Business skills aren’t optional if you want your architecture firm to thrive.

In this episode, I chat with Ray Brown, co-founder of Archibiz, to talk about something most architects never got trained in—how to actually run a business. From pricing and profitability to personal branding and pipeline planning, we dig into why business education is essential for architects who want to grow a sustainable and profitable practice.

Ray shares practical advice from years of coaching firm owners, especially those just starting out. We talk about what’s missing in traditional architectural education, how to separate your identity from your business, and why understanding financials isn’t optional. We also touch on AI’s growing role in the industry and how architects can adapt and thrive.

Key Takeaways:

• Business skills are often the missing piece in an architect’s training.
• Turning hours into revenue is the basic model—but it must be done smartly.
• Personal branding helps architects stand out and attract the right clients.
• New architects need a solid foundation in business, not just design.
• Accountability and regular reviews can drive real business growth.
• Knowing your numbers is non-negotiable.
• Separate your self-worth from your firm’s performance.
• Always plan your pipeline—it’s the key to cash flow.
• A 15–20% profit margin is a realistic and healthy target.
• AI is reshaping the industry, and adapting is part of staying relevant.

Want more tools to help your firm grow smarter?

Download our AI for Architects White Paper — a 100+ page guide where we’ve tested and scored over 50 tools to help architects work smarter 👉 aiforarchitects.ai/c/whitepaper

Listen to the Podcast:

Spotify: Architect My Business

Apple Podcasts: Architect My Business

Podcast Website: www.architectmybusiness.com

Connect with Us!

Instagram: @architectmybusinesspodcast

LinkedIn: Architect My Business

Get in Touch:

Ask Aya anything: www.speakpipe.com/AskAya

Be a Guest: bit.ly/AMBPodcastGuest

Feeling like there’s never enough time for real creative work?

In this episode, I sit down with Mike George, our COO at MGS Global Group, to talk about one of the biggest challenges architects face today—managing time. We break down how architecture professionals can reclaim their hours by using smarter systems, embracing technology, and rethinking outdated business models.

Mike and I share stories from the field, including lessons from our clients, internal training models we’ve built, and how admin work, when done right, can actually drive profitability. We also touch on the role of AI in shaping the future of the profession—and how it’s already helping firms increase efficiency and focus more on design.

Whether you’re overwhelmed with documentation, struggling to improve utilization, or just looking for ways to grow your practice, this episode offers practical strategies that work.

🎯 Key Takeaways:

• Reclaiming time is essential for creative work.
• Utilization rates are crucial for business efficiency.
• Documentation can eat up a huge portion of project time.
• Training models can help scale your team’s output.
• Technology is key to future-proofing your practice.
• Project management tools can simplify operations.
• Admin work matters—it supports your cash flow.
• Personal branding and marketing aren’t optional anymore.
• AI is actively reshaping architecture workflows.
• Managing your time is a business skill every architect needs.

📥 Want to go deeper into AI for architecture?

Download our AI for Architects White Paper — a 100+ page guide where we’ve tested and scored over 50 tools to help architects work smarter:

👉 https://aiforarchitects.ai/c/whitepaper

Listen to the Podcast:

Spotify: Architect My Business

Apple Podcasts: Architect My Business

Podcast Website: www.architectmybusiness.com

Connect with Us!

Instagram: @architectmybusinesspodcast

LinkedIn: Architect My Business

Get in Touch:

Ask Aya anything: www.speakpipe.com/AskAya

Be a Guest: bit.ly/AMBPodcastGuest

How are women architects leading the charge and shaping conversations in today's evolving industry?

In this episode, Aya Shlachter explores their vital contributions—from practice leadership to influential podcasting—while also addressing how the profession can better support women amidst challenges like labor shortages and economic uncertainty.

Aya also explains why mentoring new architects is so important for their growth. She talks about the need to clearly show clients the real value architects bring to their projects. If you want practical tips on facing today's challenges and building a stronger practice, this episode has you covered.

Curious about the future of architecture and the vital role women are playing? Tune in now for eye-opening perspectives!

Episode Takeaways:

• The AIA is seeing more women in leadership roles.
• Women podcasters are uplifting the architecture industry.
• Producing a podcast is a significant challenge.
• Labor shortages are affecting the architecture profession.
• Mentorship is crucial for new graduates in architecture.
• Economic uncertainty requires firms to adapt quickly.
• Recessions historically last 10 to 11 months.
• Educating clients on architectural value is essential.
• Collaboration within the profession is vital.
• Women in architecture are making a significant impact.
  
  

Listen to the Podcast:

Spotify: Architect My Business

Apple Podcasts: Architect My Business

Podcast Website: www.architectmybusiness.com

Connect with Us!

Instagram: @architectmybusinesspodcast

LinkedIn: Architect My Business

Get in Touch:

Ask Aya anything: www.speakpipe.com/AskAya

Be a Guest: bit.ly/AMBPodcastGuest