The Three Aspens Turns 5!

The Three Aspens, Ltd. turns five! Although my architectural practice has existed in one form or another since 1989, I launched this management consultancy – focused on “organizational architecture” – in January 2020. What perfect timing … two months prior to the onset of a global pandemic. Eek! Even so, with but a few bumps along the way and with my gracious thanks to our many kind referrals and numerous repeat clients, we have enjoyed a robust opportunity to support those within and beyond the profession of architecture.

While my accumulated positions as a volunteer leader or staff team lead for the AIA, the NAAB, or others over two decades had (I hope) a more sweeping impact on the profession as a whole, my new work is instead quite direct and very personal. In our consulting, we apply the ‘aspen effect’ (see my LinkedIn article from 26 April 2024) for the benefit of individual professionals, their firms or practices, and the organizations that represent them. I have found this level of closeness to be extremely rewarding, whether through guidance in executive searches, strategic planning, leadership development, change management, process innovation, or other specialized services.

We are particularly proud to select one client each year for which we offer significant pro bono consulting services:
– 2020: Rosewell Plantation – Strategic visioning to expand the physical presence and broaden the historical narrative associated with the ruins
– 2021: VANOMA – Strategic planning for a three-year time horizon, the first footsteps toward recognition as NOMA “Chapter of the Year” following their inaugural year
– 2022: AIA Virginia – Strategic planning for a four-year time horizon, which afforded the component stability during an unanticipated staff leadership transition
– 2023: Cave Spring United Methodist Church – Strategic planning to enrich the church’s mission, vision, and purpose to welcome all, love all, and serve all
– 2024: Roanoke Symphony Orchestra – Visioning to ‘orchestrate’ (pun intended) strategic growth and targeted expansion for both talent and audiences
– 2025: NCARB Region 2 – Strategic planning to propel NCARB’s mission and amplify support for the eight regional jurisdictions (member boards)

In 2024, my LinkedIn articles concentrated on topics that were sometimes central and other times tangential to our discipline, the industry, design firms, and the AIA. This year, I shall instead spotlight a number of the individuals and entities with whom we have worked. For projects little to large and efforts minor to monumental, we believe we made a difference in the day-to-day success of these clients. I am anxious for you to know more about how THEIR vibrancy has benefited OUR world! [For more about our interconnected grove, see TheThreeAspens.com]