Building an Inclusive Architecture Practice | Darguin Fortuna

Building an Inclusive Architecture Practice | Darguin Fortuna Darguin Fortuna, a principal of Flow Design in Salem, Massachusetts. Darguin shares his journey from the Dominican Republic to becoming a licensed architect in the United States, discussing the challenges he faced during his education and the ARE exams. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance and the lessons learned from failures. Darguin also talks about the founding of Flow Design, highlighting the significance of creating an inclusive environment for architects and the importance of understanding financial realities when starting a firm. The conversation concludes with insights on building a successful architecture practice and the value of teamwork and collaboration. In this conversation, Darguin Fortuna discusses the intricacies of managing an architecture firm, emphasizing the importance of cash flow, project management, and the right mindset. He shares insights on building a sustainable team, hiring strategies, and the significance of management in achieving success. Fortuna also highlights his commitment to teaching and mentoring the next generation of architects, as well as the importance of getting involved in professional organizations to foster diversity within the field. He concludes with valuable advice for young professionals starting their careers in architecture. Website: https://www.flow-design-studio.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darguin-fortuna-aia-ncarb-noma-4485859a/ Takeaways • Darguin's journey from the Dominican Republic to the US shaped his perspective on architecture. • Understanding financial realities is essential for running a successful firm. • The journey of starting a firm involves navigating challenges and embracing change. • Honesty and humility are key traits for success in architecture. • Building a team that shares a vision is vital for a firm's growth. • Learning from failures can lead to greater resilience and success. • The architecture profession requires passion and dedication to thrive. • Creating a sustainable business model is essential for long-term success. • Mindset plays a significant role in architectural success. • Building a sustainable team requires careful hiring and management. • Diversity in a firm can lead to better performance if managed well. • Investing in staff development is essential for long-term success. • Teaching and mentoring are vital for the next generation of architects. • Diversity in architecture should encompass various backgrounds and experiences. • Networking and socializing during school can enhance career opportunities. • Trusting your instincts can lead to fulfilling career paths. Chapters 00:00 Introducing Darguin Fortuna 14:17 Starting Flow Design 28:59 Navigating Cash Flow and Project Management 35:00 Building a Sustainable Team 38:24 The Role of Management in Firm Success 45:10 Getting Involved in Professional Organizations 54:40 Advice for Young Professionals BIG THANK YOU TO OUR TEAM! Editing and Motion Graphics: Gus Bernal www.gusbernal.com Instagram: @gus_bernal_film mentorDINO Hello, I'm Katelyn Rossier! A licensed Architect and founder of mentorDINO. I help early and mid-career design professionals have the technical knowledge, professional development skills, and resources they need to not only have successful projects but also be able to step into leadership roles with confidence! The AEC industry doesn’t have to be sink or swim! How do I do this? Through a community style learning where we learn from others, learn together, and grow out networks. It is called the mentorDINO Network! Check out my website to learn more or feel free to reach out to me directly. https://www.mentordino.com/network/ 🌟Join the discussion and learn by finding me through: 🌟 Website: https://www/mentordino.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentordino_llc Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katelyn-rossier/ Newsletter: https://www.mentordino.com/newsletter 🌟 Help Us Help Others🌟 Love the conversations? You can now support the mentorDINO podcast and my mission through this support link. I really appreciate your support in keeping these conversations going to improve the industry. https://mentordino.captivate.fm/support #architecture #engineering #construction #design #Interviews #AEC #podcast #professionaldevelopment #mentordino