Business of Architecture Podcast

Explore the current state of the architecture market and uncover key insights that many architects overlook. Discover the biggest mistakes small firms make during economic downturns and learn effective strategies to turn uncertainty into opportunity. Delve into the emotional challenges faced by leaders and the importance of self-awareness in overcoming them. Gain tips on balancing urgency with importance to enhance productivity and mental well-being, while also discovering collaborative opportunities and valuable resources for your practice.

Ryan Mayhugh, Senior project accountant at HOK, brings over two decades of financial expertise in architecture. He discusses the crucial balance between creative freedom and smart money management. Mayhugh reveals how common oversights can be detrimental to small firms and shares a pivotal budgeting shift that led a startup to a substantial exit. He emphasizes the necessity of financial transparency and the stealthy advantages larger firms hold, offering insights that can empower smaller practices to thrive without sacrificing their creative vision.

Peter Markos, an architect and the innovative mind behind the Monocabin Project, shares his compelling journey from novice architect to successful developer. He reveals how he transformed a humble model into a thriving cabin business, garnering significant funding along the way. Peter discusses the power of creative leverage, navigates the complexities of lease agreements, and highlights the importance of sweat equity. His insights on building belief in possibilities and the balance between creativity and business acumen are both inspiring and practical.

Explore the hidden costs of hiring missteps in architecture. Discover why a candidate's impressive résumé may not guarantee success. Learn about the importance of soft skills like communication and collaboration. Uncover how small adjustments in hiring practices can lead to significant improvements in team harmony and performance. Hear about unique strategies for evaluating character and cultural fit over traditional interview techniques. Plus, find out how competitive salaries can help attract top talent in today's challenging job market.

Kevin Hittle, an accomplished architect, real estate developer, and retired colonel, shares his transformative journey from laborer to firm owner. He reveals how he built a $1.8 million project with a mere $30K, leveraging strategic planning and unique zoning loopholes. Hittle emphasizes the value of hands-on experience in both architecture and construction, discussing how this dual perspective enhances design and decision-making. His practical insights encourage architects to embrace development for financial success and creativity.

End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework 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?

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.