time. I have been having conversations with candidates throughout the holidays and most have been asking me […]

  • 4

    01, 2022

    Architecture Firm
    Architecture Firm

    Tuesday, January 4, 2022

    The “New year, new me” cliché is one we all love because it shares the promise of growth. It’s the new year, so it’s time for those New Year’s Resolutions to create the new “you,” right? Wrong! If you want to create real change in your life, it will take […]

  • 28

    12, 2021

    Tuesday, December 28, 2021

    The reasons architects don’t usually get hired comes down to one thing: interview skills. Architecture recruiters and hiring managers are looking for candidates with more than design ability. They’re looking for candidates who love what they do and can articulate that passion in an interview. 4 Reasons You Didn’t Get […]

  • 21

    12, 2021

    Tuesday, December 21, 2021

    A creative and professional architecture team can use their skills to accomplish remarkable feats.  Whether you’re relying on a small team or one comprised of multiple levels such as lead, core, and support members, one thing is true. Recognition goes a long way toward building trust and retaining your best […]

  • 14

    12, 2021

    Recruitment
    Recruitment

    Tuesday, December 14, 2021

    Job hunts are daunting and time-consuming. Leaving your resume with numerous architecture companies but getting no response can be frustrating. You could be investing hours, days, or weeks on it and still be left with no response. However, that does not mean that you should give up. What you need […]

  • 7

    12, 2021

    Small Architecture Firm
    Small Architecture Firm

    Tuesday, December 7, 2021

    Growing your small design firm presents some distinct issues.  The good news is that this issue can be overcome with a combination of talent, team effort, and unbeatable skills while never compromising on quality, communication, or the collaborative environment within your architecture firm. Easy, right.  But there is reason to […]

  • 30

    11, 2021

    Salesperson
    Salesperson

    Tuesday, November 30, 2021

    Architecture and design salespersons love to share their knowledge of both design and products. Whether they sell to the trades or directly to consumers, sales reps have a deep understanding of how a particular product can enhance or improve aesthetics, construction, or efficiency. This knowledge often comes from formal education, […]

  • 23

    11, 2021

    Design
    Design

    Tuesday, November 23, 2021

    Once you have accrued 5-10 years of experience in design, you may be considering a move to the coveted position of design director.  The creative lead in this position has likely garnered work experience in various related projects and understands how design and concept become a completed project. Build your design […]

  • 18

    11, 2021

    Thursday, November 18, 2021

    How to get your offer accepted?  This questions is on everyones mind as the battle for talent rages!  In this Design+Dialogue I share three tips to help your team turn the tide.  Enjoy!

  • 14

    11, 2021

    Sunday, November 14, 2021

    Plastic is one of the most versatile and durable materials in the architecture and design industry. It has also infamously gained a bad reputation due to its harmful effects on the environment. The crux of the problem is how plastic is being used and managed.   Architecture and design firms […]

  • 10

    11, 2021

    Wednesday, November 10, 2021

    In today’s market, the great resignation, it is critically important to keep your team intact.  In today’s Design+Dialogue I share four tips to help any leader keep their team inspired, and part of your team.

  • 9

    11, 2021

    Tuesday, November 9, 2021

    One of the significant challenges faced by architecture and design industries is incorporating sustainable practices. In The Philosophy of Sustainable Design, Jason F. McLennan said designers should “eliminate negative environmental impact through skillful, sensitive design.” The task requires an immense amount of understanding and awareness infused with a sense of accountability […]

  • 3

    11, 2021

    Wednesday, November 3, 2021

    Design firm’s are hiring at a rate like I have never seen in my 20+ years.  Many firms are not ready for the cut throat market of today.  In this week’s Deisgn+Dialogue I share four tips to help your firm win the war for talent.

  • 2

    11, 2021

    Rejected Employment
    Rejected Employment

    Tuesday, November 2, 2021

    One of the worst feelings in the world is when you open a rejection letter. You didn’t get the job. That resume you worked so hard to put together, prepared endlessly for the interview, and brought your A-game all seems futile now. You begin to start questioning everything and ponder […]