Business of Architecture Podcast

Architects often grapple with the challenge of staying updated in a rapidly evolving industry, where access to the latest tools and knowledge can make or break a project's success. In this compelling episode of the Business of Architecture podcast, host Enoch Sears dives into these challenges with Brian Miller, discussing the innovative solutions offered by Arcat. Their conversation illuminates th...

In the latest episode of "The Business of Architecture," host Rion Willard addresses a pressing concern faced by many architects: the struggle to balance the art of architecture with its economic realities. He dives deep into the challenges and pains of navigating financial aspects in an industry often more focused on design than dollars. This backdrop sets the stage for a compelling discussion th...

In this intriguing episode, host Rion Willard takes us to Manhattan for a live round table event. The discussion revolves around a highly sought-after role in the architectural world: becoming an architect developer. This concept is alluring, promising freedom, creativity, and ongoing financial benefits from self-initiated projects. The episode features a diverse group of speakers, each bringing t...

In this episode, Enoch Sears explores a pressing issue many architects face: effectively managing profit within their firms. He invites Mike Michalowicz, an esteemed author and entrepreneur, to shed light on this challenge. Together, they delve into the intricacies of achieving financial success in the entrepreneurial world. Michalowicz, known for his revolutionary approach to business finance, sh...

In the fiercely competitive arena of architecture, professionals frequently wrestle with the dual challenge of not merely securing projects but bringing them to fruition. This endeavor can be as intricate as the blueprints they create. The battle to differentiate oneself in a saturated marketplace consistently compels architects to seek out inventive strategies that will guarantee both their endur...

Architects today grapple with a fiercely competitive landscape, often finding it challenging to stand out and gain the recognition they deserve. Many struggle with outdated mindsets, hindering their progress in this evolving arena. In this captivating episode of Business of Architecture, Enoch Sears and Rion delve deep into the concept of "Rainmaking" for architects. They discuss the pitfalls arch...

Architectural practices that neglect relationship building and networking often find themselves caught in the feast or famine cash flow cycle, experiencing unpredictable periods of financial abundance followed by droughts. The cost of isolation in this industry is significant. However, by cultivating a well-connected network of professional relationships, architects increase their chances of secur...

Every architect knows that designing a building is only half the battle; obtaining the necessary permits and approvals can often be a labyrinthine process filled with unexpected setbacks and frustrations. Navigating the intricacies of the architecture world isn't just about design and construction; it often hinges on the art of communication. In this riveting podcast episode, Joe dives deep into t...

Today, I have the pleasure of engaging in a conversation with Arlene Edjourian and Katie Flores from AMK Studio. Arlene Edjourian is an exceptional architect with 23 years of experience and a multitude of prestigious accolades to her name. A graduate of the USC School of Architecture, Arlene stands as a founding partner and architect within the renowned firm, AMK Studio, and GMD Design Group of CA...

We know that the economy is cyclical. Money, investment, and demand for design and construction are a result of greater economic forces. In this episode of the Business of Architecture podcast, principals Enoch Sears and Rion Willard discuss 10 specific recession strategies for small firm owners. ► Transcription: https://otter.ai/u/Zp0ZBPMx_2_i1DC8m7LkxuT5V4U?utm_source=copy_url ► Feedback? Email...

Discover how architect Victor Caban-Diaz developed his first duplex project in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. I originally interviewed Victor on the podcast back in May of 2016 (episode number 157). At that time, his dream of developing a multi-family project was just a dream. Fast forward seven years, and he has just finished the 3,400 sf duplex in the South River Middle neighborhood of Ft. Lauderdale....

How do you know how well your architectural practice is performing? In this podcast episode, Business of Architecture principals Enoch Sears and Rion Willard discuss the "200 Club," a new initiative to benchmark small firm performance. Listen to this episode to decipher your firm's performance and see how your firm's performance stacks up. ► Transcription: https://otter.ai/u/_IfZT4JIR5KQVhuqKIj1Uj...

What are the top challenges of running an architectural practice today? Overwhelm, fee competition and difficulty hiring top the list. In this episode, Enoch Sears and Rion Willard discuss some of the top problems facing firm owners today and how many of these problems are tied to the lies of architecture.   ► Transcription: https://otter.ai/u/Ec94Y5SG1eV36AwIQhQz4r44nbo?utm_source=copy_url ► Feed...

Is the architecture industry collapse inevitable? Recently, Business of Architecture director Rion Willard watched a YouTube video, Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order by author and investor Ray Dalio. Dalio writes, "I believe the world is changing in big ways that haven't happened before in our lifetimes but have many times in history, so I knew I needed to study past changes to...

As architects, we are passionate about many subjects including the built environment, social issues, sustainability, and more. Is the focus on "activism" by our national advocates (the American Institute of Architects, and Royal Institute of British Architects) a double-edged sword? In this episode, Lance Cayko, principal of the architecture firm F9 Productions and co-host of the popular podcast I...

This episode is part 3 of 3 where Enoch Sears and Rion Willard discuss the "cult of design," an insidious mind virus that has captivated the architecture industry. ► Transcription: https://otter.ai/u/W6ZfVj9cTYhuQ8TRfjotx8GRoKo?utm_source=copy_url ► Feedback? Email us at podcast@businessofarchitecture.com ► Access your free training at http://SmartPracticeMethod.com/ ► If you want to speak directl...

This episode is part 2 of 3 where Enoch Sears and Rion Willard discuss the "cult of design," an insidious mind virus that has captivated the architecture industry. ► Transcription: https://otter.ai/u/wigGxQi5tUkxT4-JhW1DSPyvsmw?utm_source=copy_url ► Feedback? Email us at podcast@businessofarchitecture.com ► Access your free training at http://SmartPracticeMethod.com/ ► If you want to speak directl...

In this episode, Rion Willard reveals the architectural mind virus of "the cult of design." This episode is part 1 of 3. ► Transcription: https://otter.ai/u/LHJd0pt1DNIRze8n6fmwRuQX-1M?utm_source=copy_url ► Feedback? Email us at podcast@businessofarchitecture.com ► Access your free training at http://SmartPracticeMethod.com/ ► If you want to speak directly to our advisors, book a call at https://w...

What's the secret to rapidly expanding an architectural firm? Launching a new architectural business often comes with a crucial challenge - securing initial contracts. Without any lined-up projects, there's no paycheck - it's as simple as that. In this episode, discover the strategies architect Gilbert Atick employed to multiply the monthly revenue of his Miami-based firm from $4k to $40k within a...

What does it take to completely change a firm's culture? Architect Jeff Frame realized something needed to change when he saw that younger staff had different priorities and values than existing team members. Also, he found that he was inextricably tied to too many details of the practice. What ensued was a painful but powerful transformation of the firm's culture. Frame now has a dedicated team o...

Architect Mark Elster is co-founder of the acclaimed AOME Architects based in Seattle, Washington. AOME Architects designs stunning private residences across the Pacific Northwest. In this episode, you'll discover leadership lessons in running a small firm and Mark's approach to building relationships and winning commissions.   To learn more about Mark visit his: Website: https://aomearchitects.co...

Today we welcome architect Dewey Nichols to the Business of Architecture podcast. Nichols is a leading residential architect based out of Boston, Massachusetts. In this interview, Nichols discusses managing difficult clients, the challenges and pleasures of having a small practice, and more. To learn more about Dewey visit his:  Website: https://www.nicholsarchitectsllc.com/   Facebook: https://ww...

Have we as architects betrayed ourselves? Do we have anyone to blame but ourselves for the erosion of responsibility and control in the building and design process? Do we have anyone to blame but ourselves for the chronically low wages, layoffs, and cyclical business cycles? The good news here is if we're to blame for the problem, we can also be the solution. In this episode of the Business of Arc...

In this episode, we speak with architect Molly Wheelock, founder of Studio MW. Wheelock has found success on the beautiful, rugged slopes of the Colorado Rockies and southwest region including Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona. The daughter of a builder, Molly gained experience as a framer as a teen and worked in a cabinetry shop and on a landscaping crew while attending the Rhode Island School of Des...

Discover the secret of growing through a motivating purpose. Ian and Toni Wilson are alumni of Business of Architecture's SMART Practice™ program and they currently sit on the Design Council. After serving in the United States Army, and working in several large architectural practices, Ian and Toni Wilson launched NolanCarter Architectural Design. In this episode, you'll discover how Ian and Toni...