I Always Wanted to Be An Architect

Ep 13 The Benefits of Early Planner Collaboration with Ali Palmer

Choosing to involve a community planner early in your development process can serve as a cornerstone to ensuring that your projects run smoothly from start to finish. When it comes to successful development, it's the finer details that often make all the difference. From zoning regulations to permits and public hearings, there's a myriad of factors to consider and manage. And this is where the role of a planner becomes invaluable. They introduce a level of objectivity, planning, and strategy that can aid developers in understanding the feasibility and potential pitfalls involved in implementing their vision on a given site. In this episode, Ali Palmer dives into the critical role she plays as a community planner at Kimley-Horn. Acting as a point person, she helps developers and local governments navigate through the often complex process in site planning and approval. She advised developers to get planners involved before they even purchase a property. This early involvement allows planners like Ali to identify potential obstacles, such as the alignment of the property's permissions with the desired use. All these insightful tips from Ali emphasize the need to loop in a planner at the very onset of a project, helping developers to consistently ensure project feasibility and smooth execution. Topics include:  * Why initiating the planning phase early is crucial to a successful development process. * The holistic nature of site planning and approval, its interconnected elements, and impacts. * Insights into the hurdles, potential delays, and the timelines associated with obtaining site plan approval. * Learning the importance of collaboration and coordination in driving success between planners, architects, and developers. * The  influence jurisdictional protocols and community contribution have on the approval process. Ali Palmer is a stalwart community planner with the multidisciplinary consulting firm, Kimley-Horn. Based in their Tallahassee office, Ali has an extensive history of working alongside local governments and consultants across Florida for nearly two decades. With a clear knack for identifying potential pitfalls even before property purchase, Ali's early involvement in development plans has consistently led to streamlined processes and success stories. Ali's interdisciplinary knowledge spanning from transportation to environmental planning, positions her as a trusted authority in managing the intricate puzzle of development approvals. Resources Mentioned: * Kimley-Horn: https://www.kimley-horn.com/ [https://www.kimley-horn.com/] * Podcast: https://www.theschimgroup.com/podcast [https://www.theschimgroup.com/podcast] * Email: info@theschimgroup.com

Ep 12 Investing in Commercial Real Estate with Eric Massey

Barron Schimberg speaks with commercial real estate agent Eric Massey about finding the right property for a business venture. Massey provides valuable insights into the complex process of finding a commercial property and highlights that the task can take up to a year and involves a lot of work. He emphasizes that realtors in the commercial space work on commission based on a percentage of the sale, and the amount of time it takes to find the right property is subjective. Massey also explains the challenges facing clients in the current market, particularly in the industrial space, where demand is high and inventory is scarce. This episode offers valuable insights into the process of finding the right commercial property, the need for clients to be persistent, patient, adaptable, and work with knowledgeable realtors. Topics include: * The key differences that set commercial and residential real estate apart.  * Mastering the art of pinpointing the ideal property for your enterprise.  * Recognizing the significance of steadfastness and endurance in pursuing the best properties.  * Becoming familiar with sterling client management practices in commercial real estate.  * The contemporary hurdles in the ever-evolving industrial space market.  Eric Massey is a seasoned commercial real estate expert with an impressive track record of helping clients find the perfect properties for their businesses. With over 22 years of experience under his belt, Eric has developed an invaluable understanding of what it takes to navigate the competitive world of commercial real estate. He has a keen eye for matching a diverse range of client needs, from developers looking to build the ideal space to business owners seeking the right location for their ventures. With his deep local knowledge and strong connections in the industry, Eric is a trusted source of guidance for anyone looking to secure the perfect property for their business ambitions. Resources Mentioned: * https://www.michaelsaunders.com [https://www.michaelsaunders.com] * Podcast: https://www.theschimgroup.com/podcast [https://www.theschimgroup.com/podcast] * Email: info@theschimgroup.com

Ep 11 Navigating Challenges and Risks as an Entrepreneur with Dan Henson

In this episode, Dan Henson shares his experience in developing a new restaurant with Barron Schimberg. Henson's journey began with a California winery trip that inspired him to recreate the feeling in Sarasota, Florida, and ended with the completion of Arts and Central. Despite facing challenges such as scarce land and a global pandemic, Henson emphasizes the significance of persistence and creativity when pursuing an idea. He also acknowledges how his background in finance helped him manage risks associated with entrepreneurship and how Schimberg's ecosystem of contacts contributed to his project's success. He also mentions future expansion plans and how his goal was always to create more comfortable, quality spaces for customers. Entrepreneurs looking to follow their dreams in the restaurant industry can learn about the rewards and challenges of building a restaurant brand from this episode. Topics include: * Hurdles and victories of establishing a new dining establishment and it's potential rewards. * Recognizing the importance of tenacity and imagination for taking your business concept from idea to reality. * The benefits of a diverse array of connections and information for entrepreneurial success. * Understanding the impact of versatility, a captivating name, and an ideal site in shaping a popular restaurant business. * The possibilities for scaling your reputable brand and moving it even further ahead. Dan Henson, is a retired General Electric executive with a marketing degree from George Washington University. After a long and successful career in various leadership roles, Dan decided to pursue his dream of opening a restaurant with his wife. Despite being new to the industry, Dan's persistence and creativity have played a pivotal role in his journey. His experience of working in financial services helped him understand the nuances of the restaurant business, which he has applied in creating his dream project. Today, Dan is enthusiastically pursuing his restaurant idea, proving that it's never too late to start something new and inspiring others to chase their dreams as well. Resources Mentioned: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-henson-161b1b10/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-henson-161b1b10/] * Podcast: https://www.theschimgroup.com/podcast [https://www.theschimgroup.com/podcast] * Email: info@theschimgroup.com

Ep 10 Resilient Retreat Walkthrough with Sidney Turner, Ph.D.

In the final episode of season one, we circle back to the beginning with another interview with Sidney Turner, Ph.D. In episode 01, we discussed our experience working together in the Resilient Retreat project and the complexities of non-profits working with for-profits. As architects, we design for the people who will be using the buildings. With feedback from the community, we overcame unusual barriers related to the pandemic and a hurricane and still moved forward. Now that people are using the building, the community has expressed that they feel safe and at home as soon as they drive through the gates—a true reflection of the project's success. In this episode, Barron Schimberg and Sidney Turner, Ph.D. discuss the project from the vantage point of having completed the project. They discuss feedback received from the community now that the project is complete, creating a safe place with the use of design, and talk about design elements as we walk through the completed building. Topics Include: * Community feedback about the Resilient Retreat project * Having an impact as an architect * Walkthrough of the completed building * And other topics...  Sidney Turner, Ph.D., is a psychologist and researcher. Turner is the founder of the non-profit Resilient Retreat, which is an 85 acre, 30-bed retreat for victims of trauma such as abuse, domestic or sexual violence, PTSD, and child abuse. Their mission is to empower trauma survivors through self-care and community. They also support professionals that work with victims of trauma. Resources Mentioned: Resilient Retreat: https://www.resilientretreat.org/ [https://www.resilientretreat.org/] Podcast: https://www.theschimgroup.com/podcast [https://www.theschimgroup.com/podcast] Email: info@theschimgroup.com

Ep 09 The Benefits of Involved Office Management with Selma Göker Wilson

An involved project architect can make a huge difference in your architecture firm. Project architects who are also project managers can get involved in all aspects of projects, understand and assist in the design process, and know when to step in at any time. Our own project architect/manager, Selma Göker Wilson, joins me to talk about her experience as an architect and what she loves about working at Schimberg Group. She explains how she had originally wanted to become an interior designer but transitioned into architecture. One thing she loves about working with our company is the inclusive culture because it makes it a positive workplace. As project manager, Selma explains the benefits of transitioning to a paper-free office. She talks about why she loves the design process and encourages other project managers to get involved, too. She also talks about the role of tools in the design process: from empowering architects and giving them a sense of responsibility to making design more accessible outside of the office, such as during COVID-19 lockdowns. In this episode, you’ll find out:  * How architecture is driven by the projects landed * The benefits of a paper-free office * Why an office manager should be involved in the design process * What happens when you empower your employees * How technology has impacted people’s sense of responsibility * How hierarchy kills flexibility in architecture * And more!  Resources Mentioned: Schimberg Group, Inc. [https://www.theschimgroup.com/] Podcast: https://www.theschimgroup.com/podcast [https://www.theschimgroup.com/podcast] Email: info@theschimgroup.com