Growthitect

#40: Today I’m joined by Caitlin Brady , architect and host of the Architectette podcast, to unpack a headache most firm owners share: you’ve got good people, but limited rungs on the ladder. How do you keep ambitious talent engaged when you can’t promote everyone every year? Caitlin’s worked in 15–17 person studios and at giant corporations, and she interviews leaders across the industry. We dig...

#39: In this episode, I sit down with Beth Lundell Garver , Dean of Practice at the Boston Architectural College (BAC), to dig into one of the most common complaints in the industry: “We never learned business in school.” Beth brings a rare perspective. She’s not only working inside academia, she’s actively redesigning what architecture education looks like. We talk about why most programs still a...

#38: In this episode, I sit down with Mark R. LePage , Founder of EntreArchitect , to tackle one of the most common questions architects ask: Should I spend money on marketing or just focus on organic growth? Mark argues that before you ever think about ads or paid strategies, you need to build a better brand because most firms don’t actually have a marketing problem, they have a clarity problem....

#37: Most architects and engineers say their work comes from word of mouth. But few ever ask the follow-up question: what are people actually saying about us? In this episode, I sit down with Rens Hayes , Co-Founder and Principal of H+O Structural Engineering , to unpack why relying solely and passively on word of mouth is one of the most dangerous habits in the A&E industry. We dig into how m...

#36: In this episode, I sit down with Lance Cayko, Principal & Co-founder of F9 Productions, F12 Development, F14 Construction, and co-host of Inside the Firm , to tackle one of the biggest myths in architecture: “I need a portfolio in a new market before I can win work there.” Lance shares how he and his partner Alex built F9 from nothing into a vertically-integrated architecture, development...

#35: I sit down with Mark Zweig, Founder & Chairman of Zweig Group, to unpack one of the most common frustrations I hear from architects: “How do I market when I don’t have time?” Mark shares why time is never the real issue, why most architects confuse marketing with selling, and how small, consistent actions build a pipeline that reduces pressure on the sales process. We talk about specializ...

#34: How often do you actually ask whether a project is the right fit for your firm?  In this episode, I sit down with Justin Smith, a structural engineer turned operations and strategy advisor, to tackle a problem most firms quietly wrestle with: saying “yes” to the wrong projects. We unpack why “how do we win this?” is the wrong first question, how scarcity thinking warps decisions, and the simp...

#33: Architects often ask the wrong question: “How do I attract clients who actually value design?” In this episode, I sit down with Evelyn Lee, Founder of Practice of Architecture, to unpack why that question is flawed and what architects should be asking instead. We dive into how clients really make decisions, why design alone isn’t the deciding factor, and how to position your firm to win the w...

#32: Every architect wrestles with the same question: How do I raise my fees without losing clients? In this episode, I sit down with Robert Yuen, CEO & Co-Founder of Monograph, to unpack exactly that. We dive into why raising fees is essential for the health of your firm, what policies and benchmarks to use, and how to avoid the biggest pitfalls firms make when pricing their work. Robert brin...

#31: Most architects struggle with the same big question: What should my website actually be doing for me? In this episode, I sit down with Nikita Morell, the go-to copywriter and messaging strategist for architects, to break it down step by step. Together we explore how to move beyond a “pretty portfolio” site and create a website that wins the right clients, consistently. Join Nikita’s newslette...

#30: Lisa Sauve, CEO and Principal of SYNECDOCHE , joins us to reveal how her Detroit-based architecture studio won a major cultural project in a new market by pushing back against the original RFP. PS - If you’re a growth-minded firm owner or leader, apply to join us inside The Studio - https://growthitect.com/studio Learn more about SYNECDOCHE: https://www.synecdoche.design/   Here’s what you’ll...

#29: Alexander Buckridge returns to Growthitect just over a year into launching Studio Bucky , revealing how he landed his biggest project yet. We dive deep on Bucky’s strategies, lessons, and mindset shifts behind continued growth as a new firm owner. PS - If you’re a growth-minded firm owner or leader, apply to join us inside The Studio - https://growthitect.com/studio Learn more about Studio Bu...

#28: Joseph Cole, CEO and founder at Culture Architecture and Design , joins us to share how building a strong studio culture can be the foundation for scaling a successful firm. In this episode, we dive into Joseph's unconventional strategies for landing massive projects with a small team and the mindset shifts that set his practice apart. PS - If you’re a growth-minded firm owner or leader, appl...

#27: Cavin Costello, Principal at The Ranch Mine , joins the show to talk about the bold new strategy he and his wife are championing: designing and building model homes that double as short-term rentals and immersive client experiences. We dive into the risks, logistics, and big opportunities behind their approach and what it could mean for architects who want to break the mold. PS - If you’re a...

#26: Jenn Rittler, Associate Principal at Moody Nolan , provides a deep dive into one of the most overlooked parts of winning work: what happens after the contract is signed. Using the massive, multi-phase Penn State Intramural Building as a case study, Jenn shares how great firms keep earning trust long after the kickoff meeting. From joining projects mid-stream to aligning with clients and manag...

#25: What does it take to win one of the most groundbreaking public school projects in the US? Laura Gwyn, Managing Director at Perkins&Will, joins Tyler Suomala to share how her team secured the first Living Building Certified public school. From building a mission-driven team to delivering a pitch that combined expertise with authenticity, Laura breaks down what it really takes to lead at th...

#24: Marc Spector, founder of Spector Companies, unpacks landing one of the most iconic projects of his career: a commission inside the legendary Seagram Building by Mies van der Rohe. No flashy pitches. No designs. Just pure, relationship-driven strategy. In this conversation, Marc breaks down how trust, intuition, and human connection led his team to win big, proving that sometimes, the most pow...

#23: How do the best residential architecture firms win work? Alex Gore of F9 Productions has figured it out. In this episode, he breaks down the real strategies behind standing out in architecture – and reveals how his team landed a dream high-end residential project in Boulder, Colorado. PS - If you’re a growth-minded firm owner or leader, apply to join us inside The Studio - https://growthitect...

#22: Partner and Founder at Studio Lyon/Szot  reveals how his eight-person firm went head-to-head with global giants – and won. This is the ultimate David vs. Goliath story, packed with raw insights, bold strategies, and the mindset shifts that made it possible. If you’ve ever wondered how a small firm can punch above its weight and land game-changing opportunities, this episode is for you. PS - I...

#21: Lissette Callejas, Director of Marketing at Sweet Sparkman, reveals the strategies that propelled her firm to win in the Reimagining Pei International Competition. We break down the secrets behind standout proposal submissions – what works, what doesn’t, and how to position your firm as the obvious choice. Get ready to dive deep into how to elevate your marketing game. PS - If you’re a growth...

#20: Alexander Buckeridge of Studio Bucky joins us again to share exciting updates on his firm's global success and discuss his pricing strategies for a major upcoming project. We'll dive deep into how he plans to navigate the complexities of a high-end residential design. → How did Alexander secure a big residential project from a former retail client? → What are Alexander’s strategies for defini...

#19: Graham Irwin, owner of Essential Habitat Architecture , joins Tyler Suomala to delve into effective strategies for lead generation and maintaining client relations in the architecture industry. This episode provides insights drawn from Graham's 20+ years of experience running a solo practice across different business processes and marketing strategies. → What are the key elements in developin...

#18: Rachael Smith of Lighthouse Studio joins us to explore how to expand her business and optimize her project workflows. We delve into the nuances of project management, client contracts, and how to scale a high-end residential architecture firm. In this conversation, we discuss: → How planning work schedules ensures a consistent project pipeline while allowing time for business development → Ho...

#17: Lori Beppu and Glen Cordova of BMA Architects join me to dive into the intricacies of networking, business development, and their journey as new partners in a high-end residential architecture firm. Listen as we explore effective strategies for client acquisition, relationship building, and maintaining exclusivity in a competitive market. → Are live events a good way to identify potential con...

#16: Michael Maturo of DYAMI Architecture joins us to explore how AI can transform marketing and sales processes in the architecture industry. From handling complex projects to optimizing client engagement, Michael shares his invaluable 20-year industry experience. We dive into: → Using AI to organize content and create standard operating procedures (SOPs) for architecture firms → What are the ben...