I've been doing residential design in California for about 30 years. If I could hand my younger self a short list, it wouldn't be "collect more resources" it'd be the few that actually change how you work: Revit is my main tool - worth going deep on rather than spreading thin across five programs. - For learning it well, the Revit Kid, Balkan Architect, and The Street Architect (YouTube) are the ones I'd actually follow. - A Pattern Language by Christopher Alexander not a software or drafting book, but the best thing I know for understanding why a space actually works for the people in it. It'll make you a better designer, not just a better drafter. - UpCodes or ICC Digital Codes so you're working from the actual CRC instead of guessing what the city wants. - AIBD (American Institute of Building Design) the professional home for designers who do this work without being licensed architects. Worth a look. But here's the real answer to "how do I improve my services to clients," and it's not a book. Years ago I designed an addition onto an existing garage a clean solution, I was proud of it. Right before submittal, I found out the neighbors had sold their property. The new survey moved the property line, and suddenly my setback was cutting the corner off the building. I'd trusted the existing information instead of verifying it myself. I had to redesign the whole thing, and the client was never happy with the compromised version. That mistake cost me time, money, and a client's trust. What it taught me: verify everything yourself. Measure, then measure again. Out in the field it's not always what you see on paper, and the assumption you didn't check is the one that comes back to bite you. The corrections and the close calls are the real curriculum that's what actually makes you better at serving clients. Happy to go deeper on any of this if it's useful.

I’ve decided to begin publicly documenting my journey learning AI at 69 years old. This doesn’t replace design. It expands it. AI is becoming part of architecture, creativity, and life — and I’m stepping into it thoughtfully. This video marks the beginning of that exploration. I’d love to know: how do you feel about AI right now — curious, cautious, skeptical, excited?https://youtu.be/S9YLVYNCbUk

Maybe—just maybe—you need to start your own thing. I learned this the hard way. If you’re always waiting for someone else to hand you the opportunity, the experience, or the paycheck… you’ll wait forever. The middleman will always take the biggest slice, and you’ll be left hoping they “let you” grow. After 15+ years working for myself in architecture and design, here’s what I know for sure: - Clients are where the money is. - Experience comes from doing—not waiting. - Skills grow fastest when you’re responsible for the outcome. - Entrepreneurship forces you to become who you’re meant to be. School gave me a foundation, but everything that made me valuable came from stepping out on my own, taking on real projects, solving real problems, and learning fast. If you feel stuck… if you feel overlooked… if you know you’re capable of more— Start building something of your own.Even small. Even messy.But start. Your future won’t change until you do. If you want guidance, clarity, or someone to help you map out your next steps, I’m offering a free one-on-one call to new designers.No pressure. Just direction.

I still remember when I was first trying to find my way into the world of architecture. It wasn’t easy. I didn’t have any connections, and I barely understood how the field even worked. I just knew I wanted to be part of it. There were moments I felt completely lost — unsure of where to start or what to do next. But one thing kept me moving forward: persistence. I didn’t have all the answers, but I kept showing up, learning a little more each day, and trusting that the effort would pay off. Looking back, I can see how God was working through those uncertain seasons. He’s given us the mind to figure things out and the strength to keep going when the path isn’t clear. That’s why being part of this Skool community feels like another opportunity — a space where we can see those same miracles happen again. Growth, connection, purpose — they all start here, with faith and persistence. So if you’re in that place — unsure, maybe even discouraged — don’t give up. Hold onto that desire. Keep pushing. In time, things will come together. That’s just how God works.

I want to encourage both young and experienced designers to dig deeper — even when the financial side of things feels like it’s weighing you down. I know what it’s like to feel torn between passion and the need to make a living, but don’t let that pressure steal your fire. We started designing because we care about creating beauty, purpose, and meaning in the spaces people live and work in. That spark is still there — it just needs a little reminder sometimes. Money matters, yes, but it doesn’t define the quality of your design or the depth of your vision. Keep pushing, keep learning, and keep creating. When we design from the heart — not just for the paycheck — the work speaks louder, and the opportunities follow