For Sam Andras, the cannabis industry has always been more than a market opportunity, it's a passion that's shaped the last decade of his professional life. Best known in the industry for founding MJ12 Design Studio, an architectural firm specializing in cannabis facility design, Sam's journey has taken him from leading large-scale firms to now working as a sole proprietor through his latest venture, 3rd Act Architecture and Consulting, PA.
"I love the cannabis industry," Sam says. "I got into it around 2013, and from day one I was fascinated. I immersed myself in it completely. It's exciting, rejuvenating, and I still believe there's a real need for the services I offer."
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More than architecture
After MJ12 was acquired by urban-gro, Sam stayed on for a time before ultimately deciding to take a new path, one that reflects both his experience and a shift in how he wants to work. "I didn't want to start another company where I'd have the need to hire a bunch of people," he explains. "I started thinking about what I could do as a sole proprietor, how I could help clients achieve their vision within their goals, needs, and budgets. That's where the idea for 3rd Act began to come about. It really is my third company, and the name reflects that. I believe the tailored services built on 30+ years of architecture and construction experience will make 3rd Act just as successful as my first two companies, 2WR + Partners and MJ12 Design Studio."
What Sam offers through 3rd Act isn't architectural drawings, though his background is firmly rooted in architecture, but something broader. "I help clients with programming, cost analysis, conceptual design, and strategic planning. If someone is just starting out in the industry, I'll analyze their vision: Do they have the right budget? Is the schedule realistic? Will the plan meet the business's needs?"
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This guidance covers everything from team selection and delivery methodologies to value engineering, document reviews, peer reviews, contract development / reviews, and navigating GACP or cGMP / EU-GMP compliance. "It's about setting clients up for success before they spend money in the wrong places," Sam says.
From the wild west to leaner models
Reflecting on the changes he's seen since 2013, Sam notes that the industry has moved on from its early "Wild West" days. "Back then, it didn't matter what you built or spent, you were making money. Now it's different. The industry is saturated, especially with larger MSOs that have focused on mass-production over high-quality cannabis. In a saturated market, the resulting mid-grade product might sell at $900–$1,000 a pound, but top-shelf cannabis can still go for $2,300–$2,400. That's a massive gap."
For today's operators who are seeking a successful model, quality is extremely important, and the right facility can make or break that. "You've got to think not just about CapEx, but OpEx too. Your facility, your workflow, your systems, they all have to support efficiency, high yields, and quality. Energy efficiency, maintainability, and long-term cost savings are key if you want to stay competitive."
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The Roadmap
Much of Sam's approach is now captured in a new book he authored, slated for release in October by Wiley & Sons. The book is titled, Building Design and Construction: An Architect's Perspective. "It's an approximately 100,000-word guide to construction, design, contracts, and includes what I call a roadmap to success. It's about how to hire the right team and structure your project properly. Everything we're talking about here is in the book."
Sam is currently working with a select roster of clients. "I want to collaborate with people who understand what I bring to the table and are serious about developing their projects utilizing proven methodologies for success."
One such project is Jrsy Girl Growers, founded by
© 3rdAct Paula Patrice. "We've been working together for two years. She's followed the roadmap, been strategic about spending, and now the project is really moving forward. It's going to be an incredible operation because of the time and care she's put into it." Another client is GrowGeneration, which brought Sam on to support the development of their turnkey solution. "They're combining architecture, engineering, equipment procurement, and construction by bringing the right team members to the table into a single streamlined offering. I'm helping them formulate their approach through a collaborative effort while filling an advisory role on several projects."
For Sam, this third act is exactly where he wants to be. "I don't want to grow the firm like I did before. I'm happy working with three or four clients, collaborating to deliver vision aligned solutions, while working with people I genuinely enjoy. That's success for me."
For more information:
3rd Act Architecture + Consulting
3rdactarchitecture.com
