Chip Von Weise
Background:
Chip Von Weise received his Masters of Architecture at Harvard. He started his own firm, but then ended up selling his firm to 4240 Architects for a short period of time. After realizing that the fit was not right, he ended up leaving 4240 and going back to his own firm, where he continues to design award winning buildings in the Chicagoland and Midwest region.
Student Comments:
He represents the traditional successful business model of an architectural practice. I liked the way he simplified things, like saying “it’s not rocket science” and “anyone who graduated from architecture school can figure out how to run a business. – AH
I liked how casual and pleasant the interview went. I think there has been a recurring theme with getting experience in the workforce before going out on your own and trying to make your own firm. In this way, that serves as the “business common sense” that he claimed he did not learn about in school. School did not teach about Meeting Minutes, RFI’s, or what shop drawings are, but working in a firm allowed him to piece together the necessary elements to have a successful business.” – RS
