Meet Alex Gore

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

Hi Alex, really appreciate you joining us to talk about a really relevant, albeit unfortunate topic – layoffs and getting fired. Can you talk to us about your experience and how you overcame being let go?
I was laid off with about 11 other colleagues after the 2008 stock market crash from Studio Daniel Libeskind. That crash really affected the construction industry and architecture firms got hit hard. The layoffs didn’t happen until 2009, and it seemed like every firm in New York was laying people off around February. I decided to go back to school to pursue a Master’s Degree in Construction Management. After completing that, the industry was still suppressed. I stayed in contact with a college friend and decided to join him in creating our own architecture firm F9 Productions. Our motivation stemmed from the desire to evade the hardships of layoffs, prompting us to build a firm grounded in robust business practices.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
At the helm of both F9 Productions, an architecture firm, and F14 Productions, a construction company, alongside my business partner Lance Cayko, my professional journey extends beyond the traditional boundaries of the industry. Complementing these ventures, I also serve as a teacher at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and spearhead Build A Better Company, offering business coaching tailored to architecture and engineering firms. What makes this multifaceted role truly exhilarating is the intricate interplay and mutual enrichment that each position brings to the others.

F9 Productions (Architecture Firm) and F14 Productions (Construction Company): These two enterprises operate in tandem, creating a synergy that is both dynamic and comprehensive. F9 Productions, as the architectural arm, serves as the visionary force, shaping designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also practically executable. Concurrently, F14 Productions, the construction counterpart, plays a pivotal role in translating these designs into tangible structures. The collaboration ensures a seamless integration of creative concepts with pragmatic implementation, delivering holistic solutions to our clients.

Teaching at the University of Colorado, Boulder: My role as an educator serves as a perpetual source of inspiration and focus on design. Engaging with students allows me to stay attuned to emerging trends, fresh perspectives, and innovative ideas in the architectural realm.

Build A Better Company (Business Coach): As a business coach specializing in architecture and engineering firms, I draw on the collective experiences gained from leading F9 and F14 Productions. This coaching venture keeps my mental faculties sharp by delving into the best practices that contribute to the success of firms in the industry. The insights derived from coaching engagements further inform and refine the strategies implemented within our own architectural and construction ventures.

In this intricate ecosystem, the architecture firm emerges as the glue that binds these elements together. It serves as the nucleus from which creativity emanates, guiding construction endeavors and influencing coaching methodologies. This interconnectedness is not just a professional strategy; it’s a testament to the symbiotic relationship between education, coaching, and practice, creating a thriving and resilient ecosystem within the architecture and engineering realm.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
As an owner of an architecture firm, cultivating certain qualities is paramount to not only navigate the complexities of the industry but also to foster a thriving and innovative practice. Here are three key qualities that I consider indispensable: 1. Obsession with Craft: To excel in the field of architecture, a relentless obsession with one’s craft is foundational. This goes beyond mere proficiency – it involves a deep passion and commitment to the art and science of architecture. Being obsessed with your craft means immersing yourself in the nuances of design, materials, and construction techniques. It’s a continuous pursuit of excellence.
2. Perspective: It’s about having the ability to see beyond the immediate design constraints and consider the broader impact of your work. This perspective allows you to anticipate how external factors may shape or influence a project.
3. Catalyst for Change: Acting as a catalyst involves more than just reacting to changes – it’s about proactively identifying areas for improvement and leading transformative initiatives. It requires a combination of vision, adaptability, and strategic thinking.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey was impactful as it is a transformative guide that promotes a holistic approach to personal and professional development. As everyone should read it I will only list two habits that I thought were extremely beneficial. 1) Be Proactive, and 2)Seek First to Understand. Embedding these two habits would go a long way towards helping you succeed.

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