Design+Dialogue

Chicago in January.  If we have not experienced it we must all at least understand how bone-chilling cold it must be.  We rush in from the street and a hit with a warm wall of air, it is the most wonderful thing in the world at that moment. But how […]

Hiring the right people can be challenging during rapid company growth. The firm feels pressured to meet all sorts of other demands during this time. Breaking the hiring habits that have worked for decades can be difficult, but the truth is that hiring processes are doomed to fail when they […]

I recently read an article published in Architizer called “6 Way Residential Architecture Can Impact Your Health”.  It is a fascinating architect about how architects and designers can create with health and wellness as their north star. But what about the rest of us already nested in our homes of […]

I read a recent article in Fast Company (Architects Started Caring About What Their Buildings are Made From. That’s a Good Thing) and was excited to hear a voice talking about the importance of the architect’s influence beyond design. The current model* of the general architectural process is design (technical […]

I have been looking back over some of the content I created during the height of the pandemic.  I have been curious to better understand this time because, one, it feels like and long time ago, and two, I find it hard to have any exact memories of being locked […]

In an article published in Building Design, 41% of UK architects are using AI.  Most architects surveyed are using AI occasionally, but this RIBA AI report is the first I have seen giving any numbers on how much AI is gaining ground in the Architecture industry. As part of this […]

Social media can be a powerful tool for architecture firms, yet many firms don’t take advantage of TikTok, Instagram, or LinkedIn. Social media can help you establish your identity, attract talent, gain new clients, and increase firm awareness. The Benefits of Social Media Social media is a fast and cost-effective […]

New Your City is getting new subway cars.  Why?  Well, according to Bloomberg, MTA needs to replace 3,900 cars over the next 20 years.  In fact, 1,500 of the MTA’s cars are past their FORTY YEAR LIMIT!!!!  If you have been on the MTA, these new cars come as great […]

As I have been sharing since the first of the year, your firm WILL hire this year.  It is slow now and that makes it the best time for you to get your hiring process tuned up. Today I am sharing the three most comment mistakes I have seen firms […]

One of the best ways to improve the quality of your architecture or design firm’s talent is to prioritize culture fit during your hiring process. The best candidates are looking for a firm that shares their values and goals, so creating a work culture that reflects what professionals want is […]

The architecture and design industry, all industries for that matter, are in a new paradigm.   From full-time in the office to hybrid and full work-from-home, unlimited PTO, and hot desks, organizations are rethinking culture from the ground up. Part of the cultural redefinition is how to retain employees.  Firms are […]

Sharing feedback with a candidate after the interview is critically important. This process does two things.  First, gathering feedback on the candidate from your interview team helps you decide if the candidate is the right fit for the position. Second, it allows the candidate to better understand how their skills […]

Job Offers that get accepted are easy to create and are not all about base salary!  As we enter 2024 DBI is already seeing new jobs opening and firms of all sizes in need of staff.  Competition is slowly creeping back into hiring for the Architecture and Interior Design industries. […]

My last Design and Dialogue post from last year, Happy New Year, I Quit (you can also see my video here) I talk about the best practices your firm should lean on when an employee quits. One of the best practices is for a firm to call upon their bush […]

Happy New Year!  I Quit! I hear this story all the time. It is the first Friday morning of the year and things are going well. The weekend is close, and your project is on track. You have the right budget, the right timeline, and the right team in place. […]

Leaders, those that stand out, use very specific qualities in each of their interactions. 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 […]

Are you an architect looking to make a strong impression with your resume? You must effectively showcase your skills and experience in a competitive industry that values innovation. For example, instead of simply listing your skills, highlight your relevant skills, demonstrating your unique design approach. Additionally, don’t just talk about […]

Are you seeking a cutting-edge solution to enhance your architecture firm’s talent acquisition process? Look no further than executive search firms specializing in architecture. These firms possess unique skills and expertise that can assist you in finding the best-suited professionals for your innovative projects. By understanding the distinctive needs of […]

Building high-performing teams is critical to the success and profitability of a design firm.  As our industry moves into 2024 many firms are adjusting to headwinds of all kinds.  Many projects have been paused or shelved due to the higher interest rates.  Other firms are adjusting to technological changes in […]

The Architecture and Interior Design industry, as all industries do, has its ups and downs.  The market today is in a “down”.  Layoffs have become an unfortunate reality for many professionals currently. When leaders of firms, large and small, find themselves in a situation where they must let go of […]