Business of Architecture Podcast

Latest Episodes:

300: One to One Billion - Growing the World's Largest Architecture Firm with M. Arthur Gensler, Jr. Oct 14, 2019

Show notes

It's hard to believe that this is episode number 300! What started in January of 2012 when I interviewed architect Oscia Wilson has continued on to today, almost 8 years later. During that time, I've had hundreds of architects and changemakers here on the show.

For this important milestone of episode 300, I bring you an interview with a titan of architecture, one of the most influential and unassuming individuals that has ever impacted the industry of architecture, both in terms of design, business and thought leadership.

Our guest today is M. Arthur Gensler, Jr., founder of the international architecture and design firm of the same name, Gensler.

Since its founding in 1965, Gensler has grown into the largest architecture firm in the world, with offices in over 14 countries, 48 offices and $1.4 Billion in total revenue for 2019.

In today's episode, we discuss Gensler's book, Art's Principles, released in 2015.

You'll discover:

A summary of Art's notes that he kept over 50 years on how to run and grow a successful design firm
The two keys he credits for the incredible growth and success of Gensler
His "constellation of stars" framework, and how this approach helps him attract and keep the right people
The one word that tells him someone doesn't belong at Gensler
His strategy to grow his portfolio without giving away free work in design competitions
And his answer to the question, "would it be possible to do what he did in 1965 today," including his advice for young (and not-so-young) firm owners

► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates:

https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture

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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

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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

299: Tales of Growing an Architecture Firm with Wade Weissmann Oct 07, 2019

Show notes

How does one grow a successful practice that does meaningful work? In this interview, you'll hear from architect Wade Weissmann, founder of Wade Weissmann Architecture with offices in Milwaukee, Nashville, Chicago, Pittsburgh and Santa Barbara with a staff of 35.

You'll discover how Weissmann grew his design practice from a one-person part-time gig to a successful practice with multi-million dollar projects across America.

► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates:

https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture

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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

298: Alternative Practice Models and the Recession-proof Firm with Jo Cowen Sep 30, 2019

Show notes

Wow, what an episode this week as Business of Architecture UK host Rion Willard speaks with the phenomenal entrepreneurial force that is Jo Cowen, co-founder, and director of Jo Cowen architects.

Jo's story, her business expertise, and acumen is massively impressive. From a 2-person practice in her loft to a 40 person strong practice on the King's Road working on multi-million pound developments, Jo shares her accomplishments, business strategies and mindsets behind her success in this interview.

In this episode, you will discover how Jo: Uses an innovative business model to recession-proof her practice Won multi-million projects as a small practice Has developers call on her first with their best sites.

► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates:

https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture

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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

297: Business Development Tips with Peter Kienle Sep 22, 2019

Show notes

Today I speak with Peter Kienle, a business development and marketing expert. Peter past president of the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS).

Peter has worked for over 30 years as a business development leader in top ENR 500 design firms, including NBBJ and Moody Nolan. Today we talk about everything from how to grow your network to how to do business development even if you're a design firm owner that is busy from day to day running from deadline to deadline.

You'll also discover tips and stories for winning project interviews even when you have stiff competition.

► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates:

https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture

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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

296: Financing for Your Architecture Firm with Gerri Detweiler Sep 16, 2019

Show notes

Today we're joined by Gerri Detweiler, a small business financing expert.

Gerri is an educational advocate at Nav.com, a lending resource center to help small businesses succeed and navigate the complex waters of business financing.

On this episode you'll discover:

When should you think about financing.
The appropriate sitations to get financing for your architecture firm. The types of financing available for architecture firms.
How to get the best and right type of financing for your firm.

Show resources: Build Business Credit Checklist

► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates:

https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture

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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

295: Risk Management for Architects with Mike Koger and Salvatore Verrastro Sep 09, 2019

Show notes

Today I speak with Mike Koger and Salvatore Verrastro about risk management for architects. Listen and let me know what you think.

► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates:

https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture

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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

Creating an Overachieving Culture in an Architecture Firm Sep 05, 2019

Show notes

ArchitectCEO Update: How do you create an overachieving culture in your architecture firm?

Recently I and 1000 other people spent Saturday in 100+ F degree (38C) heat harvesting a grape vineyard to make raisins.

My church owns an 80-acre grape vineyard in Madera, California. Every year local members of the church volunteer their time to harvest the grapes. The grapes are dried into raisins which are used as part of the church's humanitarian aid program. All the proceeds from the vineyard are used to help people who have fallen on hard times.

So what could motivate entire families to spend a valuable Saturday in a hot, dusty vineyard with bugs and spiders crawling all over?

That's what I discuss in today's ArchitectCEO update, and how this parable relates to creating an overachieving culture in your architecture firm.

If you're looking to build your DREAM Practice, and want to figure out how to create an overachieving culture - that's exactly why I created the DREAM Practice Accelerator - to help firm owners like you create a practice built on consistency, freedom, fulfillment, and exceptional finances.

If you'd like to learn more, a good place to start is my upcoming LIVE Architect Masterclass on "4 Keys to Put Your Architecture Firm on Autopilot So You Can Focus on Serving Raving Fan Clients ... Instead of Dealing with Chaos (Even If You Have a Small Team and No Free Time)".

Let me know what you think.

Carpe diem.

Enoch

Is Self-Promotion Unethical? Sep 04, 2019

Show notes

Is self-promotion unethical? In today's ArchitectCEO update, we address this critical question and dive into some 'architect mindset.'

Let me know what you think.

If you're looking to build your DREAM Practice, and want to figure out how to promote in a way that aligns with your values and vision - that's exactly why I created the DREAM Practice Accelerator - to help firm owners like you create a practice built on consistency, freedom, fulfillment, and exceptional finances.

Carpe diem!

Enoch

The Extra Large Soda Sep 03, 2019

Show notes

Recently at a restaurant I bought a soda fountain for each of my kids - a special treat that doesn't happen very often.

My daughter asked me a very interesting question - why would anyone buy an extra large soda when they can get free refills.

Good question.

294: Should Architects Podcast? Part 2 with Enoch Sears and Rion Willard Sep 02, 2019

Show notes

Once again, we're joined by Rion Willard, the host of Business of Architecture UK, as we get right into the nitty-gritty of the interviewing process.

Some of us like to fancy ourselves great conversationalists but even professionals, in their excitement, sometimes forget the most important element of an interview: the guest.

For part 2, Rion and I discuss our interviewing techniques, making connections through stories and how developing your interviewing skills can help you have those powerful client conversations for your business.

► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates:

https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture

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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