Business of Architecture Podcast
This podcast offers strategies, tips, and secrets for running a fun, flexible, and profitable architecture practice. It focuses on ways architects can create a dream practice, designing what they want, when they want, and getting paid well for it.
Episodes
How Architecture Firms Can Test and Adopt AI Without Losing Design Control | 693
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework AI is moving fast in architecture, but most firms still aren't sure how to use it without losing control of the work. In this episode, Brandon Mut shares what it looks like to bring new tools into a real practice with discipline, not hype. You'll hear how one design technology le
From Technician to Business Owner: Rethinking Money and Value in Architecture | 692
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework In this episode, Rion digs into why "premium fees" start in your head long before they appear in a proposal. He explores how architects are trained to be exceptional technicians, but rarely prepared to think like business owners, and how that gap quietly limits growth. A simple b
Growing a Global Design Studio Through Leadership, Talent, and Intention | EP691
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework In this episode, Rion Willard talks with interior designer Sally O'Connor about how she grew Hesellic Design from a solo start into a small global studio. She shares how a TV job opened the door to luxury homes and how she moved forward without formal training. You'll hear hints
Setting Premium Fees in Architecture: From Scarcity to Agency | EP690
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework If you have ever felt uneasy talking about fees, you are not alone—and that silence may be costing you more than you think. In this episode, Rion Willard explores why pricing sits underneath many of the stress points in an architecture practice, from cash pressure to burnout and
Storytelling for Architects: How to Communicate Ideas That Connect and Win Work | EP689
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework What makes one architect memorable while another gets tuned out, even when the work is strong? In this episode, Enoch Sears talks with Lee Schneider about why storytelling is not just a nice skill, but a real business tool for architects. Lee explains why people do not connect wi
Why Architecture Firms Experience Cycles—and How to Lead Through Them | EP688
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework In this episode, Enoch Sears sits down with Joost Bende, President of PACIFIC 33 Architects, to talk about what hits hardest once the drawings are done. Joost shares what it feels like when work is flowing, then suddenly isn't—and how small choices can create a dip months later.
How to Build a Stable, People-First Firm | EP687
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework In this episode of Business of Architecture, Enoch Sears talks with John Arnold, partner at KFA. John shares how rising from junior staff to firm leader shaped his focus on people, culture, and stability. The stories show life inside a firm that works hard not to treat staff as d
From Chaos to Clarity: Vision, Pricing, and the Next Stage of Practice Growth | EP686
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework In this episode, Enoch sits down with Eariny Adams, founder of Genesis Design, to explore what really happens after the excitement of starting a firm wears off. Eariny shares what it felt like when growth brought complexity, pressure, and a quiet sense of confusion that many firm
A Smarter Approach to Business Development for Architects | EP685
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework In this episode, Rion Willard sits down with TJ Lyons to explore a side of practice growth that many architects find unclear or uncomfortable. Instead of relying on presentations or personality, TJ shares a more focused way to approach business development—one built on clarity, i
How Raising Your Fees Creates Freedom in an Architecture Practice | EP684
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Chris Smart didn't start out confident about money. He undercharged, worked nonstop, and felt the stress spill into his home. In this conversation with Enoch Sears, he shares the turning points that helped him move from survival mode to more space and better clients—without losin
How Architects Can Harness Technology to Run Smarter, More Profitable Firms | EP683
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Running an architecture firm has never been simple. Between creative demands, clients who want more for less, and the ever-shifting landscape of technology, many practice owners feel stuck. But what if the very tools and habits you rely on are holding you back? In this episode of
Surviving a Lawsuit and Building a Stronger Solo Practice | EP682
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework A solo architect shares the real story of launching a practice as the world shut down—then facing a legal fight that could have ended everything. You'll hear what it did to his mindset, his marriage, and his business; it's a field report from the trenches, and it also shows what
How Modern Firm Leaders Use Software to Scale Smarter | EP681
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Running an architecture firm today means more than great design — it means mastering the business side. In this episode of Business of Architecture, host Enoch Sears sits down with Matt Cooper, CEO of BQE, to explore how firm leaders can finally break free from outdated tools and
Chris Bryant on Pro Bono Work, Participatory Design, and Building a Profitable Practice | EP680
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Most architects fear that free work devalues their profession. But what if there was a way to offer pro bono design without losing money—and even turn it into projects that fuel your practice? In this episode, Enoch Sears speaks with Chris Bryant, founding director of Alma-Nac. T
Architects on Risk: Business Models, Liability, and Expanding Your Practice | EP679
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework This episode drops you into a live AIA New York "Risk" event, where architects, developers, and legal experts get brutally honest about what it really takes to build in today's world. You'll hear how risk actually moves through a project, and why the current system keeps architec
Growing a Profitable Architecture Team Inside CBRE with Dominic McAndrew | EP678
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework In this episode of Business of Architecture, Rion Willard sits down with Dominic McAndrew, Head of Architecture and Design at CBRE Design Collective for the UK and Ireland. What's it like to run a high-performing design team inside one of the world's largest real estate companies
Running a Practice That Supports Your Life | EP677
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Michele Grace Hottel sits down with Enoch Sears, founder of Business of Architecture, for a talk on what practice ownership can quietly take from you—and how it doesn't have to. Enoch shares stories from behind the "awards and accolades" and points to the hidden patterns that kee
How Top Firms Are Using AI to Free Up Time & Command Higher Fees | EP676
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework What happens when AI meets the business of architecture? In this episode, Rion sits down with Dr. Sam Zolfagharian—co-founder of YegaTech—to explore how AI is reshaping the AEC industry. Sam shares insights from years of experience in structural engineering, construction tech, an
Designing the Practice: Mentorship, Mindset, and Building a Strong Firm | EP675
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Anthony Laney didn't "get lucky." He was nudged by a mentor who asked a few pointed questions that changed his path. What followed was a slow, intentional climb from modest beginnings to a studio known for exceptional residential work. In this conversation, you'll hear how Anthon
Transition Planning and Firm Valuation with Jeff Krieger | EP674
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework For many architects, the idea of stepping away from their firm feels overwhelming. In this conversation with Jeff Krieger, we explore what it really takes to prepare a practice for life beyond the founder. Jeff reveals candid lessons from nearly four decades of leadership, touchi
How Architects Can Stop Undervaluing Their Work and Start Charging What They're Worth | EP673
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Architects often feel squeezed by low fees that leave them overworked, under-supported, and with little time for true design. For small and residential firms in particular, this cycle can feel endless—too little profit, no space to hire help, and constant pressure to "make it wor
How This Architectural Engineer Built £30M in Property Without Leaving His Practice | EP672
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework What does it take to run multiple companies and build £30 million in property, without losing your mind? In this episode, architectural engineer and developer Ben Richards returns to share what's really changed since his last viral interview. You'll hear what's working, what's no
How Thomas Smith Transformed TS3 Architects With Higher Fees, Culture Shifts, and Hidden Profits | EP671
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework TS3 Architects founder Thomas Smith joins Rion Willard to share how he moved from scraping by to leading with purpose. He reveals the turning point that made his firm's numbers—and culture—finally click. Tom talks about the fee trap that many architects fall into and the surprisi
Escaping Hustle Culture to Build an Architecture Business You Love | EP670
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Architects are trained to hustle, but what if the grind is actually holding you back? In this episode, coach Jenna Harrison joins Enoch Sears to explore a radical shift—one that swaps overwork for a schedule that fuels creativity, clarity, and growth. They dive into the unseen to
The Architect's Money Story: Why Beliefs Shape Your Practice More Than Numbers | EP669
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Architects often feel torn between their creative calling and the pressure to "talk money," leaving many unsure how to price their work, defend their value, or navigate client conversations without anxiety. Money is supposed to be boring, distant, and handled by someone else, esp
How Architecture Firms Can Build High-Performance Remote Teams | EP668
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework In this episode of Business of Architecture, Rion Willard sits down with Camila Brugger, founder of WorldTeams—the company quietly transforming how architecture firms grow. Camila shares her personal journey from witnessing the chaos of her parents' small practice to building a 6
From Reactivity to Responsibility: How Architects Can Regain Control and Create Calm in Their Practice | EP667
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Architects often find themselves juggling client demands, project deadlines, and team issues while feeling like they have no space left for themselves. This episode tackles that hidden pain—why architects run on panic even while designing calm, beautiful spaces for others. Many f
Designing Profit and Purpose: How Drew Pedrick Built a Remote, Values-Driven Architecture Firm | EP666
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework When Drew Pedrick started his architecture firm, he didn't follow the usual rules. No office. A global team. A deep focus on meaning, not just design. In this episode, Drew shares the mindset shift that helped him build a profitable, values-driven practice from the ground up. Hos
Why Architects Struggle With Fees—and How to Fix It
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Fees start everything in an architecture firm: the work you take, the team you pay, and the life you live. In this episode, Enoch Sears and Rion Willard cut through "competitive pricing" and show why fee stress is rarely about the number on your proposal. They point to what low-f
From Overwhelm to Ohm: Mindset Shifts for Architecture Firm Leaders | EP665
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Architects often find themselves buried under deadlines, staff questions, and the pressure to deliver flawless work—leaving little room to breathe, lead, or think creatively. This episode explores why that overwhelm feels so persistent and why traditional fixes rarely move the ne
From OMA to Developer: Rethinking Architecture Through Ownership and Value | EP664
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework What do two architects do after working at one of the most elite firms in the world? In this episode, Alex Yuen and Minkoo Kang share how their time at OMA shaped their view of architecture—and why they chose a very different path. They now work at the intersection of design, dev
The Non-Linear Strategy for Scaling Your Architecture Practice Fast | EP663
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Architects often feel stuck and overwhelmed when dealing with the challenge of growing their firms beyond the exhausting hustle-and-grind stage, especially when the traditional path to growth feels slow, risky, and filled with staffing headaches. Many try to "stay small" to avoid
Designing Profit: How Bill Caleo Built The Brooklyn Home Company | EP662
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework What happens when a trained actor walks away from the stage and steps into the world of real estate development? In this episode, Rion Willard speaks with Bill Caleo, co-founder of The Brooklyn Home Company, about how one bold move—and one deeply personal project—sparked a $500 m
Goal Setting for Architects: Measurable Targets, Feedback, and Clarity | EP661
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Architects often feel stuck chasing "someday" goals, working harder but not getting closer to the practice or life they imagined. The real pain? Knowing you're busy, overwhelmed, and talented—yet still unclear about what you're aiming for or why progress feels so slow. Enoch and
From Architecture Grad to Developer: How Baker Roddey Launched His First Investment Project | EP660
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework What happens when a young architect trades a steady paycheck for a risky first project—with no guarantee of success? In this bold episode, Baker Roddey reveals how he navigated real estate rules, raised unexpected funding, and turned one deal into a springboard for his firm. But
How Accountability Transforms Leadership, Culture, and Profit in Architecture Firms | EP659
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Architect Nation, this episode tackles the silent killer in many firms: weak accountability. Enoch and Rion reveal how polite habits and fear of conflict drain authority, profit, and joy. You'll hear why "safety" and "fierce compassion" can live in the same room. Through real sto
What Architects Can Learn from UX, Tech, and Real Estate | EP658
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Most architects feel like outsiders in the business conversations that shape their projects. They're left out of key decisions, treated as a line item cost, and frustrated when their design expertise isn't valued the way it should be. What happens when an architect trades AutoCAD
Building High-Performance Architecture Teams with Rion Willard | EP657
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework In this energetic live session, Rion Willard held at the AIA Austin Event, he asks a hard question: what does a true high-performance architecture team look like? He shares sobering industry stats and stories. Then he flips the script, turning the room into a workshop with quick
Using AI to Eliminate Redundant Work and Boost Profitability in Your Architecture Firm | EP656
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Architects are under more pressure than ever to deliver projects faster, with fewer resources, and tighter margins. Yet much of their time is still spent repeating work, hunting for old files, or redrawing details they know they've already drawn before. This episode dives into ho
Breaking Free from Hustle and Grind Culture in Architecture | EP655
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Enoch Sears and Rion Willard tackle the myth of hustle and grind. Why do smart architects work more yet feel behind? They walk through the real cost and hint at a better path that frees your time, profits, and nerves. They share stories from studio all-nighters, a high-stakes tal
How Zaha Hadid Architects Built a Global, Scalable Practice Without Compromising Design Integrity | EP654
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework What if the very systems meant to support architects are actually holding them back? In this powerful episode, Rion Willard sits down with Patrik Schumacher, Principal of Zaha Hadid Architects, for a bold, no-holds-barred conversation. They dive into what it really takes to run a
Uncovering the Money Myths Holding Back Your Practice | EP653
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework In this thought-provoking episode of the Business of Architecture podcast, Rion Willard sits down with long-time collaborator Nicole, whose work with firm owners goes far beyond strategy and business systems. Together, they explore the hidden forces shaping how architects think,
How Strategic Communication Helps Architects Win Better Work | EP652
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework What if the secret to winning more architecture work wasn't just better design, but better communication? In this thought-provoking episode, Rose Marshall of ING Media pulls back the curtain on how architects can become allies, not just suppliers. Her approach flips the script on
Why Clients Don't Trust You (Even When You Say the Right Thing) | EP651
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework In this raw and eye-opening episode, Enoch Sears and Rion Willard dive deep into the unseen forces that shape your results as a business leader. They share real stories—from awkward social encounters to emotional breakthroughs—that reveal what's really holding architects back f
From Burnout to Breakthrough: Building Freedom Through People | EP650
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework In this bold episode of Business of Architecture, host Enoch Sears sits down with serial entrepreneur and black belt Adam Marburger. From hitting personal rock bottom to building six companies, Adam shares raw lessons that will challenge how you think about growth, pain, and le
From Burnout to Balance: How CoXist Studio Transformed Their Practice and Profits | EP649
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Frank and Megan Lin didn't set out to build a high-profit, award-winning firm. For years, they worked late, chased too many projects, and tried to out-hustle their burnout. Then something happened that changed the entire direction of their practice—and their lives. In this episod
How Smarter Systems Are Transforming Firm Profitability | EP648
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework In this episode of Business of Architecture, Rion Willard sits down with Robert Yuen, CEO of Monograph, to explore how architecture firms can stop running in survival mode and start operating with clarity, cash flow, and confidence. Robert shares insights from Monograph's latest
How to Track Time, Set Profitable Fees, and Grow with Confidence | EP647
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework In this episode of Business of Architecture, host Rion Willard sits down with Mike Linn, the fractional CFO behind some of the most financially secure architecture firms today. They explore why most architects unknowingly sabotage their own profit — and how to fix it without bec
Growing a Multi-Generational Architecture Firm with Vision, Culture, and Grit | EP646
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Running a successful architecture firm for decades is no small feat—especially when it spans three generations. In this heartwarming and high-energy episode, Scott Spector of Spectorgroup shares the story of how his father built a practice that shaped the skyline of Long Island—a
Choosing an Entity Structure and Paying Less Taxes | EP645
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Most architecture firm owners don't realize how much money they're leaving on the table. In this episode, financial experts Tal and Rachel Richards, CPA, reveal some of the most common — and costly — mistakes architects make when it comes to taxes. They also offer powerful insigh
Digital Marketing Strategies for Architects: SEO, Branding, and Getting Found Online | EP644
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework In this episode of Business of Architecture, we dive into a sharp, honest conversation with Elias Christeas, founder of Lighthouse Digital Marketing, about what really works—and what doesn't—when architects try to grow their firms online. From digital visibility to long-term repu
How to Prepare Your Architecture Firm for a Successful Ownership Transition | EP643
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework What really happens when it's time to step back from your architecture firm? In this eye-opening episode, Enoch Sears and Ryan break down the hidden traps and quiet wins that make or break firm transitions. If you think a buyout or equity plan is all it takes, think again. This i
SmithGroup: Leading with Vision, Legacy, and Values | EP 642
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework What does it take to lead one of the oldest architecture firms in America—and keep it thriving? In this episode, Troy Thompson and Roxanne Malek pull back the curtain on how legacy, leadership, and long-term thinking come together inside SmithGroup. But don't expect the usual cor
Leadership Lessons from the East | EP641
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework What if the secret to running a thriving architecture firm wasn't doing more, but actually doing less? In this episode, Enoch Sears and Rion Willard share a surprising insight from the East that changed how they think about leadership, creativity, and business growth. Rion's rece
2025 Architecture Alert: Risks for Small Firms | EP640
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework If you're like many firm owners right now, you're feeling the weight of uncertainty — what is happening in the market and - what's next for my practice? On today's episode — in this special State of Architecture address — you'll discover: What's really happening in the market ri
The Financial Wizard's Playbook: Secrets From a 20-Year Financial Insider | EP639
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Architects love to design—but when it comes to managing money, many feel overwhelmed, underprepared, or just plain stuck. The creative fire that fuels great projects often fizzles out under the weight of cash flow crises, vague budgets, and project finances that never seem to add
Scaling Your Architecture Firm with a Repeatable, Profitable Product | EP638
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework In this captivating episode of Business of Architecture, Peter Markos unveils the unexpected journey from freshly minted architect to founder of a niche, design-led development venture. What started with handcrafted models and zero capital evolved into a groundbreaking cabin proj
Don't Hire Until You Hear This: Architect Hiring Secrets Revealed | EP637
Hiring in architecture is high-stakes. Get it wrong, and you end up with missed deadlines, confused roles, office drama—or worse, talented people who simply can't work together. This episode dives into the quiet costs of hiring missteps and how to avoid them. Hiring the wrong person can silently break a thriving firm. In this episode, Enoch Sears and Rion Willard unpack a new way to think about id
Tired of Scraping By While Developers Get Rich? Listen to This | EP636
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Many architects dream of doing their own developments, but the fear of financial risk, inexperience with construction, and lack of support can stop them before they start. Becoming your client sounds empowering until you're staring down zoning codes, contractor bids, and bank mee
3 Weeks From Payroll Panic? Fixing a Cash Flow Crisis Fast | EP635
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework When your pipeline dries up, clients vanish without paying, and payroll is looming with no cash in sight—what do you do? In this episode, we dive into a real-life scenario where an architecture firm faces a $52K quarterly loss, $215K in overdue invoices, and only three weeks of c
No Trust Fund. No MBA. Just a Hustling Designer Who Developed a 3-Unit Project | EP634
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework What happens when a young designer stops waiting and just starts building? In this episode, we meet Shane Curry—a 30-year-old designer who decided to take the leap into development, without a roadmap, and without waiting for the perfect moment. What followed is a story of risk, g
Build Wealth Without More Clients: The Architecture Hack No One Talks About
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Many architects dream of launching their own firm, but few do it with the level of preparation and insight that Matthew Arnold brings to the table. After nearly 15 years at a celebrated architecture practice, Matthew made a bold move, one inspired by a surprising encounter with t
How Passion and Process Built a Thriving Global Firm
In this episode of Business of Architecture, we meet Tima Bell, founder of Bell Design Group—a firm with global reach and an unexpected twist on what it means to practice architecture. With studios across Los Angeles, Madrid, and Argentina, Tima shares how his journey from hospitality design to managing a 50+ person team has shaped a unique approach to leadership, delegation, and culture. You'll h
Forget Clients—Build What You Want and Own It Too
Architects often feel stuck in a cycle of underpaid work, long hours, and limited creative control—especially when dealing with the pressures of traditional practice. Many wonder if there's another path, one that offers both freedom and financial reward without leaving architecture behind. In this episode of the Business of Architecture podcast, Rion Willard sits down with Amanda Baillieu and Gus
The (Surprising) Essential Skill for Architecture Firm Freedom
Running an architecture firm can feel like being stuck—overwhelmed, overworked, and unsure how to get free. In this episode, Geoff Hoover, principal at Business of Architecture, shares what's really holding firms back. Geoff's path from engineering to sales and lifeguarding has given him a unique ability to spot the hidden issues firm owners often miss. You'll hear powerful stories that reveal why
The Shocking Truth About Selling Your Architecture Firm (Most Owners Have No Idea)
Architecture firm owners are increasingly burdened by succession planning, talent shortages, and the pressure to scale in a competitive market. Many are unsure how to exit gracefully, grow beyond 50 people, or prepare their business for long-term success, let alone navigate the complex world of mergers and acquisitions. In this eye-opening episode, Rion Willard sits down with the founders of Stone
628: An Architect Developer's Surprising Advice For Small Firm Owners with Zeke Freeman & Enoch Sears on The Radical Hospitality Podcast
Most architects start their own firms for more freedom. But too many end up overwhelmed, overworked, and underpaid. Why does this happen, and how can you break free? In this episode, Enoch Sears speaks with architect and developer Zeke Freeman about the unseen barriers that hold back small firm owners. They uncover the surprising mindset shifts that can unlock real profitability. Plus, they explor
627: A Game-Changing Framework For Escaping The Grind & Getting Your Time Back with Jason Pond & Rion Willard on The Small Business Breakthrough Podcast
Many architects start their firms with a vision of creative freedom, only to find themselves buried in endless work, stretched too thin, and struggling financially. In this episode, Rion Willard joins Jason Owens to reveal why so many architects hit this wall—and what they must do to escape it. You'll hear how business structures, delegation, and financial strategies play a hidden role in shaping
626: From Architect to Developer: A Dangerous Move or a Bold New Model? with David Cross of Skyhouse
Most architects dream of building their own projects—but when it comes time to raise money, navigate risk, and manage construction, many find themselves stuck. Without the right systems, support, or business model, those dreams quickly fade under the weight of complexity and cost. David Cross joins Rion Willard to tell the story of how he left a traditional practice to tackle one of the biggest pr
625: Why Design Talent Won't Win You Clients (and What Will) with Joseph Aniedu of AGA Associates
In this episode, Rion Willard speaks with Joseph Aniedu, a seasoned architect with extensive experience across a range of project types and procurement methods. Joseph has led both internal and external design teams in the successful delivery of complex, multi-disciplinary projects, spanning residential, hospitality, and mixed-use sectors. With a remarkable portfolio that includes award-winning he
624: Overlooked Strategies for Profitability Without Working Harder with Enoch & Rion
How can you boost your architecture firm's profitability—without taking on more work? In this episode, Rion Willard and Enoch Sears break down an often-overlooked strategy that could transform your business overnight. They discuss how pricing isn't just a number—it's positioning, marketing, and psychology all wrapped into one. Discover why some firms effortlessly command premium fees while others
623: Why Architects Struggle to Innovate—And How to Fix It with Josh Sanabria of GoArchitect
What happens when an architect breaks free from traditional practice and takes an unconventional path? In this episode, Josh Sanabria, founder of GoArchitect, shares how his journey led him from design studios to a unique intersection of software, community engagement, and architecture. His company has found an innovative way to help school districts secure funding for major projects—but it's not
622: How to Charge More Without Losing Clients (And Why They'll Thank You for It) with Enoch Sears & Rion Willard
Raising your fees can feel risky, but what if it actually enhances your client's experience? In this episode, Enoch Sears and Rion Willard dive deeper into the psychology of pricing, client perception, and how creating the right kind of buying experience can make clients more willing to pay premium fees—without resistance. Rion shares a surprising turn of events from his watch-buying fiasco and ho
621: What Clients Really Value in Architecture (And What You're Getting Wrong)with Enoch Sears & Rion Willard
Think you know what your clients truly value? You might be surprised. In this episode, Enoch Sears and Rion Willard dive into the hidden psychology behind financial decisions in architecture. They reveal why architects often assume the wrong things about their clients—and how those blind spots lead to pricing struggles, missed opportunities, and frustrating conversations about fees. Rion shares a
620: Why Clients Delay Payments (& How Architects Can Stop Being Manipulated) with Haritos Sofios of bugleLabs
What if the biggest challenges in architecture—clients not paying on time and miscommunication disasters—could be solved with one powerful tool? In this episode, Rion Willard speaks with tech entrepreneur Harry Sofios, founder of Bugle Labs, about his mission to fix the broken architect-client relationship. Harry shares the eye-opening stories that led him to develop a software platform designed t
619: The Ugly Truth About Succession Planning: What No One Tells Firm Owners with Phillip Ross of Anchin
Succession planning—it's one of the biggest decisions an architecture firm owner will ever make. In this episode, we sit down with CPA and succession planning expert Phillip Ross to explore the key financial and strategic moves every firm should consider when planning their transition. Whether you're thinking of selling, passing the baton internally, or exploring other options, this conversation u
618: Why Architects Are the Perfect Developers with Charlie Kaplan of Gluck+
What if architects didn't have to rely on developers to bring their designs to life? In this episode, Rion Willard sits down with Charlie Kaplan, principal at Gluck+, to explore a unique business model that gives architects more control, creativity, and financial upside. They discuss how their firm blurs the lines between architect, builder, and developer, leading to incredible efficiencies and de
Behind the Scenes of a Top Design Firm
Hey architecture fans! This week we're giving you a sneak peek at our upcoming film about Brooks & Scarpa, and it's unlike any architecture story you've heard before. No glossy magazine feature here - just raw honesty about what it really takes to build a powerhouse design firm. From Larry's early days helping his immigrant dad with construction to Angela's mission to transform cities, this power
617: Winning Clients Without Lowering Your Fees: How to Make Your Firm Stand Out with Enoch Sears & Rion Willard
How do you truly stand out in the architecture industry? In this follow-up episode, we dive deeper into real strategies for differentiation—beyond the usual clichés and overused tactics. If you've ever wondered why clients struggle to choose between firms or why pricing pressure keeps you stuck, this episode uncovers what's really going on. We discuss the counterintuitive ways pricing affects perc
616: Winning Clients Without Lowering Your Fees: Positioning Yourself for Premium Clients with Enoch Sears & Rion Willard
What sets one architecture firm apart from another? In an industry overflowing with talent, many firms struggle to stand out. In this episode, we tackle one of the biggest challenges architects face—differentiation. Most firms unknowingly blend in, using the same tired strategies as their competitors. But what if those approaches are actually keeping you stuck? We explore why traditional different
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