Business of Architecture Podcast

End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Architects are trained to hustle, but what if the grind is actually holding you back? In this episode, coach Jenna Harrison joins Enoch Sears to explore a radical shift—one that swaps overwork for a schedule that fuels creativity, clarity, and growth. They dive into the unseen toll hustle culture takes on your body, mind, and most valuable relationships. You'll hear how an unexpected turning point made Jenna rethink everything about success, and the surprising ripple effects that followed. This isn't theory—it's lived experience, backed by results. Jenna also hints at the simple but powerful shifts that free you from the "time for money" trap. If you've ever wondered whether you can work less and earn more, this is your chance to find out. You'll discover: The hidden cost of being "the bottleneck" in your firm Why your brain may be blocking your best work The counterintuitive change that can grow both freedom and revenue To learn more about Jenna, visit her website: https://www.theuncommonway.com/

End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Architects often feel torn between their creative calling and the pressure to "talk money," leaving many unsure how to price their work, defend their value, or navigate client conversations without anxiety. Money is supposed to be boring, distant, and handled by someone else, especially in architecture. In this episode, Enoch and Rion pull back the veil on the quiet myths architects inherit about fees, value, and what their work is really worth. They show how those hidden stories shape firms, projects, and even your sense of freedom as a practice owner. Starting from a shocking comment Enoch heard at architecture school, the conversation moves through history, Wall Street, and today's studio culture. You'll hear how a new way to see money can change the clients you attract, the projects you win, and the role you play at the table. The offhand remark that froze a studio room—and exposed a deep bias about architects who care about money. How one simple reframe turns money from "dirty" to a powerful technology of trust in your practice. Why a common industry tool might be training your best clients to see you as a commodity.

Camila Brugger, Founder and CEO of WorldTeams, shares her inspiring journey from her family's chaotic architecture practice to building a thriving remote team of 650. She discusses how the pandemic accelerated the shift to remote hiring, revealing common myths about quality and practical solutions to overcome them. Camila emphasizes the importance of culture fit, effective communication, and the benefits of geo-arbitrage. Additionally, she highlights the key ingredients for high-performing remote teams and her personal growth as a leader and mother.

Architects often find themselves trapped in chaos, juggling client demands and project deadlines. This discussion reveals how reactivity can lead to overwhelming 'firefighting' dynamics. By sharing stories of calm leaders—like monks and pilots—you'll learn the value of steadying your practice. Discover how mindfully managing emails, a monthly planning habit, and insights from nervous system science can transform your team dynamics. Embrace proactive solutions and reframe your role from architect to business leader for a balanced, serene practice.

End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework When Drew Pedrick started his architecture firm, he didn't follow the usual rules. No office. A global team. A deep focus on meaning, not just design. In this episode, Drew shares the mindset shift that helped him build a profitable, values-driven practice from the ground up. Host Enoch Sears digs into how Drew balances creativity and business, and what most architects get very wrong about profit. They talk about staying aligned without an office, building strong partnerships, and what it really means to run a "conscious" firm. This conversation is honest, bold, and full of unexpected lessons for any architect ready to stop playing small. In this episode, you'll discover: The surprising structure behind a firm that looks freeform Why most architects' "budgeting system" guarantees stress and burnout How to protect your peace—and your profit—before the first client call Tune in and rethink how architecture can work. To learn more about Drew, visit his website: https://www.mctiguearchitects.com/

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.

Alex Yuen, a former OMA architect now leading a design and development firm, teams up with Minkoo Kang, a Seoul-based designer and MIT-trained developer. They discuss how their experiences at OMA reshaped their views on architecture, emphasizing the need for architects to engage in development to regain creative control and financial power. They also tackle the importance of understanding the financial side of design, the realities of managing projects, and how teaching financial literacy can enhance design education. Their insights challenge traditional views and illuminate new paths for architects.

Explore why many architects resist scaling their firms and how the solo-practitioner dream often comes with hidden burdens. The hosts reveal the challenges small firms face, from inconsistent cash flow to staffing issues. Discover the 'invisible desert' between 5 and 20 employees and why larger firms can surprisingly be easier to manage. Learn about the unique opportunities in acquiring retiring firms and how to navigate fears around growth. This unconventional perspective offers a roadmap to creative freedom and stability for architects.

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/