I don't just consult on A+D firm operations—I've lived it. As former COO at EHDD Architecture, Lowney Architecture, and Sherwood Design Engineers, I've scaled teams from 15 to 80+ employees, navigated ownership transitions, and driven 100-125% growth at multiple firms.

Now, through SO·arch Business Strategy Consulting, I work with A+D firm founders and leadership teams facing the challenges I know intimately: managing growth without losing your design focus, building financial clarity when the numbers feel overwhelming, developing systematic business development processes, and planning transitions that preserve what you've built.

WHAT MAKES MY APPROACH DIFFERENT:

I combine three perspectives most consultants don't have:

Inside Experience I've held the roles you're trying to fill—COO, director of operations, senior project architect. I understand the daily reality of managing an A+D practice because I've done it for over two decades. I've built BD strategies, managed financial forecasting, hired and fired, negotiated contracts, and faced the same tough decisions you're facing now.

Business + Design Fluency As a California licensed architect (LEED AP) with masters degrees from Columbia University and the Technische Universität Berlin, I speak both languages—design vision and financial performance. I understand what makes design practices unique, and I know how to translate business fundamentals into systems that work for creative firms.

Leadership Development Expertise As a Certified Integral Coach (CIC), I don't just fix systems—I develop the leaders who will run them long after our engagement ends. My work addresses both the practical (financial systems, BD processes) and the personal (leadership capacity, decision-making, team dynamics).

WHERE I FOCUS:

Over the past 8 years, I've worked with 50+ architecture and design firms. Four areas consistently drive the most impact:

Financial Management & Operations (60-70% of my client work) Monthly forecasting, resource planning, and building the financial visibility that lets you make confident decisions. Operations optimization and systems that scale.

Business Development & Brand Strategy (10-15% of my client work) Systematic BD processes, strategic market positioning, and relationship cultivation strategies that generate qualified opportunities. Moving from reactive networking to strategic business development.

Ownership Transition Planning (15-20% of my client work) Succession roadmaps, firm valuation, and transition strategies that preserve culture while enabling growth. Planning that starts years before transition.

Leadership Development (5% of my client work) Coaching emerging principals and facilitating strategic retreats that align leadership teams. Building the leadership bench.

MY BACKGROUND:

My perspective is honed by a career leading notable A+D practices in the Bay Area—managing business strategy, operations, finances, business development, brand positioning, practice leadership, and design—plus teaching Professional Practice classes.

I have presented on topics such as A+D business strategy, leadership, ownership transition, practice management, business development, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and international practice at AIA chapters in the Central Valley, East Bay, Oklahoma, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.

My intent is to create success stories by providing expert advice on best practices, guiding decision-making processes, coaching leaders and soon-to-be-leaders, making introductions, and sharing lessons learned.

My thinking is rooted in a Master of Science degree in Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia University in the City of New York, undergraduate and graduate degrees in architecture, planning and engineering from the Technische Universität in Berlin, Germany, and studies abroad at L'École d'Architecture à Toulouse, France.

My cultural identity is shaped by living and studying/working for extended periods in countries such as Germany, Israel, France, and the USA.

MY CREDENTIALS:

• Licensed California Architect, LEED AP

• Certified Integral Coach (CIC)

• MS Advanced Architectural Design, Columbia University

• Graduate degrees in architecture, planning, and engineering, Technische Universität Berlin

• Professional Practice Instructor, California College of the Arts

• Co-Chair, AIA SF Professional Practice Knowledge Community

SPEAKING & THOUGHT LEADERSHIP:

I've presented on architecture firm management, ownership transition, business development strategy, and financial performance at AIA chapters across California and nationally, including SF, East Bay, Central Valley, Los Angeles, and Oklahoma.

My "Think-Time Tuesdays" workshop series has reached hundreds of A+D professionals through AIA platforms, covering Brand & BD Strategy, Operations & Leadership, Finance & Performance, and Design & Practice.

Currently:

• Serving as Co-Chair of AIA SF's Professional Practice Knowledge Community

• Developing "Blueprint for Success 2.0" strategic planning framework

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:

I'm proud to give back to the profession through:

• AIA SF Professional Practice Knowledge Community (Co-Chair)

• AIA SF + AIA EB Mentorship Program (Senior mentor leading groups of international professionals)

LET'S TALK ABOUT YOUR FIRM:

Schedule a 30-minute discovery call to discuss your specific challenges and how I can help here.