2025 Architecture Alert: Risks for Small Firms | EP640
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 architects are missing). The biggest mistake small firm owners make during a downturn — and how to avoid it. A step-by-step path to turn uncertainty into opportunity, so you can lead your firm with clarity, confidence, and strength.
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The Financial Wizard’s Playbook: Secrets From a 20-Year Financial Insider | EP639
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 grow, the numbers don’t always follow. In this episode, Ryan Mayhugh from HOK shares what really makes or breaks a firm’s success. You’ll hear what most small firm owners miss—and why that blind spot is more dangerous than they think. The conversation uncovers how creative freedom can coexist with smart money management. And why some “common sense” decisions can quietly sink your business. Discover what separates firms that thrive from those that stall out—and why the difference has nothing to do with talent. The single budgeting shift that helped a startup land a multi-million dollar exit. Why following your gut on project pricing might be the worst move you can make. The quiet advantage big firms use that small firms can “steal” without selling out. Website: https://www.hok.com/
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Scaling Your Architecture Firm with a Repeatable, Profitable Product | EP638
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 recognition, and a sustainable business model. Peter’s story weaves through scrappy beginnings, bold financial maneuvers, and a surprising stroke of entrepreneurial insight. He talks about the hidden power of creative leverage, the overlooked value of sweat equity, and how constraints sparked scalable innovation. This episode isn’t just about building a cabin—it’s about building belief in possibility. The clever move that turned $100,000 into something far greater—without laying a single brick. How a model smaller than your desk convinced strangers to sign over their land. The high-stakes risk Peter took (that you definitely shouldn’t)—but might wish you could. To learn more about Peter, visit his: Website: https://www.markosdesignworkshop.com/
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Don’t Hire Until You Hear This: Architect Hiring Secrets Revealed | EP637
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 typical “rock star” you might imagine—but something deeper, more strategic. They explore where most architecture firms go wrong in their hiring process. You'll hear surprising reasons why even skilled professionals can hurt your team. And they share how small shifts in approach can unlock major gains in performance and harmony. You’ll also hear the behind-the-scenes story of how they tested for something you’d never find on a résumé—and how one hire changed everything. Here’s what you’ll discover: The silent trap most firms fall into when someone “looks great on paper” A little-known interview twist that reveals what really drives someone Why hiring without this one thing can drain profits and morale—fast
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Tired of Scraping By While Developers Get Rich? Listen to This | EP636
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 and developer Kevin Hittle shares how he bridged that gap. Kevin started as a laborer, became an architect, and eventually wore all three hats: architect, developer, and contractor. It’s a story of sweat equity, smart deals, and building something both beautiful and profitable. You’ll learn how one small project sparked a bigger vision—and how being deeply involved at every stage of the process changed the way he now designs for others. His practical insights offer a grounded, no-fluff view of what it really takes to make development work as a solo architect. And he’s clear about the one piece of experience every architect should get. Listen to learn: How he built a $1.8M project with less than $30K in cash The rare zoning loophole that changed everything Why being “the maintenance guy” made him a better architect The unexpected thing he now regrets not upgrading To learn more about Kevin, visit his: Website:www.SSH-Arch.com
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.
France