Listen "As Built Interview with David Thompson, AIA - Episode 15"
Episode Synopsis
In this episode, Brian Jones interviews David Thompson, AIA, founder of Los Angeles-based architecture firm Assembledge+. Since 1997, Assembledge+ has built an impressive portfolio of award-winning residential, commercial, public, and planning projects. David discusses how the firm's ethos of collaboration applies not only to how the internal studio works, but also to how the firm works with clients and with contractors. He explains what "collaboration" looks like in daily practice and how it leads to superior project results. David also gives examples of how the firm's design roots in SoCal modernism are able to be successfully translated for almost any climate and topography, as well as their design approach of creating an extension of the living space into the landscape rather than limiting themselves to the square feet of a physical space. Highlights How David began his career in the design industry and identified his entrepreneurial spirit The role of firm culture and maintaining a collaborative environment in the studio What it means to have client collaboration The importance of developing a strong relationship with builders throughout the construction process Adapting the firm's Southern California aesthetic to different geographic locations Communicating design intentions with prospective clients The idea of restraint in designing projects and how it plays a role in the firm's internal process The challenge of the traditional educational process, teaching a singular leadership approach that may not always work Acknowledging that one is only as good as their team in executing architecture projects The power of having the right people in running a practice, a lesson he learned early from his parents Episode Resources Connect with Brian and Patience https://graphicmachine.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/graphicmachine/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-jones-graphicmachine/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/patiencejones/ Connect with David Thompson, AIA https://www.assembledge.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-thompson-8274b47
More episodes of the podcast As Built
Navigating an Acquisition
03/12/2025
Being Honest About Sustainability
30/10/2025
How to Make the Most of Award Opportunities
22/10/2025
Is SEO Still a Thing?
15/10/2025
Dynamist: How to Think About Visual Content
08/10/2025
Social Media for Architects - Episode 111
10/09/2025
Multi-Generational Marketing – Episode 110
03/09/2025
Personal Branding – Episode 109
27/08/2025
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.