Founder Office Hours
You're an architect or designer who knows you want more than traditional practice, but you're unsure what that looks like. Maybe you've thought about starting a company, launching a product, moving into tech, or pursuing a completely different path—but you're overwhelmed by possibilities and don't know where to begin. What I can help with - Exploring entrepreneurship - Career transitions - Evaluating startup ideas - Breaking into technology - Founder mindset - Your next move Common reasons people book this session - I'm exploring entrepreneurship but don't know where to begin. - I have a startup idea and need honest feedback. - I'm thinking about leaving traditional practice. - I want to transition into technology or AI. - I need clarity on my next career or business move. - I feel stuck between too many options. Why work with me? I'm an architect who chose a different path. Since leaving traditional practice, I've built venture-backed startups, raised institutional funding, studied at Harvard and the University of Michigan, and continue building products for the architecture and design industry. I understand both worlds—the one you're leaving and the one you're trying to build.
What's included
- A 60-minute private strategy session
- Clear next steps tailored to your goals
- Honest, actionable advice
- Personalized resources and recommendations
- Greater confidence in your direction
Meet your expert
Vaishnavi M.
Architect to Venture Backed 2X Founder | Build Your First Startup
I'm an architect turned entrepreneur, a Harvard Graduate School of Design alum, and a venture-backed founder who believes a background in architecture and design can open doors far beyond traditional practice. My journey has taken me from studying architecture in India and Italy to earning an M.Arch II from the University of Michigan and a Master in Design Studies from Harvard GSD, and eventually building technology companies in the United States. I co-founded ArchSlate, a venture-backed startup that raised $1 million, grew to over 100,000 users, and served 500+ architecture firms. I later founded Zenoya, a technology platform built to help architecture and design firms run their businesses more effectively. Along the way, I've experienced the challenges of choosing the right graduate program, building a competitive portfolio, changing career directions, starting a company, finding customers, and raising venture capital. I've learned what works, what doesn't, and how much the right guidance can change someone's trajectory. Today, I help three groups of people: ➜ Aspiring & Early-Stage Founders: Turn ideas into businesses. From validating your startup idea and building your first product to finding customers, developing your go-to-market strategy, and preparing to raise capital. ➜ Architecture & Design Students: Navigate master's admissions with clarity and confidence. I help students choose the right universities and programs, strengthen their portfolios, develop compelling applications, and prepare for graduate study in the United States. ➜ Architecture & Design Professionals: Figure out what's next. Whether you're feeling stuck, considering a career change, exploring opportunities in technology, thinking about starting your own practice, or questioning whether further education is worth it, I help you evaluate your options and build a practical path forward. My coaching is direct, personalized, and grounded in real experience. I don't believe in generic advice or one-size-fits-all roadmaps. Whether you're choosing your next degree, rethinking your career, or building your first company, my goal is simple: help you make better decisions, avoid expensive mistakes, and move forward with clarity and confidence.
