Number of employees you oversee: 7
Brief background of your business:
Archibald & Company Architects is a legacy firm begun in 1973 by James Dillman. The firm has formerly been named Dillman-Luvaas Architects, Archibald-Little-Dillman Architects and ALD Architects.
How did you land your current role?
I was recruited by Jim Dillman and Eric Little to help lead the firm in 2007 as we transitioned from Dillman-Luvaas Architects to Archibald-Little-Dillman Architects.
How long have you been in it?
I have held the position of president/principal architect for 17 years.
Tell us about the biggest challenges facing the architecture industry.
Architects are challenged to provide thoughtful design solutions to meet financial budgets that have lagged inflation, assist their clients navigate through rapidly changing building regulations to meet Washington state energy conservation mandates, and accurately estimate the anticipated construction costs and procurement time needed for building materials.
Tell us about a recent commercial design project that you are particularly proud of and why.
It is particularly rewarding to help nonprofit clients find cost-effective and inspiring design solutions. Our firm has been blessed to have been a part of designs for B5’s Family Learning Center, Tri-City Union Gospel Mission’s men’s facility, The Arc of Tri-Cities, and Goodwill Industry’s Southridge donation drop-off facility.
Is your company experiencing difficulty finding enough workers?
No, we have been very fortunate to balance our workload with the resources available. Our primary design team has been together for over 15 years, which gives us a good feel for our capacity.
What is your strategy to attract and retain talent?
I attribute our low turnover to our steady workflow, flexible working hours, comfortable workspace connected with nature, and consistent profit sharing.
What do you wish more people knew about your line of work?
I wish more people understood the amount of time it takes to create thoughtful, unique and accurate design solutions and the value in that.
What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess?
I believe every leader needs to help their team cast a vision for the purpose of their work, and then have the discipline to align all future decisions accordingly. Whenever important decisions arise in our firm, we base our responses on the six guiding principles established when our team was formed.
What is the biggest challenge facing business owners today?
Not focusing on getting better before getting bigger. It seems to me that very few companies place limits on the number of employees they will hire, or number of projects they will commit to, which, in turn, can lead to vulnerability. Especially in the construction industry that can experience high highs and low lows, it takes great discipline to effectively schedule work consistently. I believe this is best accomplished with a seasoned team that is willing to set load limits to maintain quality and reduce stress.
If you had a magic wand, what would you change about your industry?
I would slow down the design process to allow for thoughtful and resilient solutions that include all stakeholders. I also would like to see a greater emphasis on renovating existing buildings to keep our downtown areas relevant and affordable.
What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time?
My advice would be for them to first recognize that leadership means sacrifice and service to others. To listen first before offering solutions and to seek input from many advisers before making important decisions. I would also encourage them to get to know their team members by taking time to genuinely ask how they’re doing and learn what is going on in their lives.
Who are your role models or mentors?
My role models are Jim Dillman, Bruce Schwan, Greg Turpen, and Roger Wright. Mentors have included my parents John and Sheilah Archibald, older brothers David and Danny Archibald, and colleagues Tom Andersen, Rick Anderson, Mitch Cunningham, Bill Glenn and John Yegge.
How do you keep your employees motivated?
I believe that I can best help them by prioritizing their well-being. I strive to emphasize the purpose for and the people who will benefit from our work; and I avoid over-commitment that can lead to negative stress.
How did you decide to pursue the career that you are working in today?
I was first intrigued by architectural design during high school when my parents had a custom home built. Starting with drafting classes at Pasco High, then architecture school at WSU, my interest and passion for architecture flourished.
How do you measure success in your workplace?
Our firm measures success by building lasting relationships with our clients and colleagues. Our hope is that our designs will endure and enrich the Tri-Cities.
What do you consider your leadership style to be?
I am foremost a servant leader. I empower my team to utilize their talents unabated by micromanagement. I am also a steady and reliable leader who is grounded in discipline and integrity.
How do you balance work and family life?
Balance is achieved by setting limits on my time and commitments. I always have dinner with my family and avoid work commitments in the evenings and on weekends. I learned early in my career to “do my best and leave the rest.” The forced break has many times led to better decisions.
What do you like to do when you are not at work?
When not at work, I enjoy volunteering with my Kiwanis Club, serving on the Liberty Christian School board, spending time at home with my family, and building Lego Architecture sets.
What’s your best time management strategy?
By focusing on the question, “Is this the highest and best use of my time?,” and delegating as much as possible that can be completed by others in the firm. I also limit my workweek to a maximum of 48 hours as I have found that tasks are completed in the time allotted.
Best tip to relieve stress?
Focusing on gratitude in all of life, listening to music, attending worship and prayer.
Favorite book?
My favorite book to read is the Bible. I also have recently enjoyed reading “Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World” by Bob Goff.
Do you have a personal mantra, phrase or quote you like to use?
“Business moves at the speed of trust” by Stephen Covey.