How Architects Can Be More Entrepreneurial: Lessons From My Journey Featured by the Nashville Entrepreneurship Center

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I’m incredibly honored to be featured by the Nashville Entrepreneurship Center (EC) — an organization that empowers creators, startups, and leaders across industries.

In the article, I share my personal journey — from working as a licensed architect on stadiums and urban projects to launching Iamthestudio, a growing education platform that now helps thousands of architects and designers sharpen their digital skills in Revit, Rhino, Grasshopper, and beyond.

But this story isn’t just about me. It’s about a shift that’s already happening — one where more architects are realizing they don’t have to wait for the next job, project, or firm promotion to lead. They can build something of their own.

Why Architects Are Built for Entrepreneurship

Architects are natural systems thinkers, problem solvers, and collaborators. But we’re rarely taught how to think like business owners.

Yet every drawing set, detail, and model we produce shows our potential to lead, pitch, scale, and innovate. Here’s what I’ve learned transitioning from traditional architecture to building a digital platform:

3 Ways Architects Can Become More Entrepreneurial

1. Productize Your Expertise

Your workflow is valuable. If you’ve learned how to solve a problem in Rhino, automate tasks in Revit, or structure a client presentation that works — that’s a repeatable process someone else wants to learn.

Start by sharing tutorials, templates, or even launching a simple Gumroad or Notion page to test your ideas.

2. Own Your Voice & Niche

I created Iamthestudio to serve designers who want expert-level digital skills without the fluff. I focused on clarity, quality instruction, and real-world application.

You don’t need to serve everyone. Serve who you understand best. Whether it’s architects switching to AI tools, students learning design software, or builders who want visual support — your lived experience is a business advantage.

3. Use Design Thinking on Your Career

Every architecture project goes through ideation, prototyping, and iteration. Why not apply that same framework to your business path?

Create MVPs (minimum viable products) for your content, test offers, build in public, get feedback — then refine.

Final Thoughts: From Studio to Startup

Architecture doesn’t have to be a linear path.
The same tools we use to shape the built environment can help shape our careers, businesses, and impact.

If you’re an architect, designer, or student reading this, here’s my takeaway: You already have the creativity and discipline — now give yourself permission to think bigger.

Again, I’m thankful to the Nashville EC for featuring my journey. You can read the full post here:
👉 From Architecture to Entrepreneurship: The Story of Iamthestudio Founder Brandon Gibbs

Stay bold,
Brandon Gibbs
Founder of Iamthestudio
Empowering designers through expert-level digital skills