EA585: Cheryl McIntosh - Building Brands: How Architecture Firms Can Elevate Their Digital Presence

Crafting a Podcast DocumentaryIn this episode, Mark sits down with Dimitrius Lynch, co-founder of Gābl Media and creator of the Going Green podcast series, to discuss the journey behind crafting a documentary-style podcast. They dive into the inspiration for the series, which explores humanity's evolving relationship with the environment, and the extensive research and production process that went into creating each episode.Dimitrius shares the behind-the-scenes work that went into gathering information, scripting episodes, and collaborating with his team to create a narrative that’s both educational and compelling. The conversation also touches on the crucial role of storytelling in architecture, emphasizing how architects can use their voices to drive greater public awareness and appreciation of the built environment. Dimitrius reflects on the power of architects sharing their stories and the importance of using platforms like podcasts to influence positive change.The episode wraps up with a look at what’s next for Going Green and Dimitrius’s broader mission through Gābl Media and his architecture studio, LYNES, which specializes in residential, office, and retail design. Through his work, Dimitrius is committed to enhancing the way the public engages with architecture, sustainability, and the spaces we inhabit.This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Crafting a Podcast Documentary with Dimitrius Lynch.Learn more about Dimitrius online at LYNES and Gābl Media, listen to the SPACES series Going Green, and find him on Instagram and LinkedIn.Referenced in this EpisodeEA232: Sharing Your Architecture Story with Dimitrius Lynch of Spaces Podcast [Podcast]Gābl Media All-Access SeriesGābl Media AEC Community MembershipsPlease visit Our Platform SponsorsGo to https://betterhelp.com/architect for 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help. Thank you to our sponsor BetterHelp for supporting our community of small firm entrepreneur architects.ARCAT.com is much more than a product catalog, with CAD, BIM, and specifications created in collaboration with manufacturers. ARCAT.com also offers LEED data, continuing education resources, newsletters, and the Detailed podcast. Visit https://ARCAT.com to learn more.Visit our Platform Sponsors today and thank them for supporting YOU... The EntreArchitect Community of small firm architects.Mentioned in this episode:All AccessArchIT

Transforming Nigeria and Beyond through the Visionary Architecture of HTL AfricaIn this episode, Mark sits down with James Inedu-George, the visionary architect behind HTL Africa, to discuss how transformative architecture can address pressing social challenges across Nigeria and beyond. From his roots in Zaria, Nigeria, to founding an internationally recognized practice, James has built a career around redefining urban spaces with culture, sustainability, and affordability at the forefront.They explore his innovative $10,000 sustainable housing model, designed to ease Nigeria’s housing crisis, as well as his pioneering work in adaptive reuse, such as converting a 200-year-old church in Ghana into a vibrant community hub. James shares his guiding philosophy, “Affordacity”—the creation of urban spaces that are both livable and accessible—and his commitment to designs that honor a place’s history while pushing architectural boundaries.Tune in to hear how James is reshaping the landscape of West African architecture, offering a new vision for cities that uplift and empower their communities.This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Transforming Nigeria and Beyond through the Visionary Architecture of HTL Africa with James Inedu-George.Connect with James online at HTL Africa, and find him on Instagram, X and LinkedIn.Please visit Our Platform SponsorsGo to https://betterhelp.com/architect for 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help. Thank you to our sponsor BetterHelp for supporting our community of small firm entrepreneur architects.ARCAT.com is much more than a product catalog, with CAD, BIM, and specifications created in collaboration with manufacturers. ARCAT.com also offers LEED data, continuing education resources, newsletters, and the Detailed podcast. Visit https://ARCAT.com to learn more.Visit our Platform Sponsors today and thank them for supporting YOU... The EntreArchitect Community of small firm architects.Mentioned in this episode:All AccessArchITContext & ClarityBuild Your Brand

Building Brands: How Architecture Firms Can Elevate Their Digital PresenceIn this episode, branding expert and architectural photographer Cheryl McIntosh joins us to explore how architecture firms can create a powerful digital presence. Cheryl’s 20-year journey in marketing and brand-building includes founding an award-winning branding agency and leading architecture firms through transformative rebrands as an in-house marketing director. Now an Account Manager at Third & Arch, Cheryl shares her expertise on the role of strong visual identity, strategic calls to action, and client perception in crafting impactful architecture websites.Listeners will hear Cheryl’s take on avoiding common website pitfalls, using professional photography effectively, and ensuring brand relevancy in a dynamic industry. With her experience on panels like the “Website Hot Seat” and as a judge for the SMPS MCA awards, Cheryl brings a 360-degree perspective on what truly makes a website stand out. From navigating client expectations to building sites that marry aesthetics with functionality, Cheryl provides invaluable advice on how architecture firms can turn their websites into not only a visual showcase but a key business tool.This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Building Brands: How Architecture Firms Can Elevate Their Digital Presence with Cheryl McIntosh.Connect with Cheryl online at THIRDANDARCH.COM, and find her on Instagram and LinkedIn.Please visit Our Platform SponsorsGo to https://betterhelp.com/architect for 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help. Thank you to our sponsor BetterHelp for supporting our community of small firm entrepreneur architects.ARCAT.com is much more than a product catalog, with CAD, BIM, and specifications created in collaboration with manufacturers. ARCAT.com also offers LEED data, continuing education resources, newsletters, and the Detailed podcast. Visit https://ARCAT.com to learn more.Visit our Platform Sponsors today and thank them for supporting YOU... The EntreArchitect Community of small firm architects.Mentioned in this episode:Build Your BrandContext & ClarityArchITAll Access

Building a Business That Works for YouIn this episode, Bradley Hamner, founder of Blueprint OS and host of the Above The Business Podcast, shares his transformative journey from being a small business owner to becoming the architect of his business. Bradley opens up about the early struggles of launching his first business with no leads and very little cash but plenty of drive. After a health scare in his 30s, he realized something had to change, prompting him to rethink his approach entirely.Bradley emphasizes the importance of mindset and identity in reshaping how business owners view their role. He discusses the Blueprint OS framework he developed—a comprehensive operating system designed to help entrepreneurs move from being "rainmakers" to business "architects." Through this system, Bradley has empowered countless business owners to scale and grow, while building a business that truly works for them.Tune in to hear practical strategies for installing the systems, processes, and routines that not only make businesses more efficient but also create the freedom and flexibility every entrepreneur dreams of. Bradley offers real-life examples and actionable tips to help architects and business owners alike build a future where their business serves their life, not the other way around.This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Building a Business That Works for You with Bradley Hamner.Connect with Bradley online at Blueprint OS, take the assessment and check out the Above The Business Podcast.Please visit Our Platform SponsorsAs an architect or firm owner, you might find yourself swamped with drawings that take up most of your day, leaving you with little time to manage your business. MGS Global Group can lighten your load by handling all your drafting and rendering needs! Visit MGSGlobalGroup.com and book your free consultation today.ARCAT.com is much more than a product catalog, with CAD, BIM, and specifications created in collaboration with manufacturers. ARCAT.com also offers LEED data, continuing education resources, newsletters, and the Detailed podcast. Visit ARCAT.com to learn more.Visit our Platform Sponsors today and thank them for supporting YOU... The EntreArchitect Community of small firm architects.Mentioned in this episode:ArchITAll AccessBuild Your BrandContext & Clarity

The One Thing Needed To Retain Your Best EmployeesIn this episode, we sit down with Ryan Fish, co-owner and lead architect at PKA Architecture, to uncover the key to employee retention: mentorship. Ryan shares his own journey through architecture and how the guidance of his mentors shaped his career. From the value of mentorship programs to the impact of investing in the next generation, Ryan reveals how building a supportive, collaborative network is crucial not only for employee satisfaction but also for long-term business success.Whether you're leading a small firm or navigating a growing company, Ryan offers actionable advice on creating meaningful mentorship opportunities that make employees feel valued and connected. His approach, rooted in empathy and sustainability, shows how mentorship is more than just professional development—it's the foundation for a thriving workplace.Tune in to learn why investing in people, through mentorship and practical support, is the most powerful tool for retaining top talent.This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, The One Thing Needed To Retain Your Best Employees with Ryan Fish.Connect with Ryan online at PKA Architecture, and find him on LinkedIn.Please visit Our Platform SponsorsAs an architect or firm owner, you might find yourself swamped with drawings that take up most of your day, leaving you with little time to manage your business. MGS Global Group can lighten your load by handling all your drafting and rendering needs! Visit MGSGlobalGroup.com and book your free consultation today.ARCAT.com is much more than a product catalog, with CAD, BIM, and specifications created in collaboration with manufacturers. ARCAT.com also offers LEED data, continuing education resources, newsletters, and the Detailed podcast. Visit ARCAT.com to learn more.Visit our Platform Sponsors today and thank them for supporting YOU... The EntreArchitect Community of small firm architects.Mentioned in this episode:ArchITAll AccessContext & ClarityBuild Your Brand

Cutting Through the AI Hype: Practical Benefits for ArchitectsIn this insightful episode, we sit down with Eitan Tsarfati, CEO and co-founder of SWAPP, to cut through the noise surrounding AI in architecture. Eitan shares how his company is revolutionizing architectural documentation by automating and optimizing tedious tasks, allowing architects to focus on creativity and human-centric design. With his deep experience as an architect and tech entrepreneur, including his successful exit with CmyCasa to Autodesk, Eitan offers a balanced perspective on how AI can enhance productivity without compromising the artistry of architecture.We explore the future of the profession, the importance of communication and relationships, and why architects need to embrace emerging technologies like AI to stay competitive. Whether you’re an architect looking to streamline your workflow or curious about how tech is shaping the industry, this episode delivers practical insights from one of the leading voices in construction tech.This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Cutting Through the AI Hype: Practical Benefits for Architects with Eitan Tsarfati.Connect with Eitan online at SWAPP, and find him on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.Please visit Our Platform SponsorsAs an architect or firm owner, you might find yourself swamped with drawings that take up most of your day, leaving you with little time to manage your business. MGS Global Group can lighten your load by handling all your drafting and rendering needs! Visit MGSGlobalGroup.com and book your free consultation today.ARCAT.com is much more than a product catalog, with CAD, BIM, and specifications created in collaboration with manufacturers. ARCAT.com also offers LEED data, continuing education resources, newsletters, and the Detailed podcast. Visit ARCAT.com to learn more.Visit our Platform Sponsors today and thank them for supporting YOU... The EntreArchitect Community of small firm architects.Mentioned in this episode:All AccessArchITContext & ClarityBuild Your Brand

Crafting Your Unique Brand VoiceIn this episode, we sit down with Kimberley Healy, founder of Brainstorming the Castle, as she shares her journey to becoming a brand voice strategist for architects, interior designers, and brands in the A&D industry. Kim discusses how her entrepreneurial upbringing and diverse career in marketing and copywriting, including roles at F. Schumacher & Co. and the D&D Building, helped her shape a unique approach to brand storytelling.Listeners will gain insight into the importance of crafting a clear, consistent, and character-filled brand voice that resonates with the right audience. Kim provides practical tips on how firms, large and small, can distill their messaging to drive engagement and create a lasting impact. Additionally, she touches on the evolving role of AI in copywriting and offers a word of caution about maintaining the human touch in branding. Whether you're in architecture, design, or a related field, this episode will inspire you to commit to developing a brand voice that truly reflects your business.This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Crafting Your Unique Brand Voice with Kimberley Healy.Connect with Kimberley online at Brainstorming the Castle, and find her on LinkedIn and Instagram.Please visit Our Platform SponsorsAs an architect or firm owner, you might find yourself swamped with drawings that take up most of your day, leaving you with little time to manage your business. MGS Global Group can lighten your load by handling all your drafting and rendering needs! Visit MGSGlobalGroup.com and book your free consultation today.ARCAT.com is much more than a product catalog, with CAD, BIM, and specifications created in collaboration with manufacturers. ARCAT.com also offers LEED data, continuing education resources, newsletters, and the Detailed podcast. Visit ARCAT.com to learn more.Visit our Platform Sponsors today and thank them for supporting YOU... The EntreArchitect Community of small firm architects.Mentioned in this episode:Build Your BrandContext & ClarityAll AccessArchIT

"Insourcing": The Benefits of Combining Offshore Resources with In-House CollaborationIn this episode, we dive into the transformative power of integrating offshore resources with in-house teams. Our guest, Jeremy Zick, CEO of WeCollabify, shares his extensive experience in leading international companies and explores how his firm is revolutionizing the AEC industry.Jeremy, a seasoned leader since 2008, discusses his journey and the inception of WeCollabify. He unveils how his company effectively melds remote contractors with internal teams to foster long-term, collaborative relationships. Jeremy delves into key strategies for successful integration, including the critical role of communication tools, project management, and knowledge transfer.In this episode, you’ll discover the numerous benefits of this hybrid approach—such as cost savings, optimized office space, and enhanced cultural exchange. Jeremy also provides practical tips for firms ready to embrace the insourcing and outsourcing paradigm.Tune in to gain insights on how to leverage global talent to drive your firm’s success while maintaining a cohesive, collaborative work environment.This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, "Insourcing": The Benefits of Combining Offshore Resources with In-House Collaboration with Jeremy Zick.Connect with Jeremy online at WeCollabify, and find him on LinkedIn.Please visit Our Platform SponsorsGo to Betterhelp.com/architect for 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help. Thank you to our sponsor BetterHelp for supporting our community of small firm entrepreneur architects.ARCAT.com is much more than a product catalog, with CAD, BIM, and specifications created in collaboration with manufacturers. ARCAT.com also offers LEED data, continuing education resources, newsletters, and the Detailed podcast. Visit https://ARCAT.com to learn more.Visit our Platform Sponsors today and thank them for supporting YOU... The EntreArchitect Community of small firm architects.Mentioned in this episode:ArchITAll AccessBuild Your BrandContext & Clarity

Lessons Learned from a Decade of Serving Small FirmsIn this episode, we dive deep into the intersection of technology and architecture with Valentin Noves, serial entrepreneur and CEO of e-verse, a leading software development company in the AEC industry. With over 12 years of experience in innovation, software development, and AI, Valentin shares insights on how custom software solutions are transforming architecture firms.We explore how AI and automation are reshaping workflows, improving efficiency, and solving complex challenges in architecture. Valentin also discusses the importance of customer discovery and identifying real problems before implementing AI. Tune in to hear real-world examples of how e-verse has partnered with firms to create tailored solutions that add value and streamline processes. Discover the future of architecture and technology, and learn how your firm can leverage innovation to stay ahead.This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Custom Innovative Solutions for Your Architecture Firm with Valentin Noves.Connect with Valentin online at e-verse, and find him on LinkedIn.Please visit Our Platform SponsorsGo to Betterhelp.com/architect for 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help. Thank you to our sponsor BetterHelp for supporting our community of small firm entrepreneur architects.ARCAT.com is much more than a product catalog, with CAD, BIM, and specifications created in collaboration with manufacturers. ARCAT.com also offers LEED data, continuing education resources, newsletters, and the Detailed podcast. Visit https://ARCAT.com to learn more.Visit our Platform Sponsors today and thank them for supporting YOU... The EntreArchitect Community of small firm architects.Mentioned in this episode:Context & ClarityBuild Your BrandArchITAll Access

Lessons Learned from a Decade of Serving Small FirmsIn this episode, Enoch Sears, founder of Business of Architecture, reflects on a decade of lessons learned from serving small architectural firms. He explores the evolution of the profession, highlighting the shift towards a tech-savvy, business-oriented approach among younger architects. Enoch discusses the critical role of digital tools, social media, and entrepreneurship in building a successful practice. He also shares insights on the importance of balancing business growth with personal well-being and relationships. With a proven track record of helping over 253 firm owners worldwide, Enoch introduces the SMART Practice Method, designed to create a creatively fulfilling and financially stable architectural practice.Enoch also delves into the challenges that small firms face in today’s competitive market and offers practical advice on navigating these hurdles. He emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to goal-setting, one that aligns professional success with personal fulfillment. Whether you're an established firm owner or just starting out, this episode offers valuable takeaways for anyone looking to thrive in the architectural industry.This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Lessons Learned from a Decade of Serving Small Firms with Enoch Sears.Connect with Enoch online at Business of Architecture, and find him on LinkedIn.Please visit Our Platform SponsorsGo to Betterhelp.com/architect for 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help. Thank you to our sponsor BetterHelp for supporting our community of small firm entrepreneur architects.ARCAT.com is much more than a product catalog, with CAD, BIM, and specifications created in collaboration with manufacturers. ARCAT.com also offers LEED data, continuing education resources, newsletters, and the Detailed podcast. Visit https://ARCAT.com to learn more.Visit our Platform Sponsors today and thank them for supporting YOU... The EntreArchitect Community of small firm architects.Mentioned in this episode:All AccessArchITBuild Your BrandContext & Clarity