Business of Architecture Podcast

182

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.

Recent Episodes
  • Scaling Your Architecture Firm with a Repeatable, Profitable Product | EP638
    Jun 9, 2025 – 44:11
  • Don’t Hire Until You Hear This: Architect Hiring Secrets Revealed | EP637
    Jun 6, 2025 – 55:36
  • Tired of Scraping By While Developers Get Rich? Listen to This | EP636
    Jun 2, 2025 – 51:26
  • 3 Weeks From Payroll Panic? Fixing a Cash Flow Crisis Fast | EP635
    May 26, 2025 – 23:03
  • No Trust Fund. No MBA. Just a Hustling Designer Who Developed a 3-Unit Project | EP634
    May 19, 2025 – 46:18
  • Build Wealth Without More Clients: The Architecture Hack No One Talks About
    May 12, 2025 – 57:39
  • How Passion and Process Built a Thriving Global Firm
    May 5, 2025 – 01:06:34
  • Forget Clients—Build What You Want and Own It Too
    Apr 28, 2025 – 01:06:22
  • The (Surprising) Essential Skill for Architecture Firm Freedom
    Apr 25, 2025 – 44:12
  • The Shocking Truth About Selling Your Architecture Firm (Most Owners Have No Idea)
    Apr 21, 2025 – 58:31
  • 628: An Architect Developer's Surprising Advice For Small Firm Owners with Zeke Freeman & Enoch Sears on The Radical Hospitality Podcast
    Apr 14, 2025 – 01:03:18
  • 627: A Game-Changing Framework For Escaping The Grind & Getting Your Time Back with Jason Pond & Rion Willard on The Small Business Breakthrough Podcast
    Apr 11, 2025 – 34:30
  • 626: From Architect to Developer: A Dangerous Move or a Bold New Model? with David Cross of Skyhouse
    Apr 7, 2025 – 52:31
  • 625: Why Design Talent Won’t Win You Clients (and What Will) with Joseph Aniedu of AGA Associates
    Mar 31, 2025 – 58:21
  • 624: Overlooked Strategies for Profitability Without Working Harder with Enoch & Rion
    Mar 28, 2025 – 40:23
  • 623: Why Architects Struggle to Innovate—And How to Fix It with Josh Sanabria of GoArchitect
    Mar 24, 2025 – 01:02:03
  • 622: How to Charge More Without Losing Clients (And Why They’ll Thank You for It) with Enoch Sears & Rion Willard
    Mar 21, 2025 – 35:14
  • 621: What Clients Really Value in Architecture (And What You’re Getting Wrong)with Enoch Sears & Rion Willard
    Mar 17, 2025 – 44:57
  • 620: Why Clients Delay Payments (& How Architects Can Stop Being Manipulated) with Haritos Sofios of bugleLabs
    Mar 10, 2025 – 50:47
  • 619: The Ugly Truth About Succession Planning: What No One Tells Firm Owners with Phillip Ross of Anchin
    Mar 3, 2025 – 54:50
  • 618: Why Architects Are the Perfect Developers with Charlie Kaplan of Gluck+
    Feb 24, 2025 – 01:06:49
  • Behind the Scenes of a Top Design Firm
    Feb 21, 2025 – 04:05
  • 617: Winning Clients Without Lowering Your Fees: How to Make Your Firm Stand Out with Enoch Sears & Rion Willard
    Feb 21, 2025 – 48:30
  • 616: Winning Clients Without Lowering Your Fees: Positioning Yourself for Premium Clients with Enoch Sears & Rion Willard
    Feb 17, 2025 – 39:13
  • 615: How the Best Architects Land Clients Without Pitching, Sales, or Proposals with Ed Thompson of Brick & Wonder
    Feb 14, 2025 – 49:44
  • 614: Listener Questions, Honest Answers: Fixing the Biggest Challenges in Small Architecture Firms with Enoch Sears & Rion Willard
    Feb 10, 2025 – 01:01:53
  • 613: Why Architecture School Is Failing Its Students with Enoch Sears & Rion Willard
    Feb 7, 2025 – 50:00
  • 612: Why Architect-Developers Make 4X What Architects Do with Josiah Maddock of Josiah Maddock Architects
    Feb 3, 2025 – 55:33
  • 611: Why Chasing Big Projects Might Be the Biggest Mistake of Your Career with Marcus Gleysteen of MGA Architects
    Jan 31, 2025 – 55:20
  • 610: Why the Public Thinks Architects Are Optional with Enoch Sears & Rion Willard
    Jan 27, 2025 – 01:09:34
  • 609: What Architecture Schools Don’t Teach—And Why It Matters with Peter Barker of Ryder Architecture
    Jan 24, 2025 – 56:00
  • 608: Is Regulation Killing Innovation in Architecture? with Rion Willard
    Jan 20, 2025 – 35:34
  • 607: Why You're Probably Wasting Money On Digital Marketing (And What Works Better At Getting Clients) with John Tyreman of Red Cedar Marketing
    Jan 17, 2025 – 49:21
  • 606: The Future of Architecture Part 2: Emotional Appeal and Sustainability with Paul Iddon of Agency PSI
    Jan 13, 2025 – 39:37
  • 605: The Future of Architecture Part 1: Fees, Salaries, and Positioning with Paul Iddon of Agency PSI
    Jan 10, 2025 – 42:49
  • 604: Working ON the Business: What Does It Mean? with Enoch Sears
    Jan 6, 2025 – 41:27
  • 603: The Problem With Sustainability (Part 2) Rewriting the Rules of Housing Design with Colin Davis and Suzanne Davenport of Studio Partington
    Jan 3, 2025 – 43:39
  • 602: The Problem With Sustainability Pt 1 with Colin Davis & Suzanne Davenport of Studio Partington
    Dec 30, 2024 – 35:22
  • 601: Why Most Architects Fail as Developers (And the Keys to Succeeding) with Jeff Krieger of Krieger Architects
    Dec 27, 2024 – 01:09:51
  • 600: Your Firm is Lying to You: Why Your "Gut Instinct" Can't Always Be Trusted in Business with Enoch Sears
    Dec 23, 2024 – 27:14
  • 599: Who Should I Hire Next? with Enoch Sears
    Dec 20, 2024 – 41:59
  • 598: Dressing Like a Leader: The Wardrobe Mistakes Holding You Back with Victoria Hohl of Klein Epstein Parker
    Dec 16, 2024 – 31:14
  • 597: Team Struggles Part 2 - Why Your Team Doesn’t Care About Your Firm’s Goals (and How to Fix It) with Enoch Sears & Rion Willard
    Dec 13, 2024 – 28:38
  • 596: Team Struggles Part 1 - The Ugly Truth About Why Architects Struggle to Make Money with Enoch Sears & Rion Willard
    Dec 9, 2024 – 34:20
  • 595: Architects: Stop Designing & Start Developing with Nourah Said of NAS CoLab
    Dec 6, 2024 – 01:06:07
  • 594: Is the Contractor Obsolete? How DIY Architects Are Taking Charge with Jack Chaffin of Johnston Architects
    Dec 2, 2024 – 41:54
  • 593: A Hidden Cause of Burnout No One’s Talking About with Dr. Ray Andrew of Prestige Wellness Institute
    Nov 29, 2024 – 01:02:55
  • 592: One Simple Shift for Higher Performance in Yourself and in Your Team with Enoch Sears
    Nov 25, 2024 – 25:39
  • 591: Culture Beats Strategy - Why Most Firms Fail The "Ego Trap" and Never Make it Past 10 Years with Aran McCarthy & Jennifer Kenson of FCA Architects
    Nov 23, 2024 – 55:51
  • 590: Recession-Proofing Your Design Business with Joel Tanner of SMPL Design Studio
    Nov 18, 2024 – 52:54
Recent Reviews
  • SEK Architect
    Useful episodes
    I enjoy listening to these episodes while driving from project to project. As a licensed architect for 20+ years there are many business tips which help me grow and run my architecture business.
  • CK - Architect
    Class Experience
    Rion and his team demonstrated professionalism and grace from beginning to end. Great questions from a great interviewer, who also made it a lot of fun. Rion, would enjoy being a part of future works. Huge respect.
  • Vinciane Albrecht
    Very helpful!
    This podcast teaches me so much and shows me that the challenges I encounter are shared by many other architects.
  • 1x4x9
    High-Octane Medicine
    I'm a Business of Architecture "graduate" and have been a guest on the podcast so it's hard to fane neutrality. There's no need though. I'm simply a huge fan and a big believer BOA's mission... to help architects get out of our own way and to transcend literally eons of unhelpful professional conditioning, conditioning that prevents us all from thriving more. This is the high-octane medicine we all need.
  • cbeck210
    Inspiring
    This show does an amazing job of pulling back the curtain on the business side of Architecture. It has been incredible helpful in the understanding of how to start and manage a successful firm. Many thanks to the team!
  • LavinaL
    A necessary perspective on the profession
    I’ve been a fan of this podcast for a few years now. Their advocacy for change in the profession and assertion that excellent Architecture, good business practices, and financial success, even wealth can go hand in hand speak to me at a gut level. Their presentations of positive examples, and examples of improvement are absolutely inspiring. I also appreciate the episodes that focus on Architect as Developer as that is a key goal that I’m pursuing.
  • Swani12
    Great Podcast!
    I have been listening to this podcast ever since I started my own firm. Lots of great information and insights about things that I always seem to have a question about. Highly recommend for any designer and architect.
  • ChrisKim1005
    Christina
    Great podcast. Really appreciate Enoch and Rion discussing topics that are difficult for business owners and architects to talk about, and providing insights on how to grow and improve.
  • ABPriddy
    Brandon
    Excellent stuff - As a practicing architect and leader / future partner in a medium sized firm, BoA is consistent helpful, positive content that I can use on a daily basis. Thanks for the show guys!!
  • AndrewRHA
    Great resource
    Learned a lot over the years. Great place to start for Architects and designers looking to expand or start their own practices.
  • head down & moving forward
    Helpful
    They press the buttons that need to be pushed to make architects and the industry better.
  • DTeiger
    Valuable insights
    Really enjoy listening to these podcasts. There are always a few great nuggets in each episode. Rion Willard and Enoch Sears do a fantastic job picking interesting people to interview.
  • ArchitectAtHeart99
    Game changer
    For anyone in architecture, this will not disappoint.
  • Macht Arch
    Owner/Partner
    Joel Tanner episode provided so many valuable business nuggets - excellent again!
  • Mr jazzpants' dad
    Inspirational and informative
    Great insights and advice for being a successful Architect and business owner
  • TiredGirl622
    Helpful conversations
    As the owner of an architecture firm, I find so much of what is presented here helpful and inspiring.
  • Sxxdnxxy
    Very informative
    I’ve been listening to this podcast for several years now. I’m an aspiring architect & this show gives me a lot of insight of the reality of working in the industry.
  • SM405
    Insightful interviews and actionable advice
    A must-listen for architects, offering practical tips on marketing, leadership, and practice growth
  • AbinetGM
    A Valuable Resource for Managing the Business Side of Architecture
    I first discovered the Business of Architecture (BoA) SMART program during the pandemic in 2020 and then started listening to their podcast. I’m not a regular listener, but whenever I tune in, I find something useful. As someone managing firms but not an architect, I’ve found their focus on the business side of architecture to be both insightful and highly relevant. The episodes dive into key topics like firm management, marketing, and leadership, offering practical advice that can be easily applied to running architectural practices. The hosts ask thoughtful questions that help uncover what it takes to build successful, sustainable firms. It's a great resource for anyone interested in the business side of architecture.
  • agrelo94
    Not an owner
    This podcast is such a great inspiration to me. I’m not a firm owner, not even a Licensed Architect YET but these stories keep me motivated in my path to licensure and feed my dream of having my own practice. Awesome podcast! Thank you!
  • Mark Benner
    Great actionable insights found in the Business of Architecture podcast
    I’ve known and worked with Enoch for many years and value his expertise and insights into running a successful architectural practice. I met him many years ago as he was walking the show floor of the AIA National Convention, Denver if memory serves. He has great, and positive energy, and is adept at making impactful connections. All of this translates into an invaluable podcast, rich with luminaries and movers in the architectural industry. If you don’t listen, you should.
  • BT McHugh
    Amazing in depth conversations concerning our industry
    Enoch & Rion provide illuminating data, strategy and execution for real architects to create a thriving practice. Having spent the past 29 years practicing in multiple facets of the industry it has been very difficult to learn the insider information to succeed in this profession. Now I am able to function in a more profitable and professional manner instead of just “working harder”. Thank you Enoch & Rion!
  • RM-AWSI
    Highly insightful and inspiring
    I am a young firm owner/operator and have learned so much in the last few months since I discovered this podcast from small firms to large firms there are some great stories and lessons to be learned. Highly recommended for anyone in the AEC industry.
  • Copperpence
    Worth every penny
    Every time I listen to a new episode, I feel understood, pleasantly renewed, and leave with some valuable but actionable ideas in my head. Definitely recommend for any architect/designer! Thank you!
  • Mistry Design
    Marketing
    I signed up to get better at marketing our services but I’ve been pleasantly surprised at all the other business strategy I have learned so far. Rion and Enoch have been great at communicating. Would definitely recommend their services.
  • TJZP
    Food for the brain
    I started listening to the podcast while taking on the Business of Architecture program and the most of insights you get from the podcast are the perfect complement. These have become my preferred listening sessions while commuting to work every day.
  • Jskyy
    Great for office or on the road
    I try to listen to these on my morning and afternoon commutes. Great information, and while it doesn't always apply to my business, it brings other ideas to mind. Enoch is an excellent interviewer, putting his interviewees at ease, and brings out the best from them.
  • Apdhhn
    Game changing
    Nothing has altered the trajectory of my career more than listening to the BoA podcast!
  • CGArchitect, Inc.
    Established Resource in an Underserved Area
    I've been listening to BofA for around a decade. The resources are expanding in terms of focus on the professional and business side of architecture, but for a long time the Business of Architecture was only one of a couple of podcasts addressing this. I show up here for the enrichment but also in every little crisis I've had running my own business I return for the community and direction. To anyone who is new you have an amazing library to access!
  • John Tyreman
    A Gold Standard for Architects
    Enoch and Rion are pioneers in both architecture and podcasting, and their show is a must-listen for practice owners who want to grow their business.
  • CMeddo
    300 Club LFG!
    I love the podcast! It has helped me to grow my revenue. I often hear Enoch and Rion give a shout-out to the 200 club members. I went back to listen to episode 485. Then when I looked at my finances to see that I’m securely in the 200 club, it totally ignited my confidence! Anyway I’m stoked, and thank you for the free podcast. The sticky note next to my desk says “300 Club LFG!”
  • mgangi
    Great Podcast for Architecture
    This podcast provides information and learning that has long been closely held in architecture offices and not on the radar of architecture school. Thank you!
  • dad jvyn
    Great show
    My name is King Amfo. I’m a student here at the University of Kansas and love learning about the reality of an industry I’m going into thank you!!
  • RafaelTudor
    Great Content
    Loved the content by Rob Paulus. He has great work as well. All the Architect-as-Developer podcasts I find so informational.
  • Peter Spruance
    Ideal for small practices.
    Business of Architecture Podcasts have been a tremendous resource for my small practice as a sole practitioner. I haven’t found another podcast that gives me this type of information or these types of discussions.
  • E. Pennachio
    Great Content
    Thank you Enoch and Rion for all that you do. The inside peak into Architectural Firms that you provide has helped guide and grow my professional development for years. Exposure to the variety of firms and their successes, failures, history, strategies, business practices, and insights has shown me what is possible in the business of architecture.
  • Sharkov Design Studio, LLC
    Business of Architecture
    Enoch has been a great source of professional advice to my architecture practice for many years. He understands the nuts and bolts of the profession and has been always down to the point providing an incredible help!! Thank you Enoch!
  • arthurp92
    Great advice and topics
    I have listened to several episodes and thoroughly enjoyed them. One of the last ones there is a bit too much cussing, I play these pretty loudly on my speaker so if that continues, I will have to unsubscribe.
  • BL0G reader
    Business Partners
    Enoch and Rion are terrific interviewers and after years of listening to them, I feel like they are almost partners in my practice. Every episode has a relevant takeaway. The diversity in guests and topics make this podcast a must listen!
  • Bruins78
    Great content
    Love the insights. Very informative and timely.
  • Tomm5280
    An Insightful Resource
    “Business of Architecture” is one of the leading thought-leadership outlets for firm leaders. It addresses real-world businesses issues that either aren’t taught in school or don’t sink in until architects experience the reality that revenue funds design. Industry experts talk shop with Enoch and Rion, generously sharing lessons learned from successes and failures.
  • Rob J. III
    A must-listen for any architect!
    The Business of Architecture podcast is a must-listen for any architect, or anyone interested in the future of design. Hosts Enoch Sears and Rion Willard offer insightful conversations that delve into the intersection of creativity and efficiency in the architectural world. The podcast covers a wide range of topics, from practical advice on managing a firm to thought-provoking discussions about the impact of AI on architecture. Each episode features inspiring interviews with industry experts, offering valuable firsthand accounts and unique perspectives. Whether you're a seasoned architect or just starting out, The Business of Architecture podcast has something to offer. It's a great way to learn new skills, stay up-to-date on the latest trends, and gain inspiration for your own projects.
  • merdlbnme
    Gold for Architects
    Every Architect should listen to this, whether they run their own practice or they’re going through school still. If Architects had a more holistic approach to business (the way Business of Architecture provides with all the topics they cover on these episodes), I fully believe the entire profession would return to it’s status of Architects being revered as Gods like they once were.
  • Ryan @ SWSLA
    Design Leader? Do yourself a favor and listen…
    Thirty years ago when in college studying Landscape Architecture, our core curriculum was made up of a majority of classes that focused solely on design. We did have a few specialized classes but none of our schooling focused on running a business, dealing with employees or navigating challenges in your own design practice. I am fortunate to have taken over an established LA firm where I am getting a crash course in a majority of the topics that Enoch and Rion discuss on the BOA podcast and as a Landscape Architect, I can attest that the content of the Podcast can be applied to all design disciplines. The banter between Enoch and Rion is engaging and entertaining and has brought substantial value to my life. Thanks BOA…
  • me2earth
    Worth the listen
    I have been honored to be a guest on the show, and found the interview with Enoch enjoyable and productive. But I’m also an avid listener who has found numerous topics that are useful, inspiring and thought provoking. There is something for every architecture business owner here!
  • Ginormous fan!
    Transformational decision
    A few years in to running my own firm I discovered The Business of Architecture Podcast while taking long trips in my truck and it changed my life. Seriously. I initially got hooked because Enoch always asked the interviewee the exact question I wanted answered. It was a testament to the fact that he was truly listening to the person whom he interviewed and understood what his audience was looking to gain from the conversation. And he is never afraid to ask the tough questions. Listening to so many other entrepreneurs tell their story of how they got started and share so many of the same issues I was dealing with on a daily basis really made me feel that I was not alone in trying to figure this whole “running a design business” thing out. After listening for several months, I finally took the initiative to give them a call to learn more about what they were offering with their Architectural Freedom Firm training. Finally I had someone in my corner coaching me on the business side of having an architectural practice. It completely changed the way we do almost everything. We have better systems in place and a strategy for achieving our long term goals. Although I still wear a lot of hats, I’m not wearing ALL the hats! I now have a team that offers me the freedom to take vacations and work on the parts of the business that bring me the most joy. If you feel a slave to your practice, I recommend you reach out to learn how BOA can help you define and achieve your longterm vision for your practice. I only wish I had found them even earlier, when I just stated. It would have saved me a lot of all-nighters.
  • B Hubbell
    Informed + Energized
    I enjoy the Business of Architecture podcast for the diversity in its guests, the depth + breadth of the subject matter, and the sincerity of its presentation. I find inspiration and energy from nearly every episode.
  • iowadoc77
    Very informative!
    Rion’s interviewing style makes for a captivating podcast full of value for listeners. Many great life lessons and strategies each episode! Definitely worth a listen.
  • MooskieCat
    Great listen!
    Love this podcast!!
  • Dadpazcho
    Fantastic podcast
    This program helps to better understand what’s going on, how to run and manage your business, and continue what we all love.
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