Business of Architecture Podcast
607 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago - ★★★★★ - 271 ratingsDiscover 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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Episodes
How to Win More of the Right Architecture Projects
July 03, 2019 00:02 - 5 minutes - 4.1 MBHow to win more of the RIGHT architecture projects: the ArchitectCEO Daily Update. I live in California's Great Central Valley – a huge agricultural region that runs the entire length of California. The farmers around here produce billions of dollars of produce every year. As I was driving around recently, I looked over the endless orchards and thought about the difference between farming and hunting as it relates to business development for architects. A farmer prepares the ground, ...
Noisy Blower (Focus on What Matters)
July 01, 2019 15:54 - 5 minutes - 4.17 MBHello Architect Nation! This morning, as usual, I went to the Crossfit gym where I work out with my wife and 6 - 7 other people. Our coach was explaining today's workout, when suddenly he was interrupted by the deafening noise of the gas-powered blower the yard maintenance guy was using outside. The Crossfit gym where I exercise is housed in a metal building. Both of the rolling doors were up to let in the cool morning air. Coach Devin crossed his arms with a smile, "Guess I'll hav...
You Made Your Bed - Now Sleep In It
July 01, 2019 01:12 - 4 minutes - 3.11 MBHave you ever done something you regret? Of course not, right? I did - just two days ago when I blew up at my wife for doing me a needed favor. As I stood there, looking at my wife with tears in her eyes, I felt horrible for being such a royal jerk to the most wonderful lady in my life, my beautiful queen. I learned an important lesson that day. Hear the whole story in today's ArchitectCEO daily update: You Made Your Bed - Now Sleep In It.
289: 5 Error + Omission Insurance Considerations with Kevin Collins
June 30, 2019 22:08 - 34 minutes - 23.6 MBToday I welcome Kevin Collins to the show. Kevin Collins is the Underwriting Manager for the Professional Liability program at Victor O. Schinnerer & Company, one of the largest providers of professional liability insurance for architects and engineers. We discuss the top 5 things you should consider when getting professional liability insurance. ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resourc...
The Theory of Constraints
June 30, 2019 05:06 - 2 minutes - 1.44 MBThe Theory of Constraints is a management theory developed by Dr. Eliyahu Goldratt. He discusses it in his popular book, The Goal. The theory states that every system's output will be limited by it's weakest link. For instance, if you're doing an exercise - say squats, the amount you can lift will be limited by the muscle that gives out first when trying to lift the weight. In a building structural system, the integrity of the building is limited by the element that fails first. In a...
What is Holding You Back?
June 28, 2019 12:56 - 5 minutes - 3.93 MBWhat is holding you back? You're working hard to get specific results, but there are so many obstacles in your way. The ArchitectCEO Update: What if I told you that the only thing that is holding you back is you?!? It isn't what's on the outside – your employees, your spouse, your education or lack thereof – You're the one that is responsible for your results in your life. You're the one that is holding you back. This can be a hard pill to swallow, but it's also empowering beca...
Crows vs. Eagles
June 27, 2019 21:17 - 4 minutes - 3.23 MBThis morning as I was doing my daily workout, I looked up and saw a little sparrow chasing a crow. This brought to mind the parable of the crows vs the eagle. Listen and let me know what you think. Enoch
Red on Right on Return (One Way to Differentiate Your Firm)
June 27, 2019 01:52 - 5 minutes - 3.75 MBOn this episode, you'll discover the parable of "Red on Right on Return" and discover one simple way to differentiate your architecture firm.
Papers Blowing in the Wind
June 25, 2019 18:20 - 5 minutes - 3.95 MBThis morning as I pulled into my neighborhood, I saw a stack of white papers littering the side of the road. They had begun to blow down the street creating a huge eye-sore. As I drove past I wondered, “who will clean up those papers?” My initial reaction was to leave them for someone else to clean up. Then I realized that no one else would clean them up. They would likely sit there for days littering the street and blowing into adjacent yards if someone didn't collect them up. I r...
How You Do One Thing Is How You Do Everything
June 24, 2019 23:33 - 7 minutes - 5.16 MBHow you do one thing is how you do everything. The bad (and good) habits that we have repeat through all areas of life. This is a concept that one of my business mentors taught me years ago. Recently I took a hard look at my life and what I'm doing and I noticed this pattern showing up. First let me share an incident that reminded me of this recently, and then I'll share how I saw this pop up in my own life. Two weeks ago I was attending a business seminar. One guy out of our group...
288: The Way We Build is Stupid with Eric Corey Freed
June 24, 2019 05:00 - 35 minutes - 24.8 MB"The way we build is stupid," proclaims sustainable evangelist and architect Eric Corey Freed. In this episode of the Business of Architecture Show, you'll discover how some companies are innovating how buildings are built and what's possible in the future. ► Subscribe to my 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...
Man Walking Dogs
June 24, 2019 01:06 - 2 minutes - 1.81 MBThis morning I did a morning jaunt around my neighborhood. As I was walking, I saw a man coming toward me walking two dogs. The dogs were pulling at the leash, trying to sniff everything. You may have experienced this before. They pulled toward the sidewalk, trying to smell the bushes. When I walked past, they pulled toward me, trying to get a sniff. As I was watching this, I had the thought, “Is the man walking the dogs, or are the dogs walking the man?” If the dogs are walking t...
The Parable of the Remote Control Doll (Just Ship It)
June 23, 2019 02:46 - 6 minutes - 4.67 MBThis morning my 7-year old daughter showed me a drawing that she did of a ‘remote control doll.' Apparently this is what 7-year-old girls like to think about. On one side of the page she drew a picture of the remote, complete with a viewing screen, speaker and microphone so she could talk through the doll. On the reverse side of the page, she had a picture of the back of the doll with an outlet in her head (for charging my daughter told me). Drawing of the ‘rumote cuncurll' Drawi...
Damn You Google (Symptom vs. Cause)
June 21, 2019 18:05 - 6 minutes - 4.54 MBYesterday I took my kids to their swim meet. It was cool outside with a nice breeze blowing. I stood in the stands so I could watch my kids swim and record their times. In my down time, I was scrolling through Instagram and I came across a post by one of my business mentors who recommended 3 books, The Ultimate Blueprint for an Insanely Successful Business by Keith Cunningham, and How Finance Works and The Wisdom of Finance by Mihir Desai. I pulled out my Android phone and whipped up G...
What To Win When Other Firms Undercut Your Fees
June 20, 2019 23:51 - 7 minutes - 5.07 MBYesterday I spoke with the partners of a design-focused architecture firm that does commercial, hospitality and residential projects. They reached out to me because their fees are very competitive, but they sometimes get undercut by 40% or more. Many times the clients come back to them with their tail between their legs after these projects go off track – but not always. This is frustrating for these firm owners who feel like they're doing everything right, but still struggling. Let'...
How to Get What You Want Out of Business and Life
June 19, 2019 23:18 - 4 minutes - 3.32 MBThe other day I was walking around my neighborhood and I found a stray golf ball on my lawn. This reminded me of an important principle if you want to have it all in business and life. Listen to this episode and let me know what you think!
287: Architecture Firm Profit Levers with Enoch Sears and Alex Gore
June 18, 2019 17:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MBMany architects are sitting on uncovered profit within their firm. In this episode, podcast host Alex Gore interviews Enoch Sears about key profit levers small firm owners can use to boost bottom line revenue without getting more clients or working more hours. ► Subscribe to my 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: Faceb...
Poop in the Toilet (Inspect What You Expect)
June 17, 2019 22:13 - 6 minutes - 4.41 MBPoop in the toilet (business lesson on inspecting what you expect). Recently one of our toilets in the house went out of commission. This reminded me of an important business lesson for any firm owner. Listen and let me know what you think.
Why Don't Potential Clients Come Running to Me?
June 17, 2019 03:00 - 10 minutes - 7.42 MBWhy don't potential clients come running to my firm? If you're delivering exceptional service and value to your clients, you may wonder why clients don't come running to your firm? Why don't more people refer you? There is one key to successful client attraction and business development that we cover in this episode. This is the foundation to growing a successful practice in the future.
286: Starting and Growing a Residential Architecture Firm with Ignacio Rodriguez
June 10, 2019 14:00 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MBToday we welcome Ignacio Rodriguez to the show. Ignacio Rodriguez runs an architecture firm based in Los Angeles, California that specializes in luxury residential homes of $15,000 square feet and more. On today's episode you'll discover the clever way that Ignacio and his wife started their residential design firm, and how they grew it over the course of 6 years to win larger commissions. ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture...
285: Winning AEC Interviews with Dean Hyers
June 03, 2019 17:00 - 43 minutes - 30.1 MBToday we welcome Dean Lincoln Hyers to the show. Dean helps architecture firms win commissions through interview and presentation coaching to help them communicate their value and win the deal. He and his partner are the authors of the book, "Winning AEC Interviews." The deals they've been involved in have resulted in over $4.5 billion in project wins, including the USBANK stadium, where the 2018 Super Bowl was held. On today's episode you'll discover Dean's top 3 tips for winning your...
284: Architect Entrepreneur Starts Freelance Platform with Leah Baker
May 27, 2019 05:00 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MBToday we welcome architect Leah Baker to the show. Leah is the founder of Graphite, an online service that pairs pre-selected architects with clients looking to hire an architect. On today's episode you'll discover how Leah started her entrepreneurial journey, and what it has taken to get her to the point she's at. You'll also discover her recommendation if you have a big idea. ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* ...
283: Architecture Firm B-School with Christopher Toddy and Mel Price
May 22, 2019 05:00 - 18 minutes - 10.5 MBToday we welcome Mel Price and Christopher Toddy to the show. Christopher Toddy is the current chair of AIA's Small Firm Exchange committee, and Mel Price is a past chair. On today's episode you'll hear about the 2 workshops that we are partnering to deliver at the AIA National Conference this year in Las Vegas. ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactfu...
282: 5 Critical Proposal Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them) with Ian Motley
May 21, 2019 05:00 - 24 minutes - 16.9 MBToday we welcome Ian Motley to the show. Ian is a proposal writing and negotiation expert for the architecture industry. Formerly, he worked for Fosters Partners advising on proposal and negotiation strategies. Now he runs Blue Turtle Consulting with his partner Alexandra Howieson. Blue Turtle provides training and consulting services to the AEC industry. You may have seen their popular proposal-writing workshop advertised in the United States, Australia, New Zealand or the UK. I attende...
281: Alternate Career Paths in Architecture: BIM Administrator with Dan Stine
March 04, 2019 08:30 - 55 minutes - 38.4 MBToday I speak with Dan Stine, bestselling author of 12 books including the #1 Revit academic training textbook. In today's episode, you'll discover an interesting career path within the architecture industry. Dan is the BIM Administrator at LHB, a 250-person, multi-disciplinary firm with 4 offices. ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful and fulfill...
280: Surprising Method for Reaching Your Ideal Clients with Nick Tsontakis
February 26, 2019 06:55 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MBToday we welcome back architect Nick Tsontakis to the show. Nick runs a successful residential architectural practice in Scottsdale, Arizona. His impressive work is frequently published in local and national media. In today's episode, you'll discover: The surprising method Nick has discovered for reaching his ideal clients How collaborating with your competitors can help you grow your practice How to get your work published ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www....
279: Getting Good Projects When No One Knows Who You Are with Nick Tsontakis
February 18, 2019 08:17 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MBGet the 4-part architect profit map video at http://www.freearchitectgift.com. Today we welcome architect Nick Tsontakis to the show. Nick Tsontakis runs a successful and highly awarded residential architecture practice in Scottsdale, Arizona. In today's episode, you'll discover: How Nick wins his impressive, high caliber projects The one thing Nick says architects need to do, that they almost never do The strategy Nick used to grow his practice when he was unknown and had no referr...
278: Taking an Architecture Firm to the Next Level with Jefferson Schierbeek
February 11, 2019 16:28 - 26 minutes - 18.6 MBToday's interview is a behind-the-scenes conversation with a firm owner graduate of the Architecture Firm Freedom Formula program I run with Scott Beebe. Scott and I started the Freedom Formula program several years ago because I heard from so many small firm owners that they were overwhelmed with the day-to-day of running the practice and they wanted to get freedom back into their life again. In the program, Scott and I work with firm owners to implement systems and frameworks so they c...
277: How This Architect Went From Overwhelmed Operator to Empowered Owner with Erin Morris
February 04, 2019 05:30 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBToday we welcome Erin Morris to the show. Erin Morris is the president of Erin Morris Architect, a design-focused firm based in Newport Beach, California. In today's episode, you'll discover: The two main things that helped Erin go from overwhelmed operator to empowered owner How to build a business around your life, not the other way around How Erin went from wanting to walk away from her firm, to having a profitable, impactful practice that gives her freedom and creative fulfillment...
276: Entrepreneurship in Architecture with Rodney Robles
January 25, 2019 07:34 - 1 hour - 42.7 MBAlthough they won numerous awards and were doing good work, architect Rodney Robles realized something was missing in his firm. After ignoring the business aspect of his firm for the first 7 years, he immersed himself on how to run a great practice, which has made a great difference on his practice, his work, and his life. Rodney Robles is the founder of the architecture firm Factor:Recurso, based in Monterrey, Mexico. I was introduced to Rodney by Rion Willard who runs the Business of...
275: How to Launch an Architecture Firm the Right Way with Michelle Fenton
January 21, 2019 08:08 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MBToday is an interview with Michelle Fenton, the founder of Khora Architecture based out of Vancouver, British Columbia. Michelle is a graduate of the Architecture Firm Freedom Formula program I run with Scott Beebe. In today's episode, you'll discover: The steps Michelle has taken to get a head start in starting her new architecture firm How Michelle went from working 18 hour days and working weekends to having her weekends free How to build a firm that can live without you The exer...
274: How to Sell Value, Not Architecture
January 14, 2019 05:30 - 16 minutes - 11.2 MBOn today's episode, you'll hear an excerpt from the group coaching call I run every week with architecture and design firm owners around the world. In this call, a South-Africa based architect asks how she can use the additional information she has in a Building Information Model to provide greater value to a client, and greater compensation for her services. On this episode you'll discover: Why you should be selling value (not architecture) How to sell value to your clients How to ...
273: How to Attract the Right Client to Your Firm
January 02, 2019 02:04 - 22 minutes - 15.6 MBIn today's episode of the Business of Architecture podcast, you'll get a sneak peek behind the scenes of the Mastermind group I run with Richard Petrie and Eric Bobrow. A Mastermind group is a small group of individuals who meet regularly to brainstorm and think tank about a particular subject. This Mastermind focuses on helping group members win higher quality projects through strategic marketing. The group meets weekly online, and we run 2 live meet-ups per year where we all get toge...
272: How to Replicate Yourself in Your Architecture Firm with Stacy Cox
December 31, 2018 06:00 - 47 minutes - 32.5 MBOne of the biggest challenges faced by architecture firm owners is that we feel we do everything so well, we have a hard time delegating these things to other people because they won't be able to do it as well as we can. This is fine if you're a sole practitioner and you want to focus on small projects; however, as your firm grows this becomes problematic. We hamstring ourselves by trying to do too much ourselves and not letting others share in the responsibility. And yet relinquishing co...
271: Nightclub Designer Spills Business Secrets with John Sofio
December 17, 2018 05:50 - 20 minutes - 14.2 MBWhen John Sofio told his employer back in 1994 that his goal was to earn "over $400k in a year," his employer laughed. John hit the streets looking for work on his own, which resulted in his first job, remodeling two bathrooms in Los Angeles. Fast-forward 20 years and John is a well-known and iconic nightclub designer. John and his team also build these spaces - either on their own or in close coordination with a local contractor. The results are enjoyable, profitable projects. In ...
270: How I Grew My Design-Focused Design-Build Firm with John Sofio
December 17, 2018 05:30 - 22 minutes - 15.5 MBIn my work with firm owners from around the world, there's one common thread between firms that have a steady, profitable flow of work without doing much outbound marketing and advertising, vs. other firms that struggle with price shopping clients, fee pressure, and inconsistent demand - wondering where the next project will come from. This pressure kills the joy of running an architecture firm when you're trying to make ends meet or stressed out about how to get the next client. One of ...
269: How To Choose a Project Management Software with Hugh Glazer
December 10, 2018 06:00 - 34 minutes - 23.7 MBIf you're wondering what kind of software to get to manage your projects at an architecture firm - this episode is a must-listen. Today, I speak with Hugh Glazer, who acts as a consulting Chief Financial Office for Architecture, Engineering and Construction Companies. We discuss common operational problems that firm owners face that leeches their profit, and also how to pick a project management software for an architecture firm. Want to discover the keys to creating a solid business f...
267: Building an Exceptional Team and Culture (Architecture Firm Case Study)
November 28, 2018 15:38 - 29 minutes - 24 MBToday I bring you a case study of how 2 firm owners are forging the business of their dreams by working on their business, not just IN their business. Thorsten Deckler and Ann Graupner are the founders of 26'10 Architects, an architecture firm based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Earlier this year Thorsten and Ann joined the Architecture Firm Freedom Formula program offered through Business of Architecture. In this episode, you'll discover how Ann and Thorsten: Effectively delegate to...
266: How Julie Overcame Uncertainty and Created a Clear Plan for Her New Landscape Architecture Firm
November 03, 2018 16:10 - 27 minutes - 15.8 MBDiscover how Julie Canter built a solid base for her new landscape architecture firm. What to learn how she did it? Watch this free training for details: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/freedomwebinar After a decade working at a successful landscape architecture firm, award-winning landscape architect Julie Canter decided to start her own landscape architecture firm - Constructed Ground, based out of New York City. As a former Partner of PWP Landscape Architecture, Julie led many...
265: The Secret to Big Business Breakthroughs
October 23, 2018 04:30 - 18 minutes - 10.6 MBIn this episode Enoch Sears gives a peek behind the scenes of the A-Team Mastermind coaching group where he helps firm owners grow a profitable and impactful practice. He talks about the struggles of growing continually in life, and the #1 strategy to changing the results we are getting in life. Discover how to grow a profitable practice by watching a free 60 minute online training: http://perfectfirmwebinar.com
264: What Clients REALLY Want
October 20, 2018 00:12 - 14 minutes - 8.56 MBWhat do clients really want? In this episode of the Business of Architecture podcast Enoch Sears relates how seeing a transient man in Los Angeles reminded him about what clients really want, and what you should focus on when you're talking to a current or prospective client. Discover how to grow a profitable practice by watching a free 60 minute online training: http://perfectfirmwebinar.com
263: Growing a Purpose-Driven Firm with Darryl Condon
September 17, 2018 07:00 - 36 minutes - 25.3 MBToday we speak with the managing partner of HCMA Architects, Darryl Condon. HCMA is an 80 person multidisciplinary architecture firm based out of Vancouver, B.C. In today's episode, Condon reveals how to create a purpose-driven firm. He also reveals how creating a purpose-driven firm has led to the firm's greatest period of sustained growth. Get the free 4-part architecture firm profit map at http://freearchitectgift.com
268: The Future of Architecture: The Multidisciplinary Firm with Darryl Condon
September 14, 2018 20:55 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MBToday is the second half of my conversation with Darryl Condon, managing partner of HCMA, an architecture firm based in Vancouver, BC. In today's episode, Condon shares how creating a multidisciplinary practice has brought in new opportunities and strengthened the firm's existing relationships with clients. Want to discover the keys to creating a solid business foundation for future success? Watch this free training webinar: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/freedomwebinar ► Subsc...
262: Marketing and Promotion in Architecture with Brynne Campbell
August 23, 2018 09:38 - 17 minutes - 10.4 MBToday we're going to talk about marketing and promotion in architecture. Our guest is Brynne Campbell, co-organizer of POP//CAN//CRIT, an annual panel-based symposium that brings together leading voices in architectural practice, academia and related fields within a Canadian context. She is 4 years into her PHD program at the Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism, Carleton University, and she also serves in the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada in Ottawa. Today we discuss how...
261: Selling Architecture with Brynne Campbell
August 22, 2018 17:33 - 29 minutes - 17.2 MBToday we're going to talk about selling architecture. Our guest is Brynne Campbell, co-organizer of POP//CAN//CRIT, a panel-based symposium that brings together leading voices in architecture practice, academia and related fields within a Canadian context. She is 4 years into her PHD program at the Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism, Carleton University, and she also serves in the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada in Ottawa. Today we discuss what it means to sell architectur...
260: Creating a Remarkable Client Experience with Jesse Cole
August 14, 2018 05:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MBToday is the second half of my interview with Jesse Cole, the marketing genius who transformed a struggling minor-league baseball team into a team that plays for sold-out crowds all season long. I first heard about Jesse from my friend Scott Beebe, who shared a presentation with me that Jesse did on designing the client experience - what happens from the moment someone first interacts with a company all the way through to doing business, and after. What if you gave the same attention to ...
259: How to Create Raving Fans with Jesse Cole
August 09, 2018 03:02 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MBImagine if you could double, triple or even quadruple your word of mouth referrals. What if word about your firm spread so far and wide that people were lining up at your door? And what if you could do that without spending a single dime on advertising or marketing? Now that might sound like a nightmare to you-you're fine where you are, you don't want any more work, and you don't want to make a larger impact. However, since you're listening to this podcast, I'm guessing you're someone wh...
258: Create Wealth and Impact by Developing Your Own Projects with John Warasila
July 31, 2018 05:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MBToday you'll discover how one architect, his partner and team have revitalized downtown Durham, North Carolina, and built an impressive real estate portfolio in the process. As you create value for clients, why not get a piece of the action? Architect John Warasila and his team have done just that. Over the years, Warasila has built an impressive commercial and multi-family real estate portfolio by investing in his own projects, and partnering with his clients on their projects. John...
257: Bringing in the Work with John Warasila
July 24, 2018 04:30 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MBIn today's episode of Business of Architecture, we talk with the founder of Alliance Architecture, an architecture firm with offices in DC, MD and North Carolina. In this episode, architect John Warasila talks about the importance of knowing the numbers of your business. He also shares how he's built a real estate portfolio by investing in his own and in his client's projects. Get the free 4-part architecture firm profit map at http://freearchitectgift.com
256: Win Without Lowering Your Prices
July 17, 2018 19:49 - 19 minutes - 13.4 MB"Wow, that's a lot of money … I had no idea it was going to be that much!" If you've ever heard this before, then you've probably presented a proposal to a client. As architects we hear this from our clients all the time when we give them our proposals. There's a specific reason why they react this way. It's because their expectations don't match reality. When our clients tell us something is "too expensive" or "more than they were expecting," what do they base that on? Is there ...