Business of Architecture Podcast

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 isn’t just about handing over the reins—it’s about what really drives a thriving business when you're no longer in the driver's seat. You'll hear behind-the...

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 corporate jargon—this is a rare look into the mindset behind real, lasting success.

From navigating ambiguity to balancing profit and purpose, they share lessons learned from decades of growth. You’ll hear ho...

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 recent travels sparked a deep realization that may flip your idea of “productivity” on its head.

You’ll hear stories, metaphors, and one simple daily ritual that reveals a new way to think...

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:

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 up.

When small architecture firms grow, the numbers don’t always follow. In this episode, Ryan Mayhugh from HOK shares what really makes or breaks a firm’s success.

You’ll hear wh...

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 project, earning major funding, press recognition, and a sustainable business model.

Peter’s story weaves through scrappy beginnings, bold financial maneuvers, and a surprising stroke of entrepreneurial insight. He talks about the hidden power of creative leverage, the overlooked value...

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 identifying top talent. Not the typical “rock star” you might imagine—but something deeper, more strategic.

They explore where most architecture firms go wrong in their hiring pro...

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 meetings.

In this episode, architect and developer Kevin Hittle shares how he bridged that gap. Kevin started as a laborer, became an architect, and eventually wore all three hats: architect, developer, and contractor. It’s a stor...

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 cash left.

What happens when your firm hits a financial wall—hard—and you’ve got just weeks of cash left? This episode pulls back the curtain on a real archi...

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, grit, and surprising wins in one of the most expensive housing markets in the world.

Shane shares how he navigated his first project, convinced partners to jump in with him, and found...

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 two iconic projects in the Arizona desert. What followed was a shift not only in career, but in how he sees the role of architects in shaping their own futures.

In this he...

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 hear how one of his biggest challenges turned into a multi-business solution, helping not just his firm but others in the industry. He opens up about the real cost of passion, how to sp...

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 Zogolovitch, the co-founders of Developer Collective. They open up about their mission to help architects take control of their future—and why now may be the best time to make a bold move.

You’ll...

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 great design isn’t enough to build a successful business. Geoff shares the mindset shifts and leadership patterns that separate the firms that thrive from the ones that merely survive. This episode is...

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 Mill Partners, a specialist M&A firm serving the AEC industry. They peel back the curtain on how architectural firms are being bought, sold, and merged—often with surprising motivations behind each move.

The conversation re...

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 explore the key difference between struggling firms and those that scale beyond $1M.

You'll also hear why some firms hit a ceiling while others break through. And if you’ve ever wondered wh...

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 success. Ryan also shares personal stories of his own struggles, the game-changing moment that shifted everything, and how he and Enoch Sears built a framework to help architects reclaim their time, ener...

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 problems in UK housing. In this episode, David shares the bold move that started it all—and the surprising childhood experience that planted the seed. He opens up about the risks, the...

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 healthcare and hospitality projects in the UK, Joseph’s work has contributed to projects totaling nearly £1 billion in value. His tenure as a senior architect for major clients has refined his approach to balancing the critical demands of quality, time, cost, and resource man...

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 struggle with clients who push back on pricing. Learn how one simple tweak to your service offerings could create new revenue streams instantly. Plus, get insight into the surprising lessons architecture can take from industries like luxur...

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 what you’d expect.

Josh reveals how a surprising realization forced him to pivot his business model completely, leading to explosive growth. He also discusses the overlooked challenges that architects face when trying to innovate within...

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 how a frustrating purchasing experience almost ruined a sale. The lesson? The process of buying matters just as much as the product. Enoch and Rion also discuss the hidden mindset shifts that sepa...

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 personal story about an electrician who completely misread his priorities, leading to a lost sale. This simple mistake mirrors what many architects unknowingly do in their own businesses. Enoch and Rion break down a powerful framework fo...

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 to eliminate cash flow nightmares and reduce project chaos. He reveals how lessons from e-learning technology inspired a smarter way for architects to manage projects, protect their work, and ensure they get paid—without awkward conver...

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 uncovers insights most firm owners overlook.

We also discuss how to maximize the value of your firm, the critical mistake that can drastically reduce your payout, and why some firms struggle to transition leadership successfully. With y...

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 design freedom.

Charlie shares the origins of this approach, from early hands-on projects to scaling up to multimillion-dollar developments. He reveals the key mindset shift architects must make to succeed in this space and the un...

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 couple shares it all - including why they sometimes have to keep Larry away from construction sites!

Join us for this candid look at the creative breakthroughs, near-disasters, and everything...

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 perception, why marketing is more than just a nice website, and how to use simple strategies that don’t cost a fortune to create an unforgettable client experience. Plus, we explore the surprising lessons a...

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 differentiators, like awards and sustainability credentials, often fail to make an impact. We also discuss the surprising ways architects unknowingly limit themselves and how their websites may be working against them. And, of course, we share stories—some...

What if the key to long-term success in architecture and design wasn’t just great projects, but great relationships? In this episode, Ed Thompson, Director of Brick & Wonder, shares how this unique network is reshaping collaboration in the AEC industry. He reveals the surprising insights behind building a thriving community-driven business and why most firms are missing out on a crucial opportunity.

You’ll hear the fascinating backstory of how an ambitious development project led to an entirely new way of thinking about professional relationships. Ed also unpacks the mindset shift needed to go from chasing projects to c...

In this episode, Enoch Sears and Rion Willard tackle some of the most pressing questions from small architecture firm owners. From managing finances to standing out in a competitive market, they share surprising insights that challenge traditional thinking. Along the way, they explore hidden factors holding practices back and reveal strategies for unlocking greater success.

Ever wonder if the tools you use are helping or hurting your business? Or why do some firms thrive while others struggle to grow? Enoch and Rion delve into common mistakes architects make and offer fresh perspectives that could change how you...

What fuels the cynicism within the architecture profession? In this thought-provoking episode, Enoch Sears and Rion Willard explore an intriguing Reddit thread that sparks a deep dive into the hidden struggles architects face. From dashed expectations of glamour to the reality of long hours and low pay, they examine why disillusionment is so widespread. But amidst the challenges, there’s a hopeful message for those willing to see the opportunities.

Hear candid personal stories from Enoch and Rion about their early careers, university experiences, and what they wish they’d known starting out. Discover how architectural education shap...

What happens when an architect decides to take control—not just of the design, but the entire development process? In this episode, Rion Willard sits down with Josiah, an architect-turned-developer who made the bold leap from high-rise projects to building his own vision. He shares how a moment of burnout led him to rethink his career, ultimately reshaping his business model into something far more lucrative and fulfilling.

From funding his first project to scaling up with multiple developments at once, Josiah reveals the key insights that helped him transition from architect to entrepreneur. He breaks down th...

In this episode, Marcus Gleysteen shares his inspiring journey as the head of a design-driven architecture studio. From lessons on finding the right clients to surprising insights about the balance between creativity and business, Marcus doesn’t hold back. His perspective will challenge what you think you know about success in architecture.

Marcus also opens up about how personal setbacks shaped his approach to work and life. Whether you're an aspiring architect or a seasoned professional, his stories and strategies will leave you reflecting on your own path. The way he’s using cutting-edge tools like AI migh...

Discover why architects face ongoing challenges with salaries and fees in this insightful episode. Hosts Rion Willard and Enoch Sears explore the root causes of low compensation and long hours in the profession, drawing from their experiences across the UK, the US, and beyond. They question if regulations, client perceptions, or something deeper is to blame.

The conversation takes an unexpected turn as they share surprising insights from other industries and discuss how architects can reclaim control over their fees. You’ll hear personal stories, bold opinions, and practical ideas for building a business that supports creativity an...

In this engaging episode, Peter Barker, partner at Ryder Architecture, shares his journey from ancient languages to shaping one of the UK’s leading architectural practices. Discover how Ryder grew from its Newcastle roots to become an international force, redefining education, training, and the role of architecture in business. Peter reveals innovative approaches that have not only shaped his career but also transformed the future of architectural education and practice.

Gain insights into Ryder’s groundbreaking apprenticeship program and hear Peter’s unique perspective on navigating architectural career paths. He discusses the balance between creativity and practicality, and th...

In this thought-provoking episode, Rion Willard dives into the pressing challenges architects face today. He explores how low salaries, fierce competition, and fee undercutting are reshaping the profession. Can regulation solve these problems—or does it introduce new ones? Rion’s insights challenge traditional thinking and inspire fresh perspectives.

Discover how architects can break free from a reliance on outdated strategies. Rion shares alternative approaches to raising fees, increasing profits, and thriving in today’s competitive market. Whether you’re a firm owner or an aspiring architect, this episode offers eye-opening strategies you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, Rion Willard dives into the world of podcasting for professional services firms with John Tyreman, the mastermind behind Red Cedar Marketing. John shares his journey from agency life to becoming a fractional marketing director, carving a niche in podcast marketing. Together, they explore how podcasts can position firms as thought leaders, strengthen client relationships, and generate new business.

Discover why podcasting is more than just a marketing tool—it’s a strategic gateway to powerful connections and conversations. John unpacks the essential elements of a sustainable podcast, the common pitfalls to avoid, and a smar...

Welcome to Part 2 of Rion Willard’s conversation with Paul Iddon, founder of Agency PSI, on the Business of Architecture podcast. In this episode, they delve deeper into the unexpected power of emotion in sustainability and how it influences the architecture profession. Discover why beauty, storytelling, and emotional connections may hold the key to raising fees and creating lasting client relationships.

Paul uncovers surprising parallels between architecture and consumer goods, offering fresh perspectives on marketing and client engagement. He challenges conventional thinking, revealing ways architects can position their services to inspire passion and build trust.

Th...

In this fascinating episode, host Rion Willard sits down with Paul Iddon, founder of Agency PSI, to explore the powerful intersection of architecture, marketing, and psychology. With over 22 years in architecture and another 22 in branding, Paul shares how architects can rethink their positioning, fees, and salaries. This conversation offers a fresh perspective on overcoming the challenges architects face and how to unlock greater value in their work.

Paul reveals strategies to help architects stand out in competitive markets, using insights from behavioral economics and marketing psychology. He challenges traditional ideas and offers actionable advice that could change...