Why is your level of community involvement important?

The world is coming together at a faster and faster pace. Nationalism is still very active in many countries and the sense of entitlement is growing. Multinational corporations are affecting our lives in many ways, and materialism is not about a good happy life. We need to relearn what makes a happy positive life. Stop the greed. Our perceived freedoms are being tested everywhere.

How does a middle size architectural firm stay in business through thick and this?

 The answer is staying open for new clients and project types. You need to be open to seeing the future and responding to the current and future markets. If you have a few clients then keep it going. If you rely on a non-ending flow of new work with many different clients then flexibility is the key. Staff, office space, business practices, insurance all need to be designed for that effort.

How has JHAI, as an architectural servicing firm, stayed in business for over 35 years?

 I have been researching business practices, Stoic lifestyles, leadership issues, and attempting new business models. As architects, we mostly learn as we go. I have always planned for the future of the company years ahead of time. I hire and do my very best to maintain my employees. I have seen 5 recessions in my career to date. I have stayed busy with large and small staff sizes throughout the last 4 recessions. I worked for others before that. I have never had a boring week, and have advanced my abilities continuously over the entire span of my career.

How do we focus our energies from home to work? What keeps us going over 35 years? Why do clients keep coming back?

Our politics are all over the board. Our life-sustaining beliefs are in line with each other. Architecture is a passion for all. Our organization's aspirational slogan is “Your Dreams, Our Vision”.