Feeling like you’re working nonstop but never getting ahead financially? Whether you’re a freelancer or a design business owner, managing projects, pricing, and finances can feel overwhelming. In this post, I break down the five biggest challenges creatives face—and show how the Firm to Freedom Complete Bundle provides the tools you need to charge confidently, track your money, and build a sustainable, profitable business.
Now is the Smartest Time to Stock Up on Architecture School Supplies, Here's Why
Why Does Tracking My Money Feel Like a Full-Time Job? (And How I Finally Made Peace With It)
Tracking your money as a freelancer or creative can feel like chaos—payments trickle in from ten different platforms, expenses are scattered, and come tax time, it’s a full-on scramble. You’re not alone, and it’s not your fault—traditional finance tools just weren’t built for the way we work. In this post, I’m breaking down why managing your money feels like a full-time job, and how I finally created a system that makes it easier, clearer, and—dare I say—enjoyable.
Architecture Jobs Are Slowing—Now What? (For Small Studio Owners + Solo Designers)
If project inquiries have dropped off, timelines are getting pushed, or clients are suddenly tightening their budgets—you’re not alone. Economic instability has a ripple effect across the architecture world (and every other industry). But while things might be slower on the surface, this season can still be an opportunity to recalibrate, rethink, and rebuild stronger.
From Firm to Freedom: What to Know Before You Go Solo
Thinking about leaving firm life behind to go out on your own? Whether you’re daydreaming about flexible hours, better clients, or finally doing work your way, the leap into freelancing or starting your own business can be both exciting and overwhelming. In this post, I’m sharing what I wish I’d known before I made the jump—from mindset shifts to real talk about money—so you can feel more prepared, confident, and grounded as you move toward freedom.
Do I Have to Be an Artist to Be an Architect?
10 of My Favorite Work From Home Tools
How to Avoid All-Nighters
I’ve written and spoken about how to survive all-nighters, but it’s best if we can avoid them in the first place, right?
All-nighters are very unhealthy for you, especially if you find yourself doing them all the time. Working for hours on end, especially overnight, can cause you to make mistakes in your work, can make you sick, and can be seriously dangerous if you’re working on models with knives and machinery without sleep. Here are my tips on how to avoid all-nighters.
15 Tips for Starting Your Own Design Business
7 Tips for How to Pass the Architect Registration Exams (ARE's) on a Budget
So... you want to pass the ARE's?
Of course you do! And guess what, you probably don't have to spend $100's to do it.
There are so many paid resources out there, but there are so many more free resources you can take advantage of. So before you go spend hundreds on online ARE courses, books, or other paid content, here are my wallet friendly tips for passing the AREs.
Top Secret News for My 1,000 Subscribers!!!
Wow.
Is this real!?
Are there really 1,000 of you that watch my videos!? This is so cool!! Thanks everyone for watching and subscribing and commenting!
I know I've kept you in the dark for a while as I have been really busy with work and have had a lot of secret projects going on. ONE of my secret projects is revealed here, watch to find out!!!
1,000 SUBSCRIBERS!!! Plus my project updates:) MY VLOG CHANNEL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyZbqPAY3xs Help support me here: https://www.gofundme.com/chelseaschance Other Social Media: Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/thestudentarchitect Tumblr: http://www.thestudentarchitect.tumblr.com/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/thestudentarchi Snapchat: thestudentarchi
New Channel Direction
I noticed myself starting to make more videos geared toward my personal life outside of architecture. I realize that some of you are only interested in my architecture videos and less interested in my daily life, and some of you are the opposite! I want to be able to give all of you what you want, and cater to both of my audiences, so I'm announcing the start of a new vlogging channel called Chels and Cheese! Watch to see more updates!
IMPORTANT UPDATES ABOUT THE FOCUS OF THIS CHANNEL AND THE INTRODUCTION OF [WATCH TO SEE] ;) MY VLOG CHANNEL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyZbqPAY3xs Other Social Media: Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/thestudentarchitect Tumblr: http://www.thestudentarchitect.tumblr.com/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/thestudentarchi Snapchat: thestudentarchi
RIP Zaha Hadid
This was a very sad day for me.
I talk a lot about the lack of women in architecture. That being said, Zaha Hadid was the most influential woman in the architecture industry for me. She was the one who inspired me to keep going and proved that it was possible for me, as a woman, to be able to be successful in architecture.
This video starts off with sorrow but ends with inspiration. I wanted to end on a high note. I think Zaha would have appreciated being remembered in a brighter light, being remembered for her strength, power, and ability to inspire and impact the lives of millions.
I am so grateful for her courage and the risks taken by Zaha and the obstacles she overcame so that younger generations could be more accepted in the industry. I feel so lucky to have had her as a role model.
STRENGTH | POWER | INSPIRATION - ZAHA HADID
STRENGTH POWER INSPIRATION ZAHA HADID Other Social Media: Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/thestudentarchitect Tumblr: http://www.thestudentarchitect.tumblr.com/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/thestudentarchi Snapchat: thestudentarchi
I Got a Puppy!!!
Things didn't exactly go as planned as I started school.
I had so many plans to make all kinds of videos but as soon as my thesis began, my social life/free time ended.
I am SOOOO happy to announce that I finished my thesis and I'm completely graduated!!! I feel so relieved and accomplished and I have no idea what to do with all of my free time!
UPDATES!!! (for those of you who aren't entranced by the superbowl!) Other Social Media: Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/thestudentarchitect Tumblr: http://www.thestudentarchitect.tumblr.com/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/thestudentarchi Snapchat: thestudentarchi
I'm Back!
It's been a long summer.
I took a long break from all of social media and enjoyed life as a regular (non-architecture student) person! This is my first day of classes in my last semester at school and I couldn't be more excited to start the year off!
Good luck with school everyone, I'm happy to be back and can't wait to share more of my experiences with you!
After a rejuvenating summer I'm back for more! // More info below!! Other Social Media: Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/thestudentarchitect Tumblr: http://www.thestudentarchitect.tumblr.com/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/thestudentarchi Snapchat: thestudentarchi
Feeling Stressed, Tired, and Unmotivated
I'm feeling depleted.
I have so much on my plate; it's so overwhelming that I can't narrow in on any one thing. I'm falling into a trap where I can't get myself to start working because I have so much to do and now with my hesitation my workload is piling up even more!
My brain is in shutdown mode.
This reminds me of being overtired where you can be so tired yet you just can't fall asleep...
I really hope this passes soon.
I've been feeling very stressed lately and lacking motivation. Stressed to the point of feeling tired all day, just mentally and emotionally exhausted. // More info below!! Other Social Media: Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/thestudentarchitect Tumblr: http://www.thestudentarchitect.tumblr.com/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/thestudentarchi Snapchat: thestudentarchi
Why I Started My Architecture Channel
Why did I start this channel?
Honestly, I felt like there was a lack of accessible information about studying (and even practicing) architecture when I started architecture school, and I still don't feel like there are enough resources for prospective students. I make these videos in the hopes of providing some guidance for prospective students and to connect those already involved in the industry. Watch below to see more about why I started my YouTube channel!
This video is about why I started this channel! I felt there was a lack of information when I started architecture school and I still don't feel like there are enough resources for prospective students! I make these videos in the hopes of providing some guidance for prospective students and to connect to those already involved in the industry!
Channel Introduction
You may be wondering what my YouTube channel is all about. Who I am, what I'm doing, and why I even started a YouTube channel. To hear more about my channel introduction, watch below!
Hey everyone! This is my architecture channel where I talk about architecture related topics, vlog my studio experiences and give tips to help you survive studio! I hope you like it! // More info below! Other Social Media: Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/thestudentarchitect Tumblr: http://www.thestudentarchitect.tumblr.com/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/thestudentarchi Snapchat: thestudentarchi
Gender Roles in Architecture
I enjoy discussing controversial topics, and this video is no exception! As a woman in an industry dominated by men, I wanted to shed some light on some of the complications that can occur in the workplace. Watch below for my perspective on the roles of both men and women in the architecture and design industry.
Gender roles in architecture // More info below!! In architecture school the ratio of men to women is nearly equal. In the field of architecture less than 20 percent of registered architects are women. Why such a discrepancy? Is architecture a man's profession? Continue the discussion with me by commenting below.
My Introduction
You may be wondering about who I am and what I'm doing here. I encourage you to question! Check out the video below to learn more about me and my intentions.
Learn a little bit about me and what I'm doing! Snow day video! // More info below! Other Social Media: Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/thestudentarchitect Tumblr: http://www.thestudentarchitect.tumblr.com/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/thestudentarchi Snapchat: thestudentarchi
