Redefining Design-Build With An Architect-Led Mindset with James Trahan - 180 Degrees Inc.
Update: 2025-07-08
Description
Join James Trahan as he discusses his journey in architecture and founding 180 Degrees Inc. He shares insights on risk-taking, design-build challenges, and revenue goals. The conversation touches on community involvement, philanthropy, and lessons from recessions. James highlights managing risks in unique projects, aligning client expectations, and using innovative technologies for challenges. Dive into project selection, competitive bidding, and the demands of residential vs. commercial projects. Sustainability, material upcycling, and historical preservation are emphasized, alongside leveraging technology in construction. James offers advice for aspiring AEC professionals.
(0:00 ) Introduction to Risk-taking in Architecture with James Trahan
(3:30 ) James Trahan's Background and Founding of 180 Degrees Inc.
(5:03 ) Challenges and Unique Approach to Design-Build in Construction
(9:05 ) Organizational Structure, Revenue Goals, and Early Business Development
(12:39 ) Community Involvement, Philanthropy, and Recession Lessons
(16:12 ) Managing Risks in Unique Projects and Setting Client Expectations
(21:04 ) Innovative Technologies and Approaches to Out-of-Scope Challenges
(24:22 ) Project Selection, Competitive Bidding, and Residential vs. Commercial Challenges
(26:23 ) Sustainability in Architecture: Practices and Material Upcycling
(29:04 ) Firm's Sustainability Focus and Evolution of Building Technologies
(32:27 ) Historical Preservation Efforts and the Importance of Architectural History
(40:02 ) Leveraging Technology in Construction Management
(43:07 ) Final Advice for Aspiring AEC Professionals
Connect with James Trahan -
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-trahan-5aa3925/
Website: https://www.180degreesinc.com/
Connect with Justin & Will -
Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/
Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/
Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration -
Website: https://www.spotmigration.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration
Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests
Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help
(0:00 ) Introduction to Risk-taking in Architecture with James Trahan
(3:30 ) James Trahan's Background and Founding of 180 Degrees Inc.
(5:03 ) Challenges and Unique Approach to Design-Build in Construction
(9:05 ) Organizational Structure, Revenue Goals, and Early Business Development
(12:39 ) Community Involvement, Philanthropy, and Recession Lessons
(16:12 ) Managing Risks in Unique Projects and Setting Client Expectations
(21:04 ) Innovative Technologies and Approaches to Out-of-Scope Challenges
(24:22 ) Project Selection, Competitive Bidding, and Residential vs. Commercial Challenges
(26:23 ) Sustainability in Architecture: Practices and Material Upcycling
(29:04 ) Firm's Sustainability Focus and Evolution of Building Technologies
(32:27 ) Historical Preservation Efforts and the Importance of Architectural History
(40:02 ) Leveraging Technology in Construction Management
(43:07 ) Final Advice for Aspiring AEC Professionals
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