
Business of Architecture Podcast
Discover strategies, tips and secrets for running a fun, flexible and profitable architecture practice. The focus here is simple: discussion of ways for architects to create a dream architecture practice: design what you want, when you want, and get paid well for it.
Latest episodes

Dec 12, 2022 • 1h 1min
443: Using Your Architectural Super Powers Outside of Architecture with Jake Rudin and Erin Pellegrino
This week, I'm speaking with Jake Rudin and Erin Pellegrino, Founders of Out of Architecture, a career consulting firm interested in exploring the value of their skills both in and out of the architectural profession. Jake has a decade of experience in building things from the ground up. At Adidas, he leads teams in Computational Design, Digital Technologies, and Pattern Engineering. Previously, Jake was the Director of Business Development at an EdTech Startup, worked around the world as a designer for top architecture and design firms, and taught extensively in the architecture and design fields. Erin is a designer and registered architect with a decade of experience in the fields of design, business development, and creative consulting. She currently works as the Founder and Principal of Matter, a design firm that solves problems that span from brand and digital experiences to the built environment. Erin has worked extensively in the venture and start-up space in the Northeast, with early-stage companies as well as VC funds on design, visual, narrative strategy, and brand development. She has also taught and coached in architecture and design fields at universities including Harvard, Cornell, Parsons, The City University of New York and the New Jersey Institute of Technology. In this episode, Jake and Erin discuss the disconnect between architecture education and the profession, how our skills and training can be invaluable to many different roles in different industries, and how you can create and design an architecture career that fits you. We speak about their new book Out of Architecture, why many firms are losing out on talent and talent retention due to their hiring processes We discuss the challenges that university education faces with the education of the architect And we discuss the taboo or concerns that some young architects may face simply because they are part of a network that is exploring possibilities outside of the traditional profession Get in touch with Erin and Jake via their: Website: https://www.outofarchitecture.com/ Erin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-pellegrino/ Jake's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakerudin/ ► 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 my 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/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast 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 Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Carpe Diem!

Dec 5, 2022 • 1h 3min
442: Why Design React Mode is Shrinking your Business with Michael Bernard
Today we will be speaking with Michael Bernard AIA. He is the founder of Virtual Practice Consulting, where he provides strategic advice to design and construction firms. He was a professor in the architecture department at The California College of the Arts in San Francisco for many years and previously served as a director on the board of the San Francisco chapter of the AIA and on the board of the AIA California Council. He’s led several committees and served as Architect Advisor to the academy for emerging professionals at the AIA San Francisco. Michael’s Origin Story Michael discovered architecture as a 10 year old when he was inspired by house plan magazines at the supermarket and built 3D models as a child. In college, he studied psychology with the intent of becoming a clinical psychologist. While he was teaching French to exchange students during summer school, a colleague noticed him sketching and asked if he’d ever thought of architecture as a profession. Michael started in design and worked for Charles Moore in Los Angeles. After some time, he went to work for a larger technical firm because he wanted to learn what the underpinning was of design. Over the course of his career, he always wanted more. He finally realized that what he loved most about architecture is the creative team that makes a project happen. In today’s episode we will be discussing: The importance of defining culture in a business for high performance The evolution of leadership all business owners must journey through We discuss the dangers of ‘Design React Mode’ To learn more about Michael Bernard visit his: Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-bernard-67b6b84/ Website: https://v-prac.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michael_bernard_/?hl=en Participate in the largest-ever survey on what small architecture practices are charging? Visit: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/feesurvey ► 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 my 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/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast 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 Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Carpe Diem!

Nov 28, 2022 • 1h 2min
441: Working Successfully with Developers with Harshad Pillai
Today I will be speaking with Harshad Pillai who is the Director of Fogarty Finger, an architecture firm committed to redefining the urban built environment through projects that are as evocative as they are pragmatic. Harshad is currently overseeing the development of over 3 million square-feet of projects across various sectors of New York. Astoria West has more than 500 units soon to be available, as well as the Rise and NOVA in Long Island City. Previously overseeing a range of multifamily projects, Harshad is carrying his skills over to 141 Willoughby, the firm's first office building that is slated to complete this year. Harshad completed the 160,000 square foot conversion of the former Shlitz brewery and bottling building in Brooklyn. His design, The Jackson, a 70,000 square foot residential building in Long Island City was awarded the Global Future Design Award in 2020. In this week’s episode we will be discussing: -Empathizing with Developers and aligning business and design interests - How to prevent adversarial relationships with developer clients - How to grow with developer clients for long term relations To learn more about Harshad Pillai visit his: Website: https://www.fogartyfinger.com/ Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harshad-pillai-87471610/ Participate in the largest-ever survey on what small architecture practices are charging? Visit: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/feesurvey ► 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 my 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/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast 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 Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Carpe Diem!

Nov 21, 2022 • 58min
440: Making Expediting Sexy with Jesse Tarr
This week I have the pleasure to be speaking with Jesse Tarr who is the founder and president of CityPermits. City Permits was established in 2009 as a small company consisting of 2-3 employees and has since grown exponentially over the past decade. Their mission is to provide professional, efficient and thorough permit expediting services for residential and commercial clients. In this episode we discuss: - Why architects benefit from using an expediter - How City Permits has evolved and grown into new territories and states - How can technology, client relations and business intelligence can disrupt a particular service To learn more about Jesse Tarr, visit his: Website: https://www.citypermit.us/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/citypermit/ Participate in the largest-ever survey on what small architecture practices are charging? Visit: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/feesurvey ► 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 my 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/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast 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 Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Carpe Diem!

Nov 14, 2022 • 1h
439: Becoming Partners of a Leading Firm with Rhode Partners
This week I am speaking with Rhode Partners recent equity partners Director Bobby Tait, and Director of Operations, Kate Meehan. Rhode Partners was Founded by Director Brett Rhode in 2007 and since then they have become a leading Austin firm specializing in master planning, architecture, and interior design, civic, multi-family residential, hotel, office, and retail projects.. In today’s episode we will be discussing: The Process of Buying the Firm: The legal and financial mechanisms in becoming partners How the firm was valued and what that means What does it take to create an empowered culture To learn more about Rhode Partners, visit their: Website: https://www.rhodepartners.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rhode-partners Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhode.partners/?hl=en Participate in the largest-ever survey on what small architecture practices are charging? Visit: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/feesurvey ► 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 my 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/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast 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 Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Carpe Diem!

109 snips
Nov 7, 2022 • 1h 10min
438: Key Financial Metrics for an Architecture Firm with Hugh Glazer
Participate in the largest-ever survey on what small architecture practices are charging? Visit: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/feesurvey Hello and welcome to the Business of Architecture. This week I am speaking with Hugh Glazer who is a CPA for 30+ years and delivers CFO and Business Operations Services to Private Companies and Not for Profit Organizations. As a consultant, part time CFO and hands on advisor he strategically manages projects to offer merger-acquisition-integration, budgeting, financial planning and managing new initiatives to deliver dramatic results. Hugh has mentored over 150+ CEOs through the ‘10,000 Small Business Program’ at Babson College. His specialties include software development, publishing, architecture, advertising, and not for profit. He is also our specialist financial consultant inside of the SMART PRACTICE Method, our flagship business program for architects to run profitable and impactful businesses. In this week’s episode we will be discussing: 6 Key Financial Metrics including: 1. Profit & Target Multiplier 2. Cash Flow Breakeven 3. Net Fee per staff 4. Utilization Rate 5. Checks & Balances 6. Accounts Receivable To learn more about Hugh Glazer, visit his: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hjglazer ► 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 my 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/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast 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 Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

Oct 31, 2022 • 1h 2min
437: Using the Art World to Help Grow a Firm with Hiroshi Okamoto
This week I am speaking with Hiroshi Okamoto who is one of the co-founder of OLI Architecture. Hiroshi Okamoto is a member of the AIA and has had an exciting architectural career path working at practices such the Ushida Findlay Partnership in Japan, and with the Joint Venture of Nikken Sekkei, Tohata Gumi and RTKL International, on Tokyo infrastructure projects and of course Hiroshi worked closely with the late I.M Pei in the twilight of his career, working on of the Museum of Islamic Art, Doha (2001–2008) as a contract administrator; and as the Project Architect of the Chapel at the Miho Institute of Aesthetics (2008-2012) in Shigaraki, Japan, I.M. Pei’s last project. In 2010, Mr. Okamoto co-founded OLI Architecture PLLC and has been the design principal and project architect for the MuXin Art Museum (2011-2015), the Chengdu Silk Art Culture Museum (2012-2016), and the Museum of Islamic Art Renovation (2015-2017) in Doha, Qatar. (2017-2018) to name just a few and the firm has also won a number of prestigious awards and recognitions. In this episode we discuss: - Hiroshi’s career and the business lessons learned from masters like I.M Pei - How they used relationships developed working in the Art World to grow a firm - Working internationally and understanding different business cultures. To learn more about Hiroshi Okamoto, visit his: Website at: http://www.oliarch.com/en/people/hiroshi-okamoto Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/oliarchitecture/ Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/oliarchitecture ► 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 my 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/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast 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 Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Carpe Diem!

Oct 24, 2022 • 38min
436: How I Became an Architect Developer with Jason Boyer
Today we speak with Jason Boyer, an architect developer and founder of Boyer Vertical, a firm that specializes in developing sustainably minded, architecturally significant projects in the Phoenix Metro area. His first development project was the award-winning artHAUS condominiums in Midtown Phoenix, and Boyer is currently working on KARMA, a modern community of 11 homes coming to North Central Phoenix. In this episode you'll discover how Jason leveraged 20+ years working in traditional architectural services to creating an integrated real estate, development and design company. To learn more about Jason, go to his: Website: https://boyervertical.com/# LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasondboyer/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boyervertical/?hl=en Arthaus Link: https://casestudies.uli.org/deal-profile-arthaus/ ► 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 my 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/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast 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 Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Carpe Diem!

Oct 17, 2022 • 54min
435: The Art of Taking Risks with Brian Messana
Brian founded New York City-based architectural firm Messana O'Rorke with Toby O'Rorke in 1996. He has since developed an extraordinary portfolio of work in residential, commercial, retail and conceptual projects. The firm is anticipating their first monograph, Messana O'Rorke: Building Blocks, with text by Mayer Rus and a foreword by Thomas Phifer, to be published by Rizzoli this October and will showcase 25 projects that represent the firm's legacy of projects. Brian spoke very authentically in this conversation about how the practice has grown and developed. Topics we discussed were: How to sustain a long lasting business partnership The importance of taking risk in business and design and how to guide your clients through their own risk The importance of getting published Learn more about Brian at his: Website: https://www.messanaororke.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-messana-7196252/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/messanaororke/ ► 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 my 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/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast 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 Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Carpe Diem!

Oct 10, 2022 • 49min
434: Managing Firm Perpetuity with Jenna Knudsen
This week I’m speaking with Jenna Knudsen, the managing principal of CO Architects based in Los Angeles. Whilst working at CO Architects she has led award-winning, large-scale academic, laboratory and healthcare projects on university and healthcare campuses across the country. Since 1998 apart from a with a brief stint at Rafael Viñoly Architects, she has been with CO Architects and progressed her career from project designer to managing principal. Within both the practice and the profession, Jenna has been a long-time advocate for equal representation, spearheading initiatives to support and encourage women in architecture In this episode we discuss What it takes to manage a firm into perpetuity The characteristics of a great leader in 2022 How Co develop new business relationships and moves into new sectors To learn more about Jenna, visit her: Website: https://coarchitects.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenna-knudsen-05b30038/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coarchitects/ ► 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 my 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/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast 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 Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Carpe Diem!