When Amanda Loper launched the Southeast office of David Baker Architects, she wanted support to define her mission, focus on the right opportunities, and work smarter. Coaching gave her the clarity, confidence, and strategic tools to grow her impact without burning out.

Taking the Leap — Opening a New Office on Her Own

With 15 years of experience, and a position as a principal at David Baker Architects in San Francisco, Amanda Loper made a “radical” decision — with the full support of her firm — to move back to Birmingham and open a Southeast office of David Baker Architects.

But that meant she was going to be on her own, starting fresh in a new place. Her partners and professional contacts encouraged her to take ownership of this new venture and invest in her business chops, leading her to seek Maya’s help.

Because of the big move, Amanda felt a little unmoored and wanted support to explore what a Southeastern office of David Baker Architects actually looked like; what was their mission, and what was her own personal mission? She needed to reconnect with an understanding of why it was worth it to run her own firm versus taking an easier road and working for somebody else.

Amanda’s Coaching Breakthroughs

Designing a Strategic Filter for Opportunities — Learning to Say No

One of the biggest benefits of Maya’s coaching that Amanda saw right away — and continues to perfect and hone — was the idea of creating a filter or lens through which to view and ultimately judge potential opportunities.

This filter helped her align projects with her larger goals. When a potential client offered her a lucrative restaurant project, she realized it didn’t fit her mission of equitable, walkable, mixed-income developments. With Maya’s guidance and a quick role-play, Amanda found the confidence to say no — and even referred the client to another woman-owned firm in Birmingham.

Working Smarter, Not Harder — Tackling the Inner Critic

Coaching helped Amanda uncover the habits behind her overwork and perfectionism. Through journaling and self-reflection, she recognized how her high internal standards drove her to overprepare and overperform. With this awareness, she began focusing on her highest-value activities, delegating more, and trusting the expertise she had built over 15 years — freeing time and energy to invest where it matters most.

“Working with Maya has really paid off in dividends, the way that I’m able to show up in our leadership meetings and how much more effectively I’m able to run the Birmingham office and contribute to our work across the county.”

Creating a Legacy — Results of Working Differently

Amanda’s work has paid off for both her and the Southeast office of David Baker Architects. She has achieved national recognition with a Young Architect Award, bringing visibility and pride to her home state, Alabama, and she continues to make significant progress toward her personal and professional goals.

She now contributes more effectively in leadership meetings and runs the Birmingham office with greater impact. Recognizing the value of her growth, David Baker Architects now funds her coaching, reflecting how much the firm benefits from her development as well.