Today we’d like to introduce you to Alan Macejewski.
Hi Alan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
Since I was a kid, I have always enjoyed building things. There were of course Legos galore but there is a special place in my heart for Lincoln Logs and without question, building custom Hot Wheels tracks. I believe designing and building with these toys set the foundation for my interest in architecture. In high school, I had access to an architecture class that introduced me to the world of 3D. This is where I can first say my passion for architecture and technology began.
What started simply as a love of building 3D models for architectural projects quickly grew into a love of technology. My days in architecture school consisted mostly of experimenting with different software and workflows in pursuit of reducing friction and increasing efficiency in my projects. This translated well into my professional career within architecture firms as I discovered how slow and arduous the architecture and building process can be. My goal then became searching for ways to build more efficient workflows within a firm or project.
I quickly realized that given my technical background and my experience in the professional world of architecture, I had to find an outlet in which to share my knowledge. This was when the YouTube channel, Architecture Vanguard, was born. I was again able to build, build a network of knowledge that I could share with those breaking into architecture or even those pushing architectural software to its limits. Though I have always enjoyed learning, it was through this process that I found solace in teaching. The cycle of learning and producing content to teach is something I hope I never have to give up.
In 2022, my wife and I moved to Denver, where I continued the theme of building. From building a network in Denver that I trust to building (the start of) a real estate portfolio, and building a family, I cannot help but build. This led me to January 2024, where I was left at the crossroads of seeking out a new architectural position at a firm while receiving inquiries through my YouTube channel for my professional help.
I have known for a long time that I wanted to have my own business but more specifically to build my own business. Something at that moment told me that this was the right time to build that business. I never thought I would receive such joy from building business systems, but you better believe that every system of the business has some level of automation.
Today, Architecture Vanguard is more than a YouTube channel, it is a complete architecture business. While performing traditional architecture is a facet of the business, my experiences in architecture, technology, real estate, etc. extend the capabilities of Architecture Vanguard beyond what might be found in an architecture firm. I even aspire to build my own projects as a developer. Regardless of what Architecture Vanguard can do, the aim will always be to help clients by building lasting projects and relationships.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
“A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.” – FDR I am far from a sailor and even farther from a skilled sailor but my journey, like most, has not been the smoothest.
Starting something new implies a clean slate or beginning from zero. This is most obvious when starting a YouTube channel because there is a major emphasis on numbers, so it can be quite discouraging when these numbers all start and stay near zero for a long time. It was doing nothing more than trusting that the knowledge I was sharing brought enough value to the viewer and persistence that got me through the early days of building my channel. Now, the numbers are far from being near zero but my focus is strictly on sharing my knowledge to help others.
Apart from college, I grew up and lived in Dallas where I had a solid foundation of relationships and contacts formed over the years. In 2022, I moved to Denver for a change in lifestyle but also for new professional opportunities. This forced me to build my network from zero. Over the last two years, I have made numerous quality connections that have played a part in making what Architecture Vanguard is today.
What would a section of challenges be without acknowledging the decision to start a business and make a living for myself? Of course, it was tough to fully commit to this, but many things assured me that this was the right thing to do no matter how difficult. Thank goodness I enjoy learning because there has been a lot to learn just to work for myself.
Taking an existing digital brand and integrating a physical architecture practice has its nuances. Like many industries, the practice of architecture has many unknowns, it turns out you realize there’s so much more to it when you have to do everything yourself. Despite all of this, I have always been someone who seeks out challenges of all kinds.
Though there have been lots of obstacles that have come up, perhaps the largest obstacle throughout my life has been myself. There is something to be said about getting in your own way or holding yourself back. It can be something difficult to regularly overcome. I believe that transforming Architecture Vanguard into my career is at least one example of how I have overcome this obstacle. I will continue to prove to myself that my experience and passion more than qualify me to pursue building a business I am proud of.
We’ve been impressed with Architecture Vanguard, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Architecture Vanguard began as a simple YouTube channel in 2019. Beyond sharing my knowledge, I always knew that there were other reasons why I started and put in many hours each week to build the channel. Up until this year, I was unsure what the other reasons were. Now I know that the YouTube channel served as a springboard and provided me the confidence to make this my career.
Throughout my professional architecture career, I have always been known as the technology guy. My focus on technology takes me to the cutting edge, which is backed up by numerous enjoyable hours of research and development. Specializing in the technology of architecture is what I believe sets Architecture Vanguard apart.
What this means for clients is that everything is smart and reinforced by data. BIM (building information modeling) is correctly used to produce a set of documents that most accurately reflects the building as it will be constructed. I have found embracing architectural technologies allows for a higher quality product to be delivered faster with even more data points useful to clients. Properly utilizing technology to the fullest, allows Architecture Vanguard to offer services that expand beyond those of a traditional architecture firm.
My experience with architectural technology means that I can work with architects/interior designers, contractors, developers, or other investors directly. I am consistently amazed by how architectural technology can benefit professionals in related fields. This has been most obvious thanks to the YouTube channel having a global reach.
What does success mean to you?
To me, there are a few different versions of success. Focusing on technology, I believe success could be defined as effectively integrating innovative technologies into architectural processes to streamline workflows, enhance design capabilities, and deliver exceptional results for clients. Also, establishing Architecture Vanguard as a leading authority in architectural technology education through the YouTube channel would define success.
Success beyond technology could be described by my ability to foster meaningful collaborations with clients, contractors, and other industry professionals, resulting in the successful completion of projects that exceed expectations. This success is only achieved by continuously expanding my knowledge and expertise in architecture, staying updated on industry trends, and effectively translating that knowledge into innovative design solutions that enhance the built environment and positively impact communities.
Contact Info:
- Website: architecturevanguard.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/architecture_vanguard
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanmacejewski
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArchitectureVanguard
