Inside The Firm

Jeff Patterson has over 36 years of experience, practicing and teaching the meditative and martial arts. As the founder of Northwest Fighting Arts/Portland Tai Chi Academy and The Yielding Warrior, where he emphasizes the transformative power of meditative and martial arts practices, particularly the yielding concept. He has published two books and hundreds of instructional videos. Founder of The Yielding Warrior online program and has worked with 1000's of students from around the world.

John Taft is a partner at the renowned architecture firm Backen and Backen. He has been instrumental in designing some of California’s most renowned wineries, including Dana Estates, Davis Estates, Larkmead, and more. His restaurant work is equally distinguished, The Restaurant at Phantom Creek Estates was lauded as the best place to eat “anywhere-this year” in 2021 by The Globe and Mail

On this episode of Inside the Firm, the NAHB is claiming that the multifamily market will stabilize at the end of 2025, then will banning gas stations lead to affordable housing, and finally Jack Dorsey reads. Join us as we go back Inside the Firm!

Evgeniy Kharam is a cybersecurity expert and the Vice President of Architecture at the Herjavec Group, with a career spanning from firewall deployment engineer to industry leader. Known for his resilience both personally and professionally, Evgeniy has navigated the evolving cybersecurity landscape with a unique, broad perspective, helping enterprises tackle complex challenges. He co-founded two influential podcasts and serves as a board advisor to the Canadian Cybersecurity Network. As a creative entrepreneur, Evgeniy also launched a cybersecurity-focused ski and snowboard conference, blending lifestyle with industry engagement. His book, The Art of Soft Skills in Technical Sales, emphasizes the importance of communication, empathy, and collaboration, teaching professionals how to connect effectively while combining technical expertise with human insight.

Marcos is the owner of an architect-led design-build company focused on spatial clarity and thoughtful details serving Southern California and beyond. With an advanced knowledge of the building process and encyclopedic familiarity with materials, we blend the expertise of architects, builders and custom fabricators to create understated, harmonious environments.

This Week on Monday Morning Coffee with Inside The Firm, we are joined by Ignacio Rodriguez, CEO of IR Architects. Ignacio co-founded the firm in 2012 with his wife Lauren. IR Architects specializes in luxury estates and custom coastal homes ranging from 5,000-70,000 square feet. To date, the firm has designed more than a half-billion dollars of completed projects. Its clients are homeowners and spec-home developers.

On this episode of Inside the Firm, the fundamentals of finance haven’t changed so why should the economy, then how are multi-family developers feeling, and finally how to get five star reviews without getting hired! Join us as we go back Inside the Firm!

On this episode of Inside the Firm, some FED news, then why owning, operating, and successfully leading a construction company takes a special person, and finally Michael Travis reads! Join us as we go back Inside the Firm!

Arlene Cohen Miller brings a wealth of training and experience to help you compassionately and wholeheartedly lead yourself and create the life that works and feels right for you, a life where you experience less stress and more patience, kindness, and peace; a life where you experience more contentment and joy. She is a Work-Life Balance Coach and a Professional Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation. Arlene is also a Colorado attorney, a Certified Meditation Facilitator, and has a Diploma in Transformational Holistic Counseling from Australia.

Alex Raymond is founder of Conscious Entrepreneur, the only event that is 100% dedicated to the well-being of entrepreneurs. Over the years, Alex has helped countless entrepreneurs navigate the stress of growing their companies without sacrificing their health, well-being or relationships.

On this episode of Inside the Firm, which of POTUS’ new executive orders affect architects?, then why you should be a cringe entrepreneur, and finally Michael Travis reads! Join us as we go back Inside the Firm!

On this episode of Inside the Firm, the economy is ready to roar - are you?, then what can listening to a client do for you?, and finally Warren Buffet reads! Join us as we go back Inside the Firm!

With over three decades of commitment to his craft, Trevor Abramson strives to promote the art of architecture by evoking a deeply felt emotional and spiritual response from clients, critics and the public. His multi-faceted practice, initially focusing on single-family residences, now encompasses ecclesiastical commissions, educational facilities and varied commercial buildings. His multi-faceted practice, initially focusing on single-family residences, now encompasses ecclesiastical commissions, educational facilities and varied commercial buildings.

On this episode of Inside the Firm, what’s the best feedback you can provide to employees?, I studied architecture but wouldn’t do it again, and Ai renderings by clients. Join us as we go back Inside the Firm!

Petar Krastev, founder of Coach PK, is a fitness coach whose journey is a testament to transformation, resilience, and faith. Leaving his home country at 22 with just 10 euros, Petar endured hardship, including living on the streets and working grueling jobs, before finding purpose in fitness and personal growth. In 2019, his life took a profound turn when he became a Newborn Christian, grounding his business and life in faith. Through Coach PK, he helps entrepreneurs and business leaders reclaim their health, focusing on physical, mental, and spiritual resilience.

Stacey Chazin is a dynamic leadership development coach and proud introvert who is rewriting the narrative on introversion. Having grappled with societal expectations that favored extraversion, Stacey underwent a remarkable transformation. Instead of conforming to societal pressures, she embraced her introverted qualities, turning them into powerful assets that allowed her to thrive both professionally and personally. Now, as a fervent advocate and coach for introverts, Stacey draws on her extensive corporate and non-profit experience, a master’s in organizational development and leadership, and certification as a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®) practitioner to empower introverts, guiding them toward self-acceptance, fulfillment, and success in the workplace and beyond.

On this episode of Inside the Firm, construction spending inches up in the New Year, what do the incoming tariffs mean for the industry, and can robots solve the housing crisis? Join us as we go back Inside the Firm!

David Griffiths, also known as "David the Digital Creator," is a leader in digital marketing and content strategy with over 1.5 million followers across multiple platforms. In addition to his success as a content creator, David is a celebrated gospel recording artist and educator. His latest project, the Quick Wins Challenge, helps individuals quickly build their social media presence with actionable strategies. David’s mission combines faith and entrepreneurship, guiding others towards success while staying true to biblical principles. Join us as we dive into David’s journey, his insights on content creation, and how faith drives his work.

Morgan Chawaga is an Evidence-Based Career Coach and Founder of The Healthy Architect. With over a decade of experience in architecture, Morgan's personal battle with burnout inspired her mission to help architects create healthier career paths. Her programs focus on four key pillars: mental, emotional, time, and financial health. By challenging outdated industry mindsets, Morgan empowers architects to prioritize well-being while achieving sustainable success. Through her coaching, architects worldwide have learned to reduce stress, prevent burnout, negotiate better raises, and thrive in their careers.

On this episode of Inside the Firm, builder confidence is on the rise, the FED cut rates again, and let’s all learn together but not make the same mistakes we made in 2024 in 2025. Join us as we go back Inside the Firm!