Surf Life Executive Coaching
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Executive Coaching for Architects and Designers

As an executive leadership coach of nine years specialized in the architecture and design industry,  I offer guidance to principals, project managers, administrative staff, independent designers and emerging firm owners in the architecture and design industry.  My goal is to help you develop and unlock your leadership potential and to attain the clarity, confidence and serenity to create a deeply resonant business and life.

About You

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You have an integrated mind:
As architects and designers you have some of the most integrated minds.  You're precise, detail oriented, and systematic. You're also creative, empathetic and able to see connections and possibilities for what could be. You bridge art with function.  You are passionate about your work making a difference in the landscape of our world.
 
You juggle a lot of things:
At the same time, your profession is both challenging and anxiety inducing.  Being an architect requires you to be a jack-of-all-trades.  You must excel at public speaking, team and client management, effective communication with clients and teams, navigating hairy bureaucracies, managing complex projects, and acquiring new business opportunities.

You are socially responsible:
More and more, you also have the added challenge to design responsibly and consider how your work impacts our ever-evolving complex ecosystem.

You are artistic and passionate:
All these pieces are in addition to nurturing your artistic enthusiasm, creativity, personal well-being while maintaining a connection to why you chose to be an architect in the first place. These challenges can often cause you to ask, is there a better way to navigate through it all?



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"...I have had more than one personal crisis during the pandemic. Farhana has been indispensable each time the bridge needed to be crossed from Family Crisis Coordinator to a Managing Professional. In this tumultuous time, our work together has smoothed a lot of rough water. The business has grown. I am serving my clients with confidence and managing exciting outreach projects."

Meg Gaffney-Cooke
Principal Landscape Architect and Firm Owner
Blue Leaf Landscape
Jacksonville, FL

For full testimonial, click here.


My Approach

Science-based methods: I bring my fun, interactive toolkit of coaching exercises and practical management tools to empower you in building your leadership skills.  To further enhance your understanding and engagement, I support my approach with neuroscientific explanations so the inner skeptic in you understands not only what we are doing, but why we are doing it.  Together we can rewire your brain and facilitate positive behavioral changes that will benefit you both personally and professionally. 

Feminine Intuition: I adopt a holistic approach that incorporates proven coaching techniques and leverages my deep intuition for understanding people. I also use powerful guided visualizations in my sessions to bypass our "thinking" brain and help you discover deeper insights into your true desires and aspirations.

Nature and the Environment: I integrate the use of natural spaces in my work through beach walks, time in nature and surfing for clients local to the San Francisco Bay.


Evaluation and Metrics: Before each engagement, we set and measure your goals together through a number rating system.  When our engagement is complete, we measure goals again to understand our progress.  Progress towards goals is checked periodically to ensure accountability and structure.


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“What started out as me trying to find a way to bring in a paycheck without taking a job has now developed into a thriving design studio with projects all over the globe. Before Farhana’s support, I was unable to even dream big.  Now, I’m living the dream every day. “
 
  Kathleen Justice
​ NCIDQ, LEED-AP
Principal Architect and Firm Owner
Local Studio Design
Mill Valley, CA

For full testimonial, click here.


Results to Expect

With Surf Life Executive Coaching, you can expect a range of transformative outcomes that will elevate your professional and personal life.  Here are the results you can anticipate:
  • Attain clarity on your personal and professional direction.
  • Grow your firm to the next level.
  • Launch your own firm.
  • Develop your leadership and communication skills.
  • Grow your confidence and seize opportunities with conviction.

  • Cultivate calmness and mental clarity.
  • Experience greater happiness and connection in your work and life.
  • Re-connect with your artistic self.
  • Show up as your most authentic and genuine self in work and in life.

On average, Surf Life clients are three times more likely to meet their business and transition goals and twice as likely to meet their personal fulfillment goals. For more detailed information on Surf Life Executive Coaching's metrics click here.


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” Working with Farhana has given me a new perspective on my role as an owner and leader of my company, and has opened up a new way for me to work.  The same challenges still exist, but I feel that I have a lot more capacity to deal with the daily issues and stress that are endemic to running a business.”
 
John Lum
Principal Architect, Founder and Firm Owner
John Lum Architecture
San Francisco, CA

For full testimonial, click here.



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"I said to my wife recently that it’s unfortunate I’m halfway through my coaching program with Farhana and that I wanted to continue working with her indefinitely. Her immediate response was 'I see what she’s done for you and your quality of life and she deserves 4 times what you pay her.  You’ve completely changed and you’re happy. You keep going with her.'"

Michael Carney
AIA, NCARB, ALA
Principal Architect and Firm Owner
Studio Carney Architecture Inc.
Palatine, IL, U.S.A.

For full testimonial, click here.



Let's Talk!

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Book here.
Copyright 2014-2025 Surf Life Executive Coaching
  • Home
  • Services
    • For Executives
    • For Architects & Designers
    • For Climate Leaders
    • For Soul Seekers
    • For Retreaters
  • About
    • About You
    • Benefits & Metrics
    • FAQ
    • About Me
  • Testimonials
  • Contact
    • Coaching Session Prep Form
    • Coaching Post Session Form
    • Post Engagement Coaching Check-In
  • Blog
  • Photos