Business of Architecture Podcast

End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Fees start everything in an architecture firm: the work you take, the team you pay, and the life you live. In this episode, Enoch Sears and Rion Willard cut through "competitive pricing" and show why fee stress is rarely about the number on your proposal. They point to what low-fee fear is really signaling—and why it's hard to fix later. You'll hear how sales and marketing shape fees more than most architects admit, and why confidence is built from real inputs, not hype. They also preview an updated industry fee report and how you can use it to see your fees in context. It may change how you price next job. The hidden reason "I might lose this job" shows up right before you quote. The blind spot that makes smart architects think they can sell. The profit clue that warns something deeper is off—before you crash. Contribute your data and get access to the updated Architectural Fee Report at https://businessofarchitecture.com/fees

End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Architects often find themselves buried under deadlines, staff questions, and the pressure to deliver flawless work—leaving little room to breathe, lead, or think creatively. This episode explores why that overwhelm feels so persistent and why traditional fixes rarely move the needle. Drowning in projects, staff issues, and nonstop client demands? In this episode, Enoch and Rio dig into what really sits beneath overwhelm for architecture firm owners and new partners. You'll hear how ego and pride in being "the busy one" can trap you in a me-centric office, and why real change starts with how you see yourself, not with another tool or system. The hidden "reward" you may be getting from overwhelm… and why letting it go can feel unsafe. A quiet shift in how you see your role that lets your team grow while you step back. The wake-up calls that push some architects to rebuild their firms—and their lives.

End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework What do two architects do after working at one of the most elite firms in the world? In this episode, Alex Yuen and Minkoo Kang share how their time at OMA shaped their view of architecture—and why they chose a very different path. They now work at the intersection of design, development, and teaching. But they didn't just trade desks—they rewired the way they think about value, money, and impact. If you've ever felt stuck between being a visionary and being profitable, this episode speaks directly to you. You'll hear how these two navigated burnout, risk, and reinvention to reclaim creative and financial power. Whether you're still chasing design awards or itching to build your own thing, what Alex and Minkoo reveal will shift how you see your role as an architect. The hidden cost every architect pays—but rarely talks about How to unlock design freedom without pitching or pandering Why "good design" might be the least important part of your project To learn more about Alex & Minkoo, visit their websites: https://co-operations.org/ - https://generalpartneroffice.dev/

End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Architects often feel stuck and overwhelmed when dealing with the challenge of growing their firms beyond the exhausting hustle-and-grind stage, especially when the traditional path to growth feels slow, risky, and filled with staffing headaches. Many try to "stay small" to avoid these pains—only to face inconsistent cash flow, constant stress, and limited creative freedom. Enoch & Rion explore a bold and unexpected path to growing an architecture firm—one that challenges long-held beliefs in the industry. Along the way, they reveal why so many small practices stay stuck, and what keeps talented architects locked in old models that drain time, energy, and joy. You'll hear stories from firm owners who broke out of the grind, the hidden risks of staying small, and a surprising route that can give instant stability and creative freedom. By the end, you'll see the industry from a new angle—and feel pulled toward a different future. The "invisible desert" nearly every firm must cross—and the shortcut few know exists. A counterintuitive move that can turn years of slow growth into a single bold leap. The surprising reason a bigger firm can be easier to run than a small one.

End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework What happens when a trained actor walks away from the stage and steps into the world of real estate development? In this episode, Rion Willard speaks with Bill Caleo, co-founder of The Brooklyn Home Company, about how one bold move—and one deeply personal project—sparked a $500 million design-led business. You'll hear the journey of how heart, family, and instinct came together to form a vertically integrated firm that's rewriting the developer playbook. Bill shares how his theater background gave him a unique edge most developers miss—and why he believes developers have a duty to shape culture, not just buildings. You'll also hear a surprising story about one handcrafted object that saved an entire project during a financial crash. And for architects dreaming of more control, more beauty, and better margins, this conversation just might crack something open. In this episode, discover: The unusual career path that became a secret advantage A costly mistake that revealed the most profitable design move they ever made Why their most powerful marketing strategy isn't what you think To learn more about Bill, visit his website: https://www.thebrooklynhomecompany.com/