We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cheryl Click a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Cheryl, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Please tell us about starting your own firm and if you’d do anything different knowing what you know now.

After spending years working at various architecture firms and feeling a desire for independence, my husband and I decided to launch our own firm, Click Architects. To ensure economic stability, Steve remained with a local firm while I concentrated on establishing our office and acquiring projects. With no prior business experience, I faced numerous challenges, such as; crafting a mission statement, choosing software, and embracing multitasking. However, we also achieved several milestones; creating a website, determining our business structure, formalizing project agreements, and landing projects. While that may seem trivial now, these were crucial victories during the initial startup phase.

I owe a great deal of gratitude to Steve and our supportive friends and colleagues. I heavily relied on the advice and experiences of friends and colleagues who were also starting their own architecture firms. We regularly met to exchange ideas and support each other. Reflecting on my past experiences, I would prioritize networking and gaining a deeper understanding of effective marketing strategies if I were starting over.

Even after a decade in business, networking and marketing remain major challenges. It’s tempting to deprioritize marketing when business is booming and we’re busy with projects. However, I’ve learned that networking and marketing are crucial at every stage of business growth.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I began the architecture program at the University of Arkansas in 1999. As a transfer student, I had to complete the first year of architecture studies in what was known as Summer Studio. This intensive 2.5-month design course occurred during the summer break, and those of us in the studio had no breaks. We devoted ourselves entirely to studio work, working on it day and night throughout the summer. The challenging nature of Summer Studio, I believe, greatly impacted the direction of my architectural career. It instilled in me a sense of dedication and resolve that paved the way for my future in architecture.

Following my graduation in 2003, I embarked on a three-year internship journey at a medium-sized architecture firm, where I was involved in a range of medium to large-scale projects encompassing educational facilities, office spaces, and restaurants. This professional environment provided invaluable hands-on experience, offering a comprehensive immersion into the practicalities of architecture practice.

In 2006, my husband Steve and I relocated to Seattle, transitioning to roles in small architectural firms specializing in high-end residential projects across the Pacific Northwest (PNW). Having dedicated three years to commercial projects, I found immense fulfillment in the distinct challenges and dynamics of residential endeavors.

In 2013, I founded Click Architects as a sole practitioner, intending to acquire sufficient projects to bring Steve on board. To this day, our firm comprises just the two of us. Over the years, we have completed numerous residential projects for wonderful clients, spanning from the Pacific Northwest (PNW) to Northwest Arkansas. Our specialization lies in crafting custom homes that seamlessly blend modern and traditional styles. In addition to architectural design, we enjoy crafting interior spaces, meticulously selecting all materials for a cohesive feel that aligns with the project concept.

What sets us apart from other residential architects is our skill in attentive listening and creating spaces that precisely meet our client’s needs. Our design principles emphasize the use of natural light and spaciousness, demonstrating our dedication to crafting environments that resonate with those who inhabit them.

We prioritize close collaboration with the entire project team, fostering a cohesive and harmonious workflow. Prospective clients engaging with us can anticipate our role as advocates and team leaders throughout the project lifecycle. Our responsibilities extend beyond design conceptualization; we carefully oversee material specifications and ensure that all design objectives seamlessly transition into the construction phase, guaranteeing a comprehensive realization of the envisioned project.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

We recently enrolled in a program with the Business of Architecture that is incredibly enlightening about the operational aspects of running an architecture firm. It’s delving into topics like networking advantages, accountability systems, understanding personality profiles, effective business tracking, and notably, the importance of profitability.

One video recommended to us is titled “A New Model of Integrity in Corporate Finance: Michael Jensen,” which fundamentally shifted my perspective on integrity. Previously, I saw it as simply keeping promises to others, but Jensen’s insights highlight integrity as a critical factor for optimal functionality and performance. He suggests that when integrity wanes, so does performance. This raises the question: How do we nurture and uphold integrity within our firm and within ourselves, aiming for a state of completeness and wholeness?

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Over the course of our decade-long tenure in business, our primary source of projects has predominantly been through past client referrals. My objective is to ensure that each client feels singularly valued, irrespective of my busy schedule. We are committed to providing undivided attention to every project we undertake. Since a significant portion of our work pertains to residential projects involving families, we actively engage with all team members to ensure that our designs resonate with everyone involved. I strongly believe that our meticulous attention to detail and steadfast attentiveness are key contributors to our success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://click-architects.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/click_architects/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063718863066
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/public-profile/settings?trk=d_flagship3_profile_self_view_public_profile

Image Credits

Will Austin Photography, Rafael Soldi Photography, and Emily McArthur Photography