Christopher Brandon's guest appearances

Christopher Brandon

Business of Architecture Podcast

Convo By Design®

AFT Construction Podcast

Ryan Saghian

Brett Andersen

Anthony Laney

Pamela Durkin

Darrell Wilson

Cara Woodhouse

Michelle Lynne

Wade Weissmann

Maryline Damour

Susan Ferrier

Kim Gordon

Martyn Lawrence Bullard

Richard Neutra

Paul McClean

Adam Scott

OwlTail

This week, I am speaking to Founder and President of Brandon Architects, Chris Brandon. Chris founded Brandon Architects in 2009, specializing in high-end residential. He works on an incredible array of clientele, doing really extraordinary homes in California. In this conversation, we discuss the early days of Chris' practice, how he how he weathered the storm brought by recession in 2009 and grew his practice, the tale of bringing on those first employees, and how he was doing business development and client acquisition. Then we discuss some of the innovations Chris has in the delivery of his projects, how he curates the client experience and ensures that he's only involved where they need to be involved thus making their delivery process much more efficient and reducing the amount of scope creep. We also discuss some of the leadership evolution that Chris has been going through, some of the work that we've been doing together on the SMART Practice program and of course Chris' vision for 2022.   ► Access your free training at http://SmartPracticeMethod.com/ ► If you want to speak directly to our advisors, book a call at https://www.businessofarchitecture.co... ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofA... * For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful, and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/busin... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com... iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/b... Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/Businesso... * Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.co... Carpe Diem!

This week, I am speaking to Founder and President of Brandon Architects, Chris Brandon. Chris founded Brandon Architects in 2009, specializing in high-end residential. He works on an incredible array of clientele, doing really extraordinary homes in California. In this conversation, we discuss the early days of Chris' practice, how he how he weathered the storm brought by recession in 2009 and grew his practice, the tale of bringing on those first employees, and how he was doing business development and client acquisition. Then we discuss some of the innovations Chris has in the delivery of his projects, how he curates the client experience and ensures that he's only involved where they need to be involved thus making their delivery process much more efficient and reducing the amount of scope creep. We also discuss some of the leadership evolution that Chris has been going through, some of the work that we've been doing together on the SMART Practice program and of course Chris' vision for 2022. ► Access your free training at <a href="http://SmartPracticeMethod.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://SmartPracticeMethod.com/</a> ► If you want to speak directly to our advisors, book a call at <a href="https://www.businessofarchitecture.co" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.businessofarchitecture.co</a>... ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofA</a>... * For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful, and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/busin" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/groups/busin</a>... Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/</a> Website: <a href="https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/</a> Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch</a> Podcast: <a href="http://www.businessofarchitecture.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.businessofarchitecture.com</a>... iTunes: <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/b" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/b</a>... Android Podcast Feed: <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/Businesso" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://feeds.feedburner.com/Businesso</a>... * Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: <a href="http://freearchitectgift.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://freearchitectgift.com</a> Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: <a href="http://freearchitectgift.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://freearchitectgift.com</a> Come to my next live, in-person event: <a href="https://www.businessofarchitecture.co" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.businessofarchitecture.co</a>... Carpe Diem!

402: How to Dominate a Sector with Christopher Brandon

Chris is a registered California architect and member of the AIA with a Bachelor’s Degree from California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo. Since childhood, he’s been fascinated by the built environment and the creative possibilities that art and architecture have to offer. Spending his formative years in a small town in Northeast Oregon, Chris learned to value the beauty in nature at a young age. This continued to inspire him through his education and into his career. His talents have been most appreciated in the design of many beautiful custom homes and happy clients. His approach has always been to first better understand a client’s dreams and unique project constraints in order to create more informed and inspired designs. Chris has used his exceptional design talents and years of experience in Southern California to create a truly unique and progressive architectural practice.Listen in as Chris explains how he developed the company’s social media strategy and how it has influenced growth since its founding in 2009. He also shares what it was like to start a company in the aftermath of the recession.Chris also talks about his process for guiding clients through the process from beginning to end and how he nips common obstacles in the bud such as pushback around costs and setting expectations at the initial consult. Finally, he talks about using VR and renderings to raise his clients’ confidence and trust in his ability to deliver on their desires.Topics Discussed:[02:39] Chris’s social media strategy for Brandon Architects[04:48] How photorealistic rendering has impacted business for the better[08:26] The impact of social media on the company’s growth and ability to attract clients[11:37] Why Chris decided to start his company during the recession[12:42] The company’s tipping point[14:23] How Brandon Architects is able to take on a wide variety of project types[16:10] Chris’s favorite style or aesthetic as a designer[18:56] How Brandon Architects works with clients from beginning to end[22:25] Navigating the budget side of the process[28:22] Dealing with pushback or resistance from clients[30:33] Collaborating and building rapport and trust with designers and builders[35:32] Setting expectations with the client when giving virtual tours[41:33] How VR makes a huge difference from a client’s perspective early on[44:39] Developing designs and renderings in-house[47:24] Familiarizing yourself with the different codes and restrictions in different states[51:04] What keeps Chris up at night at this point in his career?[52:39] Brandon Architects’ upcoming projectsConnect with Brandon Architects: WebsiteInstagram Connect with Brad Leavitt &amp; AFT Construction:WebsiteInstagramFacebookHouzzPinterestYouTubeKey Quotes by Christopher Brandon: At the end of the day, your best calling card is your work.We try to make our process very client-focused. I think that’s why our portfolio is very diverse: We enjoy our clients’ creativity and passion for their projects. I want them to be happy and emotionally engaged throughout the process.The core concept of keeping clients happy is managing expectations.I believe strongly that collaboration makes for better projects and I like to bring on partners and people who are just as passionate about what they do as I am about what I do.Finding good local partners is a cornerstone of success for our faraway projects.Produced by Koi Koi 

Chris is a registered California architect and member of the AIA with a Bachelor’s Degree from California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo. Since childhood, he’s been fascinated by the built environment and the creative possibilities that art and architecture have to offer. Spending his formative years in a small town in Northeast Oregon, Chris learned to value the beauty in nature at a young age. This continued to inspire him through his education and into his career. His talents have been most appreciated in the design of many beautiful custom homes and happy clients. His approach has always been to first better understand a client’s dreams and unique project constraints in order to create more informed and inspired designs. Chris has used his exceptional design talents and years of experience in Southern California to create a truly unique and progressive architectural practice.Listen in as Chris explains how he developed the company’s social media strategy and how it has influenced growth since its founding in 2009. He also shares what it was like to start a company in the aftermath of the recession.Chris also talks about his process for guiding clients through the process from beginning to end and how he nips common obstacles in the bud such as pushback around costs and setting expectations at the initial consult. Finally, he talks about using VR and renderings to raise his clients’ confidence and trust in his ability to deliver on their desires.Topics Discussed:<ul><li>[02:39] Chris’s social media strategy for Brandon Architects</li><li>[04:48] How photorealistic rendering has impacted business for the better</li><li>[08:26] The impact of social media on the company’s growth and ability to attract clients</li><li>[11:37] Why Chris decided to start his company during the recession</li><li>[12:42] The company’s tipping point</li><li>[14:23] How Brandon Architects is able to take on a wide variety of project types</li><li>[16:10] Chris’s favorite style or aesthetic as a designer</li><li>[18:56] How Brandon Architects works with clients from beginning to end</li><li>[22:25] Navigating the budget side of the process</li><li>[28:22] Dealing with pushback or resistance from clients</li><li>[30:33] Collaborating and building rapport and trust with designers and builders</li><li>[35:32] Setting expectations with the client when giving virtual tours</li><li>[41:33] How VR makes a huge difference from a client’s perspective early on</li><li>[44:39] Developing designs and renderings in-house</li><li>[47:24] Familiarizing yourself with the different codes and restrictions in different states</li><li>[51:04] What keeps Chris up at night at this point in his career?</li><li>[52:39] Brandon Architects’ upcoming projects</li></ul>Connect with Brandon Architects: <ul><li><a href="https://www.brandonarchitects.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a></li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/brandonarchitects/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram </a></li></ul>Connect with Brad Leavitt &amp; AFT Construction:<ul><li><a href="https://aftconstruction.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a></li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aft_construction/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a></li><li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aftconstruction" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a></li><li><a href="https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/aft-construction-pfvwus-pf~2049037662" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Houzz</a></li><li><a href="https://www.pinterest.ph/AFT_CONSTRUCTION/_created/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzB4R_DHPVV1SPh7RUfR5jg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube</a></li></ul>Key Quotes by Christopher Brandon: <ul><li>At the end of the day, your best calling card is your work.</li><li>We try to make our process very client-focused. I think that’s why our portfolio is very diverse: We enjoy our clients’ creativity and passion for their projects. I want them to be happy and emotionally engaged throughout the process.</li><li>The core concept of keeping clients happy is managing expectations.</li><li>I believe strongly that collaboration makes for better projects and I like to bring on partners and people who are just as passionate about what they do as I am about what I do.</li><li>Finding good local partners is a cornerstone of success for our faraway projects.</li></ul><a href="https://www.thekoikoi.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Produced by Koi Koi </a>

Brandon Architects: Smart Design & Better Living with Christopher Brandon

This is the next golden age of Modern Architecture with much of the leadership emanating from SoCal. For six years, every interview you heard on the show was recorded live. Since March 13th of this year, every new conversation has been recorded on the phone or via Zoom. This has completely changed the way I do this and we have all change the way we work. So as Christopher and I talk about how his business is changing, he also mentioned that he started his firm during the great recession and I think that speaks to how Brandon established his firm and how he has worked with all his employees to make sure they can work most effectively. Doing the episodes this way has also provided me with an opportunity to discuss specific projects and it has opened a new door for me and I hope for you as well. Please make sure you are following along as we look at these projects by visiting www.brandonarchitects.com as you listen and we can explore design together. In this episode, Chris and I talk about some amazing ideas in design that include a skylight through the bottom of a swimming pool and an absolute masterpiece in the Strand Hotel. You are going to hear about incorporating VR and technology, progressive ways to make distance working more effective and overcoming the challenges of working during a disaster. At the same time, this is a reminder that design is a service industry. A service industry that directly improves the quality of life of those we serve. Before we get to this, I want to share some thoughts with you. Convo By Design is presented by Walker Zanger. I am going to tell you a little more about what makes Walker Zanger so special in a minute. But I also want you to know how they are responding during these trying times. I recently paid a visit to their West Hollywood showroom. When I walked in, staff was distanced, there was sanitizer available and they were masked up. They have also been inviting through drive by slab showings and partnering up with yours truly on a virtual series called The Showroom. If you are a designer looking for great partners to work with, you can look no further than Walker Zanger. They continue to innovate. They made me feel comfortable going back to their showroom. It may seem like a small thing. It’s not. We are back to a really fun conversation with architect, Christopher Brandon. Thank you, Chris. Thank you for making the time, thank you Walker Zanger for being an absolute joy to work with. Your partnership is appreciated. Thank you Thermasol for your support of Convo By Design and thank YOU for listening to the show, subscribing to the podcast and coming out to our events. If not already, ask Alexa or Siri to subscribe to Convo By Design, and they will. Thanks for listening and until next week, keep creating.

This is the next golden age of Modern Architecture with much of the leadership emanating from SoCal. For six years, every interview you heard on the show was recorded live. Since March 13th of this year, every new conversation has been recorded on the phone or via Zoom. This has completely changed the way I do this and we have all change the way we work. So as Christopher and I talk about how his business is changing, he also mentioned that he started his firm during the great recession and I think that speaks to how Brandon established his firm and how he has worked with all his employees to make sure they can work most effectively. Doing the episodes this way has also provided me with an opportunity to discuss specific projects and it has opened a new door for me and I hope for you as well. Please make sure you are following along as we look at these projects by visiting <a href="http://www.brandonarchitects.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.brandonarchitects.com</a> as you listen and we can explore design together. In this episode, Chris and I talk about some amazing ideas in design that include a skylight through the bottom of a swimming pool and an absolute masterpiece in the Strand Hotel. You are going to hear about incorporating VR and technology, progressive ways to make distance working more effective and overcoming the challenges of working during a disaster. At the same time, this is a reminder that design is a service industry. A service industry that directly improves the quality of life of those we serve. Before we get to this, I want to share some thoughts with you. Convo By Design is presented by <a href="http://walkerzanger.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Walker Zanger</a>. I am going to tell you a little more about what makes Walker Zanger so special in a minute. But I also want you to know how they are responding during these trying times. I recently paid a visit to their West Hollywood showroom. When I walked in, staff was distanced, there was sanitizer available and they were masked up. They have also been inviting through drive by slab showings and partnering up with yours truly on a virtual series called The Showroom. If you are a designer looking for great partners to work with, you can look no further than Walker Zanger. They continue to innovate. They made me feel comfortable going back to their showroom. It may seem like a small thing. It’s not. We are back to a really fun conversation with architect, Christopher Brandon. Thank you, Chris. Thank you for making the time, thank you Walker Zanger for being an absolute joy to work with. Your partnership is appreciated. Thank you Thermasol for your support of Convo By Design and thank YOU for listening to the show, subscribing to the podcast and coming out to our events. If not already, ask Alexa or Siri to subscribe to Convo By Design, and they will. Thanks for listening and until next week, keep creating.

SoCal’s Modern Architecture Revolution | 278 | Christopher Brandon of Brandon Architects