What if your architect actually knew how to build? In this episode of Hard Hat to CEO, Chris G chats with Lance Cayko, an architect and builder from Colorado who’s done everything from tiny homes on HGTV to multi-million dollar custom builds. Lance talks about the real differences between commercial and residential work, how he handles change orders, and why being both designer and builder just makes sense. They also get into solar, energy codes, and how contractors and architects can actually work well together. And don’t miss Lance’s wild story about a project that almost crushed him and why it turned out to be the best thing he ever did.

Lance Cayko is a trailblazing architect and entrepreneur whose career fuses over two decades of rugged, hands-on construction work, from carpentry and contracting across North Dakota, Montana, and Idaho with cutting-edge design innovation. His academic prowess shines through an A.A.S. in Building Construction Technology from North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, a B.S. in Environmental Design, and a Master of Architecture from North Dakota State University in Fargo, where he claimed the esteemed McKenzie Thesis Award for his exceptional thesis.

As co-founder of F9 Productions Inc. in Longmont, Colorado, since 2009, Lance has propelled the firm to industry acclaim, including consecutive Best of Mile High Awards for Best Architecture Firm in 2023 and 2024, a 2025 finalist nod, and a #1 ranking in BizWest’s 2023 Mercury 100 for 386%. His portfolio boasts groundbreaking works like the internationally awarded Atlas Tiny House (HGTV-featured and 2016 Architizer A+ winner) and the sustainable East Watch mountaintop home (Cover of Builder Magazine, Jan. 2021), all rooted in a profound grasp of buildability that sets him apart.


Connect with Lance:
Website: https://f9productions.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lance-cayko-1227031a/

Tune in to his podcast: https://www.insidethefirmpodcast.com/


Episode highlights:
(0:00 ) Intro
(1:14 ) Lance’s background and many roles
(1:55 ) Residential vs. commercial building
(4:44 ) Design and build: how it really works
(12:13 ) Why change orders often start underground
(17:48 ) Solar-ready design and energy codes
(25:00 ) Tips for contractors working with architects
(29:03 ) Lance’s biggest project and personal breakthrough
(33:05 ) The challenges of showcasing high-end client work
(37:00 ) How to connect with Lance
(39:00 ) Outro


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