#29: Alexander Buckridge returns to Growthitect just over a year into launching Studio Bucky, revealing how he landed his biggest project yet. We dive deep on Bucky’s strategies, lessons, and mindset shifts behind continued growth as a new firm owner.

PS - If you’re a growth-minded firm owner or leader, apply to join us inside The Studio - https://growthitect.com/studio

Learn more about Studio Bucky: https://studiobucky.com/

Here’s what you’ll learn in the episode:

→ What never fails to keep Alexander’s firm on track and aligned with its core mission.

→ How one unexpected email and consistent social media activity opened the door to a major New York client.

→ The truth about why showing up, even when it feels like crickets, actually moves your marketing needle.

→ How Bucky spotted the warning signs in a prospective client unhappy with their last architect.

→ Why personalized, face-to-face meetings became the secret weapon that won the project over competitors.

→ How Alexander’s tailored proposal and flexible fees turned client frustrations into a green light.

→ Why Tyler swears by walking clients through proposals in person instead of just sending emails.

→ What tiny, daily habits did Alexander credit for creating unstoppable early momentum?

→ The best piece of advice for anyone dreaming of launching their own architecture practice.

(05:45) How a serendipitous project opportunity arises

(09:18) The power of organic social media

(10:01) Idea generation and consistency

(15:11) Why inconsistent service frustrates clients

(19:37) Building partnerships through active listening

(22:21) Systematic strategies for positive results

(25:41) Personality over portfolio

(30:20) Embrace experimentation and learning

GROWTHITECT RESOURCES

→ Apply to join The Studio - https://growthitect.com/studio

→ Join thousands of architects on the free Growthitect newsletter - https://growthitect.com/join

STAY CONNECTED

→ Follow on LinkedIn

→ Follow on Instagram

→ Subscribe on YouTube

→ Follow on Twitter

#28: Joseph Cole, CEO and founder at Culture Architecture and Design, joins us to share how building a strong studio culture can be the foundation for scaling a successful firm. In this episode, we dive into Joseph's unconventional strategies for landing massive projects with a small team and the mindset shifts that set his practice apart.

PS - If you’re a growth-minded firm owner or leader, apply to join us inside The Studio - https://growthitect.com/studio

Learn more about Culture Architecture and Design: https://www.culturearch.com/

Here’s what you’ll learn in the episode:

→ Why building culture first is the real key to long-term business success (and what most firms get wrong)

→ The surprising reason Joseph hired an executive team before bringing on more architects

→ What branded hoodies and team rituals can teach you about marketing

→ How a small firm lands stadium projects – Joseph’s unconventional playbook for punching way above your weight

→ The truth about business certifications, and how to use them as secret door-openers

→ When to act like an associate architect… and when to position as the expert (this subtle shift changes everything)

→ What most leaders miss about transparency, and how Joseph uses vision to earn fierce team loyalty

(04:26) Small firm, big project success

(06:36) From architecture to tech: An unexpected journey

(11:36) Building the team from the ground up

(13:16) Bootstrapping the path to expansion

(18:29) Creating a brand bigger than one person

(23:03) Turning experience into trust and expertise

(27:04) Seeing opportunity through a long-term lens

(30:27) Adopting the “why not us?” mindset

(36:40) Smart strategies for winning clients

(37:38) Why energy always beats complacency

GROWTHITECT RESOURCES

→ Apply to join The Studio - https://growthitect.com/studio

→ Join thousands of architects on the free Growthitect newsletter - https://growthitect.com/join

STAY CONNECTED

→ Follow on LinkedIn

→ Follow on Instagram

→ Subscribe on YouTube

→ Follow on Twitter

#27: Cavin Costello, Principal at The Ranch Mine, joins the show to talk about the bold new strategy he and his wife are championing: designing and building model homes that double as short-term rentals and immersive client experiences. We dive into the risks, logistics, and big opportunities behind their approach and what it could mean for architects who want to break the mold.

PS - If you’re a growth-minded firm owner or leader, apply to join us inside The Studio - https://growthitect.com/studio

Learn more about The Ranch Mine: https://www.theranchmine.com/

Here’s what you’ll learn in the episode:

→ What problem pushed Cavin to let clients “test-drive” architecture by living in it first?

→ Why The Ranch Mine skipped polished videos and glossy photos to build real homes instead.

→ The truth about how walking through a space beats any online tour – and what clients notice most.

→ When a high-end rental actually pays for itself, and the key factors that make it work.

→ How Cavin de-risked a bold investment, even if not a single client came through the door.

→ The unexpected edge you get when you’re the architect, developer, and client all at once.

→ Why the sales conversation changes when clients already feel like they’re at home.

→ The mindset shift architects need to make bold moves without waiting for permission.

→ Cavin’s no-fluff advice for architects ready to break the rules and build something different.

(04:32) How an Airbnb project opened new doors

(07:19) Why real experiences beat media hype

(11:44) Lessons from an early joint venture

(16:02) Making rentals work financially

(17:09) Letting clients live in the architecture

(22:18) Designing across different climates

(24:51) Breaking limits with diverse projects

(26:42) Why experience matters more than marketing

(32:37) Starting young and taking risks

(36:25) The power of assuming no one knows

(39:37) Thinking like a beginner

(41:08) Choosing adventure over repetition

GROWTHITECT RESOURCES

→ Apply to join The Studio - https://growthitect.com/studio

→ Join thousands of architects on the free Growthitect newsletter - https://growthitect.com/join

STAY CONNECTED

→ Follow on LinkedIn

→ Follow on Instagram

→ Subscribe on YouTube

→ Follow on Twitter