Meet Jacob Green

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jacob Green a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacob, so happy you were able to devote some time to sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our community. So, we’ve always admired how you have seemingly never let nay-sayers or haters keep you down. Can you talk to us about how to persist despite the negative energy that so often is thrown at folks trying to do something special with their lives?

Discernment is a vital skill when deciding which relationships deserve our time and energy. Making thoughtful choices about the people we invest in enables us to focus on connections that align with our values and aspirations. Throughout my life, I have been guided by a strong will, often perceived as rebelliousness. However, this trait is not rooted in defiance for its own sake, but rather in my unwillingness to conform merely to fit in. I believe in living authentically, pursuing my desires, and taking on the necessary work to achieve my goals, regardless of how unrealistic they may seem to others. For me, persistence is not a choice but a necessity. Accepting conformity, normalcy, and predictability is unappealing and unsuitable for anyone committed to challenging the status quo and making a positive impact. When others doubt my ambitions, I recognize that their skepticism often reflects their own fears and limitations. Their inability to believe in themselves is projected onto those who have the courage to pursue what matters to them. My journey is a testament to the fact that the doubts, misconceptions, and biases of others do not determine who I am. I continue to persist, driven by conviction and a desire to create meaningful change, regardless of external opinions or obstacles.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My name is Jacob Green, and I am the Owner and Principal Architect at Arcain Design. As a Registered Architect (NCARB) with a California license, my journey into architecture has been shaped by a rich tapestry of creative influences. I’ve always been inspired by music, fashion, art, and mixed media, finding that the creative process is remarkably similar across these disciplines. For me, architecture is the medium where all these interests converge, allowing me to communicate the beauty I see in the world in a tangible, meaningful way.
With nearly 15 years of professional experience, I’ve had the privilege of working across a variety of building typologies and training at some of the world’s most distinguished firms. These experiences have given me a broad perspective and deep appreciation for the diversity and complexity within the field of architecture. What I love most about my work is the ability to create environments that do more than simply provide shelter—they facilitate how people move, live, play, and work together. Every project is an opportunity to produce architecture informed by its surroundings and woven into the social fabric of its location, resulting in spaces that evoke the richness and diversity of our shared experience.
Now, as the founder of Arcain Design, I am excited to partner with clients who value thoughtfully designed environments and recognize the transformative potential of architecture. My passion lies in shaping spaces that improve lives and reflect the unique character of the communities they serve.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Throughout my professional journey, several qualities and skills have played a significant role in shaping my growth and success. Among these, three stand out as particularly impactful. One of the most important qualities I have developed is the ability to recognize and acknowledge the areas where I lack experience or knowledge. Rather than masking these gaps, I have learned to embrace them as opportunities for growth. By leaning into unfamiliar subjects and asking questions, I have discovered a vast wealth of knowledge available to me from mentors, coworkers, and colleagues. These individuals are often more than willing to share their expertise and tapping into their insights has fostered a culture of shared learning. Ultimately, this openness to acquiring new knowledge creates a more efficient and impactful working environment. Another invaluable skill I have cultivated is the ability to collaborate effectively. Even in creative fields where problem-solving through design is central, it is easy to be limited by one’s own perspective. Many architects, regardless of how creative or innovative they are, encounter situations where a design can only progress so far before the input of others becomes essential. By welcoming diverse viewpoints and design sensitivities, I have witnessed ideas evolve into more concrete concepts and ultimately lead to fully realized spaces. It is through collaboration that true innovation and magic occur. A third key professional skill I’ve developed is helping others succeed. In leadership roles, it’s important to give team members ownership over their tasks, especially in complex architectural projects. Allowing newer team members to tackle specific components not only builds their knowledge and confidence but also enhances the overall design process when everyone learns together.

Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?

My ideal client is someone who’s looking for a space that works well and feels fresh—someone who appreciates creative design but also likes a classic vibe. As an architect, I love playing around with different materials, shapes, and how everything fits together. At the end of the day, architecture is art you actually get to live in and experience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://arcaindesign.com/
• Instagram: https://arcaindesign.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arcain-design/