Lessons from 30 Years in Residential Architecture (ft. Chris Landis)

Charge appropriately for design services, as it's a lot of work and time; don't give it away for free or underprice it.

Implement a phased design process (e.g., schematic, design development, construction documents) to progress from simple to complex, layering information and getting client sign-off at each stage.

Develop clear design proposals and contracts that outline the scope to manage client expectations and prevent project creep.

Align sales and design teams by involving designers in initial sales meetings for larger projects to ensure a shared understanding of client needs and scope.

Create comprehensive training materials, such as master drawing sets and checklists for each design phase, to standardize processes and expedite new team member onboarding.

View design as a profit center, not a loss leader; measure design hours and costs to ensure profitability, which allows for investment in talent and growth.

Prioritize building a strong portfolio through professional photography and award submissions to showcase high-quality work and attract ideal clients.