Architect My Business

If you've ever said "my work speaks for itself" and skipped the marketing, this episode is for you.  In this episode, Aya covers why visibility matters more than ever in the age of AI, how to find your marketing niche, the platforms and tools that won't cost you a fortune, and the mindset shift that will help you stop waiting and start showing up. Whether you're a solopreneur or leading a growing...

Running a firm in today's landscape isn't just about delivering great design – It's more than that. So, what does it actually take to run a thriving architecture firm in 2026? In this episode of Architect My Business Podcast, host Aya Shlachter breaks down what it really takes to run a firm in 2026, drawing from her recent research of over 200+ architecture firms worldwide. She covers the biggest...

"The best way to know what you're capable of is to throw yourself in the deep end and make all the key decisions." In this episode of Architect My Business, Aya Schlachter sits down with Richard Naish, one of New Zealand's most acclaimed architects, founder and creative director of RTA Studio, to explore the journey of building a successful architecture practice. They discuss the challenges of run...

Building a business that lasts isn't just about great design, it's about vision, trust, and the people who help bring it all together. In this episode of Architect My Business, host Aya Shlachter sits down with Stephanie Lindsay and Jessica Nelson, co-founders of Etch Design Group, a full-service interior design firm in Austin, Texas. What started as two creatives with complementary strengths has...

What happens when a design firm makes philanthropy, teamwork, and innovation just as important as the projects themselves? In this episode, Blima Ehrentreu, founder and CEO of The Designers Group, shares her journey in the interior design industry, from launching her firm to leading a growing team across Toronto and New York. Blima opens up about her philosophy on leadership, community impact, and...

Architecture isn't just about what we build. It's about how we build our practices to last. In this episode, Marc Dufour-Feronce, co-founder of Rundzwei Architekten, shares his journey of shaping an architectural practice rooted in sustainability, innovation, and strong partnerships. From navigating challenges to building a diverse portfolio, Marc opens up about the realities of firm leadership an...

What can architects learn from a Swedish coffee break? Turns out, quite a lot. In this episode, we explore how cultural rituals, minimalist values, and thoughtful leadership can shape not only great design, but also a resilient and balanced architecture practice. I sit down with Johan Sundberg, founder of Johan Sundberg Arkitektur, to explore what it takes to build a thoughtful, sustainable archit...

Business skills aren't optional if you want your architecture firm to thrive. In this episode, I chat with Ray Brown, co-founder of Archibiz, to talk about something most architects never got trained in—how to actually run a business. From pricing and profitability to personal branding and pipeline planning, we dig into why business education is essential for architects who want to grow a sustaina...

Feeling like there's never enough time for real creative work? In this episode, I sit down with Mike George, our COO at MGS Global Group, to talk about one of the biggest challenges architects face today—managing time. We break down how architecture professionals can reclaim their hours by using smarter systems, embracing technology, and rethinking outdated business models. Mike and I share storie...

How are women architects leading the charge and shaping conversations in today's evolving industry? In this episode, Aya Shlachter explores their vital contributions—from practice leadership to influential podcasting—while also addressing how the profession can better support women amidst challenges like labor shortages and economic uncertainty. Aya also explains why mentoring new architects is so...

Ever feel like the architecture industry is evolving faster than you can keep up? From AI integration to hiring challenges, staying ahead can seem overwhelming. In this episode, Aya Shlachter dives into the shifting landscape of architecture, focusing on how firms can adapt and thrive. She shares actionable insights on leveraging AI tools, upskilling your team, and creating a standout employer bra...

January may be coming to an end, but it's never too late to set yourself up for success in 2025! In this episode, host Aya Shlachter reflects on the past year and shares powerful insights to help architects and business owners make smarter decisions for the year ahead. Aya introduces the 'Fountain Principle', highlighting why generosity in business leads to long-term growth and stronger profession...

In this final episode of Her Space's special series on "Growing Through Personal Branding and Marketing," host Aya Shlachter sits down with Renee Marcus, President-Elect of the AIA Long Island Chapter and Superintendent of Buildings for the Village of Floral Park. Renee shares her insights on the importance of personal branding and marketing in architecture and beyond. She also discusses how perso...

In this episode of Her Space's special podcast series, we continue our journey of Growing through Personal Branding and Marketing in the world of architecture and design. I chat with Olivia Amaya, General Manager of Cosentino Long Island Center, about the transformative power of personal branding in today's tech-driven world. Olivia also explores the role of social media in hiring and workplace dy...

Welcome back to Her Space's exclusive podcast series! This episode continues our exploration of Growing through Personal Branding and Marketing in architecture. In Episode 2, I interview Maureen Chavez-Gonzalez, a seasoned residential architect with 20 years of experience and a member of the Committee of Emerging Professionals of AIA Long Island. Maureen shares how personal branding and social med...

Welcome to Her Space's exclusive podcast series, following my recent session with the AIA Long Island Women in Architecture Committee: Growing through Personal Branding and Marketing! Join me as I chat with five incredible women who have paved their own paths in architecture and discover how personal branding has been a game-changer for their success. In our pilot episode, I interview Ebru Sülker-...

Overwhelmed by tax planning, payroll checks, or just managing your salary? In this episode, I chat with Ryan Sullivan, an engineer turned financial advisor and founder of "Off the Beaten Path Financial," who breaks down essential money management tips for architects and engineers in the AEC profession. Ryan explains why financial literacy is crucial for architects, how money provides options and f...

Today's question is: "Do you work when you go on vacation? Or do you unplug completely?"   In this episode, I share how I transitioned from constantly inserting work during vacations to truly enjoying my time off. It's not easy to completely unplug, but here's what I did to be more present and enjoy rest without guilt:   🏖️ I became more proactive than reactive, planning ahead to ensure smooth ope...

Social gatherings and networking events are a big part of our industry, but many architects still struggle to make the most of them. So, how can we turn these events into real opportunities? In this episode, networking expert, coach, and author Julie Brown shares practical tips on networking, personal branding, and content creation. She explains how we can network strategically for personal and pr...

Ever felt like architecture school didn't prepare you for the business side of things? In this episode, I talk to Jon Clayton, an Architectural Technologist helping architects succeed in entrepreneurship with his podcast, Architecture Business Club . Jon shares his story, from starting as an architect to launching Architecture Business Club to fill the business gaps in the AEC industry. He also in...

Today's question is:  "Do you have a core management team? How do you delegate and monitor responsibilities?" In this episode, I share how having a core management team has positively changed how I run my business. Here's why you should consider it too: 💡 A core management team allows for better delegation and monitoring of responsibilities. 💡 It relieves the pressure on you to do everything you...

In this episode, I chat with Morgan Chawaga, also known as The Healthy Architect. She dives into why mindfulness and stress reduction are crucial in the AEC. Morgan shares her own story as an architect and mom, revealing how it inspired her to start The Healthy Architect (THA). THA offers coaching and workshops to support architects in managing stress and preventing burnout. Throughout the convers...

In this episode, we're joined by Katerina Burianova, the founder of Katerina Burianova Architecture Inc. and host of the 'From the Honeycomb' podcast, ranked in the top 100 Best Architecture Podcasts.  Katerina recounts her career journey in the architecture industry, from launching her firm to successful podcasting. She offers insights into her experiences with the ARE exams and the essential les...

In the first half of this two-part episode, Jim Cirillo talks about how he redefined success on his terms. As the host of the podcast 'JimJim's Reinvention Revolution,' he emphasizes the importance of passion, innovation, and courage in reinventing oneself. Jim's curiosity about technology and his business experience also come into play. He shares insights on technology, business operations, and m...

Welcome to the first episode of AMB's mini-show: Ask Aya! This is where I answer all your questions about business, careers, or anything in between, all in under 8 minutes. Today's question: "Hi Aya! How do you keep yourself from getting spread too thin with all your responsibilities as a business owner or CEO?" Stick around for the whole episode where I share some tips on how I manage to juggle e...