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architecturebusinessLife

Bad Politics

A client informed me recently that their project was being shelved, they were putting their house on the market, and they were moving back to Colorado. While I’m disappointed to lose any project, I am delighted to have another connection in Denver to visit (No offense, Bill), especially as James…
jwa
July 15, 2022
architecturebusiness

Under Construction

For the first time in a long while, I have two projects in various stages of construction. Two projects. How did that happen? At one, they’re installing kitchen cabinets and painting the exterior. Between both of those and the interior changes, the house couldn’t look more different. The other project…
jwa
May 6, 2022
architecturebusinessLife

Architecture Ain’t Pretty

Four or five years ago, a client chastised me during an early morning site meeting for not dressing properly. The morning was quite chilly, and while I thought I was appropriately attired, clearly, I was not. My heavy denim coat was for the most part keeping me warm. However, I…
jwa
January 14, 2022
businessLife

On the Road Again

My commute to the office is about to get a bit longer. Apparently 21 months is my limit for working from home. At the beginning of October, I started getting a bit antsy about sequestering in the guest room and started thinking more and more that the time had come…
jwa
October 22, 2021
businessLife

Details Are A Bit Furry

Did that guy have a tail? I spent the end of last week in San Antonio at the Texas Society of Architects annual conference. And although this was the first in-person conference in two years, everything – and I mean everything – felt pretty much the same. Continuing education sessions.…
jwa
October 15, 2021
businessFood for thought

Non-Virtual Event

How’s that for saying “live conference” without actually saying it? In two weeks, I will not only be attending but also helping to moderate a panel at the Texas Society of Architects (TxA) annual conference in San Antonio. And in person no less! Saying that out loud sounds a bit…
jwa
September 24, 2021
architecturebusiness

Picking Up the Pieces

Never fire your contractor. Unless, of course, you absolutely have to. I was reminded of this in a recent conversation with a contractor/friend who I’ve worked with on past projects. He had been brought in about halfway through an extensive home renovation to pick up the pieces and finish the…
jwa
September 17, 2021
architecturebusiness

Unapproachable

Once in a while I am reminded of why people don’t see architects as approachable. Very rarely am I reminded of that twice in the same year. At a new project meeting in January, the contractor thanked me for coming and then dropped this little gem: “Most architects I meet…
jwa
August 6, 2021
architecturebusiness

What Lies Beneath

I always tell clients to be ready for a surprise any time they’re doing a renovation. You never know what the previous owners have done during their own renovations. Or the people before them. But always expect something. Entire windows left inside walls. Flooring on top of flooring on top…
Clint Thomson
September 18, 2020
businessLife

And I’m Spent!

One thing about work that hasn’t changed during the pandemic – finishing up the day and thinking about just melting into the sofa. Or into a martini. And today was one of those days. In the past that feeling usually came with a deadline. You’re pushing yourself and others to…
Clint Thomson
August 21, 2020
Spotted Dog Architecture