Architecture firm owners are increasingly burdened by succession planning, talent shortages, and the pressure to scale in a competitive market. Many are unsure how to exit gracefully, grow beyond 50 people, or prepare their business for long-term success, let alone navigate the complex world of mergers and acquisitions.

In this eye-opening episode, Rion Willard sits down with the founders of Stone Mill Partners, a specialist M&A firm serving the AEC industry. They peel back the curtain on how architectural firms are being bought, sold, and merged—often with surprising motivations behind each move.

The conversation reveals how cultural fit is the secret weapon in a successful acquisition—and how missing it can spell disaster. You’ll also hear about the rise of private equity in architecture and what that might mean for your firm’s future. Whether you're building for legacy, scaling fast, or preparing for exit, this episode gives you a glimpse of what’s possible.

• Why senior staff shortages are now one of the biggest drivers of firm acquisitions
• The “Tinder for businesses” method of matching architecture firms with the right buyer
• What really happens when private equity steps into the design world

To learn more about Stonemill Partners, visit their:

Website: https://stonemillpartners.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-neal-b6417857/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stonemillprtnrs

Instagram: ers/https://www.instagram.com/stonemillpartn

► Transcription: https://otter.ai/u/0NbjDwcotXBJas9bRCt_cAs1Cug?utm_source=copy_url

► Feedback? Email us at podcast@businessofarchitecture.com

► 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 our 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/businessofarch/

Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/yt

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch

Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/show

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926

Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9idXNpbmVzc29mYXJjaGl0ZWN0dXJlLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz

*******

Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com

Carpe Diem!

Most architects start their own firms for more freedom. But too many end up overwhelmed, overworked, and underpaid. Why does this happen, and how can you break free?

In this episode, Enoch Sears speaks with architect and developer Zeke Freeman about the unseen barriers that hold back small firm owners. They uncover the surprising mindset shifts that can unlock real profitability. Plus, they explore the key difference between struggling firms and those that scale beyond $1M.

You'll also hear why some firms hit a ceiling while others break through. And if you’ve ever wondered whether outsourcing is the future, this episode might change how you think about remote teams.

• The costly mistake most architects don’t realize they’re making
• Why pricing your services like everyone else is a dangerous trap
• The hidden fear stopping firm owners from delegating
• What it really takes to go from $1M to $10M (hint: it's not what you think)

To learn more about Zeke, visit his:

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/zfreeman1?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAab33UMAna1cq9m3n-cF7T9PYyFtIDL9LJJnjicA5QQDWW7ZX5YCl7g8qWU_aem_J8cHlehc-BEHqPCEu7Q0_g

► Transcription: https://otter.ai/u/F2LPis8AojDlLrfM5oeucoGe9xY?utm_source=copy_url

► Feedback? Email us at podcast@businessofarchitecture.com

► 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 our 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/businessofarch/

Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/yt

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch

Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/show

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926

Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9idXNpbmVzc29mYXJjaGl0ZWN0dXJlLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz

*******

Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com

Carpe Diem!

Many architects start their firms with a vision of creative freedom, only to find themselves buried in endless work, stretched too thin, and struggling financially. In this episode, Rion Willard joins Jason Owens to reveal why so many architects hit this wall—and what they must do to escape it.

You’ll hear how business structures, delegation, and financial strategies play a hidden role in shaping success. Ryan also shares personal stories of his own struggles, the game-changing moment that shifted everything, and how he and Enoch Sears built a framework to help architects reclaim their time, energy, and profits.

If you’ve ever wondered how to step out of the day-to-day grind, refocus your business, and actually enjoy running your practice, this episode is a must-listen.

• The sneaky mistake of keeping architects stuck in long hours and low profits
• A simple shift that can instantly change how you see your business
• The hard truth architects must face before they can scale successfully
• The surprising role mindset plays in creating a more profitable practice

To learn more about Jason, visit his:

Website: https://www.mountainfreedom.coach/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kajabi

X: https://www.twitter.com/kajabi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kajabi

► Transcription: https://otter.ai/u/0mrc5Bz6Qzoxk6orB8ijYUgOHtg?utm_source=copy_url

► Feedback? Email us at podcast@businessofarchitecture.com

► 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 our 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/businessofarch/

Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/yt

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch

Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/show

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926

Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9idXNpbmVzc29mYXJjaGl0ZWN0dXJlLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz

*******

Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com

Carpe Diem!

Most architects dream of building their own projects—but when it comes time to raise money, navigate risk, and manage construction, many find themselves stuck. Without the right systems, support, or business model, those dreams quickly fade under the weight of complexity and cost.

David Cross joins Rion Willard to tell the story of how he left a traditional practice to tackle one of the biggest problems in UK housing. In this episode, David shares the bold move that started it all—and the surprising childhood experience that planted the seed. He opens up about the risks, the wins, and what it really takes to build a housing company from scratch.

They explore what’s missing in today’s housing system and how David’s team found a fresh way to solve it. He also talks about the turning point that made him sell his practice and start over. If you’ve ever wondered how an architect becomes a developer—and why you might want to—you’ll want to listen to this.

• Discover the planning hack that helped David get early buy-in before he even had land
• The little-known reason most architects fail at building their own projects
• How a scooter crash inspired a key design test
• What to ask before choosing your next funding partner

To learn more about David, visit his:

Website: https://sky-house.co/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SkyHouseCo/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/skyhouseco

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skyhouseco/

► Transcription: https://otter.ai/u/w4wRWmNItI8U-MvJt5bayqMBsD8?utm_source=copy_url

► Feedback? Email us at podcast@businessofarchitecture.com

► 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 our 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/businessofarch/

Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/yt

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch

Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/show

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926

Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9idXNpbmVzc29mYXJjaGl0ZWN0dXJlLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz

*******

Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com

Carpe Diem!

In this episode, Rion Willard speaks with Joseph Aniedu, a seasoned architect with extensive experience across a range of project types and procurement methods. Joseph has led both internal and external design teams in the successful delivery of complex, multi-disciplinary projects, spanning residential, hospitality, and mixed-use sectors.

With a remarkable portfolio that includes award-winning healthcare and hospitality projects in the UK, Joseph’s work has contributed to projects totaling nearly £1 billion in value. His tenure as a senior architect for major clients has refined his approach to balancing the critical demands of quality, time, cost, and resource management in each project.

An advocate for collaborative problem-solving, Joseph works seamlessly with design teams, main contractors, specialist sub-contractors, and suppliers, ensuring strategic and detail-oriented solutions for every project. His passion for Building Information Modeling (BIM) underlines his dedication to enhancing workflow and efficiency across all RIBA stages, ensuring smoother and more effective project delivery from start to finish. Please join us in welcoming Joseph Aniedu to the show!

In today’s episode, we will be discussing:

• Growth in the Healthcare sector
• Leadership and strategic vision
• Client acquisition

To learn more about Joseph, visit his:

Website: https://www.aga-associates.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aga-associates/mycompany/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aga_associates_/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AGA-Associates-103902125557367

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AgaAssociates

► Transcription: https://otter.ai/u/UmC1Qo-GHvT_vhim7SqlS8ZDKSk?tab=chat&view=transcript

► Feedback? Email us at podcast@businessofarchitecture.com

► 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 our 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/businessofarch/

Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/yt

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch

Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/show

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926

Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9idXNpbmVzc29mYXJjaGl0ZWN0dXJlLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz

*******

Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com

Carpe Diem!

How can you boost your architecture firm’s profitability—without taking on more work? In this episode, Rion Willard and Enoch Sears break down an often-overlooked strategy that could transform your business overnight. They discuss how pricing isn’t just a number—it’s positioning, marketing, and psychology all wrapped into one.

Discover why some firms effortlessly command premium fees while others struggle with clients who push back on pricing. Learn how one simple tweak to your service offerings could create new revenue streams instantly. Plus, get insight into the surprising lessons architecture can take from industries like luxury watches and high-end hospitality.

• What luxury brands know about pricing that most architects ignore
• A small shift in how you present fees that could dramatically increase your profits
• Why certain clients will happily pay more—and how to find them
• The hidden danger of “pricing dilution” and how to avoid it

► Transcription: https://otter.ai/u/Ya3EdEYd3TnNIMbNttEaBz95VU4?utm_source=copy_url

► Feedback? Email us at podcast@businessofarchitecture.com

► 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 our 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/businessofarch/

Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/yt

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch

Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/show

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926

Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9idXNpbmVzc29mYXJjaGl0ZWN0dXJlLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz

*******

Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com

Carpe Diem!

What happens when an architect breaks free from traditional practice and takes an unconventional path? In this episode, Josh Sanabria, founder of GoArchitect, shares how his journey led him from design studios to a unique intersection of software, community engagement, and architecture. His company has found an innovative way to help school districts secure funding for major projects—but it’s not what you’d expect.

Josh reveals how a surprising realization forced him to pivot his business model completely, leading to explosive growth. He also discusses the overlooked challenges that architects face when trying to innovate within the industry—and how he overcame them. Plus, he shares a simple yet powerful strategy that took his company from a struggling startup to a nationally recognized platform.

• The unexpected business lesson Josh learned from a failed media venture
• Why the traditional way of planning school projects is broken—and what’s replacing it
• How a hidden rule about school funding changed the course of his career
• The one email that instantly created demand for his services

To learn more about Josh, visit his:

Website: https://www.goarchitect.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpsanabria/

► Transcription: https://otter.ai/u/3ToiIKgl98D05o-Yp5kz7XX-zc8?utm_source=copy_url

► Feedback? Email us at podcast@businessofarchitecture.com

► 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 our 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/businessofarch/

Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/yt

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch

Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/show

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926

Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9idXNpbmVzc29mYXJjaGl0ZWN0dXJlLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz

*******

Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com

Carpe Diem!

Raising your fees can feel risky, but what if it actually enhances your client’s experience? In this episode, Enoch Sears and Rion Willard dive deeper into the psychology of pricing, client perception, and how creating the right kind of buying experience can make clients more willing to pay premium fees—without resistance.

Rion shares a surprising turn of events from his watch-buying fiasco and how a frustrating purchasing experience almost ruined a sale. The lesson? The process of buying matters just as much as the product. Enoch and Rion also discuss the hidden mindset shifts that separate struggling architects from those who effortlessly command higher fees.

• Why charging more can actually make clients happier
• The subtle shift that makes high-end clients say “yes” to premium fees
• How architects unintentionally sabotage their sales conversations
• A simple, powerful exercise to overcome your discomfort with money

► Transcription: https://otter.ai/u/iPUC3GQM0xjP4DJZBpIKvayGm9s?utm_source=copy_url

► Feedback? Email us at podcast@businessofarchitecture.com

► 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 our 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/businessofarch/

Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/yt

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch

Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/show

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926

Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9idXNpbmVzc29mYXJjaGl0ZWN0dXJlLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz

*******

Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com

Carpe Diem!