Business of Architecture Podcast

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host Enoch Sears sits down with Matt Cooper, CEO of BQE, to explore how firm leaders can finally break free from outdated tools and habits that hold them back. You'll hear why so many architects unknowingly run their practice like it's still the 1990s, and what shifts the most successful firms are making right now. Matt also shares lessons from scaling businesses in other industries, and why those insights matter more than ever for architects who want both profit and freedom. Most importantly, this conversation reveals how to stop flying blind and start leading with clarity. In this episode, you'll discover: The hidden trap that keeps most firms stuck in survival mode. A surprising insight Matt brought from hotels and restaurants into architecture. Why one simple change can empower your entire team overnight. To learn more about Matthew, visit his website: https://www.bqe.com/

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. Together, they explore a bold approach that mixes generosity with business sense and how it has led to opportunities that would never have appeared otherwise. Chris shares lessons from the early days of "free architecture" to a structured model that now supports communities, wins trust, and even sparks funding. Along the way, you'll hear stories of risk, trial, and surprising payoffs. In this episode, you'll discover: The overlooked move that turned "free" sketches into serious work. Why a simple outreach strategy was harder than expected—but worth it. How one pro bono project unlocked resources beyond anyone's guess. To learn more about Chris, visit their website: alma-nac.com

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 architects stuck at the bottom of the food chain. The panel shares real stories of projects that almost died, then turned around when someone was willing to take on a different kind of risk. You'll also hear how some architects stepped into development, pricing, and early strategy without blowing up their careers. If you've ever felt like "just a consultant," this conversation will hit home. In this episode, you'll hear about: The moment one firm realized their "safe" approach was the real danger How a risky first project became the seed for a whole company A simple shift that helped architects stop racing to the bottom on fees

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? Dominic shares a rare behind-the-scenes look at how he's growing a profitable practice—without following the traditional path of starting his own firm. You'll hear how his team doubled revenue, secured a more diverse client mix, and gained leadership traction—all while staying embedded within a global corporate machine. But this isn't about selling out. It's about showing up differently, playing smarter, and tapping into a deeper well of opportunity most architects miss. Tune in to discover: Why being small inside something big might be your best bet The one internal shift that sparked team-wide growth How to lead with value—even when the client holds all the cards To learn more about Dominic, visit his website: https://www.cbre.com/services/design-and-build/design

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 keep firm owners stuck, even when they love the work. From a hard truth an accountant once delivered, to why outside coaches can change the game, the conversation moves from money to meaning without turning into a lecture. They also wander through early architectural memories, a few iconic buildings, and a view of how architects could shape the next era of communities. The "one sentence" an accountant said that made a successful architect rethink everything. The unexpected reason Enoch says most firms stay trapped—even when they're busy. A small habit from studio days that reveals a bigger advantage most people miss. To learn more about Michele, visit her website: https://www.mgharchitect.com/

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, and leading-edge AI. But this isn't just about tools and tech. It's about mindset, risk, and what happens when firms approach AI the wrong way. Sam unpacks how small firms can gain a huge edge—without chasing every shiny new tool. You'll also hear why AI isn't here to replace architects—but it will change who thrives and who gets left behind. In this episode, you'll discover: The most dangerous question firms ask when starting their AI journey How one engineer cloned herself—and why your next hire might not be human The quiet revolution happening inside clients' minds (and how it could change your fee structure forever) To learn more about Sam, visit her website: https://yegatech.com/

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 Anthony thinks about designing the practice, not just the projects. He shares how he built momentum without betting the farm, why he keeps investing in guidance, and what happens when a team learns to treat truth as fuel instead of a threat. You'll also catch the mindset shifts behind growth: how to face uncertainty, turn hard moments into process upgrades, and build a culture where high standards feel energizing, not crushing. The simple outreach move that made other firms want to send him work (and why most architects never try it). The "feedback rule" that sounds intense… until you hear what it does to performance and trust. The quiet metric he watches that reveals more about a firm's health than "busy" ever will. To learn more about Anthony, visit his: www.laney.la

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, touching on both the practical and the deeply personal sides of transition. You'll hear stories about navigating valuation surprises, handing over control, and the emotional tug of letting go. Rather than a checklist, Jeff shares the lived reality of how to position your firm so it thrives after you. This is about more than numbers—it's about legacy, freedom, and preparing people to carry the vision forward. Listen in and discover: The hidden trap most owners fall into when they think about selling their firm. Why a strong portfolio may not be the golden ticket you believe it is. A critical piece of the transition puzzle that too many overlook until it's too late. To learn more about Jeff, visit his website: https://kriegerarchitects.com/

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 work." Enoch and Rion explore how undercharging starts long before you send a fee proposal, and how one awkward early project shaped Enoch's view of money. They show why "breaking even" is actually a warning sign, not a win. You'll hear how low fees trap small and residential firms in a cycle of stress, weak hiring, and no time for real design. Together they reveal the shift in mindset that lets you really charge more and feel good about it. The quiet habit that makes even good projects unprofitable A pricing mistake that keeps you from hiring help One mental switch that lifts your fees without changing your service

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 not, and the hidden lessons most architects never get to learn. Ben lifts the hood on how he structured his practice to run without him, and the price he's paid for that freedom. He also shares the real risk of juggling multiple businesses and what most architects get wrong when trying to become developers. If you think becoming an "architect-developer" is the dream, this episode is your wake-up call. On this episode, you'll discover: Why the way you hire might be the reason you can't grow The "cleanest" business model no one talks about in architecture How top architects are solving more than just design problems Tune in—you'll see your practice differently. To learn more about Ben, visit his website: https://xpproperty.co.uk/

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 surprising move that got his clients saying yes. He hints at a simple review that uncovered cash hiding in plain sight. You'll also hear how opening the books shifted his team from employees to true partners. From vision days to a fresh org chart, Tom shows why culture is not fluff—it's profit. He speaks about freedom through people, not just systems, and the next chapter for his firm. This is a story of transformation every architect will want to hear. You'll also discover: The one-sentence purpose that changed everything The quiet client talk that unlocked higher fees The tracking tweak that turned hours into cash To learn more about Thomas, visit his website: https://ts3architects.com/

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 toll hustle culture takes on your body, mind, and most valuable relationships. You'll hear how an unexpected turning point made Jenna rethink everything about success, and the surprising ripple effects that followed. This isn't theory—it's lived experience, backed by results. Jenna also hints at the simple but powerful shifts that free you from the "time for money" trap. If you've ever wondered whether you can work less and earn more, this is your chance to find out. You'll discover: The hidden cost of being "the bottleneck" in your firm Why your brain may be blocking your best work The counterintuitive change that can grow both freedom and revenue To learn more about Jenna, visit her website: https://www.theuncommonway.com/