The Shocking Truth About Selling Your Architecture Firm (Most Owners Have No Idea)

Apr 21, 2025

Guest

Dylan Wren

Guest

Bradford Jones

Guest

Patrick Neal

In this engaging discussion, Patrick Neal, Bradford Jones, and Dylan Wren from Stone Mill Partners share their expertise in architecture firm mergers and acquisitions. They reveal why cultural fit is crucial for successful transitions and discuss the impact of private equity in the industry. The trio highlights how senior staff shortages are driving firm acquisitions and introduces a unique matchmaking method for businesses. Their insights on succession planning and navigating the complexities of selling your firm provide a fresh perspective for architecture owners.

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INSIGHT

Talent Shortage Drives M&A

Talent shortage is the biggest driver behind mergers and acquisitions in architecture firms.
Acquiring firms helps gain senior teams and handle workload that cannot be staffed otherwise.

ADVICE

Tailor Acquisitions to Wishlists

Buyers provide a wish list for acquisitions including skillsets and locations.
Using their network, advisors match buyers with culturally compatible firms for acquisition.

INSIGHT

Second-Tier Leadership Vital

Lack of a strong second-tier leadership greatly reduces firm sale attractiveness.
Firms must develop next-generation leaders for smooth ownership transitions.

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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 firm serving the AEC industry. They peel back the curtain on how architectural firms are being bought, sold, and merged—often with surprising motivations behind each move.

The conversation reveals how cultural fit is the secret weapon in a successful acquisition—and how missing it can spell disaster. You’ll also hear about the rise of private equity in architecture and what that might mean for your firm’s future. Whether you're building for legacy, scaling fast, or preparing for exit, this episode gives you a glimpse of what’s possible.

Why senior staff shortages are now one of the biggest drivers of firm acquisitions
The “Tinder for businesses” method of matching architecture firms with the right buyer
What really happens when private equity steps into the design world

To learn more about Stonemill Partners, visit their:

Website: https://stonemillpartners.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-neal-b6417857/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stonemillprtnrs

Instagram: ers/https://www.instagram.com/stonemillpartn

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