Architecture

Succession Planning is THE biggest undertaking a design firm owner will go through during the life of their firm. It takes thoughtful planning and years to nurture and execute. The firm owners I talk with find it all too daunting and never get started. In this video I share a [...]

Many people think it is difficult to find work in the art and design fields, but there are many benefits you can reap by pursuing a career in architecture, especially since the real estate market in the United States is better than it has been in a long time. Here [...]

For Thanksgiving, DBI presents an atheistic discussion on turkey stuffing.

Don’t ruin all the hard work of bringing in top talent but thinking that the first day is the end of the process. It is not. After the new employee starts it is critical for team leaders and managers to focus on strengthening the overall work environment to ensure that [...]

Last week I discussed the top reasons candidates are rejected your offer.  This week I share the solution, Interview Teams.  Check out the video on how to develop a well-organized and successful interview team. Here is the link to my Design+Dialogue regarding why candidates are rejecting your offer.  

From continued social distancing to underlying financial uncertainty, the world continues to cope with challenges that have never experienced before! Many of us are left looking for ways to adapt, accept, and bounce back from these stressful times. Resilience is an essential skill that will not only help you rebound [...]

If you’re having a difficult time hiring the right candidates for your architecture jobs, then it could be due to a flawed hiring process. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to improve. There are three common things you could be getting wrong in your hiring process and [...]

Leaders, those that really stand out, have learned to develop some very specific qualities. Take Sir Richard Branson for example, the self-proclaimed rule-breaker owns one of the world’s most recognized brands and has authored several books on important leadership principles. Instead of relying on traditional business strategies, he suggests that [...]

The pandemic continues to impact the architecture industry in many different ways. One trend that we’re seeing is that a growing number of people, especially millennials, are migrating away from cities in favor of suburban living to better insulate themselves from climate risks and COVID. Architecture consulting services and planners [...]

Last week I spoke to employees on how they can create a better relationship with their bosses and managers.  This week it’s the boss’ turn.  These three tips are ones any manager can start using today to develop better employee relationships.

As our country continues to navigate through unprecedented times, people are still learning how to cope with the fallout of job layoffs, canceled concerts and closed restaurants, bars and schools. Many of our normal routines have been replaced with extended lengths of self-isolation and social distancing from our friends, family, [...]

The relationship you have with your boss has been proven to be THE most important relationship of your career. In this Design+Dialogue I share a few ways to improve that relationship, whether it is currently good or bad. It was built from this post, check it out.

Over the course of 2020, we have seen the effects of climate change and infectious disease. Both disproportionally affect underprivileged communities who often lack access to healthcare or the ability to relocate. Architecture firms have an opportunity to invest in climate change and COVID recovery– including renewable energy and green [...]

This post is to thank everyone that has been a part of my life, and of DBI. Today is my 50th birthday and I feel so fortunate to have such a great life, business, and home. Thank you!

Equity as a value can change an architecture or design firm for the better. When firms promote diversity and equity in their organizational culture, they attract and retain better talent, improve performance, and create a work environment where everyone feels like they have a voice. What Is Equity? Equity is [...]

DBI is starting to see the design industry recover in parts of the country.  Many of our clients are looking for ways to increase profit AND mitigate risk.  We feel that a strong contract talent/interim solutions strategy is a great way to do both. In this video I touch on [...]

The list of reasons why some people dislike their boss can be extensive. From neglecting employees’ feelings and concerns to setting unrealistic expectations, there are many potential weaknesses that firm leaders can suffer from. But the success of a firm depends on managers and employees having mutual respect. Having a [...]

As I have been working with firms, planning for their recovery as well as for the talent they will need to meet those recover goals, contract talent has come up time and again. DBI’s contract talent studio is call Interim Solutions.  We have the ability to put talent into any [...]

Think back to before the Pandemic started (I know, it seems like last year) but go with me. Were your employees engaged? Did they truly participate in the firm? Did they understand the firm goals and strategies? Did they care? Now think about those same employees today. Are you at [...]

As architecture recruiters, we don’t want COVID-19 to get in the way of students entering the profession. But the pandemic continues to impact our industry as firms strategize how to continue their internship programs while keeping everybody safe. Although some employers chose to cancel internships, others were able to offer [...]