Small Firms 101 – A Seminar Series (#1)

Hosted By: Helms Design Center
Learning Units: 3.5

A series of hands-on professional development workshops that will serve as a forum to give insight and access to the tools and resources needed to organize and operate a successful architectural & design practice.

Learn from speakers; ask questions specific to your practice during the Q&A and speak to peers encountering similar challenges.

Each seminar will be four hours long; comprised of four presentations of 30-40 minutes with a 20-30 minute interactive Q&A.

Seminar 1 – Wednesday, June 26

Getting Started: Best-Practices + Business Development for Small Firms

Holistic Management – Operational Insights & A Work – Life Balance

Doug Teiger, AIA

With over 38 years in practice, Douglas has a wide range of experience. He started working for other firms after graduating in 1982 which led him to open his own firm in 1989. In 1999, Douglas formed a partnership, Abramson Teiger Architects (ATA), lasting 20 years and grew a 6 person firm into a 32 person firm. As managing partner, Douglas’ ability to effectively streamline the operations allowed for more time to be spent on design and project research – a major factor in the consistent high level of design associated with ATA.

Douglas’s mission is to mentor young firms in order to accelerate their growth. Using his expertise, he acts as a sounding board for young principals as well as a guide through all aspects of a practice including Strategic Planning, Operations, Human Resources, Marketing and Business Development. His life coaching skills facilitate a work/life balance as an important part of a successful practice. DOUG’S PRESENTATION AVAILABLE HERE

Clients, Claims, & Contracts – Managing Legal Disputes

Ryan Kohler, Attorney At Law, Collins Collins Muir + Stewart LLP

Ryan J. Kohler is a trial attorney in the firm’s South Pasadena office, with an extensive focus on the architecture and engineering world on issues of professional liability, business litigation, contracts and transactional work, employment, and claim defense.. He has successfully represented design professionals in trials, arbitrations, and administrative hearings, and also in a wide range of employment forums. Mr. Kohler also helps clients respond to legal issues as they arise and assists design professionals in structuring effective and practical policies, contracts, handbooks, and protocols to help minimize litigation.

After four years in the U.S. Air Force, Mr. Kohler received his undergraduate degree from Florida State University and his law degree from the University of Southern California. He is a guest lecturer at the USC School of Architecture, and his recent publications include “Zen and the Art of Contractual Indemnity,” “Employee or Independent Contractor?” and “ADA and Architects.” His recent seminars include “Professionalism in the Workplace,” “Reducing Risk for Design Professionals,” and “The Limits of Reasonable Accommodation.” RYAN’S PRESENTATION AVAILABLE HERE

PR Do’s & Don’ts

Meara Daly, Nelson Daly

After individual stints in design and media companies, Meara Daly and Katherine Nelson founded Nelsondaly in 2010 with the intent of providing a new kind of media management service for designers. We craft press initiatives and social media programs, target strategic partnerships, produce events and author creative content for all aspects of the business of design. For five years Meara was the marketing director for Leers Weinzapfel Associates in Boston, MA, and moved to Los Angeles in 2000, where she coordinated content, marketing and media management for Kevin Daly Architects, Gensler and event planning for Form Zero Bookstore + Gallery. Currently she writes freelance for a limited number of outlets, provides marketing consulting services, and delivers media management for leading designers including Bestor Architecture, Design, Bitches, Guga Architecture and others. She has written on design for Print, Metropolitan Home, Architect’s Newspaper and Dwell as well as edited numerous design presentations. Her strengths reside in creating content that is approachable, accessible, and most importantly, a reflection of the voice of the firm. Meara received her Bachelor of Arts from UCLA and a Masters from Boston University.  MEARA’S PRESENTATION AVAILABLE HERE

Financial Management for Emerging Design Firms

Jordan Leonard, Financial Advisor, Skylight Financial Group

JORDAN’S PRESENTATION AVAILABLE HERE

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