Built for Business

Advocacy is more than influencing policy, it's about protecting and expanding opportunities for architects. Derek Washam, Sr. Director of International Affairs at AIA, discusses the legislative and economic challenges affecting architecture firms, the role of AIA in representing the profession, and how advocacy can help architects navigate uncertainty, access new markets, and build stronger businesses.

Can compassion be a competitive advantage in architecture? Will Rowland, co-founder of Rowland Architecture, shares how he and his father built a boutique healthcare design firm around servant leadership, employee well-being, and intentional growth. From investing in people and retaining talent to finding a profitable niche and communicating value beyond fees, Will explores how putting people first can create a stronger, more sustainable architecture business. 

How can architects win more work by telling better stories? Brand, marketing, and business development experts Dez Joslin and Katelyn Litalien of Enarche explore how firms can move beyond project facts, industry jargon, and fee-driven conversations to communicate the real value they bring to clients. From making the client the hero to capturing stories throughout a project, they share practical strategies for strengthening your brand, differentiating your firm, and turning storytelling into a powerful business development tool.

What if architects stopped working for developers and started becoming developers themselves? Joshua Zinder of JZA+D and Chris Farnum of Studio Hillier explore how adding development to an architecture practice can unlock new revenue streams, greater creative agency, and long-term wealth creation. They share practical advice on evaluating opportunities, understanding pro formas, building trusted partnerships, managing risk, and leveraging the skills architects already have to take a seat at the ownership table. Whether you're a sole practitioner or firm leader, this conversation offers a roadmap for expanding your impact beyond traditional practice. 

Can transparency be a competitive advantage? Blake Daniels and Halie Chandler of DanielsChandler discuss how they built a thriving architecture firm by sharing business metrics with employees, embracing calculated risk, and creating a culture where everyone understands how the business works. Their approach challenges traditional firm leadership and offers a roadmap for sustainable growth.

Architecture firms can’t rely on the same playbook forever. Brad Lukanic, CEO of CannonDesign, discusses growth through innovation, the power of strategic frameworks over strategic plans, building long-term client relationships, and why AI may reshape how architects work, but not why they matter.

How do you build a firm that lasts and leads? Wendy Rogers, CEO of LPA and leader of the 2025 AIA Architecture Firm Award recipient, shares how a commitment to sustainability, integrated practice, and people-first culture helped transform LPA from a 40-person firm into a nationally recognized design leader. From business strategy and resilience to innovation and long-term growth, Wendy offers practical insights for architects looking to build stronger firms and create lasting impact.

Why do so many architects struggle with business, and what can be done about it? In this inaugural episode of AIA Built for Business, hosts Rachel Gresham, AIA,MBA and Ali Alsaleh, Assoc. AIA introduce the podcast, share their personal journeys through architecture and entrepreneurship, and explore the business acumen gap facing the profession. They discuss why firm culture, project management, and business prosperity matter, and how AIA resources can help architects build stronger, more successful practices.