

Business of Architecture Podcast
Enoch Sears & Rion Willard
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 31, 2022 • 1h 2min
398: Business and Design Fluency with Arno Matis
This week, I'm speaking with the Design Principal and Founder of Arno Matis Architecture, Arno Matis. Arno has over 28 years of experience delivering award-winning architectural projects in greater Vancouver and internationally. A former Senior Director of Bing Thom Architects, he played an active role in the design and management of numerous award-winning landmark projects including Arena Stage in Washington, DC and the Sunset Community Centre in Vancouver, Canada. In 2005, Arno founded Arno Matis Architecture (AMA). Located in Vancouver, Canada, AMA specializes in densifying coastal cities with modern spaces that connect to nature. AMA's portfolio includes mid-to-large-scale hotel, residential, and office projects in USA and Canada. They strive for responsive, sustainable design solutions beyond the utopian that serve the present yet point to an unimaginably exciting future. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Oregon, a Master of Design Studies from Harvard University, and an MBA from Queen's University. In this episode, Arno directs that business lens to looking at architecture businesses, how the practice has evolved, the challenges, and how understanding the language of business has been instrumental in empowering their firm to be able to push the envelope on their work. ► Access your free training at http://SmartPracticeMethod.com/ ► If you want to speak directly to our advisors, book a call at https://www.businessofarchitecture.co... ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofA... ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful, and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/busin... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com... iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/b... Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/Businesso... ******* 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.co... Carpe Diem!

Jan 24, 2022 • 46min
397: Collaborative Construction with Michael Daddio
This week, I'm speaking with Michael Daddio, Founder and Principal of premier artisanal building firm, M. Daddio, Inc. Mike is a third-generation contracting professional, skilled carpenter, and effective leader with a thorough understanding of the process required to bring a highly detailed project from concept to successful completion. Throughout his career, Mike has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to serving the New York community through his active support of several organizations and leading numerous volunteer initiatives to rebuild the homes of New Yorkers whose properties suffered catastrophic damage in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. He also sits on the Board of St. Ignatius School, a middle school dedicated to providing quality education to children in the South Bronx. A native of Long Island, Mike graduated from Providence College, where he double-majored in Mathematics and Quantitative Economics. He currently resides in Brooklyn with his family. In this episode, Mike gives us an insight into how his company is structured, the role of a general contractor, and what makes for a very good contractor-client-architect relationship, and the key to being able to manage multiple projects and still being a client-centric firm. ► 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://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* 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!

Jan 17, 2022 • 57min
396: When Team Members Fail with Enoch Sears and Rion Willard
Today, we have a very special episode for you. Here at Business of Architecture, it is one of our mantras that we "Lead from what we live," meaning that we try our darnedest to make sure that we are actually implementing and doing all the things that we talk about and all the things that we teach. What we're going to be talking about today is about when there are lapses in a business in terms of teamwork, in terms of processes. What happens when the ball gets dropped? What we're hoping from this conversation today is for you to see a little bit behind the curtain of Business of Architecture, see how we run our business, how we coach our clients and the firms we work with, and how we dealt with the little fire we had in our own business. We would love to hear your feedback on what you've learned from this episode and how YOU handle your own little hiccups in your own business. ► 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://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* 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!
Dec 20, 2021 • 31min
395: How I Started My Practice From Scratch with Andrew Forman
This week, we have Andrew Foreman. Andrew runs an architecture practice in Hawaii called Blueprint808. Andrew's practice has been awarded for consecutive years as Hawaii's Home + Remodeling Readers' Choice Architecture Firm. Blueprint808 specializes in custom home designs and is dedicated to improving the design and constructions that are completed in Hawaii. In this episode, we're going to talk about what it's like starting a small architecture firm from scratch and, specifically, Andrew's thoughts on embracing an innovative business model as he continuous forward with his practice. ► 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://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* 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!

Dec 14, 2021 • 39min
394: More than Architecture - Designing Experience with Adam Scott
Today, I bring you an incredible conversation with the Founder of FreeState, Adam Scott. Adam is an architect, he's a designer, and the creative force of FreeState, which is a pioneering experience master planning agency. In this episode, you'll discover how he's taken his skills as a designer and applied them not just to the architectural built space but also the entire experience in an environment. ► 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://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* 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!

Dec 6, 2021 • 29min
393: Creating a Self-Managed Architecture Firm with Michael Smith and Enoch Sears
In today's show, I'm going to let you in on a little interview I did with architect Michael Smith. Michael runs an architectural practice on the central California coast. Last year, he reached out to me to interview me on his podcast. Today, we're going to talk about what it's like running a small architectural practice. We talk about marketing a small architectural practice. We talk about podcasting and much, much more. Give Michael's podcast a listen at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7PnJ1tNkZmOHoQB6YaEdTw ► 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://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* 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!

Nov 29, 2021 • 39min
392: Are Architectural Services Commoditized? with Enoch Sears and Rion Willard
Are architectural services commoditized? Here's the problem: it isn't uncommon for clients to undervalue architectural services, to undervalue what it is that we do. And when they don't value it, they don't want to pay for it. This leads to a race to the bottom and unrealistic and hard to meet expectations of clients. Today I'm joined by Rion Willard. After training at London's Bartlett School of Architecture and a successful career as an architect, Rion Willard joined the Business of Architecture team. Rion is the Director of Consulting and Business Transformation here at Business of Architecture. In this episode, you'll discover 3 reasons why architectural services get commoditized, and what you can do to prevent it so you are respected and compensated for your creative work. ► 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://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* 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!

Nov 22, 2021 • 52min
391: Blueprint For Success with Mark Bittoni
This week, I'm speaking with the Founding Principal of Bittoni Architects, Mark Bittoni. Founded in 2004, Bittoni Architects is a full-service architectural practice based in Los Angeles, California. Their body of work ranges in building type and scale, from interiors to master planning, driven by a methodology defined by their explorative approach and a curiosity for the unconventional. In this episode, we discuss the firm's process in navigating through their shift into commercial work, nurturing their relationship with developer clients, and how the practice has maintained its design sensibilities despite the constraints that come with taking on commercial/developer projects. We also enquire a bit into what Mark sees as challenges the architecture industry will be facing in the next few years and what the future looks like for Bittoni Architects. ► 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://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* 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!

Nov 15, 2021 • 1h 3min
390: The Psychology of the Architect with Paul Iddon
This week, I'm speaking with Paul Iddon of Agency PSI Ltd. Paul Iddon RIBA, has over 30 years of experience in construction, architecture, and marketing, having run his own architecture firm, OMI Architects, in 1992 to running a marketing agency in 2006, developing brand and engagement strategies with architects and manufacturers. Paul is also the Vice President of the Manchester Society of Architects and a Council member of RIBA NW. In this episode, we investigate what makes architects tick, the collective value of the word "architect" as a brand, and how understanding our psychology helps us be better salespeople, marketers, and better architects. ► 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://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* 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!

Nov 1, 2021 • 1h 11min
389: Building Boldly with Bolanle Williams-Olley
This week, I'm speaking with Bolanle Williams-Olley, Chief Financial Officer and part-owner of Mancini Duffy, a technology-first design firm based in NYC, overseeing the firm's financial and operational performance. Bolanle has had 12 years working in the AEC industry, having worked with HLW and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) prior to joining Mancini Duffy. She holds a Masters in Education & Social Policy from NYU, Masters in Applied Mathematics, a Bachelors in Mathematics from the City University of New York, Hunter College, and is also a board member of the Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation (BWAF). In addition to her role at Mancini Duffy, she has founded several impact organizations in Nigeria that aim to improve education in low-income communities, empower women in the A/E/C industry and at small design firms, as well as create awareness about NGOs across Nigeria. Bolanle is launching her first book in November called "Build Boldly: Chart Your Unique Career Path", as a playbook for success in the architecture and design industry, offering business development tips including lessons she's learned from being Mancini's CFO. In this episode, we discuss the role of a CFO within an architecture practice and the importance of establishing a strong partnership between the accounts team and the project management team. We cover some key performance indicators or metrics they measure to ensure the success of their projects and how these metrics then filter into business development. We also talk about Bolanle's philanthropic work and a bit of a peek into her book Build Boldly.


