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how architecture professionals can reclaim their hours by using smarter systems, embracing technology, and rethinking outdated business models.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

Ever feel like the architecture industry is evolving faster than you can keep up? From AI integration to hiring challenges, staying ahead can seem overwhelming.

In this episode, Aya Shlachter dives into the shifting landscape of architecture, focusing on how firms can adapt and thrive. She shares actionable insights on leveraging AI tools, upskilling your team, and creating a standout employer brand to attract and retain top talent.

Aya also highlights modern hiring practices and the importance of flexibility in staffing to meet the changing demands of the industry. Whether you're struggling with retention strategies or looking to future-proof your practice, this episode is packed with practical advice.

Want to learn how to stay competitive and build a resilient architecture practice? Don’t miss out—listen now and take your first step toward success!

Episode Takeaways:

• Retention is your best investment.
• Hiring is a two-way street.
• The hidden cost of losing an architect is up to 150%.
• Start small, upscale your team, embrace flexibility.
• Focus on building partnerships and offering flexibility.
• Mentorship and growth opportunities are key to retention.
• Your employer brand and culture are critical.
• The architecture industry is evolving rapidly.
• Modern hiring requires modern strategies.
• The architecture profession faces significant staffing challenges.

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

January may be coming to an end, but it’s never too late to set yourself up for success in 2025! In this episode, host Aya Shlachter reflects on the past year and shares powerful insights to help architects and business owners make smarter decisions for the year ahead.

Aya introduces the 'Fountain Principle', highlighting why generosity in business leads to long-term growth and stronger professional relationships. She also emphasizes the power of continuous learning, especially as AI continues to reshape industries, and why staying informed is crucial for staying ahead.

The year is still young—don’t miss this must-listen episode to start 2025 with the right mindset and strategy!

Episode Takeaways:

• Reflecting on the past year can provide clarity for the future.
• Generosity is key to success in business.
• Taking a pause can lead to better decision-making.
• Education is a choice; choose to learn and grow.
• AI is changing the architecture industry; stay informed.
• Building genuine connections is essential in sales.
• Success comes from serving others, not just making money.
• Stepping out of your comfort zone leads to growth.
• Success is decisions away, not years away.
• Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.

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

In this final episode of Her Space's special series on “Growing Through Personal Branding and Marketing,” host Aya Shlachter sits down with Renee Marcus, President-Elect of the AIA Long Island Chapter and Superintendent of Buildings for the Village of Floral Park.

Renee shares her insights on the importance of personal branding and marketing in architecture and beyond. She also discusses how personal branding is not just about your digital footprint but also a reflection of your artistic touch on every project you undertake.

Renee highlights how social media has become a powerful tool for fostering connections, reaching new audiences, and engaging younger generations within the architectural community.

🔔Watch the full interview on our YouTube channel (@architectmybusiness), and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes!

🎧 If you enjoyed this series, leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts!

In this episode of Her Space’s special podcast series, we continue our journey of Growing through Personal Branding and Marketing in the world of architecture and design.

I chat with Olivia Amaya, General Manager of Cosentino Long Island Center, about the transformative power of personal branding in today’s tech-driven world.

Olivia also explores the role of social media in hiring and workplace dynamics, and why being true to yourself in your digital presence can make all the difference.

Get ready for a conversation that will help you embrace your authenticity and elevate your career!

🔔 Watch the full interview on our YouTube channel (@architectmybusiness), and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes!

Welcome back to Her Space’s exclusive podcast series! This episode continues our exploration of Growing through Personal Branding and Marketing in architecture.

In Episode 2, I interview Maureen Chavez-Gonzalez, a seasoned residential architect with 20 years of experience and a member of the Committee of Emerging Professionals of AIA Long Island.

Maureen shares how personal branding and social media can build a strong, impactful online presence for architects one step at a time—without feeling overwhelmed.

If you're ready to take your professional growth to the next level, don’t miss this conversation packed with actionable insights!

Watch the full interview our YouTube Channel (@architectmybusiness), and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes! 🔔