The Growth Formula: How Architects Can Scale from $1M to $10M with Enoch Sears

Most architecture firms hit a glass ceiling at $1M—so how do you break past that and scale to $10M without burning out? 

In this episode, host Zeke Freeman sits down with Enoch Sears, founder of Business of Architecture, to unpack the Smart Practice Method—a framework that helps architects transition from solopreneurs to firm owners with thriving, profitable businesses.

Enoch shares hard-won insights from his journey coaching architects on how to stop being overworked and underpaid, build a team, and implement scalable systems to achieve financial freedom. Whether you’re an architect, developer, or entrepreneur in the real estate and hospitality space, this episode is packed with actionable advice you don’t want to miss.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• The biggest mistakes architects make when trying to grow their firms
• Why most firms stall at $1M and the mindset shift needed to break through
• The Smart Practice Method—a 4-pillar framework for sustainable firm growth
•  How to position your firm for high-value projects and premium pricing
•  The power of delegation: hiring the right people vs. outsourcing efficiently
•  How to structure your fees to ensure profitability (hint: $200K should be your baseline)
•  Remote vs. in-house teams: which model is winning today?
•  How Enoch is building a retreat center in Costa Rica (and what he's learning from it)

02:22 Challenges in Starting an Architecture Firm
09:27 The Smart Practice Method
13:48 Scaling an Architecture Business
28:02 Remote vs. In-House Teams
29:57 The Red Hotel Project: From Architecture Office to Boutique Hotel
30:49 Building a Remote and Integrated Team
31:39 Effective Client Engagement Strategies
33:14 Creating Educational Content and Podcasting
36:34 The Business of Architecture: Consulting, Coaching, and Training
41:18 Delegation Challenges and Overcoming Subconscious Programming
46:45 Spiritual Growth and Internal Work
50:46 Upcoming Projects and Future Plans
53:43 Conclusion and Contact Information

Connect with Zeke Freeman:
Instagram: @zekefreeman_rootarchitecture and @rootarchitecture
YouTube: @rootarchitecture
Facebook: @RootArchitectureandDevelopment
LinkedIn: Zeke Freeman
X/Twitter: @zfreemanroot

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