Today we’d like to introduce you to Arty.
Hi Arty, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
All Terrain Architect, LLC started in April 2020. The idea began years earlier when I couldn’t sleep at night, knowing I didn’t want to work for a paycheck anymore. While I passionately worked for another architecture company from 2015-2020, I was pursuing licensure, and told myself once I got it, I needed to take the leap. Honestly, if it weren’t for COVID-19 and my job at the time, which reduced my wages by 40% (putting my family in financial trouble), I would not have been forced to do something drastic. In January of 2020, I had already set up my LLC, and by March, I had an EIN, and as soon as I got that first reduced paycheck, I went to work and had a meeting with my bosses, presenting my resignation letter. Since then, my income has almost doubled every year. I now partner with an Engineering firm called Nohmis Design (whom I worked for back in college for a bit), and I sub out certain tasks, utilize AI, and automated systems to support the business. The time saved now allows me to dedicate more to nonprofits and community service through the American Institute of Architects and my alma mater, Florida Atlantic University. Moreover, I now make time to spend with my children, coaching sports, and sitting on other industry organization boards, and dare I say, hobbies!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There’s no such thing as a smooth road. Even though I experienced immediate success, I still needed more money, as I had bought a house in 2021. Less than a year later, my wife and I separated, which was hard on all of us. I also work for a Roofing and Waterproofing manufacturer, one of the largest in the world, where I am an architectural representative and subject matter expert. By juggling both of these roles, I now make enough to support my family. I can have fun while maintaining my professional commitments and obligations. This has become even easier and better since I met my girlfriend, who is an elementary school teacher and realtor. I don’t see obstacles as negatives. We all face challenges, and how we respond to them shapes us into resilient beings.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I selected employee / professional even though I am a business owner, because my job with the manufacturer is entrepreneurial. Their business model encourages its employees to be creative with how they develop business. This allows me to think beyond the role of just a small firm architect designing residential projects. I am constantly giving presentations in front of large audiences, hosting events, raising money for charities, while providing exceptional design and specification information to commercial building owners and developers. This allows me to expand my knowledge and approach to the profession of architecture, which people appreciate and I truly enjoy.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I am currently part of the American Institute of Architects Orlando chapter’s mentorship program, where I get to mentor students in the local architecture programs at the University of Central Florida and Florida. As a graduate of Florida Atlantic University, I go back regularly to assist professors in design courses. I also attend many industry organization events, which I believe definitely help in business development opportunities, getting your name out there building credibility.
Pricing:
- $5 per square foot for residential design should be a basis for a residential renovation project.
- $10 per square foot for new construction single family homes
- $10 per square foot for commercial renovation projects
- $20 per square foot for new construction commercial projects
- $1 per square foot for site consulting, diagnostics, peer review, documentation analysis
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.allterrainarchitect.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allterrainarchitect/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allterrainarchitect/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/artymolinari/
