How Design Studios Leak 20% of Their Profit—Without Even Realising
Your studio might be thriving with projects, but if profits aren’t moving, the culprit is often “operational fog”—the untracked hours, shifting scopes, and free extras that quietly drain margins. The good news? Small changes like mid-project checkpoints and simple scope reviews can protect your time, your team, and your bottom line. Want to see the five hidden leaks that cost studios the most—and how to fix them? Read the full post →
Unclear Briefs Are Costing You Time, Trust, and Profit
An unclear brief doesn’t just slow projects down—it quietly eats into your profit. Vague words like “modern” or “light” often hide contradictions that lead to endless revisions and unpaid hours. The fix isn’t a new process—it’s better questions. Borrowing from UX, you can uncover the real needs behind client requests and set your team up for smoother approvals and stronger results. Want to know the 5 key questions that turn a brief into a clear roadmap? Read the full post 👉🏼
5 Things You Need in Place Before Using AI in Your Architecture Studio
AI won’t magically fix a messy studio—it’ll just scale whatever system you already have. If your files are scattered, your naming inconsistent, and your workflows undocumented, AI will only add to the chaos. But with clear names, structured folders, centralised storage, and repeatable processes, AI can actually make your team faster and smarter. Curious where to start? Read the full post for 5 essentials every architecture studio should put in place before plugging in AI.
If you're afraid to talk about scope creep, read this.
Scope creep doesn’t just steal weekends—it erodes trust, profit, and team morale. Most clients aren’t trying to overreach; they simply don’t realise the impact of their requests. The fix isn’t rigidity, it’s clarity: make scope visible, spot changes early, and respond with structure. With a simple one-page scope, weekly check-ins, and confident written responses, you can catch changes before they spiral and protect both your team and your client relationships.
Can You Tell—At a Glance—Which Projects Are Profitable?
You probably know what your studio is earning. But do you know what it’s costing you?
In architecture, small tasks like answering client calls or making last-minute revisions often slip through the cracks. Without tracking where your team’s time really goes, you may not know which projects are profitable—and which are quietly draining your margin.
What Most Architects Overlook After Project Delivery
Most studios move on once a project is built. But what if your best design lessons are hiding in the finished work? This article explores how borrowing a mindset from UX can help architects reduce rework, strengthen their reputation, and design smarter by learning from real-world use—long after handover.
The Best Business Advice I’ve Gotten (That Didn’t Come from Another Architect)
Most business advice in architecture focuses on visibility—awards, publications, recognition. But what about actually running a studio? In this post, I share four game-changing lessons I’ve borrowed from tech, product, and ops teams that helped me manage better, grow sustainably, and support my team more effectively.
How to Run a 15-Minute Weekly Check-In That Keeps Your Architecture Studio Aligned
HOW TO Reignite Your Motivation on Draining Days
When work starts to feel heavy, and motivation is running low, finding ways to reignite your energy is key. From starting the day slowly to giving yourself small rewards, these simple changes can refresh your mindset and help you push through those challenging days with a renewed sense of purpose. Try these techniques to stay inspired and keep your spark alive!
Navigating Price Negotiations: How Designers Can Close Deals with Cost-Conscious Customers
In today's challenging economy, designers frequently encounter clients eager to save costs and negotiate prices. This article delves into effective strategies for handling such situations—ranging from understanding the client's budget comfort zone and highlighting your unique expertise to offering value-added trade-offs—all aimed at closing deals that keep both the client and the designer satisfied while ensuring the business remains profitable.
6 Qualities of a Great and Successful Architect
The architectural world beckons with grand designs and lasting legacies. But the path to the top requires more than just a keen eye for aesthetics. This article unveils 6 essential skills that propel aspiring architects towards the pinnacle of success.