Meet Hayley Ruthrauff | Architect, President

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hayley Ruthrauff and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hayley, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I always wanted to run a business – starting back when I was a kid seeing my family run their construction company. I saw that there was freedom and pride in doing it on your own. Fast forward, I wanted to gain as much experience as possible first before trying to set out on my own. In the end, I took the leap as a result of becoming a mother and the flexibility having my own business provides drove me to starting Simbiotek Design Lab. I also wanted to explore areas that were harder to engage at a larger firm such as working with people in my neighborhood on their homes and forming relationships with smaller developers doing more on trend, focused projects.

What’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
Its too much work to start doing your own thing. – I think if there is a will, there is a way and you can figure it out! You need to be prepared to tackle many areas of a business such as accounting, projects etc at once but it helps to break it down by task and plan it out on your calendar so you set aside time and don’t stress about it.

Risk taking: how do you think about risk, what role has taking risks played in your life/career?

I am generally into taking risk – when it make sense – and when you have to! Sometimes the benefits just outweigh the risks long term. It helps to have a safety net of funds and a plan to do if it doesn’t work out. I always have tried to push myself out of my comfort zone in order to stay engaged in the learning and growth process. Taking the risk to go full time with Simbiotek Design Lab was similar to other decisions I have made like starting at a new firm, traveling abroad for a year of college in Copenhagen – you can’t ever know unless you try to seek out new opportunities and perspectives.

What habits do you feel helped you succeed?

I’m a planner and have to think everything through. It really helps when you own your own business to schedule out the “non-fun” items like for most are accounting, etc in blocks of time and regular intervals so you can get it done. I also like to use an online Calendar that overlaps with my appointments that color codes my work plan. For example, this week I have to get “X” project submitted to the city. I also use a regular physical planner and take notes for meetings in it so I can go back to it sometimes years later for similar projects.

Another habit that I have followed is keeping up with communication with clients. Its ok if you can’t make a deadline but face them and let them know what is going on. They always feel better about the process when you do.

What is the most important factor behind your success/the success of your brand?

Simbiotek was founded on the idea that an architecture firm could explore many avenues of design and problem solving from jewelry that mimics parametric structure in bridges, to breaking down projects into components and providing unique possibilities by engaging and understanding the fabrication process. We take each opportunity as a chance to create a relationship with clients and also explore what is possible in design. We based our name off this symbiotic relationship that architecture and design can have with people, nature and forms. By creating a strong network with others in San Diego, whether its clients or other design professionals, we are able to maintain a varied list of projects and keep the business going. You never know when someone will lead you to a client that needs your help or another architect or developer that needs your services.

What’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
To not stress the small stuff. Whether its relationships or projects they will come together in the end if you work towards the goal you are after.

Work life balance: how has your balance changed over time? How do you think about the balance?

I jumped into working full time – or should I say 75% time – at Simbiotek Design lab when I had my first son. I penciled out that I could make the same with less time if I did it on my own and so I worked towards that. It takes a lot of planning and number crunching but ultimately I get a flexible schedule where I get to control the time I spend with my family and my needs. Its not perfect but as the business grows, I am trying to find new ways to still allow this extra time with family while building more client base. It’s still a work in progress but I often utilize my network to throttle up or down. If necessary, I will partner with other designers or architects to help take the pressure off when needed and I am also increasing more realistic with letting clients know I can’t start for a certain amount of weeks for example. In the end, most of them are fine with it and I work in out in my work plan. Its easy to get caught up in others needs but there is a way to balance them both, you just need to keep expectations reasonable.

How did you come up with the idea for your business?

Simbiotek Design Lab started as a place to explore other areas of design like jewelry via 3D printing, installation design for events or displays and smaller scale projects. There was a need in the market for designers who are willing to take on non-conventional projects and help figure them out.

What are you inspired by?

I am inspired by building a business that allows me to create a life I want to lead on my terms for what can be a good work/life balance. I am excited to earn client’s trust and build a relationship with them. I am also engaged by the challenge of diving in to make a project happen and get into the details with materials, layout and seeing how people utilize a space.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The Spruce Street bridge followed by a beer tasting at Pure project Walking in downtown South Park and eating at Piacero Mio

Driving along Golf Course Drive in Balboa Park and enjoying the view

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband, for giving me the confidence and support I need to be successful.

Website: www.simbiotek.com

Instagram: @simbiotekdesignlab

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayleyalyse/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimbiotekDesignLab/