EntreArchitect Podcast with Mark R. LePage

The Room That Changes Everything
In this solo session of the EntreArchitect Podcast, Mark R. LePage explores the room that changes everything and why mastermind groups can be a powerful catalyst for growth. Many architects build their firms in isolation, carrying challenges alone and making important decisions without trusted peers. Mark explains how a small group of committed professionals can provide clarity, accountability, and encouragement when it matters most.
He shares how mastermind groups create a space for honest conversations and meaningful feedback. As a result, architects gain confidence, solve problems faster, and uncover opportunities they may have otherwise missed. Through consistent connection and mutual support, these groups help members grow both personally and professionally.
Most importantly, Mark reveals why success is rarely a solo journey. Instead, lasting progress often comes from surrounding yourself with people who challenge and inspire you. Tune in to learn how the right room, filled with the right people, can transform your business, strengthen your leadership, and change your life.
This week at EntreArchitect Podcast Solo Sessions, The Room That Changes Everything.
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WeCollabify is one of EntreArchitect's trusted allied partners, helping architecture firms build capacity through integrated design, BIM, and technical professionals who work directly within your team. Their goal to help firm owners create the capacity they need to better serve clients, support their teams, and make confident long-term growth decisions. Learn more at WeCollabify.com/EntreArchitect.
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Mentioned in this episode:
NCARB Podcast
To Build is Human

How This Architect is Revolutionizing California Housing
California infill housing is changing fast, and Jamileh Cannon is helping lead that shift. In this episode of EntreArchitect podcast, Jamileh shares how she moved from architecture school into development and co-founded Workbench to create scalable housing solutions across California. She explains how her team balances design quality, zoning demands, and long-term resilience in today’s difficult housing market.
Along the way, Jamileh discusses the realities of multifamily housing, ADUs, and entitlement challenges in the Bay Area and Santa Cruz. She also explains how performance-driven design can help projects move faster while staying financially viable. As regulations continue to evolve, her firm focuses on workflows and systems that keep projects efficient and adaptable.
Jamileh shares insights on building strong teams, navigating shifting market conditions, and designing housing that supports both people and local economies. Her practical approach offers valuable lessons for architects interested in development, urban housing, and sustainable infill strategies. This conversation is both forward-thinking and grounded in real-world experience.
This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, How This Architect is Revolutionizing California Housing with Jamileh Cannon.
Learn more about Jamileh at Workbench, check out the podcast The Infill Insiders, or connect with her on LinkedIn.
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Arcatemy is Arcat's Continuing Education Program. Listen to Arcat's Detailed podcast and earn HSW credits. As a trusted provider, Arcat ensures you earn AIA CE credits while advancing your expertise and career in architecture. Learn more at Arcat.com/continuing-education.
WeCollabify helps small architecture firms build sustainable capacity through an insourcing model that integrates skilled BIM and technical professionals directly into your team—working in your time zone, inside your systems. Learn how to scale with intention at wecollabify.com/entrearchitect.
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Mentioned in this episode:
NCARB Podcast
To Build is Human

Crafting Sustainable Architecture in Urban Neighborhoods
Crafting sustainable architecture in urban neighborhoods requires more than good design. It takes technical skill, strong partnerships, and a deep understanding of how people live in cities. In this episode, Lauren Thomsen shares how she approaches high-performance residential design through collaboration, adaptive reuse, and thoughtful renovation work in Philadelphia.
Lauren discusses her path from architecture school at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to launching her own practice, Lauren Thomsen Design. She explains how historic renovations and urban infill projects shaped her design philosophy over time. In addition, she shares practical advice for architects working with contractors, navigating tight city sites, and balancing sustainability with client expectations.
The conversation also explores the future of small residential firms and the value of multidisciplinary thinking. Lauren reflects on teaching architecture, building a client-focused business, and creating homes that perform well for decades. As a result, listeners will walk away with clear insights into sustainable design, urban renovation strategy, and the realities of running a modern architecture practice.
This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Crafting Sustainable Architecture in Urban Neighborhoods with Lauren Thomsen.
Learn more about Lauren at Lauren Thomsen Design, or connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram.
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Arcatemy is Arcat's Continuing Education Program. Listen to Arcat's Detailed podcast and earn HSW credits. As a trusted provider, Arcat ensures you earn AIA CE credits while advancing your expertise and career in architecture. Learn more at Arcat.com/continuing-education.
WeCollabify helps small architecture firms build sustainable capacity through an insourcing model that integrates skilled BIM and technical professionals directly into your team—working in your time zone, inside your systems. Learn how to scale with intention at wecollabify.com/entrearchitect.
Visit our Platform Sponsors today and thank them for supporting YOU... The EntreArchitect Community of small firm architects.

How Small Architects Can Save Thousands on Retirement Fees
In this episode of the EntreArchitect Podcast, Mark R. LePage sits down with Paul Sippil to discuss 401(k) fee transparency and how architects can build healthier retirement plans for their firms. Paul reveals how small business owners can identify hidden fees, avoid conflicts of interest, and improve long-term financial outcomes. Since 2009, his work has focused on analyzing retirement plans at a granular level across cost, services, and technology.
Paul explains why many firms unknowingly overpay for retirement plans while receiving limited value in return. He also breaks down how conflicts of interest often appear inside the 401(k) industry and why compliance issues can create serious risks for business owners. As the conversation continues, Paul shares practical ways architects can evaluate their current plans and ask smarter questions of advisors and providers.
Mark and Paul also discuss how better retirement planning can strengthen both employee trust and firm stability. They also explore the importance of transparency when managing benefits for growing teams. Whether you already offer a 401(k) plan or are considering one for the first time, this episode provides clear and practical guidance for firm owners.
This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, How Small Architects Can Save Thousands on Retirement Fees with Paul Sippil.
Learn more about Paul PaulSippil.com, or connect with him on LinkedIn.
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Arcatemy is Arcat's Continuing Education Program. Listen to Arcat's Detailed podcast and earn HSW credits. As a trusted provider, Arcat ensures you earn AIA CE credits while advancing your expertise and career in architecture. Learn more at Arcat.com/continuing-education.
WeCollabify helps small architecture firms build sustainable capacity through an insourcing model that integrates skilled BIM and technical professionals directly into your team—working in your time zone, inside your systems. Learn how to scale with intention at wecollabify.com/entrearchitect.
Visit our Platform Sponsors today and thank them for supporting YOU... The EntreArchitect Community of small firm architects.
Mentioned in this episode:
To Build is Human
NCARB Podcast

How Architecture Firms Can Use Data to Thrive
Ashish Desai, CEO of Monograph, joins the EntreArchitect Podcast to discuss architecture firm management software and the future of AI in practice. He explains how architecture firm management software can help firms improve profitability, forecasting, and operational efficiency. Ashish shares why many architecture firms struggle to connect business performance with everyday project management.
Before becoming CEO in 2026, Ashish led product and design at Monograph as Chief Product Officer. Earlier in his career, he helped scale companies like 99designs and Handshake by focusing on user experience and product strategy. As a result, he brings a unique perspective on how technology can help architecture firms work more efficiently while staying people-centered.
In this episode, Ashish and Mark discuss the growing gap between thriving firms and struggling firms in today’s market. They also explore how AI can support project management, staffing, forecasting, and decision-making inside architecture practices. Finally, Ashish shares practical advice for firm leaders who want to build stronger businesses while preparing for the future of the profession.
This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, How Architecture Firms Can Use Data to Thrive with Ashish Desai.
Learn more about Ashish at Monograph, check out the Monograph 2026 Benchmark Report, or connect with him on LinkedIn.
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Arcatemy is Arcat's Continuing Education Program. Listen to Arcat's Detailed podcast and earn HSW credits. As a trusted provider, Arcat ensures you earn AIA CE credits while advancing your expertise and career in architecture. Learn more at Arcat.com/continuing-education.
WeCollabify helps small architecture firms build sustainable capacity through an insourcing model that integrates skilled BIM and technical professionals directly into your team—working in your time zone, inside your systems. Learn how to scale with intention at wecollabify.com/entrearchitect.
Visit our Platform Sponsors today and thank them for supporting YOU... The EntreArchitect Community of small firm architects.
Mentioned in this episode:
To Build is Human
NCARB Podcast