William Dodge shares his unique career journey, from applying to architecture school multiple times, working as a janitor, and eventually becoming a managing principal at a major architecture firm.He discusses his approach to architecture - creating community-focused spaces rather than just facilitating buildings. William talks about starting his own practice, Public, to do great work with wonderful people while getting paid his value. He also runs a public art firm called A Gang of Three. Throughout the conversation, William offers advice on being fearless, hustling, and doing your best work with what you have. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity, resilience, and creating situations where everyone wins rather than winners/losers.
Highlights:
- Architects often become facilitators of buildings rather than builders of community-focused spaces.
- Take jobs and risks - you immediately fail by not trying. Rejection is not the end.
- Find how your unique skills and talents can provide value, even if you're not the best at one particular thing.
- Do what you love, work with great people, make a difference - you should be able to do these without sacrificing pay.
- Life is too short to work for "assholes." Build a culture where people are valued and encouraged to eventually move on.
- Show up, be yourself, do your best work - this attracts the right clients and opportunities.
- Alluvial Decoder
The award-winning project William discusses. Built for $50k
https://www.agangofthree.com/howwework - Documentary on Vernon Pratt (Jake’s artist Grandfather)
https://www.pbs.org/video/all-the-possibilities-zuvjrs/ - Gwen Jorgenson (Unlikely Olympic gold medalist that William mentioned)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gwen_Jorgensen
Guest Bio:
William H. Dodge is a multidisciplinary designer, design strategist and conceptual artist based in North Carolina (USA). He is Founder and Design Principal of p-u-b-l-i-c, Co-founder of A Gang of three (public art), and Founder and Director of The Vernon Pratt Project (art non-profit). He has both led and collaborated on projects at nearly every scale and has served as a key advisor to some of the world’s premier design firms. He regularly serves as a visiting critic and guest lecturer on the subjects of art, architecture, design, technology, and innovation at various institutions internationally.
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