logo
episode-header-image
Jul 2017
43m 6s

EA178: Nathan Buhler – The Entrepreneur ...

EntreArchitect // Gābl Media
About this episode

The Entrepreneur Architect Series featuring Nathan Buhler

At EntreArchitect, you’re encouraged to share your knowledge. When we share with other architects, we all benefit. We are able to learn from one another and the profession will grow. One of the goals of EntreArchitect is to provide a platform for other entrepreneur architects to share their stories.

We want to interview you! What’s your story? Do you want to share your knowledge or the story about how you were inspired to pursue this profession? How do you become an entrepreneur architect?

Join us for our series called The Entrepreneur Architect, where each guest has the opportunity to share their story and answer some questions that will provide value to each of you.

This week on EntreArchitect Podcast, The Entrepreneur Architect Series featuring Nathan Buhler.

Background

Nathan is an Architectural Technologist and the owner of BLDG Workshop in Toronto Canada. He grew up in a logging community in British Columbia and lived overseas in South America. His creative experiences drew interests to architecture. When design became the main focus of his work life, Nathan’s themes relating to connection, authenticity and people became integral to his work.

Nathan’s Origin Story

From the small logging community in British Columbia, Nathan went to Bible school training in Vancouver and worked in ministry and counseling for many years. He felt like he was around people all the time but was still feeling alone. Nathan was always searching for something different. When he heard of a guy who built a house on top of waterfall (Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater), he knew he wanted to go to architecture school.

He went to architecture school at 30 years old, and felt a little like a fish out of water with all the students that were younger than he was. Nathan completed his schooling on a different route and has a different certification.

The Entrepreneur Architect Questions

What is one big goal you’ve achieved in your career and how did you get there?

Nathan had an idea for a design of a house that would stand as a silhouette of a house against a landscape. He wanted something that was connected with the design community. Nathan connected with a furniture designer and they changed the typology of how to do the project. With this project, Nathan felt like the story of what they were doing was fluent from start to finish; through the big picture and construction.

What struggles have you gone through?

At one point, it felt like projects weren’t coming in; things were looking bleak. One of Nathan’s partners went to do something else, and he had to lay another staff member off. It wasn’t a market-driven slowing down, Nathan felt he just got left behind when people were looking for someone to do their home. He read an article about cash flow and, when he worked through the numbers, he realized he needed to bring in a lot more work to keep things going. Unfortunately, he didn’t feel like he was taught that kind of stuff in school. Now, he’s worked through most of that.

What was your biggest “aha” moment?

A little over a hear ago, Nathan looked at their placing on Houzz and they were #1. He thought it was a glitch, but it hasn’t changed....

Up next
Aug 22
EA622: Solo Sessions - They’re Not Hiring You for Your Drawings
They’re Not Hiring You for Your DrawingsIn this solo session of the EntreArchitect Podcast, Mark R. LePage explores how artificial intelligence and automation are reshaping the profession of architecture. While efficiency tools continue to evolve, Mark reminds us that technology ... Show More
13m 29s
Aug 15
EA621: Mark Orttung - Why Most Firms Stall (And How to Scale Without Breaking)
Why Most Firms Stall (And How to Scale Without Breaking)In this episode of the podcast, Mark Orttung, CEO of Projectworks and Chair of Provoke, unpacks why so many service-based firms hit growth plateaus—and how to scale without breaking. Drawing from his decades in the tech indu ... Show More
49m 26s
Aug 8
EA620: Danilda Polanco - Unapologetically DOPE: Building an "Empire" on Her Own Terms
Unapologetically DOPE: Building an "Empire" on Her Own TermsDanilda Polanco is unapologetically redefining what it means to be a woman in architecture and construction. As the founder of DOPE Architecture Inc., a woman-owned design-build firm in Denver, Danilda shares how her jou ... Show More
44m 47s
Recommended Episodes
Jan 2024
498: Balancing Design and Dollars: Navigating the Business of Architecture with Rion Willard & Jason Boyle of the Broke Architect Podcast
Architects often grapple with a unique set of challenges, balancing their creative aspirations with the stark realities of financial and business pressures. Navigating this complex landscape can be daunting, as they strive to build both inspiring spaces and sustainable careers. A ... Show More
1h 31m
Dec 2021
394: More than Architecture - Designing Experience with Adam Scott
Today, I bring you an incredible conversation with the Founder of FreeState, Adam Scott. Adam is an architect, he's a designer, and the creative force of FreeState, which is a pioneering experience master planning agency. In this episode, you'll discover how he's taken his skills ... Show More
38m 39s
Dec 2022
442: Why Design React Mode is Shrinking your Business with Michael Bernard
Today we will be speaking with Michael Bernard AIA. He is the founder of Virtual Practice Consulting, where he provides strategic advice to design and construction firms. He was a professor in the architecture department at The California College of the Arts in San Francisco for ... Show More
1h 2m
Mar 2024
516: Unconventional Paths to Profit in Design with Daniel Leon of Square Feet Architects
In a captivating podcast episode, architect Dan Leon and our host Rion delve into the intricacies of large-scale projects like the James Webb Telescope, drawing parallels between architecture and filmmaking. They discuss the importance of continuity of thought in design and the c ... Show More
52m 17s
Jun 2024
543: The Value of an Architect with Cormac Phalen & Evan Troxel of Archispeak
In a thought-provoking podcast episode, Enoch Sears delves into the intricacies of running a successful firm with Cormac Phalen & Evan Troxel of Archispeak. They touch upon the importance of setting boundaries and shifting mindsets, hinting at transformative strategies for enhanc ... Show More
56m 32s
Jun 2023
468: Damn All Architects with Enoch & Rion
"Damn all architects, the rich man’s folly," writes opinion journalist Giles Coren in a recent issue of The Times (original article here). Is this article perpetuating inaccurate tropes of the architectural profession, or is there some truth in this scathing critique of architect ... Show More
58m 43s
Feb 2024
509: Rock n Roll Architecture Practice with Paul Southouse of Paul Southouse Architects
In this captivating episode of the Business of Architecture podcast, host Rion Willard sits down with the innovative Paul South House, a name synonymous with blending tradition with modernity in the architectural realm. Their discussion unfolds in an unconventional setting, revea ... Show More
48m 34s
Apr 2024
530: How to Establish a Luxury Architecture Brand with Dan D'Agostino of Plan Architecture
In this episode, listeners are taken on a journey through the fascinating world of architecture and entrepreneurship. Our host, Rion Willard, delves into the intricate balance between artistic vision and marketability through candid conversation. Dan A'gostino shares invaluable i ... Show More
1h 17m
Jun 2024
546: Insights from a Master Architectural Photographer with Tobin Davies
In this engaging podcast episode, architectural photographer Tobin Davies shares insights into the significance of quality architectural photography for firms. Through anecdotes and experiences, he highlights the profound impact of striking visuals on a firm's portfolio and onlin ... Show More
30m 20s
Jan 2024
499: Shaping Spaces & Futures: The Secrets of Architectural Innovation with Sam Nunes of WRNS Studio
Architects often battle with the challenge of balancing creative vision with practical business needs, a pain point that Sam Nunes, founding partner of WRNS Studio, addresses in this captivating podcast. He explores how architects can navigate these complexities while maintaining ... Show More
56m 1s