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

April, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about the best boss, mentor, or leader you’ve ever worked with.

The best boss I ever had challenged me to step outside my comfort zone while ensuring I always felt supported. When I joined the firm, I was new to the multifamily sector and admittedly uncertain about navigating a different project type. From the start, my supervisor scheduled weekly check-ins. What began as casual conversations quickly evolved into meaningful discussions about how I was adjusting, what I was learning, and where I needed guidance.

Those meetings became a safe space—somewhere I could ask questions freely, share frustrations, or simply reflect on the week without fear of judgment. I never felt rushed or dismissed; instead, I always left feeling more confident and capable. That experience taught me how impactful intentional mentorship can be, and it’s something I’ve carried forward in how I now lead and support others.

April, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a licensed architect and real estate agent based in Central Florida. I began my career in architecture, later founded my own firm, and eventually became a licensed real estate agent to provide a more complete, client-focused experience.

Our firm offers a truly boutique level of service. We want our clients to feel like they’re working with trusted friends, people they can call anytime with questions or concerns. That personal connection is what sets us apart from other firms.

While we can’t promise that every project will be free of challenges, we can promise to be by your side when they arise, working with you to find solutions quickly and thoughtfully. That commitment to partnership is something many firms simply don’t offer, and it’s the foundation of how we do business.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source of new clients for us has been referrals and word-of-mouth. Many of our clients come back to us for multiple projects or refer us to friends, family, and colleagues. We’ve built our reputation on trust, responsiveness, and delivering a personalized experience that makes people want to share their positive experience with others.

Social media has also played a growing role in connecting us with new clients who resonate with our design style and approach. But at the heart of it, it’s the relationships we build and the level of service we provide that continue to bring people back.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was that being “busy” always meant being productive. Early in my career, I equated long hours and a packed schedule with success. I thought that saying yes to everything was the only way to grow. But as I took on more responsibility—running projects, managing clients, and eventually starting my own firm—I realized that constant busyness often gets in the way of doing your best work.

The turning point came when I became a business owner and a mom. I learned that being intentional with my time, delegating, and setting boundaries actually made me more effective. I started focusing on priorities that truly moved the needle, both professionally and personally.

Unlearning that “busy equals successful” mindset has been transformative. It’s taught me to value balance, clarity, and meaningful progress over simply checking boxes.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.marklediazarchitects.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marklediaz_architects/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577101087358