Exploring Life & Business with Jacob Wimsatt of Clements Wimsatt Architects

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacob Wimsatt

Hi Jacob, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My architectural journey has been shaped by a profound belief that great design can transform how people live. After earning my Master’s in Architecture from the University of Tennessee, I knew I wanted to create spaces that would merge modern innovation with genuine warmth and livability.

In 2019, a pivotal moment arrived when my mentor and dear friend Brian Clements and I transformed Clements & Associates into Clements Wimsatt Architects.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like any meaningful journey, the path hasn’t always been smooth. One of our biggest challenges has been establishing and growing in a service-based industry where trust and reputation are everything. Starting with the rebranding in 2019, we faced the delicate balance of honoring our legacy while carving out our own identity in the Nashville architectural landscape.

The recent loss of my mentor and friend Brian Clements in May 2024 was particularly challenging – both personally and professionally. His passing reminded us of the deep relationships we build in this industry and the importance of carrying forward the values and excellence he instilled in our practice.

Growing a high-end architectural firm comes with its unique hurdles. Finding clients who align with our ‘Warm Modern’ vision and who understand the value of quality architectural services requires constant education and relationship building.

Building our team has been another journey in itself. While I’m incredibly proud of our current core team, finding professionals who share our vision for innovative yet warm modern design took time. Today, I’m fortunate to work alongside talented individuals who bring their unique perspectives to our practice.

The digital transformation of architecture has presented its own challenges. We’ve invested significantly in technologies like VR walk-throughs and BIM management, requiring us to constantly evolve our skills while ensuring these tools enhance rather than overshadow the human element of our work.

I’ve learned that these challenges have actually shaped our success. They’ve pushed us to be more innovative, more client-focused, and ultimately, better architects. Each obstacle has helped refine our approach and strengthen our commitment to creating spaces that truly elevate how people live and work.”

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At CW Architects, we specialize in what we call ‘Warm Modern’ architecture – a distinctive approach that merges contemporary design principles with genuine comfort and livability. This isn’t just a style; it’s our philosophy about how architecture should elevate daily life.

What sets us apart is our deeply collaborative and educational approach to architecture. We believe in bringing our clients into the creative process, making complex architectural concepts accessible while maintaining the highest professional standards.

What I’m most proud of is how we’ve maintained our boutique firm approach while delivering large-firm capabilities. Our core team brings diverse expertise to every project. This allows us to offer comprehensive services under one roof, from initial concept through to interior design.

At CW Architects, we’re “elevating and integrating life and landscape with modern warmth”. This isn’t just a tagline – it’s the core philosophy that drives every project we undertake. We specialize in creating sophisticated yet welcoming architectural solutions that seamlessly blend contemporary design with the natural warmth and Southern living.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I’m a firm believer that growth comes from diverse sources of knowledge and inspiration. My reading list heavily features works that challenge conventional thinking – ‘Antifragile’ by Nassim Nicholas Taleb has been particularly influential in how I approach both architecture and business. Its concepts about systems that gain from disorder have shaped how we structure our firm to be adaptable and resilient.

For daily inspiration and business insights, I’m an avid listener of podcasts that blend entrepreneurship with personal development. ‘Diary of a CEO’ offers invaluable perspectives on leadership and innovation, while ‘Business of Architecture’ keeps me connected with industry-specific strategies and trends.

In terms of modern business wisdom, I regularly engage with content from thought leaders like Alex Hormozi and Myron Golden on social media. Their perspectives on value creation and business scaling have influenced how we structure our service offerings and client relationships.

Of course, we still rely on our core professional tools:

HubSpot for managing our client relationships
Monograph for streamlined project management
QuickBooks for financial oversight
Google Workspace for team collaboration

But it’s the combination of these practical tools with deeper philosophical and business insights that creates a holistic approach to growth. Whether I’m reading about antifragile systems, listening to entrepreneurship podcasts during my morning workout, or implementing new business strategies learned from modern thought leaders, each resource contributes to both personal development and professional excellence.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cwarch.design/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/c.w.architects/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-wimsatt-ra-9b594843/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkLgBbcoOKl6Yh35pOZRYUg?view_as=subscriber