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

Lately I’ve been thinking — being a good designer isn’t enough. You’ve also gotta understand how money works and how to create value people will actually pay for, without giving up all your time and peace of mind. I’m still figuring out that balance, but I really believe Skool is helping me get there. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

People aren’t quitting the 9-to-5 because they’re lazy — they’re just done doing meaningless work. As designers, we know the feeling: spending 40 hours a week drafting someone else’s vision while your own ideas sit on a shelf. Architecture used to be like the old master builders — self-directed, creative, and owned. Now it’s like an assembly line of redlines and markups. The new goal isn’t to work more hours, it’s to work on what you own.Create templates, systems, or small offers that let you design once and get paid many times. Real freedom isn’t leaving architecture — it’s designing it your way.If you’re reading this, I welcome your input.