Business of Architecture Podcast

When your pipeline dries up, clients vanish without paying, and payroll is looming with no cash in sight—what do you do? In this episode, we dive into a real-life scenario where an architecture firm faces a $52K quarterly loss, $215K in overdue invoices, and only three weeks of cash left. What happens when your firm hits a financial wall—hard—and you’ve got just weeks of cash left? This episode pulls back the curtain on a real architecture practice facing exactly that. You'll hear a raw, behind-the-scenes look at a business in crisis—and how smart billing, strategic thinking, and community insight begin to turn the tide. You'll meet an architect pushed to the brink—no new projects, massive unpaid invoices, and a crushing cash flow crunch. But within the pressure, unexpected strategies emerge. From ancient Roman wheels to outsourcing breakthroughs, this episode isn’t just theory—it’s a survival guide. In this episode, you’ll discover: The surprising mindset shift that instantly changes how cash flows into your firm A little-known outsourcing trick that could save your practice six figures Why one ancient invention still haunts your billing system—and how to break free Ready to uncover what you don’t even know is costing you?   ► Transcription: https://otter.ai/u/iGbI8NOL8DdwrqIe2bNRvFOZQF8?utm_source=copy_url   ► Feedback? Email us at podcast@businessofarchitecture.com   ► Access your free training at http://SmartPracticeMethod.com/   ► If you want to speak directly to our advisors, book a call at https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/call   ► Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture   *******   For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful, and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/businessofarch/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/yt Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/show iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9idXNpbmVzc29mYXJjaGl0ZWN0dXJlLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz   *******   Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com   Carpe Diem!

Shane Curry, a dynamic designer and entrepreneur from San Diego, shares his bold transition into real estate development without a safety net. He discusses how he transformed his first project through grit and unconventional strategies, emphasizing that sometimes being 'just dumb enough' can lead to success. Shane reveals how he built his design studio without marketing spent and championed a mindset that views risk as an exciting challenge. His journey offers invaluable lessons for anyone eager to break free from inaction in the competitive architecture landscape.

Matthew Arnold, the founder of Arnold&, shares his journey from a celebrated architecture practice to launching his own firm. He reveals how a dinner in the Arizona desert changed his perspective on the role of architects. Listeners learn about surprising wealth-building strategies, including the importance of understanding financial mechanics. Matthew also discusses a key development deal he secured by recognizing an overlooked seller need. His insights bridge design with financial acumen, reshaping how architects can thrive in the industry.

In this conversation, Tima Bell, founder of Bell Design Group, shares his inspiring journey from hospitality design to leading a thriving global firm. He discusses how passion fuels his work but also comes with challenges. Tima emphasizes the importance of delegating tasks and creating a supportive team culture. He reveals strategies for attracting clients without traditional selling and highlights the significance of integrating various disciplines within architecture. Plus, he shares insights on ethical practices and the future growth of his firm.

Gus Zogolovitch, an award-winning developer and co-founder of Developer Collective, and Amanda Baillieu, co-founder of Developer Collective and founder of Archibu, dive into how architects can redefine their roles. They discuss the untapped skills architects possess that developers crave and the financial insights that can empower them. The duo emphasizes starting small in property development to unlock potential and shares why now is the time for architects to seize control of their careers, turning overlooked sites into rewarding opportunities.

Running an architecture firm can feel like being stuck—overwhelmed, overworked, and unsure how to get free. In this episode, Geoff Hoover, principal at Business of Architecture, shares what’s really holding firms back. Geoff’s path from engineering to sales and lifeguarding has given him a unique ability to spot the hidden issues firm owners often miss. You’ll hear powerful stories that reveal why great design isn’t enough to build a successful business. Geoff shares the mindset shifts and leadership patterns that separate the firms that thrive from the ones that merely survive. This episode is packed with insights that could unlock a whole new way of working without giving up your weekends. What you’ll discover: What a lifeguard can teach you about running a business Why “delegation” isn’t as easy as you think The silent trap many successful firm owners fall into A single sentence that could change your firm for the next 10 years   ► Transcription: https://otter.ai/u/84J4DHRLa20Gw8sgCjKCPkVPmQI?utm_source=copy_url   ► Feedback? Email us at podcast@businessofarchitecture.com   ► Access your free training at http://SmartPracticeMethod.com/   ► If you want to speak directly to our advisors, book a call at https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/call   ► Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture   *******   For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful, and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/businessofarch/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/yt Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/show iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9idXNpbmVzc29mYXJjaGl0ZWN0dXJlLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz   *******   Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com   Carpe Diem!

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.

Zeke Freeman, an innovative architect and developer from Root Architecture and Development, shares valuable insights for small firm owners. He discusses the unseen barriers that lead to overwhelm and underpayment, exploring how mindset shifts can unlock profitability. Zeke highlights the dangers of standard pricing and the hidden fears that prevent effective delegation. He reveals what really differentiates firms that break the $1M ceiling from those that stall, and discusses the evolving role of remote teams in the architectural landscape.

In a captivating discussion, Jason Owens, a specialist in helping small business owners thrive, teams up with Rion Willard to tackle the struggles architects face. They uncover the hidden traps that lead architects to burnout, like ineffective delegation and financial mismanagement. The duo shares transformative strategies to reclaim time and profits. Personal anecdotes highlight their own journeys, culminating in a groundbreaking framework designed to empower architects to escape the daily grind and succeed in both life and business.

David Cross, the founder of CODA and Sky House Co, dives deep into the challenges of the UK housing market, especially the missing middle. He recalls a childhood experience that ignited his passion for architecture and shares his bold transition from traditional practice to property development. Listeners will learn about a crucial planning hack for gaining early support and the common pitfalls architects face when launching their projects. Plus, a scooter crash sparks a unique design test and leads to insights on finding the right funding partners.