Business of Architecture Podcast

Enoch Sears & Rion Willard
Business of Architecture Podcast

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. 623: Why Architects Struggle to Innovate—And How to Fix It with Josh Sanabria of GoArchitect

    1D AGO

    623: Why Architects Struggle to Innovate—And How to Fix It with Josh Sanabria of GoArchitect

    What happens when an architect breaks free from traditional practice and takes an unconventional path? In this episode, Josh Sanabria, founder of GoArchitect, shares how his journey led him from design studios to a unique intersection of software, community engagement, and architecture. His company has found an innovative way to help school districts secure funding for major projects—but it’s not what you’d expect. Josh reveals how a surprising realization forced him to pivot his business model completely, leading to explosive growth. He also discusses the overlooked challenges that architects face when trying to innovate within the industry—and how he overcame them. Plus, he shares a simple yet powerful strategy that took his company from a struggling startup to a nationally recognized platform. The unexpected business lesson Josh learned from a failed media venture Why the traditional way of planning school projects is broken—and what’s replacing it How a hidden rule about school funding changed the course of his career The one email that instantly created demand for his services   To learn more about Josh, visit his:  Website: https://www.goarchitect.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpsanabria/   ► Transcription: https://otter.ai/u/3ToiIKgl98D05o-Yp5kz7XX-zc8?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://www.businessofarchitecture.com/call   ► Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for updates:   https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture   *******   For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful, and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/businessofarch/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/yt Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/show iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9idXNpbmVzc29mYXJjaGl0ZWN0dXJlLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz   *******   Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com   Carpe Diem!

    1h 2m
  2. 622: How to Charge More Without Losing Clients (And Why They’ll Thank You for It) with Enoch Sears & Rion Willard

    4D AGO

    622: How to Charge More Without Losing Clients (And Why They’ll Thank You for It) with Enoch Sears & Rion Willard

    Raising your fees can feel risky, but what if it actually enhances your client’s experience? In this episode, Enoch Sears and Rion Willard dive deeper into the psychology of pricing, client perception, and how creating the right kind of buying experience can make clients more willing to pay premium fees—without resistance. Rion shares a surprising turn of events from his watch-buying fiasco and how a frustrating purchasing experience almost ruined a sale. The lesson? The process of buying matters just as much as the product. Enoch and Rion also discuss the hidden mindset shifts that separate struggling architects from those who effortlessly command higher fees. Why charging more can actually make clients happier The subtle shift that makes high-end clients say “yes” to premium fees How architects unintentionally sabotage their sales conversations A simple, powerful exercise to overcome your discomfort with money   ► Transcription: https://otter.ai/u/iPUC3GQM0xjP4DJZBpIKvayGm9s?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://www.businessofarchitecture.com/call   ► Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for updates:   https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture   *******   For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful, and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/businessofarch/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/yt Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/show iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9idXNpbmVzc29mYXJjaGl0ZWN0dXJlLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz   *******   Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com   Carpe Diem!

    35 min
  3. 621: What Clients Really Value in Architecture (And What You’re Getting Wrong)with Enoch Sears & Rion Willard

    MAR 17

    621: What Clients Really Value in Architecture (And What You’re Getting Wrong)with Enoch Sears & Rion Willard

    Think you know what your clients truly value? You might be surprised. In this episode, Enoch Sears and Rion Willard dive into the hidden psychology behind financial decisions in architecture. They reveal why architects often assume the wrong things about their clients—and how those blind spots lead to pricing struggles, missed opportunities, and frustrating conversations about fees. Rion shares a personal story about an electrician who completely misread his priorities, leading to a lost sale. This simple mistake mirrors what many architects unknowingly do in their own businesses. Enoch and Rion break down a powerful framework for uncovering what your clients actually care about—and how to position your services so they’re eager to invest. The counterintuitive reason clients might want to pay more (but won’t tell you why) The subtle mistake that shifts every conversation toward price—and how to avoid it How to make clients excited to invest in high-quality design solutions A psychological trigger that luxury brands use—and how architects can apply it   ► Transcription: https://otter.ai/u/diTRU7zLTgn6TcxA3cCPVSfb3hQ?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://www.businessofarchitecture.com/call   ► Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for updates:   https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture   *******   For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful, and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/businessofarch/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/yt Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/show iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9idXNpbmVzc29mYXJjaGl0ZWN0dXJlLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz   *******   Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com   Carpe Diem!

    45 min
  4. 620: Why Clients Delay Payments (& How Architects Can Stop Being Manipulated) with Haritos Sofios of bugleLabs

    MAR 10

    620: Why Clients Delay Payments (& How Architects Can Stop Being Manipulated) with Haritos Sofios of bugleLabs

    What if the biggest challenges in architecture—clients not paying on time and miscommunication disasters—could be solved with one powerful tool? In this episode, Rion Willard speaks with tech entrepreneur Harry Sofios, founder of Bugle Labs, about his mission to fix the broken architect-client relationship. Harry shares the eye-opening stories that led him to develop a software platform designed to eliminate cash flow nightmares and reduce project chaos. He reveals how lessons from e-learning technology inspired a smarter way for architects to manage projects, protect their work, and ensure they get paid—without awkward conversations or legal headaches. The shocking reason architects struggle to get paid (and why it's preventable). A hidden problem that quietly destroys projects—until it explodes at the worst time. How a controversial approach to client agreements can save architects from disaster. A real-life cautionary tale that will make you rethink how you share your work. To learn more about Haritos, visit his: Website: https://buglelabs.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haritos-harry-sofios-b4a04a146/   ► Transcription: https://otter.ai/u/UJiTkXhbrQjiDmMImnlblCg1LzM?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://www.businessofarchitecture.com/call   ► Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for updates:   https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture   *******   For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful, and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/businessofarch/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/yt Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/show iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9idXNpbmVzc29mYXJjaGl0ZWN0dXJlLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz   *******   Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com   Carpe Diem!

    51 min
  5. 619: The Ugly Truth About Succession Planning: What No One Tells Firm Owners with Phillip Ross of Anchin

    MAR 3

    619: The Ugly Truth About Succession Planning: What No One Tells Firm Owners with Phillip Ross of Anchin

    Succession planning—it’s one of the biggest decisions an architecture firm owner will ever make. In this episode, we sit down with CPA and succession planning expert Phillip Ross to explore the key financial and strategic moves every firm should consider when planning their transition. Whether you’re thinking of selling, passing the baton internally, or exploring other options, this conversation uncovers insights most firm owners overlook. We also discuss how to maximize the value of your firm, the critical mistake that can drastically reduce your payout, and why some firms struggle to transition leadership successfully. With years of experience advising architecture, engineering, and construction businesses, Phillip shares what separates firms that thrive post-transition from those that flounder. The little-known factor that makes your firm far more valuable to buyers. Why waiting too long to plan could cost you more than you realize. The surprising advantage of a growing trend in firm ownership transitions. One simple step that can keep top talent from walking away at the worst possible time. Listen now to ensure your firm’s legacy and financial future stay intact.   To learn more about Phillip, visit his: Website: https://www.anchin.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philliprosscpa/   ► Transcription: https://otter.ai/u/ZUjbOG3MruHcbdfCGeI-WM623ZM?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://www.businessofarchitecture.com/call   ► Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for updates:   https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture   *******   For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful, and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/businessofarch/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/yt Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/show iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9idXNpbmVzc29mYXJjaGl0ZWN0dXJlLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz   *******   Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com   Carpe Diem!

    55 min
  6. 618: Why Architects Are the Perfect Developers with Charlie Kaplan of Gluck+

    FEB 24

    618: Why Architects Are the Perfect Developers with Charlie Kaplan of Gluck+

    What if architects didn’t have to rely on developers to bring their designs to life? In this episode, Rion Willard sits down with Charlie Kaplan, principal at Gluck+, to explore a unique business model that gives architects more control, creativity, and financial upside. They discuss how their firm blurs the lines between architect, builder, and developer, leading to incredible efficiencies and design freedom. Charlie shares the origins of this approach, from early hands-on projects to scaling up to multimillion-dollar developments. He reveals the key mindset shift architects must make to succeed in this space and the unexpected ways this model benefits not just the firm but also clients and communities. If you’ve ever dreamed of taking full control of your projects, this conversation will change the way you think about architecture and business. How a simple shift can prevent budget disasters before they happen Why some architects fail when they try to take on development—and how to avoid their mistakes The overlooked skill architects already have that makes them great builders A surprising real estate opportunity hiding in plain sight   ► Transcription: https://otter.ai/u/WNms8Gjm5fNT2pcHyG_8lmJhULg?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://www.businessofarchitecture.com/call   ► Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for updates:   https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture   *******   For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful, and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/businessofarch/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/yt Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/show iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9idXNpbmVzc29mYXJjaGl0ZWN0dXJlLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz   *******   Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com   Carpe Diem!

    1h 7m
  7. 617: Winning Clients Without Lowering Your Fees: How to Make Your Firm Stand Out with Enoch Sears & Rion Willard

    FEB 21

    617: Winning Clients Without Lowering Your Fees: How to Make Your Firm Stand Out with Enoch Sears & Rion Willard

    How do you truly stand out in the architecture industry? In this follow-up episode, we dive deeper into real strategies for differentiation—beyond the usual clichés and overused tactics. If you’ve ever wondered why clients struggle to choose between firms or why pricing pressure keeps you stuck, this episode uncovers what’s really going on. We discuss the counterintuitive ways pricing affects perception, why marketing is more than just a nice website, and how to use simple strategies that don’t cost a fortune to create an unforgettable client experience. Plus, we explore the surprising lessons architects can learn from unexpected industries. If you’ve been relying on your portfolio alone to win work, this episode will change how you think about marketing—and your firm’s future. The hidden reason why raising your prices might bring you more clients. A common mistake that keeps architects stuck in a cycle of low fees. What an architect can learn from luxury hotels and Elon Musk’s Cybertruck. One simple change that could instantly improve how clients perceive your firm.   ► Transcription: https://otter.ai/u/7_l6mghf9nJU709-Y_LNHa7fCvQ?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://www.businessofarchitecture.com/call   ► Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture   *******   For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful, and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/businessofarch/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/yt Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/show iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9idXNpbmVzc29mYXJjaGl0ZWN0dXJlLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz   *******   Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com   Carpe Diem!

    49 min
4.8
out of 5
314 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.

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