Date: April 24, 2026
Location: 300 Montgomery Street, Suite 789, San Francisco, CA 94104
2026 Executive Committee:
Co-Chairs: Srivarshini Balaji, AIA & Konstantinos Moustakas, AIA, NCARB, LFA, Fitwel Ambassador
2024 Founding Chair: Madhubala Ayyamperumal, Assoc. AIA
Sponsorship: Maria Madrigal, AIA
Graphics Advisor: Sreedevi Krishnan, Assoc. AIA
Thank you to our host, Tyler Moslander, for our second session, Entrepreneurship & Management!
Session 2 of AIA Silicon Valley’s Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program (CKLDP) focused on “Entrepreneurship & Management” diving into what it really means to practice architecture as a business. From pathways to ownership and pursuing clients to defining your niche, the session emphasized that leadership in architecture goes far beyond design.
Activity 1:“Taking the leap”
The session began with Mark Bartos, founder of Bartos Architecture, who shared his journey of starting his firm and the importance of “being ready” for opportunities as they arise. He reflected on how his career path evolved over time and emphasized aligning one’s skills and interests with long-term goals, whether that leads to leadership roles or ownership. Drawing from his experience, he highlighted that building a practice goes far beyond design, requiring an understanding of client development, business operations, and the many layers of running a firm, from human resources to financial management. The discussion concluded with an engaging Q&A, where scholars reflected on the differences between working at large firms and owning a practice, and how adopting a business-oriented mindset can fundamentally shift one’s approach to leadership and collaboration.
Activity 2: “Working your Way up”
The second session featured Noemi Avram, Principal of Gumbinger Avram Architects, who shared her journey of growing within a firm and ultimately stepping into an ownership role. Her story highlighted the value of persistence, stepping outside one’s comfort zone, and recognizing opportunities to solve problems as a way to grow into leadership. She emphasized the importance of mentorship in shaping career direction and navigating the complexities of the profession. The session was highly interactive, with scholars engaging in discussions around the realities of firm management, leadership responsibilities, and the challenges that come with balancing business demands and design aspirations. A key takeaway from her talk was the importance of maintaining a strong sense of purpose, staying committed to serving clients while ensuring that the quality of design remains central, even when navigating the day-to-day complexities of running a practice.
Activity 3: “The Business of Architecture”
The final session featured Andrew Reynolds, Chief Financial Officer at Steinberg Hart, who offered a deep dive into the financial side of running an architecture practice. He unpacked how firms generate revenue, manage costs, and maintain profitability, while emphasizing the critical role architects and designers play in driving project and firm success. A key takeaway was the importance of financial literacy for design professionals, understanding how day-to-day project decisions directly impact the overall health of a firm. The session sparked an engaging discussion around the challenges of maintaining profitability and highlighted practical ways architects can contribute to both strong design outcomes and a financially sustainable practice.
The session concluded with a team management activity that incorporated fun, interactive exercises to highlight the roles and contributions of each team member, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in achieving successful outcomes.
Speakers:
Mark Bartos, Owner of Bartos Architecture
Noemi Avram, AIA President at Gumbinger Avram Architects, Inc.
Andrew Reynolds, Chief Financial Officer at Steinberg Hart
A huge thank you to Tyler Moslander for leading such an insightful second session on “Entrepreneurship & Management.”
CKLDP 2026 Session 1: “Leading Together”
