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.

This is the second part of the interview with Josh Miles, author of the book Bold Brand: The New Rules for Differentiating, Branding and Marketing your Professional Services Firm. He’s also the co-founder of a successful visuals identify and branding firm: Miles Herndon

 

In this episode you’ll learn:

Direct download: ep138-discovering-your-brand-essence-with-josh-miles.mp3
Category:Branding -- posted at: 9:30pm PDT

Today’s guest is Josh Miles, author of the book Bold Brand: The New Rules for Differentiating, Branding and Marketing your Professional Services Firm. He’s also the co-founder of a successful visual identity and branding firm: Miles Herndon

On this episode you’ll discover:

Direct download: ep137-the-power-of-branding-to-build-relationships-josh-miles.mp3
Category:Branding -- posted at: 8:05am PDT

Today’s guest is a Business Development Strategist and Coach for the A/E/C Industry who has been the Director of Business Development and Director of Marketing for small companies, mid-sized multi-office firms and international corporations.

Karen Compton is the Principle AK3 Consulting; she focuses on helping firms with under 50 employees increase revenue and market share by taking a strategic focus.

On this episode you’ll discover:


Today’s guest is a Business Development Strategist and Coach for the A/E/C Industry who has been the Director of Business Development and Director of Marketing for small companies, mid-sized multi-office firms and international corporations.

Karen Compton is the Principle AK3 Consulting; she focuses on helping firms with under 50 employees increase revenue and market share by taking a strategic focus.

On this episode you’ll discover: 


Have you ever wanted to develop your own projects?

You know, have control over the design and reap the profit from all of your hard work?

Today's we'll be speaking with the CEO of one of San Diego's premiere boutique urban residential developers.

His company designs, develops and builds beautiful, contemporary single and multi-family projects, which both add to the local community make beautiful spaces for people to live in San Diego.

Soheil Nakhshab is the CEO of Nakhshab Development & Design, Inc.

On this episode you'll discover:

The 'secret' government-backed loan program that will let you develop a 4-plex property, with as little as 3.5% down (7:25)
How to get started as an architect-developer (4:52)
How to figure out a good development opportunity vs. a bad one (16:25)
Soheil's step by step process for figuring if a project pencils out (6:34)


Have you ever worked with a client and thought - if I were in their shoes I'd do things differently?

 

Perhaps you've daydreamed about what you'd do if you held the purse strings - and had 100% design control.

 

Would you design your projects the same?

 

And what if you could make a profit off of the project, not just collect a fee?

 

Today's guest has done just that.

 

On this episode, you'll hear from the CEO of one of San Diego's premiere boutique urban residential developers.

 

After losing everything in the Iranian revolution, his family moved to California to start from scratch.

 

Soheil Nakhshab is the CEO of Nakhshab Development & Design, Inc.

 

His company designs, develops and builds beautiful, contemporary single and multi-family projects, which both add to the local community make beautiful spaces for people to live in San Diego.

 

On this episode you'll discover:

 

Direct download: ep133-profiting-from-your-projects-Soheil-Nakhshab.mp3
Category:Design Build -- posted at: 9:30pm PDT

Today you're going to learn about earning money or pursuing a passion that isn't directly related designing buildings.

 

You'll also discover how to tap into the power of YouTube to market your practice.

 

Our guest today works with the firm of Joeb Moore designing high-end custom homes, based in Greenwich, CT.

 

He's worked on projects that have been published nationally in professional journals and magazines.

 

In addition to practicing architecture, he is the creator of 'How To Architect', an educational platform and YouTube video channel with over 12MM video views across the web.

 

He is the author of a book published by the MIT Press: "How to Architect", and he is the creator of multiple products including the Architect's Birdfeeder which you can find online.

 

On this show you'll discover:

Direct download: ep132-boosting-your-income-doug-patt.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:30pm PDT

Have you ever felt that you have a creation inside of you waiting to come out? Perhaps an invention that you're sure would change the world, or perhaps a book that you would love to write.

 

Today's show is all about taking your skills and training as an architect and applying it to other areas like writing and product development.

 

Our guest today currently works with the firm of Joeb Moore designing high-end custom homes, based in Greenwich, CT.

 

He's developed projects that have been published in a variety of magazines and professional publications.

 

In addition to practicing architecture, he is the creator of 'How To Architect', an educational platform and YouTube video channel with over 12MM video views across the web.

 

He is the author of a book published by the MIT Press: "How to Architect", and he is the creator of multiple products including the Architect's Birdfeeder which you can find online.

 

In today's show you'll discover:

Direct download: Ep131-turning-ideas-into-products-doug-patt.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:30pm PDT

Are you working toward passing the Architect Registration Examination?

Today's guest is Michael Riscica - blogger and founder of the website YoungArchitect.com.

Passing the Architect Registration Examination can be an intimidating prospect. Michael has created resources to help make it easier.

In today's episode you'll discover: 

Direct download: ep130-passing-the-architect-registration-examinationmichael-riscicia.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:30pm PDT

How do you stand out when responding to your next Request for Proposal? 

Today we're joined by Michael Riscica, a Facilities Project Manager for the City of Portland, Oregon.

Michael is a young architect and blogger at Youngarchitect.com.

In today's episode you'll discover:

Direct download: ep129-landing-your-next-request-for-proposal-michael-riscica.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:30pm PDT

Would you like to find and target high-end clients?

Today’s guest is Rion Willard, owner of The Thinking Hands Studio. He obtained his Diploma and Degree at the Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London and his professional qualifications were obtained from Cambridge University. His work has been exhibited in London and internationally and has been featured in publications and architecture journals.

In this episode of the Business of Architecture show, you’ll discover: 

Direct download: ep128-attracting-high-end-architectural-clients-rion-willard.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:30pm PDT

Do you have a quality management process for your architecture firm?

Today’s guest is Brian Palmquist, the Director of Quality at Ledcor and author of The Architect’s Guide to Construction: Tales from the Trenches Book 1 (An Architect’s Guide - Tales from the Trenches):

In this episode of the Business of Architecture show, you’ll discover:


How do you ensure quality in each architecture project? 

Today’s guest is Brian Palmquist, the Director of Quality at Ledcor and author of The Architect’s Guide to Construction: Tales from the Trenches Book 1 (An Architect’s Guide - Tales from the Trenches).


How to Quickly Grow your Business and Maintain Momentum 

What makes a firm successful?

How can you use the secrets of success to quickly grow your practice? 

Today’s guest is David Kuhlman, Partner at Axiom Consulting Partners and author of Leading Firms: How Great Professional Service Firms Succeed & How Your Firm Can Too.

In this episode of the Business of Architecture show, you’ll discover:


Is everyone in your firm on the same page?

How do you align the people in your firm for success?

Today's guest is David Kuhlman, Partner at Axiom Consulting Partners and Author of "Leading Firms: How Great Professional Service Firms Succeed & How Your Firm Can Too"

In this episode of the Business of Architecture show, you'll discover:

Direct download: ep124-driving-success-in-your-firmdavid-kluhlman.mp3
Category:Leadership -- posted at: 9:30pm PDT

How can you develop a strategic point of different that turns competition into referrals?

What is point of difference and why is that powerful for a firm?

Today's guest is Sandra Bekhor, President of Bekhor Management.

Direct download: How-to-Turn-Competition-into-Referrals.mp3
Category:Partnerships -- posted at: 4:51am PDT

Business is all about relationships. You've heard it a thousand times so I'm not going to say it again.

But it is all about the relationships. :)

In this episode of the Business of Architecture podcast, I talk with marketing and management consultant Sandra Bekhor about how to turn strangers into clients.

Direct download: ep122-turn-strangers-into-clients-28Sandra-Bekhor29.mp3
Category:Social Media -- posted at: 12:35am PDT

Paul Traynor is the President of Light Bureau, a UK lighting design consultancy.

In this episode, Paul talks about the early days growing his practice, including the 'big levers' that made a dramatic impact on the success of his practice.

Direct download: ep121-big-levers-growing-practice-Paul-Traynor.mp3
Category:Starting a Firm -- posted at: 9:30pm PDT

Discover hard-won lessons from 17 years of running a design practice. Paul Traynor, principal of Light Bureau, a UK-based lighting design consultancy shares lessons learned from years of running his own practice is the biggest recession in recent memory.

You'll discover:

How to delegate successfully and meet your deadlines
How to manage your projects on a weekly basis
Paul's favorite project management software
How to figure out your project fee

Go to Business of Architecture to find out about the design practice fundamentals.

Direct download: ep120-design-practice-fundamentals-Paul-Traynor.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:08am PDT

Discover how architect Anthony Laney transitioned from his job as a full-time employee to owning his own architecture practice that is poised to grow.

Click here to see this episode on Business of Architecture.

Direct download: ep119-start-architecture-firm-get-first-projects.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:30pm PDT

Discover battle tested tips and secrets for launching a successful, design-focused architecture firm. Los Angeles architect Anthony Laney reveals the gameplan he used to launch his new modern design firm.

Got to Business of Architecture to discover the gameplan to launch a new modern architecture firm.

Direct download: ep118-gameplan-launch-new-architecture-firm.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:30pm PDT

Set your firm apart with a powerful brand. Today we discuss branding for architecture firms - and how to create a powerful, authentic brand for your firm.

Click here to read this episode on Business of Architecture.

Direct download: ep117-branding-architecture-firm-Industrial-Brand.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:30pm PDT

In this episode you'll discover the list of 'lessons learned' that Mark Busse and Ben Garfinkel shared with me recently.

These lessons include:

  1. Marketing should not be ignored
  2. Employees want more than money
  3. It's fine to say 'no'
  4. Your online reputation matters
  5. What you say is less important than what you believe
  6. Count on technology to be a game-changer
  7. Baby Boomers are retiring and the rising generation will make changes.

There's a special surprise the end of this episode, so make sure you listen all the way to the end.

Go to Business of Architecture to find out about the lessons learned with regards to branding and identity.


Discover tips for managing your small architecture firm in this interview with business consultant and CFO Hugh Glazer.

Click here to see this episode on Business of Architecture.

Direct download: ep115-architecture-firm-management-for-profit-Hugh-Glazer.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:30pm PDT

Do you make these top financial management mistakes in your architecture practice?

Today we speak with Hugh Glazer, CPA, a business and financial management consultant for the AEC industry.

In this episode, you'll discover:

  • The number 1 secret to scaling a profitable architecture practice (4:01)
  • The top business mistakes small architecture firms make (5:05)
  • The difference between cash basis and accrual accounting, and why this matters to your bottom line (7:30)
  • The rolling 13-week spreadsheet for tracking cashflow (10:15)
  • The most important metrics to track for firm profitability (15:00)
  • How to recognize and stop scope creep (18:50)

Find out more about the top financial management mistakes in the Business of Architecture.


Discover resources for architects and designers on Houzz.com. Listen to the full interview for more information.

Know more about this Business of Architecture episode, click here.

Direct download: ep113-Houzz-for-Residential-Architects-Part-2-Liza-Hausman.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:00pm PDT

Find out more about the Houzz platform, and how it can help you as a residential architect and designer.

Discover the platform for architects and designers in Business of Architecture.

Direct download: ep112-Houzz-for-Residential-Architects-Part-1-Liza-Hausman.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:34pm PDT

Looking for creative, effective way to get a leg up on your next RFP response? Listen in as RFP winning guru Frank Aldridge reveals a cool strategy for landing that big contract.

Know how to win large architecture contracts in Business of Architecture.

Direct download: ep111-how-to-win-large-architecture-contracts-part-2-Frank-Aldridge.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:00pm PDT

In this episode you'll discover a killer strategy for winning large architecture contracts and working with large organizations.

Click here to know more about this episode in the Business of Architecture.

Direct download: ep110-winning-large-architecture-contracts-part-1-Frank-Aldridge.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:30pm PDT

In this episode we discuss the 4 main business entity types for architecture firms.

Go to Business of Architecture and know the best business types for architecture firms.

Direct download: ep109-4-top-business-types-for-architecture-firms-Patti-Harris.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:00pm PDT

Learn everything you ever wanted to know about legal entities for architecture firms.

Discover more in the Business of Arcitecture by clicking here.

Direct download: ep108-business-formation-for-architects-Patti-Harris.mp3
Category:Starting a Firm -- posted at: 1:06pm PDT

In this episode, you'll discover the last 2 steps of our simple, client-getting marketing process for architecture firms.

Go to Business of Architecture and discover how to market an architecture firm.

Direct download: ep107-how-to-market-an-architecture-firm-part-2-Enoch-Sears-Eric-Bobrow.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:00pm PDT

In this episode, we go over how to set up an effective marketing system for your practice that attracts, qualifies and wins new clients.

Click here to know more about this episode.

Direct download: ep106-how-to-market-an-architecture-firm-Enoch-Sears-Eric-Bobrow.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:30pm PDT

Today we are talking about best practices for residential constructions drawings with architects Marilyn Moedinger and Rand Soellner. You'll learn about some of the common mistakes we can make on construction documents. You'll also hear about ArchSpec, a pre-written specification system specifically for residential architects that can save you time and protect you from costly errors on your drawings. You can find out more about ArchSpec at Archome.org. Now here's my interview with architects Marilyn Moedinger and Rand Soellner.
 
Visit the Business of Architecture and know more about construction document for residential architects.

 


Today I welcome two guests to the show. First we have architect Rand Soellner, the owner and principal of Home Architects, a nationwide practice specializing in custom residential architecture. Rand is also on the executive committee of Architects Creating Homes, an American organization of Licensed Architects focusing on residential architecture. Also joining us today is Marilyn Moedinger, educator, architect and founder of Runcible Studios, an architecture firm located in Boston, Massachusetts. In today's episode we are talking about construction documents. In this episode you'll discover the career route Marilyn Moedinger has taken that has given her a powerful advantage as an architects as well as how to make your construction drawings more understandable and clear so that you can minimize jobsite errors and questions....and with that, here's today's show....  

 

To know more about this episod, click here.


Effective selling is nothing more than communicating your value in a way that your prospective client understands and helping them to take the next step.

Check out the Business of Architecture and discover how to sell architecture services.

Direct download: ep103-selling-architecture-services-Richard-Petrie.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:00pm PDT

Today's guest is Richard Petrie, the world's leading architect marketing coach and trainer. He leads the training over at the Architects Marketing Academy. Check it out at ArchitectsMarketing.com
 
In this episode you'll discover how to attract and land better clients, projects and fees through the power of effective communication.
 
Know more about this apisode and click here.
Direct download: ep102-selling-skills-for-architects-Richard-Petrie.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:53am PDT

In this episode, you'll discover:

 

What you as a business owner and architect need to focus on in your books (even if you hire a bookkeeper)

How often you should review your books

How to run a job costing report in Quickbooks

The Quick ratio - what it is and why it is important to your business

What you should review when you review your books

What it means to move your bookkeeping software 'to the cloud', and why this will make your life easier (and save you time)

Click here to read more about 6 Bookkeeping Tips For Architects

Direct download: ep101-6-bookkeeping-tips-Seth-David.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:00pm PDT

Discover the 3 common bookkeeping mistakes architects make on this episode of Business of Architecture.

Click here to read more about 3 Architect Bookkeeping Mistakes

Direct download: ep100-3-bookkeeping-mistakes-Seth-David.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:22pm PDT

Today we speak with award-winning architect Frank Harmon FAIA as he reflects on lessons learned from 40 years of building a successful architecture practice.

Click here to read more about 7 Success Lessons For Young Architects with Frank Harmon FAIA

Direct download: 99-7-success-lessons-for-young-architects-28Frank-Harmon29.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00pm PDT

Listen in to discover the lessons shared by one of America's great architects, Frank Harmon FAIA.

 

Click here to read more about Frank Harmon FAIA On What It means To Be A Successful Achitect

Direct download: 98-architecture-lessons-learned-Frank-Harmon.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:29pm PDT

Today's show is going to be a little different than most - I'm reaching into the Business of Architecture vault and pulling out a few interviews that I've never broadcast before. Today you'll hear from AIA CEO Robert Ivy, University of Illinois professor, BIM expert and Twitter maven Randy Deutsch, Architecture for Humanity co-founder Cameron Sinclair, and architect and social media expert Jeff Echols.

These interviews were recorded live, in person at the AIA convention in 2013 in Denver Colorado. There is a bit of background noise but hopefully it isn't too distracting and doesn't take away from the great content of these interviews. First we'll hear from AIA CEO Robert Ivy on the tools that the AIA offers small firm practitioners, then Randy Deutsch is going to tell us about his experience using social media, Twitter in particular. Cameron Sinclair will speak on using pro-bono work as a business development strategy and Jeff Echols will round it out by talking about social media.

Click here to read more about Pro-Bono Work As A Business Development Strategy: Inerviews with Cameron Sinclair, Robert Ivy, Randy Deutsch and Jeff Echols

Direct download: ep97-Pro-Bono-Work-Cameron-Sinclair.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:23pm PDT

Todd Redding is the Chief Operations Officer and Vice President of Investments for Charette Venture Group, a venture capital group focused on investing in high growth architecture firms.

Click here to read more about Business Skills For Architects with Todd Reding Part 2

Direct download: 96-Business-Skills-For-Architects-Part-2-Todd-Reding.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:36pm PDT

Today I speak with Todd Reding, Chief Opertations Office and Vice President of Investments for Charette Venture Group.

Click here to read more about Business Skills For Architects with Todd Reding

Direct download: ep95-todd-reding.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:25am PDT

Learn more at http://businessofarchitecture.com

Click here to read more about AIA Chief Robert Ivy Responds To #iLookUp Critics

Direct download: ep93-robert-ivy-aia-responds-to-critics.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:30pm PDT

Click here to read more about Running a Successful Residential Design Firm Part 2

Direct download: ep94-peter-twohy-part-2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:08pm PDT

In today's episode you'll listen in as Peter Twohy shares the lessons he's learned from 10 years of being a sole practitioning architect.

You'll discover how to start an architecture firm right away, even if you have no money and no current clients.

If you already own a firm, you'll be interested to discover how you can profit from the projects you DON'T take, and slash your operating expenses by 25% or more using the simple business arrangement that Peter reveals in this interview.

Click here to read more about Strategies For Running A Successful Residential Architecture Practice

Direct download: ep92-successful-architecture-firm-peter-twohy.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:38am PDT

Discover how this regional Maryland based firm landed a project in Cameroon, Africa.

Click here to read more about Architecture In Africa with Randy Sovich

Direct download: ep91-randy-sovich-architecture-in-africa.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:46pm PDT

Today's guest is architect Randy M. Sovich, AIA. Randy runs the firm RM Sovich Architecture based out of Baltimore Maryland. His firm has received numerous awards for their design work. He co-authored the book "Creating Home, An Assisted Living Design Manual". He is founder and co-editor of Texture Archizine.
 
In today's episode you'll discover:
 
The 3 powerpoint slides Randy saw during a marketing presentation early in his career - and why these 3 marketing lessons have stuck with him through the years
We talk about the difference between a business and a practice
Pricing your services as a sole practitioner
The simple, no-fail strategy to build your network quicky and effectively
 
Direct download: ep90-randy-sovich-building-a-successful-small-architecture-practice.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:30am PDT

Visit http://businessofarchitecture.com/ for more information about this interview plus dozens of other interviews with successful architects and consultants.

Click here to read more about The Art of Architecture vs. Business with Thom Mayne FAIA 

Direct download: ep89-the-Business-Of-Architecture-Thom-Mayne.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:33pm PDT

Discover Daniel Libeskind's secret to becoming a starchitect..and more.

Click here to read more about Revit For Architects

Direct download: ep88-Revit-for-Architects-Alex-Gore.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:42pm PDT

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