Business of Architecture Podcast

Enoch Sears & Rion Willard
  • 4.7 (3)
  • ARTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Discover strategies, tips and secrets for running a fun, flexible and profitable architecture practice. The focus here is simple: discussion of ways for architects to create a dream architecture practice: design what you want, when you want, and get paid well for it.

  1. How Strategic Communication Helps Architects Win Better Work | EP652

    5 DAYS AGO

    How Strategic Communication Helps Architects Win Better Work | EP652

    End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework What if the secret to winning more architecture work wasn’t just better design, but better communication? In this thought-provoking episode, Rose Marshall of ING Media pulls back the curtain on how architects can become allies, not just suppliers. Her approach flips the script on how architects show value—and who they’re showing it to. Rion and Rose explore a recent industry report that connects surprising dots between investment trends and future-proof practices. You’ll hear about the biggest missed opportunities many firms don’t even realize they’re ignoring. And, while there are plenty of tips for communication, the real gold is in how you look at your role as an architect. What do bees, data centers, and student housing have in common—and why should architects care? Why your next big commission may depend on what you don’t talk about in your project posts. The simple lens that turns an architect from a hired hand into a strategic partner investors can’t ignore. To learn more about Rose, visit her website: https://www.ing-media.com/

    49 min
  2. Why Clients Don’t Trust You (Even When You Say the Right Thing) | EP651

    8 SEPT

    Why Clients Don’t Trust You (Even When You Say the Right Thing) | EP651

    End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework   In this raw and eye-opening episode, Enoch Sears and Rion Willard dive deep into the unseen forces that shape your results as a business leader. They share real stories—from awkward social encounters to emotional breakthroughs—that reveal what’s really holding architects back from success. You’ll hear surprising lessons from monasteries, mastermind rooms, and even airplane aisles. More than just business tactics, this episode explores the hidden signals you send without knowing it—and how they shape client trust, team culture, and your bottom line. Enoch and Rion get personal, exposing their own blind spots and how they’ve worked through them. You’ll walk away seeing leadership in a whole new light. On this episode, you’ll discover… • The invisible scent that silently kills deals (and how to clear it). • What 200 people taught Rion about “fake” confidence—and the moment that changed everything. • How Enoch disarmed an angry stranger… and what it unlocked.

    1h 11m
  3. From Burnout to Breakthrough: Building Freedom Through People | EP650

    1 SEPT

    From Burnout to Breakthrough: Building Freedom Through People | EP650

    End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework   In this bold episode of Business of Architecture, host Enoch Sears sits down with serial entrepreneur and black belt Adam Marburger. From hitting personal rock bottom to building six companies, Adam shares raw lessons that will challenge how you think about growth, pain, and leadership. His story starts with heartbreak—and leads to unexpected clarity. What follows is a grounded conversation about building real wealth, emotional freedom, and business systems that actually work. Adam doesn’t sugarcoat the journey. He reveals the mindset shifts that helped him turn chaos into clarity—and what most architects get totally wrong about delegation and control.   The brutal 2-word phrase that changed everything—and why you need to say it to yourself Why your “dream team” might be the biggest thing holding you back The hidden mistake most firm owners make when trying to scale (and what to do instead)   To learn more about Adam, visit his website: https://www.adammarburger.com/

    49 min
  4. From Burnout to Balance: How CoXist Studio Transformed Their Practice and Profits | EP649

    25 AUG

    From Burnout to Balance: How CoXist Studio Transformed Their Practice and Profits | EP649

    End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Frank and Megan Lin didn’t set out to build a high-profit, award-winning firm. For years, they worked late, chased too many projects, and tried to out-hustle their burnout. Then something happened that changed the entire direction of their practice—and their lives. In this episode, they share what it really took to stop grinding and start growing. You’ll hear how they created freedom without sacrificing design, and how they reconnected with their deeper purpose through the business itself. If you’ve ever wondered whether building a thriving firm means giving up your life, this episode is for you. Here’s a taste of what you’ll discover: The hiring ritual that saved their culture—and helped eliminate expensive missteps The one mindset shift that turned a draining practice into a design-led enterprise Why most architects stay broke (and the invisible belief keeping them stuck) This is one of the most honest, inspiring conversations we’ve had. Don’t miss it. To learn more about Frank & Megan, visit their website: https://www.coxiststudio.com/

    59 min
  5. How Smarter Systems Are Transforming Firm Profitability | EP648

    18 AUG

    How Smarter Systems Are Transforming Firm Profitability | EP648

    End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework In this episode of Business of Architecture, Rion Willard sits down with Robert Yuen, CEO of Monograph, to explore how architecture firms can stop running in survival mode and start operating with clarity, cash flow, and confidence. Robert shares insights from Monograph’s latest benchmarking report—revealing what separates the high-performing firms from the rest. You'll hear how new tools and mindsets are helping firm owners shift away from outdated habits that keep them stuck. They dive into the quiet killers of profit most architects overlook, and why your billing method might be the reason you're still underpaid. Plus, Robert opens up about the one decision Monograph made that’s quietly revolutionizing how small studios grow. If you’re feeling squeezed by project chaos or cash droughts, this conversation will make you rethink what’s possible. Listen to discover: The surprising billing switch that makes firms instantly more profitable A simple habit that separates thriving studios from struggling ones Why some architects earn twice as much—with fewer projects Ready to listen? To learn more about Robert, visit his website: https://robertyuen.com/

    1h 7m
  6. How to Track Time, Set Profitable Fees, and Grow with Confidence | EP647

    11 AUG

    How to Track Time, Set Profitable Fees, and Grow with Confidence | EP647

    End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework In this episode of Business of Architecture, host Rion Willard sits down with Mike Linn, the fractional CFO behind some of the most financially secure architecture firms today. They explore why most architects unknowingly sabotage their own profit — and how to fix it without becoming a “numbers person.” If you’ve ever felt stressed about cash flow or unsure about when to hire, this episode will speak directly to you. Mike shares the mindset shift that turns messy financials into a tool for freedom, not frustration. He explains how simple changes in how you track time and plan ahead can radically improve the health of your firm. And you’ll hear how real firms are using these tools to confidently grow and reclaim their time. You’ll discover: The silent profit leak hiding inside 90% of firms A smarter way to hire — even when cash is tight The real reason your invoicing feels chaotic (and how to fix it fast) To get in contact with Mike directly, send him an email at Mike@businessofarchitecture.com

    58 min
  7. Growing a Multi-Generational Architecture Firm with Vision, Culture, and Grit | EP646

    4 AUG

    Growing a Multi-Generational Architecture Firm with Vision, Culture, and Grit | EP646

    End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Running a successful architecture firm for decades is no small feat—especially when it spans three generations. In this heartwarming and high-energy episode, Scott Spector of Spectorgroup shares the story of how his father built a practice that shaped the skyline of Long Island—and how Scott expanded its reach into Manhattan and beyond. The conversation dives into culture, legacy, and what it really takes to build a firm that thrives across time. From stories of “visiting dad’s dirt” to lessons learned in lacrosse and leadership, Scott reveals the hidden ingredients that fuel sustainable growth. You’ll hear how he hires with intention, energizes his teams, and strikes the elusive balance between creativity and accountability. It’s a masterclass in positive leadership—with just enough grit. The unusual team system that unlocked surprising productivity How to grow a firm without killing your creativity—or your culture Why this firm says "no" to cookie-cutter hires—and how it pays off To learn more about Scott, visit his website: https://www.spectorgroup.com/

    56 min
  8. Choosing an Entity Structure and Paying Less Taxes | EP645

    28 JUL

    Choosing an Entity Structure and Paying Less Taxes | EP645

    End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Most architecture firm owners don’t realize how much money they’re leaving on the table. In this episode, financial experts Tal and Rachel Richards, CPA, reveal some of the most common — and costly — mistakes architects make when it comes to taxes. They also offer powerful insights on how to build long-term wealth with the income you’re already earning. Whether you’re just starting out or have a small team, this conversation will change how you think about profit, planning, and even partnerships. Enoch guides the discussion toward real-world scenarios so you can apply these lessons today. But be warned — what you don’t know might already be hurting you. In this episode, you’ll discover: A legal setup most architects choose — and why it could quietly wreck your margins The surprising place many firm owners hide thousands (without knowing it) How smart architects turn business income into tax-free personal wealth Tune in — your future self will thank you. To learn more about Tal & Rachel, visit their website: https://www.joingelt.com/

    40 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Discover strategies, tips and secrets for running a fun, flexible and profitable architecture practice. The focus here is simple: discussion of ways for architects to create a dream architecture practice: design what you want, when you want, and get paid well for it.

Information

  • Creator
    Enoch Sears & Rion Willard
  • Years Active
    2012 - 2025
  • Episodes
    698
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Business of Architecture
  • Show Website
    Business of Architecture Podcast

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