Business of Architecture Podcast
- Episodes
- 761
- Released
- weekly
- Latest episode
- Nov 9, 2026
About the podcast
Discover strategies, tips and secrets for running a fun, flexible and profitable architecture practice. The focus here is simple: discussion of ways for architects to create a dream architecture practice: design what you want, when you want, and get paid well for it.
Episodes 761
Strategic Branding for Architects: Differentiation, Value, and AI Discovery with Dennis Boyle | 712
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework What if your architecture firm's biggest challenge isn't the quality of your work, but how …
Show notes
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework
What if your architecture firm's biggest challenge isn't the quality of your work, but how clients see your value?
Many architects create great designs yet struggle to stand out, win better clients, or charge the fees they deserve. Could the way your firm tells its story be holding you back?
In this episode of the Business of Architecture podcast, Enoch Sears sits down with Dennis Boyle, a branding expert with over 20 years of experience, to explore why great design alone may not be enough.
They discuss the hidden gaps that can make even strong firms blend into the crowd, why the rise of AI could change how clients find architects, and the signs that your firm's brand may no longer fit its goals.
If you want to attract better clients, protect your fees, and build a firm that stands apart, this conversation may change how you see your brand.
In this episode, discover:
- The branding blind spot that could make your firm forgettable, even when your work is outstanding.
- The surprising shift in how clients find architects and why your firm could be missing opportunities without knowing it.
- The warning signs that your brand is falling behind your business and why waiting too long could cost you.
To learn more about Boyle, visit their website: boyledesign.com/boa
- sponsorship -
How Architects Can Set Better Fees, Handle Pushback, and Protect Profit | 711
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Architecture firm owners often assume that low fees, difficult clients, or a slow market …
Show notes
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework
Architecture firm owners often assume that low fees, difficult clients, or a slow market are the main reasons profit feels harder than it should. But what if the real problem is hiding somewhere less obvious?
In this episode, Rion Willard speaks with Geoff Hoover about the patterns he sees inside architecture firms every day. They explore why some owners stay stuck despite doing great work, how the way you approach client conversations can change what happens next, and why the story you tell yourself about price may not match what clients are actually thinking.
Geoff also explains how firm owners can uncover hidden gaps in their business before those gaps become expensive problems. From fees and scope creep to client objections and profitability, this conversation challenges several common assumptions about what really drives a healthy architecture practice.
Listen in to discover what may be happening beneath the surface of your firm—and what you might be missing.
- Why a client saying "your fee is too high" may not mean what you think it means.
- The overlooked signal that could reveal whether your pricing is leaving money on the table.
- Why the firms that create the most value may be doing something very different before they ever show a portfolio.
- sponsorship - Xero: https://referrals.xero.com/BOA
Building Better Homes Through Engineering, Commissioning, and Client-Centered Design | 710
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework What makes a beautiful building truly work for the people who live in it? In this episode …
Show notes
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework
What makes a beautiful building truly work for the people who live in it? In this episode, Wesley Van Rite shares how better questions, closer coordination, and a deeper view of comfort can change the outcome of a project.
Wes also opens up about building a small, flexible engineering practice without giving up the life he wanted to create. His story offers a thoughtful look at how technical skill, client trust, and business choices can work together.
You'll hear why some problems begin long before construction.
• The hidden gap that can turn a dream project into a daily source of frustration. • The simple client conversation that can reshape key design decisions. • Why saying "yes" can create new opportunities—when it comes from the right place.
This conversation will help architects think differently about performance, partnership, and the kind of practice they want to build for themselves, their teams, and clients.
To learn more about Wes, visit his website: https://www.engdproj.com/ - sponsorship - Xero: https://referrals.xero.com/BOA
Creating Value Before Design: Ricardo on Architecture, Development, and Better Client Conversations | 709
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Many architects feel boxed into the role of "designer," only being invited into the …
Show notes
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework
Many architects feel boxed into the role of "designer," only being invited into the conversation after the biggest decisions have already been made. By then, the budget, site, program, and business risks may already be set—and the architect is left trying to create value inside someone else's limits.
In this episode, Ricardo shares how his path from New York to Puerto Rico led him to rethink what architects can really bring to the table. His story touches on client power, early project decisions, development, risk, patience, and the quiet shifts that can change the future of a firm.
This is not a simple story about growth or success. It is a clear look at what happens when an architect learns to see beyond design fees and starts asking better questions about value, timing, trust, and partnership.
You'll hear:
- The hidden moment where architects may already be giving away their most valuable thinking.
- Why one early seat at the table can change the entire role of the architect.
- The business lesson that took years to understand, but changed everything about long-term opportunity.
To learn more about Ricardo Alvarez, visit their website: https://www.alvarezdiazvillalon.com/ - sponsorship - Xero: https://referrals.xero.com/BOA
Winning Better Work: Chris Laul on Strategy, Clients & Growth | 708
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework What if your firm could grow by chasing less work, not more? In this episode, Chris Laul …
Show notes
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework
What if your firm could grow by chasing less work, not more?
In this episode, Chris Laul of HOK shares what years inside a design firm have taught him about growth, clients, and creative work. He looks at why some firms build trust, make choices, and stand out without losing what makes their work special.
Chris also shares how his life as a fine artist shaped the way he thinks about business, value, and the people who buy creative work.
- The question that can change which jobs you chase—and which ones you walk away from.
- Why some of your growth may already be sitting inside the ties your team has built.
- What art taught Chris about making creative work valuable without giving up its heart.
If you want to win better work, build client ties, and think clearly about growth, this episode may change how you see your firm.
To learn more about Chris, visit his website: https://www.hok.com/
- sponsorship -
Xero: referrals.xero.com/BOA
Five Critical Mistakes to Avoid When Building Remote Teams for Your Architecture Firm | 707
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Building a remote team can give an architecture firm more capacity, flexibility, and …
Show notes
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework
Building a remote team can give an architecture firm more capacity, flexibility, and freedom. Yet the results depend on far more than finding a skilled person and assigning them work.
In this episode, Enoch Sears speaks with Camila Brugger, Founder and CEO of WorldTeams, about what firm owners often overlook when they hire across borders. Drawing from her work with more than 200 architecture firms, Camila explains why the right preparation can shape the entire experience.
You will hear how clearer decisions, stronger communication, and better internal habits can help remote team members succeed. You will also learn why some common hiring approaches create friction before the work even begins.
- The hidden decision that can determine whether a new hire thrives
- Why one attractive hiring shortcut often leads firms in the wrong direction
- The overlooked internal shift that makes global teamwork far easier
Listen to discover how to build a remote team that supports both growth and freedom.
To learn more about Camila, visit her: https://worldteams.com - sponsorship - Xero: referrals.xero.com/BOA
What Luxury Clients Expect: An Owner's Rep on Better Project Delivery | 706
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework What makes a great project feel great for the client, not just look great at the end? In …
Show notes
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework
What makes a great project feel great for the client, not just look great at the end?
In this episode, Rion Willard talks with Megan Turner, founder of ML Turner, about what really happens behind the scenes of complex custom homes. Drawing on her work as a builder, construction manager, and owner's rep, Megan shares a rare view of how strong teams keep ambitious projects moving.
The conversation explores why some projects stay on track while others become harder than expected. Megan also reveals what high-end clients notice, what strong architecture firms tend to understand, and why the best project experience often depends on choices made long before construction begins.
You'll also hear how trust, communication, and the right team can shape far more than the final result. If you work with demanding clients or complex projects, this episode may change how you think about the service you provide today.
- The overlooked factor that can quietly shape a project before construction even begins
- What high-end clients notice that many project teams may never think to ask about
- Why the firms that earn lasting trust tend to approach the client experience differently
To learn more about Megan, visit her LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-turner-cm
The Exhausted Architect: Moving from Overwork to Freedom and Flow | 705
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Many architects are taught to believe that more hours, more effort, and more sacrifice …
Show notes
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework
Many architects are taught to believe that more hours, more effort, and more sacrifice will lead to a better firm. But what if that belief is quietly creating the very pressure they are trying to escape?
In this episode, Enoch Sears and Rion Willard unpack the hidden patterns behind exhaustion in architecture practice. They explore why hard work can become a trap, how busyness can feel like progress, and why rest may play a much bigger role in great leadership than most firm owners think.
This conversation is not about lowering standards or caring less. It is about learning how to lead with more clarity, energy, and freedom.
- The silent habit that can make even smart architects feel stuck in endless work
- Why "just pushing harder" may not be the path to better results
- A surprising shift that can help firm owners protect both their work and their life
How High-Performing Architecture Firms Improve Profitability and Cash Flow | 704
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 Ashish Desai, CEO of Monograph, to talk about …
Show notes
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 Ashish Desai, CEO of Monograph, to talk about what the numbers are really showing inside architecture firms.
Ashish shares a grounded look at how some firms are building stronger businesses without losing sight of the work they love. The conversation touches on profit, cash flow, AI, team habits, and the quiet business patterns that often decide whether a firm feels steady or strained.
This is not a theory-heavy episode. It is a clear look at what is changing in architectural practice now, and what firm owners may need to rethink next.
- The simple metric that can reveal more than most firm owners expect
- Why "busy" firms can still feel financially tight
- The hidden shift that may change how architects use technology
To learn more about Ashish, visit the website: https://monograph.com/
How an Architecture Firm Evolves: Pricing, Confidence, and Leadership | 703
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Alex Gore joins Enoch Sears for a clear, honest talk about how a firm changes as it grows …
Show notes
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework
Alex Gore joins Enoch Sears for a clear, honest talk about how a firm changes as it grows. This is not a theory-heavy chat. It is a real look at what shifts when you move from trying to survive to trying to lead with more skill, more care, and more control.
They talk about the kinds of choices that seem small in the moment but can shape the future of a practice. Alex shares how his thinking has changed over time, where he now draws the line, and why some old advice no longer fits the season he is in. He also opens up about confidence, pressure, and what it really takes to earn trust in business and in design.
The episode also explores a few unexpected ideas about team structure, client work, and where real value gets lost. If you run a small firm, this conversation may challenge a few habits you have stopped noticing.
- The quiet decision that can drain profit long before most firm owners see it
- Why one common "good habit" may backfire in the wrong season
- The surprising kind of support that can make projects stronger from start to finish
To learn more about Alex, visit his:
Website: http://f9productions.com/
Turning Construction Administration Into Firm Intelligence with Tim Douglas | 702
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework For many architecture firms, construction administration can feel like a constant game of …
Show notes
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework
For many architecture firms, construction administration can feel like a constant game of chase. RFIs, submittals, emails, spreadsheets, and contractor platforms pile up fast, and important details can get buried before anyone sees the pattern.
In this episode of the Business of Architecture podcast, Enoch Sears talks with Tim Douglas, CEO of Roundhouse Labs, about why this overlooked part of practice may hold more value than most firm owners realize.
Tim shares how his journey from architecture into construction technology led him to a problem hiding in plain sight. The conversation explores how firms may be sitting on clues that could change the way they manage projects, support teams, price work, and make better decisions.
In this episode, you'll discover:
- The hidden "signal" inside CA that most firms never see.
- Why old project data may become a firm owner's secret advantage.
- The overlooked workflow that could quietly shape profit, staffing, and control.
To learn more about Tim Douglas, visit his website: https://www.roundhouselabs.com/
Rethinking Fees, Mindset, and Financial Agency in Architecture | 701
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework In this live talk at Westminster University, Rion Willard shares a sharp, practical look …
Show notes
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework
In this live talk at Westminster University, Rion Willard shares a sharp, practical look at one issue many architects feel but rarely name: why good work does not always lead to a healthy business. He speaks from direct experience, moving from practice into advising firms, and he challenges some deeply held beliefs about fees, value, and the role of money in architecture.
But this episode is not just about charging more. It is about a bigger shift in how architects think, speak, and act when business decisions carry real weight. Rion points to a few hidden patterns that quietly shape results, and he shows why some common habits may be costing firms far more than they realize.
If you have ever felt tension around pricing, growth, or client expectations, this conversation will give you plenty to think about—and a new lens for what may be possible.
- The quiet belief that may be hurting your fees more than the market
- Why one common way of billing can create far more stress than most architects realize
- The subtle shift that can change how clients see your value before numbers even come up
Resource: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/smart-practice-project-fee-budget-calculator
Eric Lam on Feng Shui, Environmental Psychology, and Designing for Human Energy | 700
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework In this episode, architect Eric Lam joins Business of Architecture to explore a design …
Show notes
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework
In this episode, architect Eric Lam joins Business of Architecture to explore a design tradition many architects have heard of, but few understand in depth: Feng Shui.
Eric shares how his early life in Hong Kong, his work as an architect, and his interest in biophilic design led him back to ideas he first heard from his grandmother. The conversation opens a thoughtful look at how space, energy, psychology, and business all connect.
You'll hear how ancient principles still shape major cities, why small shifts in a room can change how people feel, and how architects might use deeper awareness of space to serve clients in a more human way.
- The overlooked design idea hiding in plain sight inside some of the world's most powerful cities
- Why "good energy" may be less mystical—and more practical—than many architects think
- The simple spatial shift that can change how a business owner feels at work
To learn more about Eric, visit his website: https://www.redwoodsdsa.com/
Building a Purpose-Driven Architecture Practice Through Business Clarity and Community Impact | 699
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework In this episode, Erick Darbo Diaz and Carolina Civarolo share how they built ORANGE MADE …
Show notes
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework
In this episode, Erick Darbo Diaz and Carolina Civarolo share how they built ORANGE MADE in the Rio Grande Valley with a strong sense of place, purpose, and partnership. They talk about choosing to stay rooted in their community and why that choice shaped both their work and their vision.
You will also hear how they work together as husband and wife while leading the firm side by side. They reflect on how their roles grew over time, what helped them stay aligned, and why building the business became just as important as designing the work itself.
The conversation also explores a quiet shift that changed the path of the practice. Without giving too much away, it reveals how better thinking around the business opened new possibilities for the team, the work, and the future they want to build.
- Why staying in a "smaller" market gave them an edge they did not see at first
- The subtle change that made the firm feel very different almost overnight
- What they now believe matters just as much as great design
To learn more about Erick & Carolina, visit their: https://orange-made.com/
From One Cabin to a Global Idea: Craft, Intuition, and Building with Purpose | 698
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework In this episode, Rion Willard speaks with Caspar Schols, the designer behind Cabin ANNA …
Show notes
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework
In this episode, Rion Willard speaks with Caspar Schols, the designer behind Cabin ANNA, about how a deeply personal project grew into something with global reach. What begins as a conversation about making soon turns into something wider: craft, grief, nature, and the strange path from one handmade object to a living body of work.
You will hear how Caspar thinks about building, why small projects can hold big meaning, and what happens when growth starts to pull you away from the work you love most. He also shares how intuition, ritual, and careful iteration shaped both the design itself and the business that followed.
You will discover:
- Why one quiet project struck a chord far beyond what anyone expected
- The hidden tension between scale, structure, and staying close to the work itself
To learn more about Caspar, visit his website: https://www.cabin-anna.com/
Building High-Performing, Resilient, Proactive Teams in Architecture Firms | 697
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework If your firm can't move without you, this episode will feel uncomfortably familiar today …
Show notes
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework
If your firm can't move without you, this episode will feel uncomfortably familiar today. Rion Willard shares a talk he gave on how small practices can build teams that act with ownership, not constant supervision. It's practical, grounded, and aimed at the real pressure points that make good architects feel stuck.
You'll hear a clear way to spot when "leadership" is quietly creating stress, slow decisions, and repeat mistakes. Rion also walks through a real client story that shows what changes when a firm shifts its structure, its conversations, and its expectations—without losing its design culture. If you want more freedom, stronger delivery, and a team you can trust, this one is worth your time.
- The subtle reason "help" can make you busier—not lighter
- A simple shift that changes how accountability lands in your office
- The one number that can reveal more than a year of guesswork
Chosen Risk vs Imposed Risk in Architecture Firms | 696
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Risk sits at the center of every architecture firm, yet few talk about it clearly or …
Show notes
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework
Risk sits at the center of every architecture firm, yet few talk about it clearly or honestly. In this episode, Rion Willard reframes risk not as something to avoid, but as something to understand, choose, and use well.
Drawing from a keynote delivered at the AIA New York Center for Architecture, Rion explores why architects carry so much responsibility without matching authority or reward. He reveals how unseen pressures quietly erode profit, creativity, and firm growth.
But avoiding risk creates its own danger. The episode challenges firm owners to rethink which risks drain energy and which ones unlock momentum, freedom, and agency.
Through real stories from architects who stepped beyond convention, Rion points to a different path forward. One defined less by caution, and more by deliberate courage.
If risk already feels heavy in your firm, this conversation may change how you see it.
- Why the risks you avoid may be costing you more than the ones you take
- The quiet reason creativity disappears inside "successful" firms
- How small, chosen risks can compound into real leverage and growth
Proactive Prospecting and Pipeline Building to Support Premium Fees | 695
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Premium fees don't come from better drawings. They come from a business that can win work …
Show notes
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework
Premium fees don't come from better drawings. They come from a business that can win work on purpose. In this episode, Rion Willard continues the premium-fee framework by tackling the part most firms avoid: proactive prospecting and a real pipeline.
You'll hear why "doing good work" is only the entry ticket, how to break the feast-or-famine cycle, and what it looks like to treat business development like a non-negotiable system. Rion also shares a practical way to look at pipeline value so you can spot false comfort in your forecast—without drowning in tools or busywork.
On today's episode, you'll discover:
- The uncomfortable reason your pipeline can look strong… and still be a lie
- The mindset shift that makes outreach feel like service, not desperation
- The quiet weekly habit premium firms protect (and most small firms don't)
The Inner Game of Leadership: How Self-Awareness Shapes Your Practice | 694
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Architects often struggle with the quiet, grinding pain of difficult clients, rising …
Show notes
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework
Architects often struggle with the quiet, grinding pain of difficult clients, rising stress, and the nagging sense that the real problem might be them—but they can't quite see how. This episode dives into that hidden tension: the gap between what architects think is happening in their practice and what's actually driving their results beneath the surface.
Rion and Enoch explore how words, stories, and colors quietly shape what architects see as possible. A difficult client, strange dreams, and silent retreats all become clues in this hidden game.
You'll hear how an "annoying" client turned out to be something different on the balance sheet. You'll also hear how past-life tales, men's circles, and a bus full of "crazy" thoughts reveal what is really driving a practice.
Listen in if you suspect your real bottleneck might live in your own thinking, not your market.
- The throwaway remark that exposed a deep fear running a firm.
- A simple shift in view that turned stress into profit.
- The silent habit that leaves leaders "asleep at the wheel" with their team.
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 …
Show notes
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 leader built standards first, then tested AI against finished projects, and only then let it into the workflow. You'll also hear the metric they used to judge results, and why "don't change anything" is harder than it sounds. Along the way, they talk about fears, liability, sustainability, training younger staff, and what might change over the next few years.
- The quiet mistake that makes "AI adoption" backfire inside a firm.
- A simple way to tell whether AI is helping—or secretly shifting your design.
- Why the wave won't be about tools… it'll be about who stays in charge.
To learn more about Brandon, visit his website: https://fogartyfinger.com/
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 …
Show notes
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 but powerful model is introduced to reframe how time, value, and income really work.
Rion also challenges several deeply held beliefs architects carry about money, responsibility, and worth. He discusses why avoiding financial conversations weakens both firms and client relationships, and how greater clarity can create freedom rather than pressure. The focus is not on tactics, but on seeing the business of architecture differently.
- The uncomfortable middle ground that drains architects without them noticing
- A subtle distinction that determines whether your firm can survive without you
- The mental shift that changes how clients perceive your fees
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 …
Show notes
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 of the quiet actions that drew in her first major clients.
Sally also talks about the moment her workload broke the old way of working. She describes learning to hand off control, building a tight-knit team, and stepping into the role of creative leader. She then touches on the studio's move into Dubai and Los Angeles, and how journaling and visualising guide her biggest moves.
- The simple shift that helped her stop clinging to every task.
- The "vision exercise" she used before her first Dubai project.
- How one early hire quietly set the tone for her culture.
To learn more about Sally, visit her website: https://www.hesellicdesign.com
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 …
Show notes
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 the wrong clients.
You will hear why "doing great work" is not a pricing strategy, and how a firm can drift into a cycle of undercharging, overdelivering, and thin margins without realizing it. Rion also reframes money as a form of agency and explains what changes when you treat fees as a business system, not a guess, and why small shifts can create outsized leverage.
He then lays out a practical framework for premium pricing and hints at the habits that make it work in real firms. If you want more breathing room, stronger teams, and better choices, start here right now.
- The quiet reason clients "suddenly" fixate on price—and how to stop that game before it starts.
- The one missing piece that makes fee confidence feel impossible, even when your work is strong.
- A simple way to tell if your firm is financially healthy—without looking at profit alone.
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 …
Show notes
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 with facts alone, and why the most effective message often starts somewhere unexpected. He also shares how small shifts in the way you present ideas can change how clients hear you, trust you, and respond to you.
You will also hear why some presentations fall flat, what strong communicators do differently, and how story shape matters more than most people think. If you have ever wondered why some people win attention so naturally, this conversation gives you a fresh way to think about it.
- Why the thing most architects lead with may be the very reason people stop listening
- The overlooked shift that can make your message feel more human, clear, and persuasive
- What great storytellers seem to do naturally that others miss completely
To learn more about Lee, visit his LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/docuguy/
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 …
Show notes
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. If you've ever felt "feast or famine," this will feel familiar.
You'll also hear how a healthcare-focused practice stays sharp, why relationships matter more than tactics, and what changes when you watch the business engine behind the design. Joost explains how stronger systems and clearer numbers can lower stress and create freedom away from the office—without losing traction.
- The moment that reveals whether your pipeline is real… or just hope
- Why "being busy" can still set you up for a surprise slump
- The shift that makes clients treat you like a strategic partner
To learn more about Joost, visit his website: https://pacific33architects.com/
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 …
Show notes
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 disposable.
You'll hear how John and his partners think about staffing, money, and growth so they can protect their team when the market shifts. He also hints at a mindset that shapes how they choose clients, write proposals, and handle scope changes. And he explains why he sees his role as helping people leave the firm as "whole" humans.
- The routine that helps KFA spot trouble months before others feel it.
- The way they handle first client calls that often leads to more work.
- One mindset shift that changes how you lead, mentor, and profit in your firm.
To learn more about John, visit his website: https://kfalosangeles.com/
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 …
Show notes
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 owners know well. Her story reflects a turning point that doesn't come from working harder, but from seeing differently.
As the conversation unfolds, Eariny describes how clarity, vision, and support reshaped the way she leads her practice. Money, pricing, and team building show up—not as tactics, but as deeper shifts in mindset and confidence. The result is a firm that feels lighter, stronger, and more intentional.
The episode ends with a look toward the future, where growth takes on a bolder, less traditional shape.
- The hidden signal that told her something had to change
- The small shift that completely altered client dynamics
- The growth move most firm owners never see coming
To learn more about Eariny, visit her website: https://www.genesisinteriordesign.com/
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 …
Show notes
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, intent, and better conversations.
They unpack what really happens in client meetings, why so many firms sound the same without realizing it, and how a small shift in approach can change who you attract. The discussion also touches on a deeper issue inside the profession: why selling feels difficult, and how that mindset shapes results.
If you have ever left a meeting unsure what happened, felt stuck competing on fees, or questioned how to reach better clients, this episode offers a fresh perspective worth hearing.
- Why the way architects open conversations can quietly shape the outcome
- The subtle difference that makes some firms stand out—without saying more
- What effective business development feels like when it's done right
To learn more about TJ, visit his website: http://www.cubedbd.com
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 …
Show notes
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 losing his love for design.
You'll hear what changed as he moved from "be competitive" thinking to a clearer view of value, service, and faith. It's part business, part inner work, and honest about what it costs to wear every hat alone. If you run a small firm and feel stretched thin, this episode will challenge what you call "normal."
On today's episode, you'll discover:
- The quiet belief that keeps talented architects stuck at "drafter money"
- The mindset shift that made higher fees feel clean—and eased pressure at home
- Why "more projects" can feel safer… and how that can become the trap
To learn more about Chris, visit his website: https://chrissmartdesigns.com/
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 …
Show notes
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 Business of Architecture, host Rion Willard sits down with Matthew Nickerson, serial entrepreneur, consultant, and longtime ally to design firms. Matthew shares hard-earned lessons from building and selling companies, working with world-class practices, and bridging the worlds of art, business, and technology. His story reveals how small shifts can unlock growth, reduce stress, and create real freedom inside your firm.
You'll also discover:
- The hidden drain quietly steals profits from firms of every size
- Why some practices thrive while others drown in chaos — and the overlooked difference
- A future trend in firm management that almost no one is preparing for
To learn more about Matthew, visit his website: https://www.milientsoftware.com/
These are the latest 40 of 761 episodes. You’ll find older episodes in the podcast’s feed.
Similar podcasts
More Arts podcasts
Is this your podcast?
Confirm it with an entry in your feed: you get a code here, add it as podcast:txt to the channel of your feed, and we check it. Your podcast is then shown as “verified” on SoundNode.