MODERN PRACTICE SERIES (EP1): Eponymous Architecture (NEW SERIES)

In this new series, I’m visiting architects and design professionals asking them to share the choices, challenges, failures, successes and failures that have shaped their careers. Too often we hear from only those architects elevated by the media to superstar status. These so-called 'starchitects' account for a small percentage of design professionals. And, the stories from the bulk of our ranks - a great many talented architects and designers - remain untold. This series gives voice to their stories.
We uncover early inspirations that led them to choose architecture, experiences in architecture school, internships, what firm typologies to look for, advice for taking the Architectural Registration Exams (ARE), how to find work and clients, working for and with others, networking and struggles building a business.
In the inaugural video of the series we meet John Clappi, a licensed architect living and working in Brooklyn, New York. He has more than 20 years’ experience practicing architecture in both Boston and New York City at a variety of scales from large developments to award winning Record Houses and private residences. He’s worked for two starchitects: Richard Meier of Richard Meier and Partners and Brad Cloepfil at Allied Works, both high-end, boutique design firms. In part 1 he recounts the school years and his early career pivot points as well as his experience working for Meier and Allied Works and time working on large scale developer projects in New York City.
In part 2, we’ll discover why he set out on his own, how he secured his first commissions and the challenges he’s facing as he builds out a larger vision for his nascent architecture studio: Eponymous Architecture, PLLC.
It’s a rare and candid look into the struggles designers and architects face as we seek to become licensed professionals and to find a life of true, creative fulfillment.
Learn more about Eponymous Architecture: eponymousad.com/
Topics discussed:
1:20 Architecture school
3:33 After architecture school
4:22 Internships + licensing
6:13 Firm typologies
7:58 Working for Starchitects (Richard Meier + Brad Cloepfil / Allied Works)
12:05 Early vs. mid-career moves
13:04 A career pivot + lessons learned
14:30 Interviewing while working for someone else
15:23 Preview of next episode
// GEAR I USE //
DRONE:
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#architecture #30by40 #architectlife
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Please watch: "Making a Site Model - The Outpost Project"
• Making a Site Model - ...
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[@30by40]

Know anyone who should be featured in this series? Drop me a comment below. Cheers my friends...

[@MONTOUTE-STUDIO]

30X40 Design Workshop Hi Eric this is a great use your channel. Bravo. I have one person in mind that I think you should definitely speak to. She has the kind of story that is very unique in architecture. What is the best way to put you in touch with her?

[@30by40]

Excellent , best way to reach me is to DM me on Instagram @30by40

[@davidlandry8621]

Great idea for these videos! I can totally relate with John Clappi with is LEGO collection because I'm a big fan of LEGO! Since I was 6 years old I played with LEGO and wanted to be an architect. My wife and I started our firm 10 years ago because we were tired of working for others and doing the same things over and over again. Learned alot from other firms. If your in Québec sometime, we would love to participate in your series!

[@brianmcveigh1958]

Philip Ryan. Studio Modh. Fantastic teacher. Worked for TWBT for a while.

[@jeboccuzzi10]

Brad Prestbo Sasaki Associates Watertown MA

[@mizraeable]

This is great! These are the kind of conversations you don't hear much about and it's the perfect angle for young architects wanting to know what steps they can take to become the professionals they want to be and have an idea what might be available to them. I found my facial expressions dancing from eagerness, shock & horror (the relatable anxiety kind) to amazement, LOL. Looking forward to more on this series!

[@aayushvijayvergiya7252]

Raemell . Thank you for saying what i was going to say . You write exactly what i wanted to tell ERIC sir.👍

[@ashelyanderson2370]

Love this discussion on the process. I had a similar experience in going to large firm. I thought it would be a great jump off point and it really was an end. Too big to really allow for growth and too busy to allow for life. I went to the field, considering my experience, but you really get sequestered to one task. Love.

[@reethiii]

Totally gonna admire this series! Thanks a ton for creating these videos. Can't wait for upcoming episodes. :)

[@ganedrarama2706]

There's no other video with this depth thank you

[@30by40]

Glad you liked it...cheers...

[@vardhansathe]

Lot of love and support ! And respect from fellow aspering architect !!!!

[@30by40]

Cheers...keep after it...

[@vardhansathe]

30X40 Design Workshop Your videos help us in many aspects... Loving this new episode. And your humbleness really inspiring to me personally.

[@30by40]

kind words...really appreciate it my friend...

[@vardhansathe]

30X40 Design Workshop Please make a videos which will help young minds like me to understand the works of masters and how to understand them better. Being in India have some limited exposure and will love to get additional idea and it will be really helpful to learn and take things for ourself from the works of masters. And explore new ideas from previous works ! Really appreciate your reply :)

[@itsyaboy8276]

Loved the real talk about professional practice, only about six months into my first internship but I already feel I can relate to things discussed in the video... Great stuff as always Eric, best of luck John!

[@edwarddaniels42]

Watching this as an architect out of university, it's really great to hear such thoughts as to where to go in my career. Thank you for a great video!

[@UndercoverArchitect]

A really relatable insight into the journey of architecture. Great to have John share his journey, and learnings along the way. I was told once that architecture is a 30 year apprenticeship ... one where you’re always learning. Also loved getting a sneak peak inside what it was like to be an employee at big startchitecture practices such as the ones John worked for. Looking forward to Part 2!

[@leonardodossantos5357]

Another great video Eric. Nice to see new things happening in the channel and good to see how you become better and better after each video. This channel makes me even more excited about starting Architecture school. Thank you for that my friend.

[@WillWatches]

Great idea for a series, can't wait to see more from it!

[@dhatchbernier]

John was my Technical Drawing instructor in Boston in the 90s. He was a great teacher.

[@TechnoKidForever12]

Incredible video. I'm getting ready to enter my second year of architecture school and this gets me excited to progress!

[@kingasz100]

I can`t wait for the next part. It helps so much to realise how normal is to doubt , to be unsure, to find your own way. It would be interesting to hear about a women in the career....A similar story, how to manage family life and project. Is it possible? I am just getting into it and I am enjoying the bright side - working from home meas no time wasted on public transport, in traffic jams, but I am missing the company of my fellow architects....But I am with my girls most afternoons.

[@30by40]

So glad it's resonating with you..the next vid on John's firm Eponymous drops Thursday (August 2nd) at 2pm...I think you'll like it, he talks specifically about the challenges he's faced starting his own business and they're very similar to yours. Be sure to sub for future episodes...next ep in the series features an extremely talented architect, entrepreneur, and mother...

[@dawnmelanson]

Great information that I've never considered about interviewing them as well, asking the right questions to see if they fit to your ideals. Great interview Eric.

[@carloacilo242]

This is a very cool video idea Eric. One can really see the amount of wisdom and experience that guy has. Thanks a lot!

[@lailafeidesign7700]

Thank you for sharing this incredible video with us, Eric.. Bless you!

[@RomanCruz]

Love this series!! Hearing about other architecht's experience, amazing.

[@kevinbowman22w]

Love to see where this series goes from here.

[@brandondavis819]

John!!!! How freaking cool!! I've worked along with him on past projects!!!!

[@ndikumanalewis]

This is awesome. Looking forward to the other episodes

[@imadasmone8915]

Really a very promising series.. I myself is about to graduate frm architecture school and this series is going to be inevitably relevant.. Thanx alot and cheers..

[@elgrz90]

Haven’t started school yet but this is what I was looking for!

[@willrussell4072]

This is so awesome! love this series concept. This is a good thing. keep it going. It brings back that 90;'s kind of vibe.. gotta love the 90's .

[@MatthewEncina]

Great series so far. Congrats!

[@sheilaojwang4903]

Awesome content

[@cristianvelez6099]

Awesome video mate 👌🏼

[@ZakaevWarren]

That's nice

[@niall_o_donovan]

Excellent Eric, this is so valuable!

[@martineiselt2118]

Nice series! I'm curious to see who's next ...

[@AA-nf2pl]

I believe that everyone who has gone through architecture school has had a different experience and exposure. In my case I found out that my course did not prepare me well enough for the real world, It is all well and great to understand the poetry of architecture and language side of things but I believe equally important to be trained on real world scenarios such as dealing with the local planners from council or how the building will be constructed. This is my experience completing my studies and working in Australia.

[@joaoviaro]

Great Great Great video!

[@iollankmurphy4496]

Brilliant video

[@hazmanrostam2849]

Woww

[@marleyfoale]

Cool feed!

[@sukrillexkeloggs8791]

Can i like twice? Great video.

[@stephanyrojas880]

what softwares do you use for 3d and rendering??

[@kholikovbezhan5974]

Could you please add subtitles?

[@8yh451]

In my architecture school, the more you LOOK like you know how to design and TALK like someone who knows how to design, your grades are a sure thing! The actual design is something far from reality!

[@Random53678]

That’s my uncle

[@danielkris96]

First !

[@30by40]

Daniel Kristianto respect!

[@tyler985]

Soo......should i buy legos?

[@leo_martinez8330]

I dont speack english 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@Suchatool98]

Incredible video Eric, provides insights into the field that I can look toward for going further in to my sophomore year. Thanks.

[@as8537]

Great video, very informative and relatable. I recently completed architecture school and spent one month in Greece right after. I’m currently studying for the PcM and PjM exams which I am scheduled to take at the end of August. I’m also looking for a local firm to start my internship. Thank you for the video, it is very helpful!

[@abdiqadirahmed7182]

what does it mean PcM AND PJM , PLZ.

[@agustinvenegas5238]

Good luck!! How was Greece?

[@archishme9069]

4:58....can someone please tell me the name of that book... Please

[@ClapzFN1]

That’s my uncle

[@OscarJimenezRamirez]

This is my second KZbin comment ever! I just want to thank you for all of this series dedicated to our profession, you are doing a great job giving so much knowledge and being so humble about that, im so glad you're doing this format now. I think an audio podcast in iTunes or other platforms in addition to this will be wonderful. My first language is spanish btw, sorry if my english isn't accurate. Keep up the good work Eric thank you!!!

[@meta1gear4]

This was amazing. I had just graduated and this is beyond helpful for carving out future career goals.

[@19507070223]

Hi Eric Sir, I admire you a lot and I too have a small firm. I need little help from you. I just want to have a meeting with you. A lot to know and learn form you. I am from India.

[@rositachin]

I love it. It's so real about the process of becoming your own architect.

[@renatashamsutdinova537]

Amazing idea to start this Series! Thank you Eric!

[@princeakeemofazania]

More of this! 💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿

[@agn855]

Interesting that he said it's kinda mandatory to speak German at Richard Meier's while almost every post WWII born German is able to speak English (sort of). Especially with corporate customers (and Germany is an export oriented country) being able to speak English is mandatory.

[@MrBenzcdi]

Great choice of narrative supporting images. It removed the guesswork in moments such as the Richard Meier team picture and the Richard Meier Grid.

[@maninredd]

Hey sir good day! I'm currently on my final year on architecture. Can you suggest any focus study i coud integrate on my proposal that of my end product is transportation hub? Thanks?

[@mohamedrqeq4803]

اتمنى ترجمة هذه الفيدوهات للعربية

[@MahmoodMuhenned]

Really nice series Thanks

[@rafaelcosta3514]

thanks for subtitle the video!

[@getrekt1386]

great video, but music abit too strong

[@litoboy5]

cool

[@ruisnts88]

its only me or there is an ad each 2 minutes?

[@TheHomeDesignMentor]

Nice switch to an entirely different format for your videos, Eric. Plus, this is a fascinating interview and so well edited to capture the key insights to your subjects experiences. Highly recommended viewing! Cheers, SCR

[@lancet3962]

Awesome

[@sigr2813]

Thanks for the great video Eric! After this I decided to pursue a career in marine conservation! Thanks again!

[@rikadwiswara0812]

Appreciate each process, the result is a bonus.

[@spektrograf]

Awesome idea this series! Love it! Really applaud the motivation to put in the huge effort of working on the concept, pre-production, production, and post. You're doing it all so elegantly, but those of us who've done it know that the more elegant a piece comes off, the more we know how much sweat equity went into making it so. Thanks for your passion and dedication to the creative world!

[@simpson1672]

Can totally relate to everything John said. My school experience was similar. The first semester nearly drove me away, but then second semester was full of drawing & model making (albeit simple concept models). Hooked me for life. 32 year career with a major international firm & still love what I do. The best part is watching people interact with the structure you have created & that they interact how you wanted them to. Now, not only do I mentor the younger architects & interior designers, but I learn new things from them as well. Like the interview process, mentoring is a 2-way street. Great new series, Eric.

[@sdeeyOu]

What a great and extremely insightful video, I wished it never ends am sure I will be coming back every once and a while to rewatch it , i am waiting and hoping for more. Thanks, Eric.

[@rajicasas]

This video is really insightful and cool! I look forward to more of this! But I really wish your interviews moving forward were more like a podcast where it's a raw conversation I'm getting to listen to, and not this format where it's edited what the talking points are before each interviewee's answer. i.e. Joe Rogan Experience / Marc Maron -esque podcast format

[@elijah_swift]

Love This 30X40 Design Workshop, The field of Architecture is Beautiful in its range of projects and the Journey that takes shape throughout ones career/Life.

[@ezgiayer4239]

Loving this new series! It’s really incredible that how 16 mins can teach you so many great things!

[@cristykarencasquejo8621]

i downloaded many affirmation videos, inspirational movies, speeches, music, songs, trying many medium of arts, trying to find where would my heart beat, photography, multimedia, history just to keep my fire burning again. i really appreciate how you, blew my mind and touch my heart.. please continue inspiring young and future architects. i really am having the hope again. and much convince to get my license next year.i love your works,.thank you very much

[@johnbob5834]

Would love to see you do a series on 'Green' & sustainable building to include best practices for solar roofing/side paneling, natural/passive cooling/heating, to include use of water features around property, 'living' roofs/walls, and shipping container homes ;)

[@coultonbecker4203]

This is great. I'm now a senior studying architecture and have watched many of your videos. They are inspiring and truely helpful. I've often questioned myself if this career is what I want to do or if I'm even good enough of a designer or have what it takes to become an architect. This video gave me a practical outlook of what can happen in this profession. Looking forward to the next episode.

[@aayushvijayvergiya7252]

Thanks john for sharing real life experience and your journey with us. Such details are what every new interns look for😊

[@R1MDEN]

Thank you for these in depth/raw videos. You deserve a holiday, come hang in Australia.

[@alevtina.petukhova]

Thank you very much for the series! As someone who wants to pursue a career in architecture, I find the series very helpful.

[@walieadabu]

I like this idea of sharing such experiences, I think we architects have the same destiny. Making the world a better place!!

[@kenthonyhang3907]

Very much enjoyed episode 1 of the new series. Offers great insight into the profession of an Architect. Keep em coming!

[@sumanadak7429]

Hello Eric, I am an interior designer student. You are the best teacher i learn much things about architecture whether its not my subject. I wonder one day i get a chance to work with you. You are just awesome 😄

[@pbussey1007]

Did you ask him about the rampant sexual harassment in RM's office?

[@josesimoo]

Loved it!

[@Philixzecat]

how important is being able to manually render and sketch amazingly?

[@HalfAVlog]

As a student, I love this video it gives you a real insight into practising architects! x

[@AlexJerko]

Great idea to make such series. Keep going. Greetings from Croatia.

[@pawanchabukswar6707]

An eye opener interview ! Would love if you combine all your videos to form a documentry .

[@charlpretorius8105]

Too damn good! Every video filled with fresh insight!

[@daniguzman91]

Thank you for listen to my petition, this is perfect! Im on into the next episode

[@andrewwew]

This series is such a good idea. The execution is also awesome.

[@glennsmith6258]

Such and honest recount of early career. *****

[@chaikahwai8668]

love this new series! like to know more from other architect. Keep it coming

[@26jori]

this was dope I learned a lot. Thanks for posting

[@blackroze1000]

You make me question my life choices :)

[@joshsayer9582]

Very excited about this series, Eric. Great idea!

[@gentrygriffin2756]

Love this series, keep it comin!

[@yoannnguyen489]

Great interview, keep up ! :D

[@theweirdguitardude]

Extremely well done

[@abuabbakundi]

great interview eric

[@juanpalacio4802]

Great idea for a series, keep it up.