Think Like An Entrepreneur

How can architects use their skills and experience to create new opportunities for themselves and the profession? The American Institute of Architects (AIA) focused on this question at its first Entrepreneur summit held last month in Denver, CO. The summit featured a series of open dialogues about the architecture business and entrepreneurial opportunities with a number of keynote speakers and panelists, including 2015 AIA President Elizabeth Chu Richter, AIA CEO/EVP Robert Ivy, FAIA, and Page Senior Principal James Wright, AIA.

James has almost 40 years of experience establishing international relationships, and he was invited to discuss the topic of global practice. He explained it's important to recognize the difference, both financially and culturally, when working overseas. "When you leave the shores of the U.S. you have to leave your business model behind," he said. "When you're there, it's their rules."

During his career James has led the design of over $4 billion of building construction in the U.S. and 40 other countries. He is currently First Vice President of the AIA International Region and is 2015 Past Chair of the International Practice Committee Advisory Group.

Read more about the summit in this article on the AIA website.