Architects Who Win

In this episode of  Architects Who Win,  Rolf Louis explores the power of saying no to clients and projects that don’t align with your practice's goals and values. Drawing on lessons from both personal experience and insights from figures like Warren Buffett and Steve Jobs, Rolf highlights how rejecting the wrong clients can create space for better opportunities. He offers practical advice on iden...

In this episode of Architects Who Win , Rolf Louis dives into the topic of intellectual property rights in architecture. Discover why retaining ownership of your designs is crucial and how clear contracts can protect your creative vision. With insights into licensing options, brand control, and practical contract tips, this episode offers actionable advice to help architects secure their work and...

In this episode of Architects Who Win , Rolf Louis explores how asking thoughtful questions and listening deeply can elevate your architectural practice. Drawing from personal stories, quotes from experts like Daniel Libeskind and insights from The Coaching Habit , this episode dives into the importance of staying curious, slowing down, and uncovering what truly matters to your clients. Discover h...

In this episode of Architects Who Win , Rolf Louis breaks down how offering discounts could be quietly undermining your business. If you’ve ever felt compelled to lower your fees to win a project, this episode will make you think twice. Learn how discounting sends the wrong message about your value and how to shift toward a pricing strategy that works for you and your clients. With practical tips...

In this episode, host Rolf Louis explores the benefits of being a specialist versus a generalist in architecture, focusing on how niching down can lead to higher fees. By solving more expensive and complex problems, specialists are able to command premium rates, making them highly sought-after in their niche markets. Through real-life examples and a dash of humor, architects are encouraged to refl...

In this episode, we explore how architects use design as a superpower to solve problems. From famous examples like Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater to everyday constraints like zoning laws, we discuss how turning challenges into opportunities can lead to creative, functional, and impactful designs. Architects who embrace problem-solving through design set themselves apart and create lasting succe...

In this 12-minute episode, we explore why most architects overlook marketing and how telling your story is key to building a sustainable practice. With actionable insights, I’ll show you how to start marketing authentically—without feeling like a salesperson. You’ll learn how to communicate your value, showcase your process, and build trust with potential clients before they even meet you. Tune in...

In this episode of  Architects Who Win , we explore how profitability in architecture has evolved over the years—from the 'starchitects' who prioritized creative vision over financial health to today’s architects who balance design with sustainable business models. We dive into the shift from percentage-based fees to value-based pricing, the impact of technology, and how embracing sustainability a...

In this episode of  Architects Who Win , we explore why the business side of architecture is often neglected in schools and how this gap in education affects architects entering the field. From securing payments to pricing services, many architects find themselves unprepared for the realities of running a practice. Host Rolf Louis shares personal stories, insights from experts like Renzo Piano and...

In this first episode of  Architects Who Win , I’m introducing you to what this podcast is all about and why I started it. I’ll be sharing my personal journey—from struggling to get clients to see my value and chasing payments, to finally figuring out how to turn my passion for architecture into a successful business. I want this podcast to feel like a conversation between us, where I’ll share ins...