Architecture Business Club - For Architects, Architectural Technologists, Surveyors & Designers Jon Clayton

In this episode Jon chats with Ian Knowles, a Norfolk-based architectural designer and the director of Ikonic Architecture, sharing his journey from an employee to starting his own architecture business specialising in residential architecture, including bespoke new builds and renovations. Ian discusses overcoming the initial fears associated with leaving a steady income, the importance of a business plan, handling home renovation projects, and tips for finding clients and managing finances as a new business owner. The podcast also advises listeners on leveraging personal networks, direct outreach, and using government schemes for business support. Ian shares his personal experience with starting Ikonic Architecture, the decision to specialise in retrofit and sustainability within residential architecture, and the steps towards establishing a successful practice.
Today's Guest...
Ian Knowles is a Norfolk-based architectural designer and the director of Ikonic Architecture, with over 10 years in architecture and construction, and a background in architectural stonemasonry. Ikonic Architecture specialises in residential architecture, from unlocking space in existing homes to bespoke new build dwellings.
Episode Highlights...
00:00 Introduction
01:03 Meet Ian Knowles: From Architectural Stonemasonry to Ikonic Architecture
01:50 The Journey of Renovating a 1930s Home
03:40 Setting Up Ikonic Architecture: Challenges and Strategies
05:08 The Financial Blueprint for Starting an Architecture Business
08:01 Navigating Business Growth and Outsourcing
08:42 Filling Knowledge Gaps and Leveraging Resources
12:42 Choosing a Business Structure: Sole Trader vs Limited Company
14:40 Financing Strategies for New Architecture Practices
24:57 The Importance of Specialisation in Architecture
30:24 Acquiring Clients and Leveraging Networks
35:14 Ian's Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Practice Owners
38:11 Ian's Favorite Place: The Vibrancy of London
40:11 Closing Remarks and Future Episodes
Key Takeaways...
Overcoming Fear: The transition from employment to starting your own practice can be daunting. Ian's biggest fear was finding clients and ensuring a steady flow of work. His experience highlights the importance of confronting these fears and embracing the challenges of entrepreneurship.
Preparation and Planning: Ian underscores the importance of preparing a detailed business plan before launching. This plan serves as a roadmap, outlining your business's identity, target market, financial strategy, and more.
Learning and Adaptation: Both emphasise the importance of continuous learning and filling knowledge gaps, especially in areas not covered by traditional architectural education, such as business management.
Networking and Utilising Resources: Leveraging networking opportunities, reaching out to people within your existing network, and making use of governmental and regional business support schemes can offer valuable guidance and support.
Client Acquisition Strategies: Diverse strategies, including leveraging previous professional relationships, direct outreach, and engaging in conversations, as well as experimenting with online lead generation platforms, can help in acquiring clients.
The Value of Specialisation: Specialising in a particular niche, such as residential architecture, can differentiate your practice in a competitive market and help in attracting clients.
Financial Management: Understanding the financial aspects of running a business, from startup loans to cash flow management and the strategic use of savings, is crucial for sustainability.
The Courage to Start: The overarching advice from Ian is to 'go for it,' emphasising that the fear of failure should not deter aspiring entrepreneurs, as learning from failures

In this episode, Jon shares his own struggles with time management and offers insights into why many sole practitioners in architecture face similar challenges. He discusses the importance of realistic scheduling, delegation, and various techniques including default diaries, theming workdays, time blocking, and more to improve time management. Jon also reflects on the transitional benefit of commutes and explores methods like the Pomodoro technique and Parkinson's law to enhance productivity. The talk emphasises the uniqueness of everyone's work habits and the necessity of tailoring time management strategies to individual needs.
Episode Highlights...
00:00 Introduction
00:45 Diving Into Time Management Challenges
03:22 Reflecting on the Commute: A Hidden Benefit
05:50 Exploring Time Management Techniques
14:51 Personal Experiences and Adjustments
17:03 Top Recommendations for Effective Time Management
20:37 Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead
Key Takeaways...
Challenges in Time Management: It’s a common struggle for sole practitioners to managing their time effectively. We have a tendency to overestimate daily productivity whilst ‘wearing multiple hats’ in a small practice.
Reflecting on Workweek: Jon’s workweek has evolved from traditional working hours to a more flexible schedule that fits around family life. He emphasises the importance of transitions between work and home life.
Tactics for Time Management: There are various tactics for improving time management, such as creating a default week or diary, theming workdays, utilising time blocking, and the concept of the maker vs. manager schedule. Bear in mind that certain tactics just may not work for you.
Recommendations for Effective Time Management: Jon suggests setting realistic expectations, planning the day ahead with a short task list, and aligning tasks with personal energy levels and circadian rhythms.
Continuous Improvement: Jon emphasises the concept of continuous improvement in time management. You may need to try a few time management tactics and adjust your approach to suit your own needs.
Links Mentioned In The Episode...
Article on Time Blocking
Maker’s Schedule, Manager’s Schedule
Parkinson’s Law
Pomodoro Technique
TimeCrafting
—--
👇 Click the link below to grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁
It’s the FREE step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers.
https://architecturebusinessclub.com/blueprint
—--
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https://architecturebusinessclub.com/waitlist
👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…
Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.
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In this episode, host Jon discusses the importance of mentoring in the architecture industry with guest Chris Simmons, an architect, illustrator, and educator, and founder of Architects Instruction. They explore how mentoring can significantly impact career fulfillment, happiness, health, and financial well-being for architects. Chris shares his journey and insights on balancing a demanding career with personal life, leveraging his commute time for productivity, and the roots of his initiative to mentor the next generation of architects. The conversation also delves into the myths and realities of mentoring, offering actionable advice for both mentors and mentees to foster positive industry changes. Chris talks about the resilience and hope for architecture students entering the job market and the profound impact of mentorship on professional growth.
Today's Guest...
Chris Simmons is an Architect, Illustrator, and Educator. He’s an Associate Director at Squire & Partners and the founder of Architects Instruction. His mission is to create a generation of architects who are fulfilled by their careers; architects who are happy, healthy, and well paid.
Episode Highlights...
00:00 Unlocking Career Fulfillment in Architecture
00:55 Introducing Chris Simmons: Architect, Illustrator, and Educator
01:56 Chris Simmons on Balancing Career and Personal Life
04:06 The Power of Mentoring in Architecture
07:27 Debunking Mentoring Myths and Sharing Success Stories
15:34 The Impact of Positive Mentoring Experiences
30:12 Navigating the Architecture Industry: Challenges and Opportunities
33:18 Final Thoughts and How to Connect
Key Takeaways...
👉 Mentoring plays a crucial role in personal and professional development within the architecture industry. It provides guidance, support, and knowledge transfer, fostering growth and satisfaction in one's career.
👉 Utilising your time effectively, such as leveraging long commutes for productive work or personal development, can significantly contribute to balancing your personal and professional life.
👉 Mentoring does not need to be confined within a formal structure. It can occur naturally and informally, enriching learning experiences and professional relationships.
👉 The impact of positive mentoring experiences is profound, not just on mentees but also on mentors, who witness the growth and success of those they've guided.
👉 Engagement in social media and online platforms can enhance learning and networking opportunities within the architecture community, showing the power of sharing knowledge and experiences.
👉 Look beyond traditional mentoring setups to embrace more flexible, diverse, and inclusive approaches to getting support within the architecture profession.
Links Mentioned In The Episode...
https://www.architectsinstruction.com/
—--
👇 Click the link below to grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁
It’s the FREE step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers.
https://architecturebusinessclub.com/blueprint
—--
👇 Join the waitlist & chat group for our Community & Mastermind (for FREE)🎁
https://architecturebusinessclub.com/waitlist
👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…
Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.
👇...

This episode features Aylin Round, founder of Arch Jobs. Aylin and Jon discuss the essential aspects of writing effective job ads to attract the best candidates for architecture practices. The conversation covers the differences between a job ad and a job description, the importance of clearly stating the role, benefits, and salary, and tips on advertising job vacancies effectively. Aylin emphasises the value of transparency, offering potential hires clear insights into job expectations and company culture. Additionally, they explore various platforms for job advertising, including specialised architectural job boards and the significance of a well-structured job ad. Aylin also shares personal insights and recommendations for practices to improve their hiring process.
Today's Guest...
Aylin Round is the founder and owner of ArchJobs, a dedicated online platform for advertising and applying to architectural roles across the UK. With extensive experience in the architectural sector, she has developed a profound understanding of the unique challenges faced by job seekers and businesses in this industry. She also offers personalised career coaching sessions to assist job seekers with their CVs, and portfolios. And provide guidance on structuring an effective job search strategy.
Episode Highlights...
00:00 Introduction: The Art of Crafting a Killer Job Ad
01:04 Meet the Expert: Aylin Round on Architectural Hiring
02:26 The Essence of a Great Job Ad vs. Job Description
03:22 Maximising Your Job Ad's Potential: Tips and Strategies
05:40 Where to Advertise Your Architectural Vacancy
12:31 The Do's and Don'ts of Job Ad Content
21:02 Crafting the Perfect Job Ad: A Step-by-Step Guide
23:44 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Job Ads
25:55 Final Thoughts and Expert Advice
28:59 Connecting with Aylin Round and Closing Remarks
Key Takeaways...
👉 The difference between a job ad and a job description: A job ad is about selling the opportunity and the benefits to potential candidates, whereas a job description is more detailed and focuses on job requirements and responsibilities.
👉 Importance of writing a compelling job ad: A well-crafted job ad can attract the right candidates, especially important for small practices that may not have the budget for recruitment agencies.
👉 Where to advertise: Utilise your own website, social media, architectural job boards, and your professional network to advertise vacancies. Consider the target audience when choosing where to post your job ad.
👉 Content details crucial to job seekers: Include job title, location, company information, responsibilities, software abilities, salary (avoid saying 'competitive'), benefits (like hybrid or flexible working), and clear application instructions.
👉 Common mistakes to avoid: Do not underestimate the effort it takes to apply for a job. Simplify the application process, be transparent about salaries, and avoid asking for salary expectations during the application stage.
👉 Effective job ad structure: Start with practice name, job title, and location. Provide a concise company overview, role details, requirements (limit bullet points), salary/benefits info, and application instructions.
👉 Encourage diversity and give applicants a chance to learn: Limit the requirements to what's essential and be open to training candidates, fostering a culture of learning and growth within the practice.
Links Mentioned In The Episode...
https://www.archjobs.co.uk/
—--
👇 Click the link below to grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁
It’s the FREE step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers.
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In this episode, host Jon and guest Ronda Jackson explore effective strategies for handling bad debtors and ensuring timely payments in the architecture industry. They offer advice on how to prevent bad debts by knowing your client and conducting due diligence upfront, including using a new customer onboarding form, running credit checks, and regularly updating customer financial reviews. Ronda emphasises the importance of maintaining open and friendly communication, utilising reminders and direct communication for overdue invoices, and considering legal steps like charging interest, sending a letter before action, or moving to small claims court if necessary. Ronda also describes the role and operation of debt recovery agencies, including their no-win, no-fee model.
Today's Guest...
Ronda Jackson is passionate about helping you collect all money owed to you or your business. As the Director of Jacksons Credit Recovery Services, Ronda is a qualified credit manager and experienced negotiator. She helps business owners resolve conflicts and maintain a positive working relationship with their debtors to achieve the result we all want - your debtor paying you what they owe.
Episode Highlights...
00:00 Introduction
01:31 Who are Ronnie and Reggie?
03:14 Strategies for Getting Paid on Time
03:41 Preventive Measures Against Bad Debt
06:20 Steps to Take When an Invoice Becomes Overdue
08:55 Escalating Debt Recovery Efforts
12:44 Navigating the Small Claims Court
18:39 The Role of Debt Recovery Agencies
21:00 Final Thoughts and Advice
22:59 A Personal Favorite: Travel and Places
24:36 Closing Remarks and Contact Information
Key Takeaways...
👉 Importance of Due Diligence: Ronda emphasises the importance of knowing who you are dealing with, understanding their legal identity, and collecting all necessary contact details upfront to prevent bad debts.
👉 Communication is Key: Keeping communication open and friendly with clients, checking in regularly, and establishing multiple streams of communication can help in early detection of payment issues.
👉 Taking Preventive Measures: Conducting credit checks, looking at company accounts, and being proactive in preventing bad debtors can save time and effort in the long run.
👉 Escalating Debt Recovery Efforts: Steps such as sending reminder emails, making polite reminder phone calls, considering legal actions like letters before action, and proceeding to court if necessary can be effective in recovering debts.
👉 Working with Debt Recovery Agencies: Understanding how debt recovery agencies work, the no win no fee structure, and the importance of transparent pricing can be helpful when considering external assistance for debt recovery.
👉 Persistence and Principled Approach: Ronda highlighted the importance of persistence in debt recovery efforts, taking a principled stance on getting paid for the work done, and not being afraid to escalate actions if necessary.
👉 Navigating Legal Processes: Understanding the process of the small claims court, the responses expected from defendants, and the timelines involved can help in navigating legal avenues for debt recovery.
Links Mentioned In The Episode...
https://jacksonscrs.co.uk/
—--
👇 Click the link below to grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁
It’s the FREE step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers.
https://architecturebusinessclub.com/blueprint
—--
👇 Join the waitlist & chat group for our Community & Mastermind...

In this episode, Jon offers a deep dive into lead generation strategies for small to solo architecture practice owners. Jon highlights the significance of lead generation in avoiding the feast and famine cycle common to many businesses, emphasising the importance of both inbound and outbound leads. He busts common myths surrounding lead generation and outlines various misconceptions, such as the overreliance on social media for leads. The episode provides practical advice on generating outbound leads, including understanding the difference between cold, warm, and hot leads, utilising a strategy that aligns with business goals, and avoiding common mistakes like failing to schedule lead generation time. Jon shares tactics tailored to different types of leads and stresses the importance of conversations in converting leads to customers.
Episode Highlights...
00:00 Introduction to Lead Generation
00:46 Understanding Lead Generation Basics
02:17 Debunking Common Myths About Lead Generation
02:52 Inbound vs. Outbound Leads: What You Need to Know
05:56 Strategies for Generating Outbound Leads
06:43 Identifying and Nurturing Different Types of Leads
08:14 Common Mistakes in Lead Generation and How to Avoid Them
14:54 Effective Tactics for Engaging Hot and Cold Leads
21:54 Concluding Thoughts and Next Episode Teaser
Key Takeaways...
👉 Importance of Lead Generation: Lead generation is essential for maintaining a consistent stream of potential clients and to avoid cycles of feast and famine.
👉 Inbound vs. Outbound Leads: Inbound leads come to you passively and you have little control over their quality and frequency. Outbound leads require proactive outreach by you or your team but can lead to more consistent lead generation.
👉 Lead Nurturing: Recognise and nurture leads based on their level of familiarity with you and their readiness to become paying customers (cold, warm, and hot leads).
👉 Avoid Common Mistakes: Like focusing only on cold leads, not scheduling time for lead generation, and being reactive instead of proactive.
👉 Lead Tracking and Follow-Up: Track leads and follow up with them. Use a CRM system or a simple method like a spreadsheet to manage and nurture leads effectively.
👉 Have a strategy: Develop a lead generation strategy aligned with your business goals. Use the right tactics to attract and nurture cold leads, and convert hot leads into customers.
👉 Use The Right Tactics: Implementing tactics like creating valuable content for cold leads and engaging in high-touch, proactive outreach for hot leads to convert leads into customers.
👉 Conversations Lead to Conversions: Invite your leads into conversation with you to understand their needs, intent, and move them towards becoming customers.
—--
👇 Click the link below to grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁
It’s the FREE step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers.
https://architecturebusinessclub.com/blueprint
—--
👇 Join the waitlist & chat group for our Community & Mastermind (for FREE)🎁
https://architecturebusinessclub.com/waitlist
👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…
Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.
👇 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn at...
a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjonclayton/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...