Today we’d like to introduce you to Tom Forker

Hi Tom, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?

After graduating in 2009, it was a challenging time to find a job. I worked for a several landscape architecture firms in the DC Metro region, primarily high-end residential and civic focused projects in the Washington DC, New York and Maryland region. Projects became tough to find and many firms didn’t have enough work to keep their employees busy. Many were working part-time, some were just let go. I began to explore the world of architecture and moved back home to pursue an architecture masters. Jumping back into the student mindset was tough after four years of working, but I adapted quickly.

Upon completing my masters I joined another firm to finish my licensure apprentice hours. There, I learned the intricacies and nuance necessary for high-end residential home building; a solid understanding of drawing sets, details, construction methods and graphic presentation along with efficient communication skills for clients, contractors and consultants. These skills were important because the construction window in high altitude locations is very small. Piecing together drawings and specifications that are highly detailed and accurate, make or break the final product. Weather and road conditions affected construction schedules too; particularly when materials were delivered from overseas to a remote location.

During my tenure at this firm, I made mistakes and learned a lot, however, the job never quelled my need for independent and experimental thought. I got to the point of where I approached my job in an apathetic, languid manner. I still did my job exceptionally well, but new projects offered little innovation and required a ‘copy/paste’ mindset. I knew then it was time for a change. Starting my own company was the only way out.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

Yes and no. Finding and keeping quality work in this economy is very tough. The industry seems to be struggling with is communicating the architect’s value in today’s world. An architect must be able to communicate to their client quickly and accurately based on changing prices, setbacks and other issues that may arise. However, I’ve created a system where every phase and billable action is explained in detail, easing a potential client’s apprehension, while triaging them in a direction that will fulfill their customized need(s).

As you know, we’re big fans of tf_wrks llc Architecture and Landscape Architecture. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?

In 2020, I founded tf_wrks llc. It is a full service architecture and landscape architecture firm. We set out to offer clients an integrated design process, providing smooth thresholds between interiors and exteriors within a richness of natural materials, and most importantly, how people live in and experience the built spaces they inhabit.

We are focused on bringing a project from concept through finished construction and lived reality. We have built a collaborative community of allied professionals to design, permit, and build projects with the goal of bringing the highest quality finished product for the least cost and fastest timeline.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?

There’s always inherent risk when starting and running a company. Playing it safe always feels like the best option because it’s familiar and easy. However, it is a dangerous long-term strategy but also doing nothing is as well. The practice of architecture is traditionally built on conservative values and many firms still practice the way they always have. Architects have a methodical process in how they solve problems. However, innovation and technology are constantly changing and fragmenting the industry. That either places architects and designers on the cutting edge or left behind. For some firms, sticking to analog drawing practices works for them, such as myself, however, software such as Revit and a variety of rendering programs drastically cut development time.

If you’re not taking time to reflect critically on what you’re doing and how you’re doing it.

Humans instinctively over-estimate the size of the risks while underestimating their ability to manage them. Consequently we base our decisions on our fear of what we don’t want rather than committing to what we do want. In order to prevent this you need to be uncomfortable, it’s time to face your fears.

Successful people are not necessarily those that are more skilled, capable or knowledgeable than those that fall short of the same success. It’s also likely that they have just as much fear. The successful don’t overcome their fear, but they learn to dance with it. Despite their fear, they choose to run towards the bang. They don’t play safe avoiding the fear, the discomfort.

If anything, it is time to challenge your assumptions and to question everything about your practice.

Be critical.

Pricing:

• If readers are interested in pricing and how our process works, feel free to email us at: [email protected]

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tfwrks.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tf_wrks/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tf_wrks

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tf_wrks llc