Business skills aren’t optional if you want your architecture firm to thrive.
In this episode, I chat with Ray Brown, co-founder of Archibiz, to talk about something most architects never got trained in—how to actually run a business. From pricing and profitability to personal branding and pipeline planning, we dig into why business education is essential for architects who want to grow a sustainable and profitable practice.
Ray shares practical advice from years of coaching firm owners, especially those just starting out. We talk about what’s missing in traditional architectural education, how to separate your identity from your business, and why understanding financials isn’t optional. We also touch on AI’s growing role in the industry and how architects can adapt and thrive.
Key Takeaways:
- Business skills are often the missing piece in an architect’s training.
- Turning hours into revenue is the basic model—but it must be done smartly.
- Personal branding helps architects stand out and attract the right clients.
- New architects need a solid foundation in business, not just design.
- Accountability and regular reviews can drive real business growth.
- Knowing your numbers is non-negotiable.
- Separate your self-worth from your firm’s performance.
- Always plan your pipeline—it’s the key to cash flow.
- A 15–20% profit margin is a realistic and healthy target.
- AI is reshaping the industry, and adapting is part of staying relevant.
Want more tools to help your firm grow smarter?
Download our AI for Architects White Paper — a 100+ page guide where we’ve tested and scored over 50 tools to help architects work smarter 👉 aiforarchitects.ai/c/whitepaper
Listen to the Podcast:
Spotify: Architect My Business
Apple Podcasts: Architect My Business
Podcast Website: www.architectmybusiness.com
Connect with Us!
Instagram: @architectmybusinesspodcast
LinkedIn: Architect My Business
Get in Touch:
Ask Aya anything: www.speakpipe.com/AskAya
Be a Guest: bit.ly/AMBPodcastGuest
Popular Podcasts
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.