Brad decided to look into the profession of Architecture when a teacher of his in high school noticed that he excelled in math and suggested he might excel in architecture also. That propelled Brad to go to Architecture school at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. In his second year, he was faced with some challenges but persevered and was able to graduate.
When he finished Architecture school, Brad became a professional musician in the beautiful city of New Orleans! After wrapping up his musical career, he started his career in Architecture at a small firm. This was where he realized he had a passion for smaller, more personal projects.
In today’s episode, he explains how his own personal home renovation propelled him into pursuing his licensure. Brad talks about his journey taking the AREs and in the ARE Boot Camp. He explains how failing is a part of the process and how the exams shaped the business he has today.
Now that Brad is licensed, he tells us what he does with all that new found free time. Spoiler alert! He gives back to his community and serves the people of New Orleans.
What You’ll Hear on This Episode:
- How Brad decided to go to Architecture School
- His struggles in navigating school
- How Brad became a professional musician
- His path back to architecture after music
- How Brad and his wife remodeled their own home.
- Brad’s journey to licensure in the ARE Boot Camp
Top Three Takeaways from This Episode:
- Failing is a part of the process of passing.
- Immediately integrate what you’re learning while studying for the ARE to your practice.
- Work on the types of projects that you love!
Advice for Aspiring Architects:
“Get licensed early! I could have saved so much money if I would have got licensed early, and I realize now there is so much money that I never saw from not being licensed.”
“Keep your time for every project for one year. Track your time sheet for every project, so that way you get a feel for how much time it takes you. We grossly underestimate how much time it takes for a project. Architects and designers alike grossly undercharge for some of our work. Every moment you’re sitting on a project, you’re costing yourself so you need to know how much time it takes.” What Brad knows today that he didn’t know then
“These books are most reflective of the Architecture I do today. The first is called New Orleans houses: A House Watcher's Guide' by LLoyd Vogt. The second is The Case Study Houses. The Complete CSH Houses”. The books that changed everything for Brad
“My tape measure. I keep it right on top of my sketch book!” Brad’s favorite resource, product, or gadget
“A workflow program called Dubsado. My business changed drastically when I got a workflow program.” Brad on his best time-saving trick
The best way to connect with Brad is on Instagram. Follow @Bradmichaeldesign
