Hidden Gems: Meet Chris Veum of AVRP Studios

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Chris Veum.

Hi Chris, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
After graduating from Architecture school, I worked for a large architecture firm in Minneapolis. The firm had over 200 employees, and being competitive by nature, I relished the competition. My mentor there gave me great guidance and inspiration.

He helped set a great foundation for my next move. I grew up spending time in San Diego off and on during summer with family to visit relatives, so I always knew San Diego as a kid. Finally, I had enough of the Midwest winters (though I loved the people in Minneapolis), so I made the move to San Diego. That was over 34 years ago!

Again, I was fortunate to work for another great mentor (Harry Hallenbeck), who initially hired me to bring design talent to his firm. Still, he taught me a lot about running the business side of architecture – they don’t teach that one in architecture schools!

After about five years there, Harry came to me and another senior member of the firm, offering to sell the firm to us as he was appointed by then-Gov. Pete Wilson to be the state architect. I called my dad for advice, and I remember him asking me if I was ready to go into debt, buy, and finance a firm as the market was slowing. I decided I had enough under my belt to give it a go on my own.

Then luck intervened. Harry asked me if I knew an architect by the name of Doug Austin. I said I knew of him but did not know him. I remember telling Harry that I thought they did nice design work. Long story short, he set up an interview for me to meet Doug. Doug told me at the time that he “needed another employee like he needed another hole in his head!” Times were tough, but I realized that Doug was an incredibly enthusiastic and creative personality.

He also appreciated design. So, we struck a deal: I bring my existing contracts to his firm and see if we can make it work. He gave me a chance and offered to create my future. That was 31 years ago. I think the partnership worked out quite well!

Let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
The smooth roads are few and far between. Having been around long enough, I have been through some challenging economic cycles. That is the one benefit of age and experience – you see a lot, and how you respond reflects your success.

You can blame others or change the story yourself. One of the great lessons I learned over the years is that struggle creates opportunity. Also, we grow by getting out of our comfort zone. Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable is critical to personal success, in my view.

We’ve been impressed with AVRP Studios, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart?
As an architecture, interior design, and planning firm that has been around for over 47 years, we have an incredible depth of knowledge, creativity and a host of subject matter experts. Most of our clients work with us since they know we are creative and that they can trust us.

Another key factor is our innovation; as part of our culture, we are always looking forward, benchmarking, and testing ideas. Aside from creativity and innovation, our brand is built on the aforementioned trust. We are charged with caring for our client’s investments. We take that charge seriously.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Enjoy the journey! It’s your journey and no one else’s.

I love Anthony Joshua’s (boxer) quote about staying hungry and staying humble. I would add to that, stay smart – not book smart, but listen to others who know more than you do.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.avrpstudios.com