I Always Wanted To Be An Architect: Recent Episodes
Barron Schimberg AIA LEED AP
Whenever I tell people I'm an architect, the first thing they say back is, "I always wanted to be an architect". Almost every time! So we thought it would be a great opportunity to create a podcast presenting what it is like...to be an architect. We'll dive into the relationships we create and the work that we do and hopefully, give people an idea of what it really means to be an architect.
In the final episode of season one, we circle back to the beginning with another interview with Sidney Turner, Ph.D. In episode 01, we discussed our experience working together in the Resilient Retreat project and the complexities of non-profits working with for-profits.As architects, we design for the people who will be using the buildings. With feedback from the community, we overcame unusual barriers related to the pandemic and a hurricane and still moved forward. Now that people are using the building, the community has expressed that they feel safe and at home as soon as they drive through the gates—a true reflection of the project's success.In this episode, Baron Schimberg and Sidney Turner, Ph.D. discuss the project from the vantage point of having completed the project. They discuss feedback received from the community now that the project is complete, creating a safe place with the use of design, and talk about design elements as we walk through the completed building.Topics Include:- Community feedback about the Resilient Retreat project- Having an impact as an architect- Walkthrough of the completed building- And other topics...Sidney Turner, Ph.D., is a psychologist and researcher. Turner is the founder of the non-profit Resilient Retreat, which is an 85 acre, 30-bed retreat for victims of trauma such as abuse, domestic or sexual violence, PTSD, and child abuse. Their mission is to empower trauma survivors through self-care and community. They also support professionals that work with victims of trauma.Resources Mentioned:- Resilient Retreat: https://www.resilientretreat.org/- Podcast: www.theschimberggroup.com/podcast- Email: info@theschimgroup.com
A year and a half ago, the Schimberg Group began collaborating with Ece Uyar Aktaş and the Bej Mimarlik team, an architectural design company based in Izmir, Turkey. This effort was not about creating a relationship to collaborate and design projects together.In this episode, Baron Schimberg and Ece Uyar Aktaş discuss their collaborative projects within the United States, Turkey, and throughout Europe and how both their businesses and the client experience have improved. They also discuss how their designs have become more expansive and created a melting pot of cultural and design opportunities. Topics Include:- How culture and background influence design- How the client benefits from collaborative designs- Creating more diverse projects- And other topics...Ece Uyar Aktaş is the founder of Bej Mimarlik, an architectural company based in Izmir, Turkey. Ece is a 2010 graduate of the Izmir University of Economics with a B.A. degree in architecture. She received her master’s degree in architecture from the Institute of Technology, where she specialized in socio-cultural studies in architecture.Resources Mentioned:- Bej Architects: https://www.bejmimarlik.com/- Ece Uyar Aktaş on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ece-uyar-akta%C5%9F-5529754a/- Podcast: www.theschimberggroup.com/podcast- Email: info@theschimgroup.com
An involved project architect can make a huge difference in your architecture firm. Project architects who are also project managers can get involved in all aspects of projects, understand and assist in the design process, and know when to step in at any time.Our own project architect/manager, Selma Göker Wilson, joins me to talk about her experience as an architect and what she loves about working at Schimberg Group. She explains how she had originally wanted to become an interior designer but transitioned into architecture. One thing she loves about working with our company is the inclusive culture because it makes it a positive workplace.As an project manager, Selma explains the benefits of transitioning to a paper-free office. She talks about why she loves the design process and encourages other project managers to get involved, too. She also talks about the role of tools in the design process: from empowering architects and giving them a sense of responsibility to making design more accessible outside of the office, such as during COVID-19 lockdowns. In this episode, you’ll find out: ● How architecture is driven by the projects landed● The benefits of a paper-free office ● Why an office manager should be involved in the design process● What happens when you empower your employees● How technology has impacted people’s sense of responsibility● How hierarchy kills flexibility in architecture ● And more!Resources Mentioned:● Schimberg Group, Inc.● Podcast: www.theschimberggroup.com/podcast● Email: info@theschimgroup.com
New book: Mise en Place: Memoir of a Girl Chef It’s tough being a woman in a male-dominated work environment. Marisa Mangani shares some of her experiences being a chef, typically a male-dominated industry, and why she transitioned into restaurant consultancy. She decided to share her experiences and story in her new book, Mise en Place: Memoir of a Girl Chef.Marisa explains some of the differences between being in the kitchen world and being in the kitchen consulting world. While she’s no longer cheffing, she still uses her industry knowledge and experience to inform her consulting business. She loves working directly with architects to design restaurants and kitchens with that in mind. Architectural forethought can greatly improve the design and use of a commercial kitchen. In Marisa’s working relationship with architects, she strives to have the collaboration result in maximum revenue for the restaurants they’re building.In this episode, you’ll find out: ● Why Marisa wrote her book● What it’s like to be a woman in a male-dominated environment● The relationship between restaurant consultants and architects● How architectural forethought can improve a kitchen● The relationship between the architect and kitchen consultant should result in maximum revenue● And more!Resources Mentioned:● Book: Mise en Place: Memoir of a Girl Chef https://www.amazon.com/Mise-Place-Memoir-Girl-Chef/dp/1632995654/● Marisa’s Blog: https://misenplacememoir.wordpress.com/● Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/marisamingo77● Podcast: www.theschimberggroup.com/podcast● Email: info@theschimgroup.com
When Josh Weiner began working with Schimberg Group, he was a little nervous about the concept of paying a set monthly fee rather than being charged billable hours. Once they established trust, he couldn’t have been happier with the results.In this episode, Baron Schimberg and Josh Weiner discuss Josh’s experience from being a law school graduate to entrepreneur and finally to Principal at The Longboat Group. They discuss how the academic world lacks prepareation for students for the real-world experiences that are required to build trust and establish relationships with customers. Topics Include:- Academic world vs. the real world- Not focusing on billable hours leads to better results- Building trust with clients- And other topics...Josh Weiner is a Principal at The Longboat Group, which is a real estate development and property management company in Sarasota, Florida. He focuses on developing and refining business strategy and oversees operations across Longboat’s portfolio. He holds a J.D. degree from the University of Kentucky College of Law and his BA at Vanderbilt University.He is licensed to practice law in Washington State.Resources Mentioned:- The Longboat Group: https://www.thelongboatgroup.com/- Podcast: www.theschimberggroup.com/podcast- Email: info@theschimgroup.com
We have a special episode today. It’s our intern, Daniela Abreu de Cabo’s last day with us. It’s been an honor having Daniela with us. In this episode, we’re talking about what she loved about her internship, the top things she learned in the last year and two months, how the internship prepared her for college, and so much more.Daniela can’t pick just three things she’s learned from being an intern. She learned architecture skills, AutoCAD, Sketch Up, In Design, and model making. Still, she also learned important business and life skills. Things like time management, organization, and what it’s like to have a healthy work environment – important skills that will help her through college and into her career.Since architects stay involved during much of the building process and not just the initial design, Daniela learned to appreciate the teamwork throughout the entire process. She also talks about how her hobbies have helped her budding architecture career, how this internship helped prepare her for college, and what little details she needs to now be aware of. Good luck in all your future endeavors, Daniela – it was a pleasure working with you.In this episode, you’ll find out: ● How an internship can help you prepare for college● What skills you learn in an architecture internship● How an internship can change your perception of what an architect does● How your hobbies can give you an advantage in architecture● What little details architects need to be aware of● And more!Resources Mentioned:- Podcast: www.theschimberggroup.com/podcast- Email: info@theschimgroup.com
The relationship between architects and construction companies is an important one that often gets overlooked, especially in the early design process. Cody Carson, a Project Manager at Tandem Construction, joins me to talk about the importance of collaboration with architects, the lines of communication between architects, construction managers, and contractors, and the benefits of getting owner and end-user feedback as early as possible.Cody explains how, as a project manager, he prefers to get involved with architects before the schematic design so that they can approach the project collaboratively. This helps to guide the vision and reduces the amount of rework done on a project. He says there’s a common misconception that getting construction companies involved early isn’t the most cost-effective decision, but this isn’t the case. Construction companies keep abreast of industry trends and costs and have relationships with subcontractors that will benefit the entire design process.Cody also talks about the benefits of open communication, with clearly defined boundaries, between all parties involved: the construction company, contractors, architects, owners, and end-users. This prevents misunderstandings and any surprises on all ends, including the end-users intended use of the space.In this episode, you’ll find out: ● Getting everyone in the room early prevents rework and helps to guide the vision● The requirements for creating commercial spaces intended for use by the public● The lines of communication between architects, construction managers, and subcontractors● The process of cost-estimating● What an owner should ask a construction manager at the start of a project● And more!Resources Mentioned:● Tandem Construction● Podcast: www.theschimberggroup.com/podcast● Email: info@theschimgroup.com
We must create sustainable restaurants and more sustainable practices in our commercial property development. Ed Chiles is a restauranteur, entrepreneur, developer, sustainable activist, and owner of Chiles Hospitality, a multi-restaurant corporation that includes an organic farm and multiple commercial properties. He is leading the food industry in sustainable food practices and composting.Ed talks about the connection between the food industry and the design process. It’s essential that architects and designers consider sustainable improvements when designing commercial buildings, especially ones that house restaurants. Our future depends on more sustainability; as Ed says: “Build it sustainably. Operate it sustainably.”Developing sustainable practices benefits everyone. It contributes to a company culture that employees are proud to be part of. It’s also linked to increased profitability for everyone involved. We also talk about some of the challenges coming up in the food industry, including the design of restaurants and how we need to think about these going forward. Finally, we talk about the restaurant industry in general, specifically what restaurants get wrong (it all comes down to customer service) and why authenticity is vital in the restaurant industry.In this episode, you’ll find out:● The connection between food & design● How to create a sustainable, circular environment ● Why we all need to think of sustainable solutions for our industry● Why design and sustainability are essential to restaurant development● The connection between design, sustainability, and food to profitability● And more!Resources Mentioned:● Chiles Hospitality● All Clams On Deck● Podcast: www.theschimberggroup.com/podcast● Email: info@theschimgroup.com
Schimberg Group was honored to work with Sidney Turner, Ph.D. in designing a new home for Resilient Retreat, a non-profit organization that supports victims of trauma. Turner founded Resilient Retreat after realizing that there is so much focus on the crisis but not enough on helping victims rebuild their lives. After trying to offer programs throughout the community and running into various challenges, they Resilient Retreat decided that they needed one dedicated location to offer their services. Turner set up meetings with different firms and collected proposals, but the most important thing was finding organizations that understood how to work with non-profits and who truly understood their mission.Working with non-profits can be complex and requires collaboration. With this project, we designed a space that would accommodate an overnight program with a mix of spaces for large and small groups. It was also important to create a calm and peaceful environment that utilized nature and incorporated the Hygge concept, which is a Danish concept of comfort. Turner couldn’t be happier with the end result.In this episode, Barron Schimberg and Sidney Turner, Ph.D. discuss their experience working together to design a building for the Resilient Retreat. They discuss the complexities of working with a non-profit, the importance of teamwork, and the incredible results of their collaboration.Topics Include:- How architects work with non-profits- Architecture that supports a mission- Collaboration to create a non-profit space- The complexities of non-profits working with for-profits- The Danish concept called Hygge- And other topics...Sidney Turner, Ph.D., is a psychologist and researcher. Turner is the founder of the non-profit Resilient Retreat, which is an 85-acre, 30-bed retreat for victims of trauma such as abuse, domestic or sexual violence, PTSD, and child abuse. Their mission is to empower trauma survivors through self-care and community. They also support professionals that work with victims of trauma.Resources Mentioned:- Resilient Retreat: https://www.resilientretreat.org/- Podcast: www.theschimberggroup.com/podcast- Email: info@theschimgroup.com
As a child, I knew I wanted to be an architect. I worked hard to make that dream come true, and today I own Schimberg Group, an architecture and interior design firm that works with commercial and high-end residential clients.If I had a dime for each time someone told me that they wanted to be an architect, I’d be pretty set. Even so, what we as architects do seems to be elusive to most people, but intriguing to all. I’ve written many blog posts to help explain the architecture field and transitioning into an audio format seems like the next best step.In this episode, Barron Schimberg talks about why he started this podcast and what he hopes listeners will get from it. He explains why the focus of this podcast will be on relationships and his plans to have candid conversations with various professionals within the industry, allowing them to use this platform to promote themselves.Topics Include:- Why I started this podcast- The importance of relationships in business- When you can expect to listen each month- My teamwork philosophy for my firm- And other topics...Barron Schimberg is the founder of Schimberg Group, which started as a construction management company and grew into an architectural and interior design firm. He enjoys the challenge of running a small business and using his firm as an opportunity to teach architecture to interns and mentor the next generation of future architects. In his personal time, he coaches his Miracle League Baseball team, which is a non-profit focused on providing differently-abled children and adults the opportunity to play baseball. He enjoys Crossfit and a good game of Scrabble.Resources Mentioned:- Podcast: www.theschimberggroup.com/podcast- Email: info@theschimgroup.com
Episode 02: The Importance of Sustainability in Architecture with Kristy M. WalsonClimate change is something that affects every single person on this planet, some more than others, but ultimately comes down to how big businesses manage their sustainability practices. Kristy M. Walson is a mechanical engineer and sustainability consultant who works with architects to ensure their understanding of sustainability contributes to the design process. Her goal is for more architects to consider sustainability efforts from the pre-design stage.The current system means that utility companies are in a monopoly position for their regions. Suppose we design buildings with sustainability in mind. In that case, we can pass on energy efficiency and more environmentally sound buildings, and ones that save money in the long run. Kristy explains that some of the most significant sustainability impacts architects can make relate to glass, ventilation, and the space to heat – with the biggest cost saving simply being the ability to turn things off, something that many office buildings lack the facilities to do so.Kristy explains that it’s so important to have these initial, internal conversations that impact sustainability solutions. She also talks about why architects and designers need to think about more than their bottom line budget; long-term sustainability solutions can impact a client’s expenses for the building’s lifetime.In this episode, you’ll find out: ● How to use utility bills to drive sustainability efforts in a building● How much existing buildings contribute to climate change● How architects can integrate sustainability into their final designs● How simply turning things off can produce the most energy savings● What happens when sustainability efforts are considered from the pre-design stageResources Mentioned:● Podcast: www.theschimberggroup.com/podcast● Email: info@theschimgroup.com