I stumbled across a few videos from Mr. Doug Patt’s “How To Architect” series on YouTube, and I have to say I was surprised (and impressed).

I was surprised at how well he put together simple instructional videos on such a detailed topic.

I was surprised at the large following and subscriber-base he’s achieved.

And I was also surprised that an architect has gone out on a limb to communicate with the masses about a topic that many feel so personal and somewhat guarded about.

As I read over message boards and blogs of people discussing the sanctity of architecture, the uncertain future of the profession for many young people, etc.; many of them have a negative slant. In particular I recall a long stream of comments blasting any other profession for even trying to use the word architecture – software architecture, information architecture, for example. It’s incredibly refreshing to see an architect communicating his craft and passion lovingly with people and being so eager to share what it’s all about.

Not to mention, he specifically states what he does and loves to do – residential architecture. While I’m certain that Mr. Patt may be very capable of working on large commercial projects, he doesn’t feel the need to tell everyone that he can and does in his profile. He has a well focused personal brand.

Well done Mr. Patt. Keep up the good work.