Business of Architecture Podcast

End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework

In this episode of Business of Architecture, host Rion Willard sits down with Mike Linn, the fractional CFO behind some of the most financially secure architecture firms today. They explore why most architects unknowingly sabotage their own profit — and how to fix it without becoming a “numbers person.” If you’ve...

End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework

Running a successful architecture firm for decades is no small feat—especially when it spans three generations. In this heartwarming and high-energy episode, Scott Spector of Spectorgroup shares the story of how his father built a practice that shaped the skyline of Long Island—and how Scott expanded its reach int...

End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework

Most architecture firm owners don’t realize how much money they’re leaving on the table. In this episode, financial experts Tal and Rachel Richards, CPA, reveal some of the most common — and costly — mistakes architects make when it comes to taxes. They also offer powerful insights on how to build long-term wealth...

End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework

In this episode of Business of Architecture, we dive into a sharp, honest conversation with Elias Christeas, founder of Lighthouse Digital Marketing, about what really works—and what doesn’t—when architects try to grow their firms online. From digital visibility to long-term reputation, Elias pulls back the curtai...

End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework

What really happens when it’s time to step back from your architecture firm? In this eye-opening episode, Enoch Sears and Ryan break down the hidden traps and quiet wins that make or break firm transitions. If you think a buyout or equity plan is all it takes, think again.

This isn’t just about handing over the re...

End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework

What does it take to lead one of the oldest architecture firms in America—and keep it thriving? In this episode, Troy Thompson and Roxanne Malek pull back the curtain on how legacy, leadership, and long-term thinking come together inside SmithGroup. But don’t expect the usual corporate jargon—this is a rare look i...

End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework

What if the secret to running a thriving architecture firm wasn’t doing more, but actually doing less?

In this episode, Enoch Sears and Rion Willard share a surprising insight from the East that changed how they think about leadership, creativity, and business growth. Rion’s recent travels sparked a deep realizati...

End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework

If you’re like many firm owners right now, you’re feeling the weight of uncertainty — what is happening in the market and - what’s next for my practice?

On today’s episode — in this special State of Architecture address — you’ll discover:

• What’s really happening in the market right now (and what most architec...

End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework

Architects love to design—but when it comes to managing money, many feel overwhelmed, underprepared, or just plain stuck. The creative fire that fuels great projects often fizzles out under the weight of cash flow crises, vague budgets, and project finances that never seem to add up.

When small architecture firms ...

End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework

In this captivating episode of Business of Architecture, Peter Markos unveils the unexpected journey from freshly minted architect to founder of a niche, design-led development venture. What started with handcrafted models and zero capital evolved into a groundbreaking cabin project, earning major funding, press r...

Hiring in architecture is high-stakes. Get it wrong, and you end up with missed deadlines, confused roles, office drama—or worse, talented people who simply can’t work together. This episode dives into the quiet costs of hiring missteps and how to avoid them.

Hiring the wrong person can silently break a thriving firm. In this episode, Enoch Sears and Rion Willard unpack a new way to think about identifying top talent. Not the typic...

End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework

Many architects dream of doing their own developments, but the fear of financial risk, inexperience with construction, and lack of support can stop them before they start. Becoming your client sounds empowering until you're staring down zoning codes, contractor bids, and bank meetings.

In this episode, architect a...

End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework

When your pipeline dries up, clients vanish without paying, and payroll is looming with no cash in sight—what do you do? In this episode, we dive into a real-life scenario where an architecture firm faces a $52K quarterly loss, $215K in overdue invoices, and only three weeks of cash left.

What happens when your fi...

End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework

What happens when a young designer stops waiting and just starts building? In this episode, we meet Shane Curry—a 30-year-old designer who decided to take the leap into development, without a roadmap, and without waiting for the perfect moment. What followed is a story of risk, grit, and surprising wins in one of ...

End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework

Many architects dream of launching their own firm, but few do it with the level of preparation and insight that Matthew Arnold brings to the table. After nearly 15 years at a celebrated architecture practice, Matthew made a bold move, one inspired by a surprising encounter with two iconic projects in the Arizona d...

In this episode of Business of Architecture, we meet Tima Bell, founder of Bell Design Group—a firm with global reach and an unexpected twist on what it means to practice architecture. With studios across Los Angeles, Madrid, and Argentina, Tima shares how his journey from hospitality design to managing a 50+ person team has shaped a unique approach to leadership, delegation, and culture.

You'll hear how one of his biggest challeng...

Architects often feel stuck in a cycle of underpaid work, long hours, and limited creative control—especially when dealing with the pressures of traditional practice. Many wonder if there’s another path, one that offers both freedom and financial reward without leaving architecture behind.

In this episode of the Business of Architecture podcast, Rion Willard sits down with Amanda Baillieu and Gus Zogolovitch, the co-founders of Dev...

Running an architecture firm can feel like being stuck—overwhelmed, overworked, and unsure how to get free. In this episode, Geoff Hoover, principal at Business of Architecture, shares what’s really holding firms back. Geoff’s path from engineering to sales and lifeguarding has given him a unique ability to spot the hidden issues firm owners often miss.

You’ll hear powerful stories that reveal why great design isn’t enough to build...

Architecture firm owners are increasingly burdened by succession planning, talent shortages, and the pressure to scale in a competitive market. Many are unsure how to exit gracefully, grow beyond 50 people, or prepare their business for long-term success, let alone navigate the complex world of mergers and acquisitions.

In this eye-opening episode, Rion Willard sits down with the founders of Stone Mill Partners, a specialist M&A fi...