We were lucky to catch up with Joe Lopez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Joe, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When you were first starting out, did you join a firm or start your own?

I am originally from Mexico, and I grew up in a family of architects & builders. It was natural for me to adopt that career as it was present. My mother, was an interior designer and general contractor, she was by far a source of inspiration and motivation for my career, she always showed passion and enthusiasm while designing and dealing with clients.

Fresh out of school, I started a design/build practice. I loved working for clients whose vision aligned with the ones I wanted to offer. When I moved to North Carolina I had to get my license so I worked with amazing firms and took all exams in order to get my current credentials. That process was lengthy, about ten years. It was worth it and I would not change anything about it.

I decided to open Habanero Architecture because I missed that raw one-to-one collaboration with clients and collaborators to create special spaces that transcended four walls and a roof. I wanted to be able to provide professional architectural services for out of the box design. One of my core values as a business is to exceed expectations, I am looking for that wow factor. Ever since starting Habanero Architecture in 2020, business has been booming and it is because of that rapport that I have with my clientele. I am close to coming to my third year and could not be happier.

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

I am lucky to be able to earn a living by doing what I love the most, space creation. Architecture has always enriched my life and I feel that my mission is to help other people find that same passion that I have for architecture by designing their spaces.

My practice promotes the idea that architecture is a tool for improving peoples lives. We consider ourselves modern architects, but we promote modernism as a state of mind rather than a style.

Habanero Architecture is intentionally a small architecture firm. We like working one-on-one with our clients to ensure that our ideas reflect the best version of your design. It is fun to be able to provide design services this way. It does not feel like working at all.

Custom and creative is our standard. We are an Award-winning studio, Habanero Architecture is an out of the box, holistic and pragmatic design firm. Our projects are the reflection of careful analysis of your ideas and collected data transformed and amplified into simple, modern, functional and beautiful spaces. Regardless of budget or scope of work, our ideas are proven to be our clients best asset. Our portfolio includes high-end residential and small commercial projects.

Our studio name depicts the kind of projects that specialize, We like to design bold and not bland solutions.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Since the inception of the business, I have tried many things marketing-wise. In my opinion the best strategy is always going to be word-of-mouth, because true testimonials are a direct link of your services and your target client. When you start your business, you have to be patient, but if one keeps consistency in its message and service delivery, people will notice what you offer.

Honesty and clarity is one of Habanero’s business core values, this really has proven to one of the best trades that make us unique. We take this seriously, keeping the client inform and helping them make decisions, keeps the design running smoothly. Our credentials and portfolio always look great in person and in paper, but in order to hire an architect, people want to trust the person who they are conducting business.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

There are so many books to choose from! I specifically have two basic ones that I enjoy the most. Atomic Habits by James Clear and Start With Why by Simon Sinek.

The first one, Atomic Habits, explains how you can become better at anything in small increments every day. Habit creations are essential for human beings, as there are no good or bad habits, there are just habits, as explained in his book. In order to start a business and sustain a business one must have a certain sets of skills to be able to perform the services and also to manage the business. This book help me realize that providing services in architecture is not a race, but a marathon. I try getting better and better one day at the time to be able to offer my clients the best version of myself.

The second book, Start With Why, explains why do people follow leaders and or businesses. A good business model is only good if the leader represents that vision. This vision always starts with why are you doing what you are doing. Again, this book helped me realize that my business model is not a race, but a marathon. If the “why” answer inspires you and others, then it is all worth it.

Contact Info:

• Website: habaneroarchitecture.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/habanero_architecture/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HabaneroArchitecture/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/habanero-architecture/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPSdQL0eNw719MCPEs3LQjQ

Image Credits
Habanero Architecture, Janssen Strother (Greenwood Residence)