Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaron Weinert.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up outside of Boston, and looking back I realize there was an architect in me all along, although I didn’t pursue design until just after college. As a youngster I used to draw cartoon cityscapes…that morphed into building structures out of just about any toy I could find and then knocking them down with tennis balls. But by 10 years old, I pretty much forgot about all of that.
I majored in psychology at Washington University in St. Louis and it was my (not very well considered) intention to go to law school. I always wanted to be a Supreme Court justice (I still kind of do!) but realized my chances were about the same with or without a law degree (in other words, less than zero). Because I had several friends in college who were studying architecture, by senior year I’d become interested again, and instead of taking the LSAT I applied to a summer program at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design. I loved it, got an entry level position at a Boston firm, and applied to architecture school.
After getting my Master’s degree from Harvard in 1995, I immediately took a job with a sole practitioner, David Hacin, in the South End. It lasted nearly 17 years during which time I participated in growing the office from the two of us to a premier Boston design firm of over 20 people. While at Hacin + Associates I worked primarily on modern custom Boston retail and residential projects.
I started Studio DRAW in late 2011, in my bedroom with my cat. Having my own schedule allowed me to pursue my other passion, teaching. I have taught in both the architecture and interior design departments at Wentworth Institute of Technology since 2012. Thus far I have hired several students from the program, and some have stayed on with permanent positions. The office is slowly but steadily growing and who knows what comes next!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The biggest challenge? Stress! Trying to become established yet not always knowing where your next project is coming from is nerve-wracking. It’s certainly different than coming to a job every day knowing someone else is finding the clients and earning the money to pay you.
The first couple of years were the most difficult but the steady teaching helped. But I found that the network of people I’ve gotten to know over the past two decades allowed me to find work consistently, and finally to the point where I’ve had to start turning some of it down. Moving out of the house and into office space nearby, with others in the firm working alongside me, makes life much more enjoyable.
As I move forward, I’m struggling with balancing the teaching load with the office, and have had to recalibrate how I spend my time. But none of these challenges have ever become true obstacles for me.
Please tell us about Studio DRAW.
Studio DRAW specializes in full-scope residential, commercial and retail projects. Our aesthetic sensibilities are modern yet we have a strong respect for historic design. We are experienced working with homeowners, developers, design-build firms, and members of the hospitality and retail communities. In addition to full scope architectural design and interior architecture we also provide feasibility studies, code analysis, condominium and apartment design, and a host of other design-related services. We take pride in our ability to successfully integrate all of the parts of a design project: millwork, furnishings, artwork, lighting and so on, while respecting budget, schedule and each client’s personal vision.
We are a small but dedicated group that offers a close and collaborative working relationship with our clients. Being open to the opportunities presented to us, our excellent communication skills with owners, vendors, government agencies and contractors, and our rigorous attention to detail are all essential to our success. We’re proud that we are being recognized for our hands-on approach and that we have begun to compete with some of Boston’s best modern design firms.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I am lucky that I learned so many of the lessons about the business of architecture during the time at my previous job. I recognize certain challenges or opportunities today that I encountered seeing that office grow; this has allowed to me to react to situations proactively and successfully.
The biggest lesson I have learned is that no matter how talented or knowledgeable you are, no matter how many awards you win or accolades you receive, what really counts is maintaining your humility and remembering that the client deserves the best service you can offer.
I suppose the only thing I might have done differently was started off on my own a little sooner, but really there are no regrets. Except maybe the Supreme Court thing.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1745 Washington Street,
Boston, MA 02118 - Website: www.studio-draw.com
- Phone: 617-947-1403
- Email: info@studio-draw.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/studio.draw.boston.1
- Other: www.houzz.com/pro/aweinert24/studio-draw
Image Credit:
1. Eric Luciano
2. Brian Samuels
3. Studio DRAW
4. Studio DRAW
5. Jonathan Marks
6. Jonathan Marks
7. Cameron Leandri
8. Studio DRAW
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