Tim Brandon of TBA Studio: Five Things You Need To Create A Highly Successful Career As An Architect

An Interview With Jason Hartman

Build strong communication and collaboration skills. As an architect, you will work closely with clients, contractors, and other professionals. Those skills are essential to forming successful relationships and completing quality projects on time and on schedule.

As a part of my series about the ‘Five Things You Need To Know To Create A Highly Successful Career As An Architect,’ I had the pleasure of interviewing Tim Brandon.

Tim Brandon is the president and founder of TBA Studio. A licensed professional architect, Tim has over 22 years of design, development, and project management experience. Supervising the execution of complex projects, he works closely with client representatives, construction managers, general contractors and special consultants to ensure the successful completion of his client’s projects.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us the “backstory” about what brought you to this particular career path?

I was drawn to architecture due to my passion for design, creativity, problem-solving, and the opportunity to positively impact the built environment. I love the technical aspects of constructing a building, and the challenge of balancing aesthetics with functionality and sustainability.

Can you share with our readers the most interesting or amusing story that occurred to you in your career so far? Can you share the lesson or take away, you took out of that story?

Some stories I need to keep to myself, but there are a few I know I can laugh at with you.
I remember once pulling up to a project of ours years ago and the whole building was green– green metal panels, green painted gutters, green doors, and green roof! I almost had a heart attack. The contractor was told a green paint color and, back then, I thought they wanted everything in that one color. From afar, it looked like the contractor took a spray gun and went mad. But once the project was finished and all the design elements were added, it actually looked great. And to this day, it still does.

Do you have a favorite “life lesson quote”? Can you share a story or example of how that was relevant to you in your life?

I have three and they’re all equally important.

1. Never be afraid to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask someone how they did something or to learn from someone else’s expertise. At TBA we encourage everyone to ask, especially when solving a problem. I do the same. When I face a problem that needs a solution, I pull up a chair so my team and I can come up with that solution together. I encourage everyone to do the same.
2. Always set your long-, medium-, and short-term goals. Once I graduated from architecture school, I wrote mine down, allowing me to set my sights on an ultimate vision. Today, I do this for myself, for my company, and with my employees.
3. Never stop learning. From day one in architecture school, to my first day in professional practice, to now, I continue to take every opportunity to be the best architect, employer, friend, husband, father (you name it) that I can possibly be. Always be open to the opportunity to learn and grow.

Are you working on any exciting new projects now? How do you think that will help people?

Yes, we have some great projects in the works at TBA right now. We have been awarded the new campus for Louisiana Delta Community College (LDCC) in Bastrop, Louisiana. This facility will impact the local community and allow for more allied health and technical trade programs in the region. We believe that high-quality design must prioritize sustainability, embrace preservation, and include community impact within every project. Our portfolio carries proof of this commitment to strengthening local communities just like LDCC Bastrop’s new campus.

At TBA we work closely with civic leaders to create facilities that serve as gathering spaces and have created affordable housing for our community. We have delivered athletic facilities that drive valuable economic impact to their regions and bring opportunities to engage students at K-12 schools. My team and I have given new life to historic properties through award-winning designs. That’s just the beginning of the good we do and the impact we make on the communities we serve.

What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?

We have a strong team at TBA. We value collaboration and teamwork. This way of working helps us pay greater attention to detail, see issues others might overlook, and creatively solve problems. It also helps us persevere and stay focused when challenges arise. Creating exceptional experiences for our clients forms the backbone of our culture. This requires relationships built on clear communication not only with our clients but with all project partners and with the larger community. At the heart of every architecture plan is a process we follow that balances client priorities with community impact.

A story I like to share is what we did the day after the Ruston Tornado. The TBA team was on the Louisiana Tech Campus helping to clear the debris scattered across the campus. We also documented the damage for the University’s use.

We’re proud to be a firm that values and uplifts communities. We strive to be the best people we can be, not only as architects and designers, but as members of communities. The work we did and the help we gave the day after the tornado are sterling examples of how we work.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

Success comes from hard work, dedication, and being surrounded by the right people each day. It wouldn’t be fair or accurate to say only one person helped me achieve success. I was fortunate to have been raised by amazing parents, to be married to my wonderful wife Jollie, and to be the father of children who give me a purpose every day and push me to be my best self. I also owe my success to architecture professors at Louisiana Tech University and professional mentors who helped launch my career. Ms. Donna Cathey who is TBA’s COO and a dear friend who has been pivotal to my achievements. Clint Whittington and Lisa Frontaura, who head the operations of our offices in West Monroe and Bossier City, Louisiana, respectively. And, of course, God. None of this is possible without Him.

You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?

As a leader, I have a clear vision of what I want to achieve, am able to convey that vision to my team, and don’t lose sight of that vision even as I implement it. Being both resilient and, at times, a risk taker helps me to bounce back from setbacks and failures, as well as adapt to new challenges. This is key because mistakes, failures, and change are part of life. Successful people make mistakes and learn from them. Finally, I seek ways to continually learn from others through collaboration and relationship-building. This applies to the TBA team and our various partners. These traits were instrumental to my success.

As a young boy I looked up to my dad, who could strike up a conversation with just about anyone and make them feel welcome. He taught me the importance of treating others the way I want them to treat me–and applying this as a business leader, a son, a brother, a husband, a father, or a friend. In short, using the golden rule as a main principle in leading my life. Because I like to push myself and stretch my abilities, I encourage my team to do the same. And because I value relationships the people who help me lead and run the business, Clint and Lisa, are the same people I worked with straight out of school and have grown with over the years.

The golden rule is key because, and this is another principle I live by, you should never underestimate the impact one person can have on a situation or on your life. Everyone deserves respect, no matter who they are or what role they play–a CEO, a best friend from elementary school, the cleaning staff, or a stranger. This is important in business as well, because you’ll never know who people know or where hidden opportunities might lie.

Ok. Thank you for all that. Let’s now jump to the main core of our interview. Can you share 3 things that most excite you about architecture and the Real Estate industry in general? If you can please share a story or example.

The three things are the creative process, solving difficult problems, and the success or impact of a creative project.

I think any architect will always mention the demand for creativity. The fact that architecture is a creative field allowing you to turn ideas into designs is one of the main reasons I was drawn to and continue to feel excited about It. As an architect, you have countless possibilities when designing buildings and spaces both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

You also face problems you’ll need to solve in order to transform designs into reality. This part of the job requires thinking outside the box for solutions to design problems–all while striking a balance between the technical and aesthetic considerations.

The success of a project stems not only from its completion but also its impact on the community or, more broadly, society. The fact that we shape the built environment and improve the quality of life for a building’s or a space’s occupants is enormously satisfying and exciting.

The Louisiana Tech University’s previous women’s softball and soccer facilities were damaged by the 2019 tornado. The new site near the campus entrance presented challenges. Our team came up with a design that connected the two teams and the competitive fields with a new women’s field house. The new softball field has an all turf playing surface surrounded by large grandstands, turf berm to divert runoff, and press box. The new soccer field also has a new playing surface and grandstands. The women’s field house includes both teams’ locker rooms, meeting rooms, treatment areas, a player lounge, and coaches’ offices. Both teams, their coaches, and their fans now enjoy top-of-the-line facilities that produce a better experience for the players, spectators, donors, and coaches. Just as important, the facilities are designed to foster stronger bonds between the teams and their fans.

Can you share 3 things that most concern you about the industry? If you had the ability to implement 3 ways to reform or improve the industry, what would you suggest? Please share stories or examples if possible.

As an architect and business owner, I always think about keeping abreast of three things:

Building codes and regulations. These continually evolve and challenge us to change how we do things. These codes and regulations aren’t getting easier. We need to keep learning about them and developing ways to ensure our designs and projects are compliant. Otherwise, they can set us back on project timelines.

Clients’ needs and priorities. These require our team’s focus. Any changes or lapses in communication can make a negative impact on timelines, budgets, scopes. Frequent communication is key.

Technology advancements. Product cycles are getting shorter, and new technologies are being introduced to the marketplace at breathtaking speeds. New technologies like ChatGPT can make work easier but also pose new challenges.

Technology is perhaps the biggest concern because it has the potential to introduce changes we as an industry have yet to fully grasp, let alone prepare for. And, the pace of change is accelerating over time.

Ok, here is the main question of our interview. Can you please share with our readers the “Five Things You Need To Know To Create A Highly Successful Career As An Architect?” If you can, please give a story or an example for each?

Creating a highly successful career as an architect takes time, dedication, and hard work.

1. Build a strong educational foundation. What do I mean by that? Pursue a degree from an accredited architecture program, something all employers look for, and take advantage of internships and other opportunities to gain practical and professional experience. Be patient, learn, and absorb as much as you can throughout your career. I graduated from Louisiana Tech University, where I worked hard and enjoyed being a student. It was a great place to receive a rigorous, comprehensive education in the artistic, technical, and business aspects of architecture. To supplement what I learned in school, I gained invaluable work experience by interning with different companies, especially those that offered interns opportunities to shine. One firm gave me the opportunity to present one of our office projects to a large client, an experience that helped build my confidence and skills in presenting ideas to clients.
2. Develop a strong portfolio. Your portfolio reflects your artistry and technical proficiency. So as you put together your portfolio, think about the story you want to tell about your expertise and experience as an architect. That story should center on your best work to demonstrate your design and problem-solving skills–as well as serve as a record of how those skills build up over time. Reviewing your portfolio can give you a strong sense of how much you’re progressing as a professional. Our firm loves to showcase all our projects, from the work we did 10 years ago to today’s projects, including the West Monroe Sports Complex.
3. Network. This is an essential part of any career, especially architecture. Attending events, joining professional organizations like AIA, and most importantly connecting with other architects and professionals in the field are all key to growing your knowledge base and, in the process, your business. Over the years, I’ve built strong relationships with architects, contractors, and construction materials representatives. These connections are crucial for learning about trends and new practices, raising your profile, and winning new projects. I’ve been a member of AIA since my architecture school days. Over the years, I’ve met key mentors and peers who’ve become good friends.
4. Complete your licensure exam. Work hard, study hard, absorb everything from those around you, and complete your licensure exam to become an architect. I remember the countless nights I stayed up studying while working hard on my first-ever projects, and I can tell you it was worth it. I am a firm believer in continuing to learn and one step in that process is licensure. At TBA we encourage studying, education, and licensure. I wouldn’t be where I am today without it. It’s worth those few nights of little sleep!
5. Continue to learn. Stay up to date with the latest trends and developments in our industry to enhance your skills and embrace new technology, which can streamline your workflow and enhance your design abilities. I enjoy meeting with reps from different brands to the newest and best materials and technologies. At TBA we work with Revit on design projects because many companies allow us to integrate Revit products directly. When we designed the Louisiana Delta Community College in Ruston, we were able to create renderings of the building with the exact materials the contractor was using to show the client what the building would look like. This process gives our clients a good idea of what their buildings will look like.
6. Build strong communication and collaboration skills. As an architect, you will work closely with clients, contractors, and other professionals. Those skills are essential to forming successful relationships and completing quality projects on time and on schedule. Any project in any industry will run into a few bumps. You can smooth out those bumps by conveying the right messages at the right time to your team, your partners, and your clients. We ran into an issue once at a school where an unknown fiber line was under an area we were working on. By working closely with the contractor, communicating clearly, we were able to reroute the fiber line around the building and avoid any project delays.

My tip: Always carry a notepad. You never know when you need to sketch something, have an idea, or want to write down something.

Remember, building a successful career as an architect takes time and effort. I am always doing more to learn and continue to grow in my field. Keep learning, stay focused on your goals, and be willing to adapt to the industry of architecture.

Because of your position, you are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the greatest amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

If I could inspire a movement in architecture that would bring the most amount of good to the greatest amount of people, it would be a movement focused on sustainable and socially responsible design.

Sustainable design involves creating buildings and structures that minimize their impact on the environment by reducing energy and resource consumption, using sustainable materials, and implementing renewable energy solutions. Socially responsible design, on the other hand, involves creating buildings and structures that prioritize the needs and well-being of people, particularly those who are vulnerable or marginalized. By combining these two approaches, we can create buildings and structures that are not only environmentally friendly but also socially responsible and equitable. This can help address some of the most pressing issues facing our society, such as climate change, social inequality, and urbanization.

To achieve this movement, we would need to focus on education, advocacy, and collaboration. Architects would need to prioritize sustainable and socially responsible design principles in their work and promote these principles to clients, policymakers, and the public. We would also need to collaborate with other professionals, such as engineers, urban planners, and community organizers, to create integrated and holistic solutions that address both environmental and social issues.

Ultimately, a movement focused on sustainable and socially responsible design has the potential to create a more just, equitable, and sustainable world, where everyone has access to safe and healthy living environments, and where the needs of future generations are prioritized.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

https://tbastudio.com

Thank you for your time, and your excellent insights! We wish you continued success.

About The Interviewer: Jason Hartman is the Founder and CEO of Empowered Investor. Jason has been involved in several thousand real estate transactions and has owned income properties in 11 states and 17 cities. Empowered Investor helps people achieve The American Dream of financial freedom by purchasing income property in prudent markets nationwide. Jason’s Complete Solution for Real Estate Investors™ is a comprehensive system providing real estate investors with education, research, resources and technology to deal with all areas of their income property investment needs. Through Jason’s podcasts, educational events, referrals, mentoring and software to track your investments, investors can easily locate, finance and purchase properties in these exceptional markets with confidence and peace of mind.

Starting with very little, Jason, while still in college at the age of 19, embarked on a career in real estate. While brokering properties for clients, he was investing in his own portfolio along the way. Through creativity, persistence and hard work, he earned a number of prestigious industry awards and became a young multi-millionaire. Jason purchased a California real estate brokerage firm that was later acquired by Coldwell Banker. He combined his dedication and business talents to become a successful entrepreneur, public speaker, author, and media personality. Over the years he developed his Complete Solution for Real Estate Investors™ where his innovative firm educates and assists investors in acquiring prudent investments nationwide for their portfolio. Jason’s sought after educational events, speaking engagements, and his popular “Creating Wealth Podcast” inspire and empower hundreds of thousands of people in 189 countries worldwide.

While running his successful real estate and media businesses, Jason also believes that giving back to the community plays an important role in building strong personal relationships. He established The Jason Hartman Foundation in 2005 to provide financial literacy education to young adults providing the all-important real world skills not taught in school which are the key to the financial stability and success of future generations. We’re in a global monetary crisis caused by decades of misguided policies and the cycle of financial dependence has to be broken, literacy and self-reliance are a good start. Visit JasonHartman.com for free materials and resources.