Success Stories from Best Practices Course Members

Christopher Ellis is a building designer and art gallery owner in scenic Cape Cod on the Massachusetts coast. He does remodels and new home projects for local clients, and also works as a consultant and drafter for architects in the area.

I interviewed Chris recently, and he told me that he has remained busy and profitable even in a tough economy by improving his skills and providing better services. He aims to becoming “invaluable” – doing work that exceeds expectations.

Two ways that Chris achieves exceptional results are in his fast turnaround, and his beautifully detailed 3D models.

Chris has reduced the time spent setting up a new project by at least 20% by using some of my Best Practices methods such as a standardized new project folder, a well-developed template, and using the Favorites palette extensively. He says taking the time to set up an efficient project startup system is “worth its weight in gold.”

Exploring a Design Concept in 3D with the client:
WINS THE JOB

Chris told me: “One of the main benefits of the Best Practices Course to me personally is the confidence I’ve gained in the vast benefits of doing it in 3D. Building it ‘right’ in 3D makes line work editing almost extinct.

Lately, I have been encouraging my clients to sit with me immediately and work through a design from its beginnings. We sit together and fearlessly approach solutions from various angles, demonstrating how a theory might work, and then picking it apart and improving it from a livability viewpoint.

The ability to ‘see’ the solution unfold and be fleshed out from multiple different viewpoints educates my clients on all levels: the choices they have and the power that we have together to make the very best decisions for their lifestyle.

After going through the Best Practices Course lessons and watching you explore answers to questions fearlessly in the coaching calls, I now have the confidence to work in real time with onlookers. They see the entire process – with a few warts – and they see the power they NOW have to visualize. Their instincts can kick in and the satisfaction in ‘their’ design escalates exponentially. The fact that this can happen in the comfort of their own home and be visible and printed immediately is huge.”

Chris shared with me that he’s winning most of the projects he gets the opportunity to bid on these days. Clients know he will design to meet their needs, and they’ll be able to explore the 3D model to understand and experience the virtual building.

THE BOTTOM LINE:
“The Best Practices Course is the best thing I’ve ever done… It has been literally life changing.”

Chris sent me an email, telling me how he’s benefited from the course:

“Investing in the Best Practices Course is the best thing I’ve ever done for my knowledge and career in architectural design.

I’ve spent many $$$ in ArchiCAD dealer training – but the commute time and expenses are high – the sessions are too long and intense for maximum benefit – fatigue sets in.

The Best Practices Course works much better: it’s posted online – convenient, view when you want, repeat videos at will to clarify procedures.

The coaching calls are great – wonderful nuggets abound! You post your questions and find that many others may share your same questions = virtually personal attention. I really enjoy your fearlessly exploratory style as you work through various solutions to a problem. You make it seem as though anything is possible.

It is a pleasure to be taking your course. It has been literally life changing.”