Business of Architecture Podcast

Enoch Sears & Rion Willard
  • 4.8 (342)
  • Arts
  • 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. 3d ago

    How Architects Can Set Better Fees, Handle Pushback, and Protect Profit | 711

    End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Architecture firm owners often assume that low fees, difficult clients, or a slow market are the main reasons profit feels harder than it should. But what if the real problem is hiding somewhere less obvious? In this episode, Rion Willard speaks with Geoff Hoover about the patterns he sees inside architecture firms every day. They explore why some owners stay stuck despite doing great work, how the way you approach client conversations can change what happens next, and why the story you tell yourself about price may not match what clients are actually thinking. Geoff also explains how firm owners can uncover hidden gaps in their business before those gaps become expensive problems. From fees and scope creep to client objections and profitability, this conversation challenges several common assumptions about what really drives a healthy architecture practice. Listen in to discover what may be happening beneath the surface of your firm—and what you might be missing. Why a client saying "your fee is too high" may not mean what you think it means. The overlooked signal that could reveal whether your pricing is leaving money on the table. Why the firms that create the most value may be doing something very different before they ever show a portfolio. - sponsorship - Xero: https://referrals.xero.com/BOA

    How Architects Can Set Better Fees, Handle Pushback, and Protect Profit | 711

  2. Oct 26

    Building Better Homes Through Engineering, Commissioning, and Client-Centered Design | 710

    End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework What makes a beautiful building truly work for the people who live in it? In this episode, Wesley Van Rite shares how better questions, closer coordination, and a deeper view of comfort can change the outcome of a project. Wes also opens up about building a small, flexible engineering practice without giving up the life he wanted to create. His story offers a thoughtful look at how technical skill, client trust, and business choices can work together. You'll hear why some problems begin long before construction. • The hidden gap that can turn a dream project into a daily source of frustration. • The simple client conversation that can reshape key design decisions. • Why saying "yes" can create new opportunities—when it comes from the right place. This conversation will help architects think differently about performance, partnership, and the kind of practice they want to build for themselves, their teams, and clients. To learn more about Wes, visit his website: https://www.engdproj.com/ - sponsorship - Xero: https://referrals.xero.com/BOA

    Building Better Homes Through Engineering, Commissioning, and Client-Centered Design | 710

  3. Oct 19

    Creating Value Before Design: Ricardo on Architecture, Development, and Better Client Conversations | 709

    End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Many architects feel boxed into the role of "designer," only being invited into the conversation after the biggest decisions have already been made. By then, the budget, site, program, and business risks may already be set—and the architect is left trying to create value inside someone else's limits. In this episode, Ricardo shares how his path from New York to Puerto Rico led him to rethink what architects can really bring to the table. His story touches on client power, early project decisions, development, risk, patience, and the quiet shifts that can change the future of a firm. This is not a simple story about growth or success. It is a clear look at what happens when an architect learns to see beyond design fees and starts asking better questions about value, timing, trust, and partnership. You'll hear: The hidden moment where architects may already be giving away their most valuable thinking. Why one early seat at the table can change the entire role of the architect. The business lesson that took years to understand, but changed everything about long-term opportunity. To learn more about Ricardo Alvarez, visit their website: https://www.alvarezdiazvillalon.com/ - sponsorship - Xero: https://referrals.xero.com/BOA

    Creating Value Before Design: Ricardo on Architecture, Development, and Better Client Conversations | 709

  4. Oct 12

    Winning Better Work: Chris Laul on Strategy, Clients & Growth | 708

    End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework What if your firm could grow by chasing less work, not more? In this episode, Chris Laul of HOK shares what years inside a design firm have taught him about growth, clients, and creative work. He looks at why some firms build trust, make choices, and stand out without losing what makes their work special. Chris also shares how his life as a fine artist shaped the way he thinks about business, value, and the people who buy creative work. The question that can change which jobs you chase—and which ones you walk away from. Why some of your growth may already be sitting inside the ties your team has built. What art taught Chris about making creative work valuable without giving up its heart. If you want to win better work, build client ties, and think clearly about growth, this episode may change how you see your firm. To learn more about Chris, visit his website: https://www.hok.com/ - sponsorship - Xero: referrals.xero.com/BOA

    Winning Better Work: Chris Laul on Strategy, Clients & Growth | 708

  5. Oct 5

    Five Critical Mistakes to Avoid When Building Remote Teams for Your Architecture Firm | 707

    End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Building a remote team can give an architecture firm more capacity, flexibility, and freedom. Yet the results depend on far more than finding a skilled person and assigning them work. In this episode, Enoch Sears speaks with Camila Brugger, Founder and CEO of WorldTeams, about what firm owners often overlook when they hire across borders. Drawing from her work with more than 200 architecture firms, Camila explains why the right preparation can shape the entire experience. You will hear how clearer decisions, stronger communication, and better internal habits can help remote team members succeed. You will also learn why some common hiring approaches create friction before the work even begins. The hidden decision that can determine whether a new hire thrives Why one attractive hiring shortcut often leads firms in the wrong direction The overlooked internal shift that makes global teamwork far easier Listen to discover how to build a remote team that supports both growth and freedom. To learn more about Camila, visit her: https://worldteams.com - sponsorship - Xero: referrals.xero.com/BOA

  6. Sep 28

    What Luxury Clients Expect: An Owner's Rep on Better Project Delivery | 706

    End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework What makes a great project feel great for the client, not just look great at the end? In this episode, Rion Willard talks with Megan Turner, founder of ML Turner, about what really happens behind the scenes of complex custom homes. Drawing on her work as a builder, construction manager, and owner's rep, Megan shares a rare view of how strong teams keep ambitious projects moving. The conversation explores why some projects stay on track while others become harder than expected. Megan also reveals what high-end clients notice, what strong architecture firms tend to understand, and why the best project experience often depends on choices made long before construction begins. You'll also hear how trust, communication, and the right team can shape far more than the final result. If you work with demanding clients or complex projects, this episode may change how you think about the service you provide today. The overlooked factor that can quietly shape a project before construction even begins What high-end clients notice that many project teams may never think to ask about Why the firms that earn lasting trust tend to approach the client experience differently To learn more about Megan, visit her LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-turner-cm

  7. Sep 21

    The Exhausted Architect: Moving from Overwork to Freedom and Flow | 705

    End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Many architects are taught to believe that more hours, more effort, and more sacrifice will lead to a better firm. But what if that belief is quietly creating the very pressure they are trying to escape? In this episode, Enoch Sears and Rion Willard unpack the hidden patterns behind exhaustion in architecture practice. They explore why hard work can become a trap, how busyness can feel like progress, and why rest may play a much bigger role in great leadership than most firm owners think. This conversation is not about lowering standards or caring less. It is about learning how to lead with more clarity, energy, and freedom. The silent habit that can make even smart architects feel stuck in endless work Why "just pushing harder" may not be the path to better results A surprising shift that can help firm owners protect both their work and their life

    The Exhausted Architect: Moving from Overwork to Freedom and Flow | 705

  8. Sep 14

    How High-Performing Architecture Firms Improve Profitability and Cash Flow | 704

    End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework In this episode, Rion Willard sits down with Ashish Desai, CEO of Monograph, to talk about what the numbers are really showing inside architecture firms. Ashish shares a grounded look at how some firms are building stronger businesses without losing sight of the work they love. The conversation touches on profit, cash flow, AI, team habits, and the quiet business patterns that often decide whether a firm feels steady or strained. This is not a theory-heavy episode. It is a clear look at what is changing in architectural practice now, and what firm owners may need to rethink next. The simple metric that can reveal more than most firm owners expect Why "busy" firms can still feel financially tight The hidden shift that may change how architects use technology To learn more about Ashish, visit the website: https://monograph.com/

    How High-Performing Architecture Firms Improve Profitability and Cash Flow | 704
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4.8
out of 5
342 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 - 2026
  • Episodes
    758
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Business of Architecture
  • Show Website
    Business of Architecture Podcast

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