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.
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Growing a Profitable Architecture Team Inside CBRE with Dominic McAndrew | EP678
03/16/2026
Growing a Profitable Architecture Team Inside CBRE with Dominic McAndrew | EP678
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: In this episode of Business of Architecture, Rion Willard sits down with Dominic McAndrew, Head of Architecture and Design at CBRE Design Collective for the UK and Ireland. What’s it like to run a high-performing design team inside one of the world’s largest real estate companies? Dominic shares a rare behind-the-scenes look at how he’s growing a profitable practice—without following the traditional path of starting his own firm. You’ll hear how his team doubled revenue, secured a more diverse client mix, and gained leadership traction—all while staying embedded within a global corporate machine. But this isn’t about selling out. It’s about showing up differently, playing smarter, and tapping into a deeper well of opportunity most architects miss. Tune in to discover: Why being small inside something big might be your best bet The one internal shift that sparked team-wide growth How to lead with value—even when the client holds all the cards To learn more about Dominic, visit his website:
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Running a Practice That Supports Your Life | EP677
03/09/2026
Running a Practice That Supports Your Life | EP677
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: Michele Grace Hottel sits down with Enoch Sears, founder of Business of Architecture, for a talk on what practice ownership can quietly take from you—and how it doesn’t have to. Enoch shares stories from behind the “awards and accolades” and points to the hidden patterns that keep firm owners stuck, even when they love the work. From a hard truth an accountant once delivered, to why outside coaches can change the game, the conversation moves from money to meaning without turning into a lecture. They also wander through early architectural memories, a few iconic buildings, and a view of how architects could shape the next era of communities. The “one sentence” an accountant said that made a successful architect rethink everything. The unexpected reason Enoch says most firms stay trapped—even when they’re busy. A small habit from studio days that reveals a bigger advantage most people miss. To learn more about Michele, visit her website:
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How Top Firms Are Using AI to Free Up Time & Command Higher Fees | EP676
03/02/2026
How Top Firms Are Using AI to Free Up Time & Command Higher Fees | EP676
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: What happens when AI meets the business of architecture? In this episode, Rion sits down with Dr. Sam Zolfagharian—co-founder of YegaTech—to explore how AI is reshaping the AEC industry. Sam shares insights from years of experience in structural engineering, construction tech, and leading-edge AI. But this isn't just about tools and tech. It’s about mindset, risk, and what happens when firms approach AI the wrong way. Sam unpacks how small firms can gain a huge edge—without chasing every shiny new tool. You’ll also hear why AI isn’t here to replace architects—but it will change who thrives and who gets left behind. In this episode, you’ll discover: The most dangerous question firms ask when starting their AI journey How one engineer cloned herself—and why your next hire might not be human The quiet revolution happening inside clients’ minds (and how it could change your fee structure forever) To learn more about Sam, visit her website:
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Designing the Practice: Mentorship, Mindset, and Building a Strong Firm | EP675
02/23/2026
Designing the Practice: Mentorship, Mindset, and Building a Strong Firm | EP675
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: Anthony Laney didn’t “get lucky.” He was nudged by a mentor who asked a few pointed questions that changed his path. What followed was a slow, intentional climb from modest beginnings to a studio known for exceptional residential work. In this conversation, you’ll hear how Anthony thinks about designing the practice, not just the projects. He shares how he built momentum without betting the farm, why he keeps investing in guidance, and what happens when a team learns to treat truth as fuel instead of a threat. You’ll also catch the mindset shifts behind growth: how to face uncertainty, turn hard moments into process upgrades, and build a culture where high standards feel energizing, not crushing. The simple outreach move that made other firms want to send him work (and why most architects never try it). The “feedback rule” that sounds intense… until you hear what it does to performance and trust. The quiet metric he watches that reveals more about a firm’s health than “busy” ever will. To learn more about Anthony, visit his:
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Transition Planning and Firm Valuation with Jeff Krieger | EP674
02/16/2026
Transition Planning and Firm Valuation with Jeff Krieger | EP674
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: For many architects, the idea of stepping away from their firm feels overwhelming. In this conversation with Jeff Krieger, we explore what it really takes to prepare a practice for life beyond the founder. Jeff reveals candid lessons from nearly four decades of leadership, touching on both the practical and the deeply personal sides of transition. You’ll hear stories about navigating valuation surprises, handing over control, and the emotional tug of letting go. Rather than a checklist, Jeff shares the lived reality of how to position your firm so it thrives after you. This is about more than numbers—it’s about legacy, freedom, and preparing people to carry the vision forward. Listen in and discover: The hidden trap most owners fall into when they think about selling their firm. Why a strong portfolio may not be the golden ticket you believe it is. A critical piece of the transition puzzle that too many overlook until it’s too late. To learn more about Jeff, visit his website:
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How Architects Can Stop Undervaluing Their Work and Start Charging What They’re Worth | EP673
02/09/2026
How Architects Can Stop Undervaluing Their Work and Start Charging What They’re Worth | EP673
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: Architects often feel squeezed by low fees that leave them overworked, under-supported, and with little time for true design. For small and residential firms in particular, this cycle can feel endless—too little profit, no space to hire help, and constant pressure to “make it work.” Enoch and Rion explore how undercharging starts long before you send a fee proposal, and how one awkward early project shaped Enoch’s view of money. They show why “breaking even” is actually a warning sign, not a win. You’ll hear how low fees trap small and residential firms in a cycle of stress, weak hiring, and no time for real design. Together they reveal the shift in mindset that lets you really charge more and feel good about it. The quiet habit that makes even good projects unprofitable A pricing mistake that keeps you from hiring help One mental switch that lifts your fees without changing your service
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How This Architectural Engineer Built £30M in Property Without Leaving His Practice | EP672
02/02/2026
How This Architectural Engineer Built £30M in Property Without Leaving His Practice | EP672
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: What does it take to run multiple companies and build £30 million in property, without losing your mind? In this episode, architectural engineer and developer Ben Richards returns to share what’s really changed since his last viral interview. You’ll hear what’s working, what’s not, and the hidden lessons most architects never get to learn. Ben lifts the hood on how he structured his practice to run without him, and the price he’s paid for that freedom. He also shares the real risk of juggling multiple businesses and what most architects get wrong when trying to become developers. If you think becoming an “architect-developer” is the dream, this episode is your wake-up call. On this episode, you’ll discover: Why the way you hire might be the reason you can’t grow The “cleanest” business model no one talks about in architecture How top architects are solving more than just design problems Tune in—you’ll see your practice differently. To learn more about Ben, visit his website:
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How Thomas Smith Transformed TS3 Architects With Higher Fees, Culture Shifts, and Hidden Profits | EP671
01/26/2026
How Thomas Smith Transformed TS3 Architects With Higher Fees, Culture Shifts, and Hidden Profits | EP671
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: TS3 Architects founder Thomas Smith joins Rion Willard to share how he moved from scraping by to leading with purpose. He reveals the turning point that made his firm’s numbers—and culture—finally click. Tom talks about the fee trap that many architects fall into and the surprising move that got his clients saying yes. He hints at a simple review that uncovered cash hiding in plain sight. You’ll also hear how opening the books shifted his team from employees to true partners. From vision days to a fresh org chart, Tom shows why culture is not fluff—it’s profit. He speaks about freedom through people, not just systems, and the next chapter for his firm. This is a story of transformation every architect will want to hear. You’ll also discover: The one-sentence purpose that changed everything The quiet client talk that unlocked higher fees The tracking tweak that turned hours into cash To learn more about Thomas, visit his website:
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Escaping Hustle Culture to Build an Architecture Business You Love | EP670
01/19/2026
Escaping Hustle Culture to Build an Architecture Business You Love | EP670
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: Architects are trained to hustle, but what if the grind is actually holding you back? In this episode, coach Jenna Harrison joins Enoch Sears to explore a radical shift—one that swaps overwork for a schedule that fuels creativity, clarity, and growth. They dive into the unseen toll hustle culture takes on your body, mind, and most valuable relationships. You’ll hear how an unexpected turning point made Jenna rethink everything about success, and the surprising ripple effects that followed. This isn’t theory—it’s lived experience, backed by results. Jenna also hints at the simple but powerful shifts that free you from the “time for money” trap. If you’ve ever wondered whether you can work less and earn more, this is your chance to find out. You’ll discover: The hidden cost of being “the bottleneck” in your firm Why your brain may be blocking your best work The counterintuitive change that can grow both freedom and revenue To learn more about Jenna, visit her website:
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The Architect’s Money Story: Why Beliefs Shape Your Practice More Than Numbers | EP669
01/12/2026
The Architect’s Money Story: Why Beliefs Shape Your Practice More Than Numbers | EP669
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: Architects often feel torn between their creative calling and the pressure to “talk money,” leaving many unsure how to price their work, defend their value, or navigate client conversations without anxiety. Money is supposed to be boring, distant, and handled by someone else, especially in architecture. In this episode, Enoch and Rion pull back the veil on the quiet myths architects inherit about fees, value, and what their work is really worth. They show how those hidden stories shape firms, projects, and even your sense of freedom as a practice owner. Starting from a shocking comment Enoch heard at architecture school, the conversation moves through history, Wall Street, and today’s studio culture. You’ll hear how a new way to see money can change the clients you attract, the projects you win, and the role you play at the table. The offhand remark that froze a studio room—and exposed a deep bias about architects who care about money. How one simple reframe turns money from “dirty” to a powerful technology of trust in your practice. Why a common industry tool might be training your best clients to see you as a commodity.
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How Architecture Firms Can Build High-Performance Remote Teams | EP668
01/05/2026
How Architecture Firms Can Build High-Performance Remote Teams | EP668
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: In this episode of Business of Architecture, Rion Willard sits down with Camila Brugger, founder of WorldTeams—the company quietly transforming how architecture firms grow. Camila shares her personal journey from witnessing the chaos of her parents’ small practice to building a 650-person global team that serves over 200 firms. Her story is raw, energizing, and full of practical insight for any architect tired of doing it all alone. You’ll hear how remote talent can unlock growth, freedom, and surprising loyalty—even if you’ve tried outsourcing before and failed. Camila reveals the mindset shifts and systems that make remote work actually work. And she doesn’t hold back on the tough lessons that helped her scale without burning out. In this episode, you’ll discover… The silent hiring mistake most architects are still making—and how it’s costing them thousands. What one architecture firm owner did to 3X their team without opening a single job ad. Why your dream lifestyle might be just one mindset shift away. To learn more about Camila, visit her website: https://worldteams.com/
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From Reactivity to Responsibility: How Architects Can Regain Control and Create Calm in Their Practice | EP667
12/29/2025
From Reactivity to Responsibility: How Architects Can Regain Control and Create Calm in Their Practice | EP667
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: Architects often find themselves juggling client demands, project deadlines, and team issues while feeling like they have no space left for themselves. This episode tackles that hidden pain—why architects run on panic even while designing calm, beautiful spaces for others. Many firm owners live in constant “firefighting” mode, but don’t see the cost on health, team, and profits. You’ll hear stories of monks, pilots, scuba divers, and tax bills that show the price of knee-jerk reactions. You’ll also see how nervous system science, rituals, and one monthly habit can raise your status as a leader and steady your team. You’ll glimpse a way to run your practice, where you feel ahead instead of always behind. Why one pilot’s “engine failure” became a masterclass in calm leadership. The daily habit that turns your inbox from trap to tool. How a tweak in planning flips your practice from drama to safety.
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Designing Profit and Purpose: How Drew Pedrick Built a Remote, Values-Driven Architecture Firm | EP666
12/22/2025
Designing Profit and Purpose: How Drew Pedrick Built a Remote, Values-Driven Architecture Firm | EP666
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: When Drew Pedrick started his architecture firm, he didn’t follow the usual rules. No office. A global team. A deep focus on meaning, not just design. In this episode, Drew shares the mindset shift that helped him build a profitable, values-driven practice from the ground up. Host Enoch Sears digs into how Drew balances creativity and business, and what most architects get very wrong about profit. They talk about staying aligned without an office, building strong partnerships, and what it really means to run a “conscious” firm. This conversation is honest, bold, and full of unexpected lessons for any architect ready to stop playing small. In this episode, you’ll discover: The surprising structure behind a firm that looks freeform Why most architects’ “budgeting system” guarantees stress and burnout How to protect your peace—and your profit—before the first client call Tune in and rethink how architecture can work. To learn more about Drew, visit his website:
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Why Architects Struggle With Fees—and How to Fix It
12/19/2025
Why Architects Struggle With Fees—and How to Fix It
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: Fees start everything in an architecture firm: the work you take, the team you pay, and the life you live. In this episode, Enoch Sears and Rion Willard cut through “competitive pricing” and show why fee stress is rarely about the number on your proposal. They point to what low-fee fear is really signaling—and why it’s hard to fix later. You’ll hear how sales and marketing shape fees more than most architects admit, and why confidence is built from real inputs, not hype. They also preview an updated industry fee report and how you can use it to see your fees in context. It may change how you price next job. The hidden reason “I might lose this job” shows up right before you quote. The blind spot that makes smart architects think they can sell. The profit clue that warns something deeper is off—before you crash. Contribute your data and get access to the updated Architectural Fee Report at
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From Overwhelm to Ohm: Mindset Shifts for Architecture Firm Leaders | EP665
12/15/2025
From Overwhelm to Ohm: Mindset Shifts for Architecture Firm Leaders | EP665
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: Architects often find themselves buried under deadlines, staff questions, and the pressure to deliver flawless work—leaving little room to breathe, lead, or think creatively. This episode explores why that overwhelm feels so persistent and why traditional fixes rarely move the needle. Drowning in projects, staff issues, and nonstop client demands? In this episode, Enoch and Rio dig into what really sits beneath overwhelm for architecture firm owners and new partners. You’ll hear how ego and pride in being “the busy one” can trap you in a me-centric office, and why real change starts with how you see yourself, not with another tool or system. The hidden “reward” you may be getting from overwhelm… and why letting it go can feel unsafe. A quiet shift in how you see your role that lets your team grow while you step back. The wake-up calls that push some architects to rebuild their firms—and their lives.
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From OMA to Developer: Rethinking Architecture Through Ownership and Value | EP664
12/08/2025
From OMA to Developer: Rethinking Architecture Through Ownership and Value | EP664
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: What do two architects do after working at one of the most elite firms in the world? In this episode, Alex Yuen and Minkoo Kang share how their time at OMA shaped their view of architecture—and why they chose a very different path. They now work at the intersection of design, development, and teaching. But they didn’t just trade desks—they rewired the way they think about value, money, and impact. If you’ve ever felt stuck between being a visionary and being profitable, this episode speaks directly to you. You’ll hear how these two navigated burnout, risk, and reinvention to reclaim creative and financial power. Whether you’re still chasing design awards or itching to build your own thing, what Alex and Minkoo reveal will shift how you see your role as an architect. The hidden cost every architect pays—but rarely talks about How to unlock design freedom without pitching or pandering Why “good design” might be the least important part of your project To learn more about Alex & Minkoo, visit their websites: -
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The Non-Linear Strategy for Scaling Your Architecture Practice Fast | EP663
12/01/2025
The Non-Linear Strategy for Scaling Your Architecture Practice Fast | EP663
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: Architects often feel stuck and overwhelmed when dealing with the challenge of growing their firms beyond the exhausting hustle-and-grind stage, especially when the traditional path to growth feels slow, risky, and filled with staffing headaches. Many try to “stay small” to avoid these pains—only to face inconsistent cash flow, constant stress, and limited creative freedom. Enoch & Rion explore a bold and unexpected path to growing an architecture firm—one that challenges long-held beliefs in the industry. Along the way, they reveal why so many small practices stay stuck, and what keeps talented architects locked in old models that drain time, energy, and joy. You’ll hear stories from firm owners who broke out of the grind, the hidden risks of staying small, and a surprising route that can give instant stability and creative freedom. By the end, you’ll see the industry from a new angle—and feel pulled toward a different future. The “invisible desert” nearly every firm must cross—and the shortcut few know exists. A counterintuitive move that can turn years of slow growth into a single bold leap. The surprising reason a bigger firm can be easier to run than a small one.
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Designing Profit: How Bill Caleo Built The Brooklyn Home Company | EP662
11/24/2025
Designing Profit: How Bill Caleo Built The Brooklyn Home Company | EP662
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: What happens when a trained actor walks away from the stage and steps into the world of real estate development? In this episode, Rion Willard speaks with Bill Caleo, co-founder of The Brooklyn Home Company, about how one bold move—and one deeply personal project—sparked a $500 million design-led business. You’ll hear the journey of how heart, family, and instinct came together to form a vertically integrated firm that’s rewriting the developer playbook. Bill shares how his theater background gave him a unique edge most developers miss—and why he believes developers have a duty to shape culture, not just buildings. You’ll also hear a surprising story about one handcrafted object that saved an entire project during a financial crash. And for architects dreaming of more control, more beauty, and better margins, this conversation just might crack something open. In this episode, discover: The unusual career path that became a secret advantage A costly mistake that revealed the most profitable design move they ever made Why their most powerful marketing strategy isn’t what you think To learn more about Bill, visit his website: https://www.thebrooklynhomecompany.com/
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Goal Setting for Architects: Measurable Targets, Feedback, and Clarity | EP661
11/17/2025
Goal Setting for Architects: Measurable Targets, Feedback, and Clarity | EP661
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: Architects often feel stuck chasing “someday” goals, working harder but not getting closer to the practice or life they imagined. The real pain? Knowing you’re busy, overwhelmed, and talented—yet still unclear about what you’re aiming for or why progress feels so slow. Enoch and Rion share how a small shift in how you think about targets, feedback, and your “default future” can reshape your practice and your life. You’ll hear how their own health scares and career detours uncovered blind spots they never saw coming. You’ll get a simple check-in across four areas of life and a fresh view of what real progress looks like. Why one blunt question about your future makes it hard to keep tolerating the status quo. The sneaky way “being busy” can drain your self-esteem and your team’s drive. A daily habit with a notebook that can expose what you truly want faster than any course.
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From Architecture Grad to Developer: How Baker Roddey Launched His First Investment Project | EP660
11/10/2025
From Architecture Grad to Developer: How Baker Roddey Launched His First Investment Project | EP660
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: What happens when a young architect trades a steady paycheck for a risky first project—with no guarantee of success? In this bold episode, Baker Roddey reveals how he navigated real estate rules, raised unexpected funding, and turned one deal into a springboard for his firm. But it wasn’t easy—and what he shares will challenge your ideas of what it really takes to grow. You’ll hear how strategy, sales, and sheer nerve played a role—but not in the ways you might expect. Baker opens up about the invisible barriers architects face, and how he learned to move through them without burning bridges (or cash). His story isn’t just smart—it’s surprisingly spiritual. Whether you're just starting out or ready to rewrite your path, this conversation holds insights worth stealing. The quiet financial tactic no architect is taught in school—but should be. How one phone call (and a mindset shift) unlocked the deal that changed everything. The one “soft skill” Baker used to raise five figures… without pitching like a bro. To learn more about Baker, visit his LinkedIn: To learn more about Mary Beth, visit her website:
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How Accountability Transforms Leadership, Culture, and Profit in Architecture Firms | EP659
11/03/2025
How Accountability Transforms Leadership, Culture, and Profit in Architecture Firms | EP659
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: Architect Nation, this episode tackles the silent killer in many firms: weak accountability. Enoch and Rion reveal how polite habits and fear of conflict drain authority, profit, and joy. You’ll hear why “safety” and “fierce compassion” can live in the same room. Through real stories, they show what happens when leaders avoid hard talks—or explode instead. You’ll learn how language choices signal ownership, and why clients sense wobble long before you do. The result: missed deadlines, shrinking margins, and the “supplier” label. Then they point to a better way. A simple conversation frame, a different stance on responsibility, and a mindset that turns collision into creation. The payoffs touch culture, fees, and speed of execution. The two-word shift that changes everything with staff and clients. A ruthless-yet-loving move that ends chronic deadline drift. The profit leak hiding in your “nice” culture (and how leaders plug it).
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What Architects Can Learn from UX, Tech, and Real Estate | EP658
10/27/2025
What Architects Can Learn from UX, Tech, and Real Estate | EP658
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Most architects feel like outsiders in the business conversations that shape their projects. They’re left out of key decisions, treated as a line item cost, and frustrated when their design expertise isn’t valued the way it should be. What happens when an architect trades AutoCAD for agile sprints and business models? In this episode, we sit down with Daplaah-Teng Aryene—an architectural designer turned UX strategist—whose career took a sharp turn during the pandemic. What started as a leap into startup life became a masterclass in value creation, entrepreneurship, and how architects can reclaim agency in a system that often undervalues their genius. Daplaah unpacks how real estate, tech, and business strategy reshaped his understanding of architecture’s role—and where most firms leave opportunity on the table. From innovation frameworks to unexpected lessons in developer boardrooms, this episode challenges everything you thought you knew about the “architect’s lane." To learn more about Daplaah-Teng Aryene, visit his LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/daplaah-teng-aryene
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Building High-Performance Architecture Teams with Rion Willard | EP657
10/20/2025
Building High-Performance Architecture Teams with Rion Willard | EP657
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: In this energetic live session, Rion Willard held at the AIA Austin Event, he asks a hard question: what does a true high-performance architecture team look like? He shares sobering industry stats and stories. Then he flips the script, turning the room into a workshop with quick audits, hands-up shares, and honest self-checks. You’ll hear why profits power design, and why little things—like scattered emails, fuzzy roles, and quiet scope creep—silently drain margins. Rion sketches a simple score that top firms use to gauge performance, plus a brutal-but-kind way to map every teammate’s fit. He closes with field notes from firms that made the leap, and a nudge to take one concrete action today. Along the way, he surfaces bottlenecks leaders rarely admit, and invites you to test with no-fluff prompts. Expect candid talk about hiring, delegation, and the real cost of turnover. If you lead a team, or want to, this is your wake-up call now. The surprising revenue-per-person target top studios chase—and how to gauge yours in minutes. A four-box lens that reveals who to elevate, coach, or release (without drama). The tiny leaks that steal profit each week—and the simple ritual that plugs them.
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Using AI to Eliminate Redundant Work and Boost Profitability in Your Architecture Firm | EP656
10/13/2025
Using AI to Eliminate Redundant Work and Boost Profitability in Your Architecture Firm | EP656
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: Architects are under more pressure than ever to deliver projects faster, with fewer resources, and tighter margins. Yet much of their time is still spent repeating work, hunting for old files, or redrawing details they know they’ve already drawn before. This episode dives into how AI can help architects work smarter—not harder—by unlocking the power of their past work. In this episode, Rion reconnects with Natalia Bakaeva from ARKI and you'll hear how she is tackling everything from tedious workflows to profitability—without disrupting how firms already operate. Natalia shares how practices are turning their past work into a searchable database that actually helps them move faster. They explore how ARKI might evolve into a second brain for your firm—one that remembers everything and makes drawing easier, smarter, and even more profitable. Listen to learn: The hidden cost of “reinventing the wheel” in every project—and how to stop it What one firm did to slash production time by 50% using their own archive Why ARKI might be the missing link between your creative ideas and your business goals To learn more about Natalia, visit her website:
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Breaking Free from Hustle and Grind Culture in Architecture | EP655
10/06/2025
Breaking Free from Hustle and Grind Culture in Architecture | EP655
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: Enoch Sears and Rion Willard tackle the myth of hustle and grind. Why do smart architects work more yet feel behind? They walk through the real cost and hint at a better path that frees your time, profits, and nerves. They share stories from studio all-nighters, a high-stakes talk in Austin, and a sharp lesson on leadership. You’ll hear a clean way to pick what to stop, what to keep, and what to hand off. Most of all, they show how ease beats force when you build your firm. The 30-second check that exposes hidden grind—and what it reveals about your pipeline, projects, and pride this week. A quiet switch of leaders flips to stop bottlenecks, lift team ownership, and unlock profit without longer hours or late nights. The garden-style tactic that attracts better clients, calmer weeks, and growth that feels aligned—and lasts, without chasing or forcing deals.
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How Zaha Hadid Architects Built a Global, Scalable Practice Without Compromising Design Integrity | EP654
09/29/2025
How Zaha Hadid Architects Built a Global, Scalable Practice Without Compromising Design Integrity | EP654
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: What if the very systems meant to support architects are actually holding them back? In this powerful episode, Rion Willard sits down with Patrik Schumacher, Principal of Zaha Hadid Architects, for a bold, no-holds-barred conversation. They dive into what it really takes to run a creative practice that’s profitable, scalable, and still deeply visionary. You’ll hear how one of the world’s most innovative firms navigates bureaucracy, wins global commissions, and stays ahead—without selling out. Patrik also unpacks why many architecture schools may be steering young talent in the wrong direction. If you’ve ever felt stuck between art and business, this episode could shift everything. On this episode, discover: The silent killer of design innovation (and how to escape it) A business model that lets you scale and stay creative Why most young architects are being set up to fail—before they even graduate This isn’t just theory. It’s what’s working now. To learn more about Patrik, visit his website:
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Uncovering the Money Myths Holding Back Your Practice | EP653
09/22/2025
Uncovering the Money Myths Holding Back Your Practice | EP653
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: In this thought-provoking episode of the Business of Architecture podcast, Rion Willard sits down with long-time collaborator Nicole, whose work with firm owners goes far beyond strategy and business systems. Together, they explore the hidden forces shaping how architects think, act, and lead—often without realizing it. Nicole reveals why many practice owners feel stuck, overwhelmed, or adrift, even when they’ve “done everything right,” and how unseen layers of belief can quietly limit results. She shares powerful shifts that can help leaders reclaim clarity, tap into their core identity, and run their business with more freedom and impact. Along the way, you’ll hear stories, analogies, and unexpected moments of insight that might just change how you see your own challenges. Inside, you’ll discover: The hidden “handbrake” most architects don’t know is slowing them down A simple daily habit that rewires your thinking without effort How to turn even setbacks into strategic advantages
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How Strategic Communication Helps Architects Win Better Work | EP652
09/15/2025
How Strategic Communication Helps Architects Win Better Work | EP652
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: 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:
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Why Clients Don’t Trust You (Even When You Say the Right Thing) | EP651
09/08/2025
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: 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.
/episode/index/show/businessofarchitecture/id/37890540
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From Burnout to Breakthrough: Building Freedom Through People | EP650
09/01/2025
From Burnout to Breakthrough: Building Freedom Through People | EP650
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: 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:
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