Business of Architecture Podcast

Explore the exhausting hustle culture in architecture as Enoch and Rion share insights on how constant busyness harms energy, relationships, and wellbeing. They emphasize the importance of working smart over hard, revealing how saying no to projects can boost profits while reducing toil. Discover the garden metaphor for attracting clients naturally and the benefits of a leadership style rooted in ease. Real-life examples illustrate how letting go can lead to unexpected opportunities, shifting the focus from pressure to flow in both life and business.

End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework What if the very systems meant to support architects are actually holding them back? In this powerful episode, Rion Willard sits down with Patrik Schumacher, Principal of Zaha Hadid Architects, for a bold, no-holds-barred conversation. They dive into what it really takes to run a creative practice that’s profitable, scalable, and still deeply visionary. You’ll hear how one of the world’s most innovative firms navigates bureaucracy, wins global commissions, and stays ahead—without selling out. Patrik also unpacks why many architecture schools may be steering young talent in the wrong direction. If you’ve ever felt stuck between art and business, this episode could shift everything. On this episode, discover: The silent killer of design innovation (and how to escape it) A business model that lets you scale and stay creative Why most young architects are being set up to fail—before they even graduate This isn’t just theory. It’s what’s working now. To learn more about Patrik, visit his website: www.zaha-hadid.com

End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework In this thought-provoking episode of the Business of Architecture podcast, Rion Willard sits down with long-time collaborator Nicole, whose work with firm owners goes far beyond strategy and business systems. Together, they explore the hidden forces shaping how architects think, act, and lead—often without realizing it. Nicole reveals why many practice owners feel stuck, overwhelmed, or adrift, even when they’ve “done everything right,” and how unseen layers of belief can quietly limit results. She shares powerful shifts that can help leaders reclaim clarity, tap into their core identity, and run their business with more freedom and impact. Along the way, you’ll hear stories, analogies, and unexpected moments of insight that might just change how you see your own challenges. Inside, you’ll discover: The hidden “handbrake” most architects don’t know is slowing them down A simple daily habit that rewires your thinking without effort How to turn even setbacks into strategic advantages  

End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework What if the secret to winning more architecture work wasn’t just better design, but better communication? In this thought-provoking episode, Rose Marshall of ING Media pulls back the curtain on how architects can become allies, not just suppliers. Her approach flips the script on how architects show value—and who they’re showing it to. Rion and Rose explore a recent industry report that connects surprising dots between investment trends and future-proof practices. You’ll hear about the biggest missed opportunities many firms don’t even realize they’re ignoring. And, while there are plenty of tips for communication, the real gold is in how you look at your role as an architect. What do bees, data centers, and student housing have in common—and why should architects care? Why your next big commission may depend on what you don’t talk about in your project posts. The simple lens that turns an architect from a hired hand into a strategic partner investors can’t ignore. To learn more about Rose, visit her website: https://www.ing-media.com/

Dive into the hidden signals that shape client trust and team culture. Discover how subtle body language and energy can affect your success. Learn from real stories—like how a simple encounter on an airplane transformed a moment of tension into compassion. The importance of authenticity over polished facades is highlighted, with insights on how to develop your leadership presence. Get tips on owning your past to free up your energy and the value of investing in personal growth for better communication and results.

End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework   In this bold episode of Business of Architecture, host Enoch Sears sits down with serial entrepreneur and black belt Adam Marburger. From hitting personal rock bottom to building six companies, Adam shares raw lessons that will challenge how you think about growth, pain, and leadership. His story starts with heartbreak—and leads to unexpected clarity. What follows is a grounded conversation about building real wealth, emotional freedom, and business systems that actually work. Adam doesn’t sugarcoat the journey. He reveals the mindset shifts that helped him turn chaos into clarity—and what most architects get totally wrong about delegation and control.   The brutal 2-word phrase that changed everything—and why you need to say it to yourself Why your “dream team” might be the biggest thing holding you back The hidden mistake most firm owners make when trying to scale (and what to do instead)   To learn more about Adam, visit his website: https://www.adammarburger.com/

End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Frank and Megan Lin didn’t set out to build a high-profit, award-winning firm. For years, they worked late, chased too many projects, and tried to out-hustle their burnout. Then something happened that changed the entire direction of their practice—and their lives. In this episode, they share what it really took to stop grinding and start growing. You’ll hear how they created freedom without sacrificing design, and how they reconnected with their deeper purpose through the business itself. If you’ve ever wondered whether building a thriving firm means giving up your life, this episode is for you. Here’s a taste of what you’ll discover: The hiring ritual that saved their culture—and helped eliminate expensive missteps The one mindset shift that turned a draining practice into a design-led enterprise Why most architects stay broke (and the invisible belief keeping them stuck) This is one of the most honest, inspiring conversations we’ve had. Don’t miss it. To learn more about Frank & Megan, visit their website: https://www.coxiststudio.com/

Robert Yuen, CEO and co-founder of Monograph, shares insights on enhancing architectural firm profitability through innovative technologies. He discusses the critical impact of automated billing methods like upfront billing, which can boost cash flow predictability. The conversation highlights how AI is reshaping firms by reducing manual tasks and optimizing operations. Yuen also reveals how certain strategies can help firms break free from survival mode, emphasizing the significance of adapting to new tools to enhance overall efficiency and financial health.

Mike Linn, a licensed CPA with over two decades of experience, discusses how architects can reclaim their financial health and confidence. He identifies hidden profit leaks affecting many firms and shares strategies for effective time tracking and hiring, even during tight cash flow. Linn emphasizes treating projects as mini businesses and offers insights on managing invoicing chaos. He also highlights how innovations like AI can streamline financial processes, empowering architects to focus on creativity while maintaining strong business practices.

End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Running a successful architecture firm for decades is no small feat—especially when it spans three generations. In this heartwarming and high-energy episode, Scott Spector of Spectorgroup shares the story of how his father built a practice that shaped the skyline of Long Island—and how Scott expanded its reach into Manhattan and beyond. The conversation dives into culture, legacy, and what it really takes to build a firm that thrives across time. From stories of “visiting dad’s dirt” to lessons learned in lacrosse and leadership, Scott reveals the hidden ingredients that fuel sustainable growth. You’ll hear how he hires with intention, energizes his teams, and strikes the elusive balance between creativity and accountability. It’s a masterclass in positive leadership—with just enough grit. The unusual team system that unlocked surprising productivity How to grow a firm without killing your creativity—or your culture Why this firm says "no" to cookie-cutter hires—and how it pays off To learn more about Scott, visit his website: https://www.spectorgroup.com/