We were lucky to catch up with Gillian Scott recently and have shared our conversation below.

Gillian, appreciate you joining us today. Before we talk about all of your success, let’s start with a story of failure. Can you open up about a time when you’ve failed?

For seven years after architecture school, I built my career at a firm specializing in government healthcare. It was a highly technical niche that took me across the country, and over time, the team became like family. I felt deeply valued there and believed that, someday, I would rise through the ranks and help lead the company. It wasn’t just a job — it was my home, and I was proud of the work we were doing.

But things changed. New leadership brought a shift in culture and direction, and it slowly became clear that the company was no longer the place I had grown with. I made the difficult decision to leave, holding out for the right next step — one that would let me work closer to home and diversify my project experience, ideally creating more visible, meaningful impact in my local community.

When I accepted a new role at a seemingly like-minded firm, I felt confident it was the perfect next move. I even received a phone call from the owner of my previous firm, Mike — someone I respect immensely — who told me, “Take it or leave it, but my advice is: start your own firm.” I appreciated the encouragement but told myself it wasn’t the right time. I thought I needed more experience, more stability, and definitely more business know-how before I could ever step out on my own.

But life has a way of nudging us in unexpected directions.

Just six weeks into the new job, I was let go. It was an abrupt end that felt unfair and unfinished — not enough time, in my opinion, for them to see what I could bring to the table. Still, it shook me to my core. Imposter syndrome is very real and it will rob you of going after your dreams. The doubt, the making of excuses start to flood you. I questioned everything: my identity, my career, my future. That moment felt like my lowest point — the unraveling of everything I had worked so hard to build.

And yet, it was also the beginning of something much bigger.

Standing at a crossroads, I asked myself: do I start job hunting again… or do I take Mike’s advice? Full send – jump head first. I kept hearing his words in my head “Start your own firm. Start YOUR own firm. START your own firm. START YOUR OWN FIRM!” — and coming from someone I admired, who had successfully led a multimillion-dollar full service company, those words carried weight. My husband knew from the beginning the new job wasn’t right for me. He was the stability and support I needed and my biggest cheerleader, telling me to go for it. Never even hinted at doubting me, a <i>constant</i> advocate and problem-solver anytime I tried to come up with an excuse – so I decided to give it a shot. With him by my side, I knew everything would be okay one way or another and I’d forever regret it if I didn’t go for it. My practical mind decided I’d try building my own firm for one year. If it didn’t work, I would have learned a lot and could return to the workforce stronger and wiser.

That was last fall. I officially launched in January.

Since then, work has been steady — almost entirely from word of mouth. Clients believed in me, trusted me, and referred me. And in one of the most full-circle moments I could’ve imagined, Mike’s firm was one of the first to call and ask me to consult for them. The very person who first planted the seed was now a client. That moment felt like validation not just of my skill, but of my resilience.

I’m now halfway through my first year in business, and I’ve never felt more aligned with my purpose. What started as my biggest defeat quickly became my greatest win — not just professionally, but personally. I proved to myself that I’m capable, and that a setback doesn’t define your story — how you respond to it does.

And I have no plans to stop anytime soon.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

For those who don’t know me, I’m an architect based in Wilmington, North Carolina, providing architectural and interior design services for both residential and commercial projects. My work is grounded in collaboration — with clients, engineers, contractors, and the community — and I believe that the best designs come from listening deeply and working as a team.

I decided to pursue architecture in high school. I had too many interests and was a top student who loved every subject and had a passion for learning. When my mom suggested architecture, something clicked. It was the perfect blend of creativity, problem-solving, technical precision, and real-world impact. Architecture touches every aspect of our lives — it’s constantly evolving, and every project offers a new lesson. It’s both an individual challenge and a collaborative effort, which keeps me energized and inspired.

My practice focuses on thoughtful, community-oriented design. I work closely with each client to understand their needs, values, and vision — and then I bring that to life with care, clarity, and purpose. What sets my work apart is the attention I give to relationships — I don’t believe architects should be removed or detached from the process. I stay actively involved and engaged, and I treat each project as a partnership, not a transaction.

I’m most proud of the trust I’ve built within my community and among my peers. I currently serve as president of my local AIA (American Institute of Architects) chapter, and I’m also active in volunteer work. My faith is central to everything I do — any success I’ve had, I give all the glory to God. That foundation drives how I show up for my clients, how I lead, and how I serve.

For anyone considering working with me or following my journey, I want you to know that I care deeply about the impact of my work — not just for today, but for years to come. My goal is always to create spaces that are not only functional and beautiful, but meaningful — spaces that reflect the people they’re made for and serve the communities they’re in.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Easily word of mouth. I am active within my AEC (architecture, engineering, construction) community. I have gotten referrals from all different members. It’s important to do what you say and do quality work. I live in a small but growing city and in a community where everyone knows everyone (in the industry). So continuously getting referred work I think is a testament to my quality of work, but also to the genuine relationships you build.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

You know my “side hustle” kind of turned into my full time business. It’s funny, the original story I told was how I started this business – full send, which is all true. However, starting this business was always the goal, but I wanted to ease into it. Not jump head first. When I was interviewing for the new job – I told them that I was planning on starting my own consulting on the side for family and friends. I signed a moonlighting agreement, etc. This firm was a multi-million dollar firm, and what I was doing was in no way competing in their market. So even though I thought I couldn’t do it after everything went down, it was inevitable. Now I make my own schedule, pick the projects and clients I want to work with, and just keep learning and living at a pace that works for me. I have more time to invest in things outside of “the job” that matter to me like my church, family, volunteering, and being an active community member. My career previously had been my identity, but now it has transformed into the gateway of freedom and living a meaningful life.

Contact Info:

• Website: arc30studio.com
• Instagram: @arc30studio
• Linkedin: Arc30 Studio, PLLC
• Other: I’m not active on my website or social media yet. It’s still a young company, but I’m hoping to do a hard launch next year after I have some of my projects built and completed. Stay tuned! And please email me if you’re interested in working together or have any volunteer opportunities you’d like to pass along. [email protected]

Image Credits
Emily Ledbetter – Ledbetter Marketing for the Tradeshow image and invitation to speak on her podcast Wrestling with Life.
Zach Joaquin – Echo General Contracting for the images of Grindhouse Records. This project had their grand opening, he was the contractor for the project and my first client!
I produced the On Thyme Restaurant renderings within 32 hours for my client’s last-minute announcement and very excited to it get built. This project is located downtown in Wilmington and has given me new opportunities for more work in the downtown area.