logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2024
55m 44s

579: Design vs. Dollars: Striking the Pe...

Enoch Sears & Rion Willard
About this episode

One of the biggest challenges architects face is managing a growing team while ensuring design quality doesn't suffer. As firms expand, architects often struggle to balance creative vision with the demands of business growth. In this episode of Business of Architecture, Rion Willard sits down with Brian Wakelin, co-founder of Public Architecture, to discuss the evolution of his firm and its unique multidisciplinary approach. Brian shares how his background, unexpected opportunities, and key partnerships helped shape the firm's direction.

Brian offers some unexpected insights on how architects can influence larger organizations and navigate complex client relationships. He also touches on the importance of saying no to certain projects and learning to let go of tasks as a firm grows.

  • How Brian's surprising encounter led to a long-standing client relationship.
  • The key to growing a firm while keeping design integrity intact.
  • Why some projects aren't worth taking on—even with a great client.
  • One role that transformed the way Public Architecture operates.

 

To learn more about Brian, visit his:

Website: https://www.publicdesign.ca/

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

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/public-architecture-communication

 

► Transcription: https://otter.ai/u/cyvRA2RPC-jq9w-H2WiRI-fNCdA?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!

 

Up next
Nov 17
Goal Setting for Architects: Measurable Targets, Feedback, and Clarity | EP661
<p>End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: <a href="https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework</a></p> <p>Architects often feel stuck chasing "someday" goals, wo ... Show More
47m 41s
Nov 10
From Architecture Grad to Developer: How Baker Roddey Launched His First Investment Project | EP660
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework What happens when a young architect trades a steady paycheck for a risky first project—with no guarantee of success? In this bold episode, Baker Roddey reveals ... Show More
43m 52s
Nov 3
How Accountability Transforms Leadership, Culture, and Profit in Architecture Firms | EP659
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Architect Nation, this episode tackles the silent killer in many firms: weak accountability. Enoch and Rion reveal how polite habits and fear of conflict drain ... Show More
1h 4m
Recommended Episodes
Nov 11
#474 - William Pedersen, Founding Design Partner of Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF)
This week David and Marina of FAME Architecture & Design are joined by William Pedersen, founding design partner of Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF). The three discussed William's background and career influences, leaving hockey for architecture, career breakthrough, establishi ... Show More
1h 20m
Mar 2025
#436 - Walter Hood, Creative Director & Founder of HOOD Design Studio
<p dir="ltr">This week David and Marina of <a href= "https://www.famearchitects.com/">FAME Architecture & Design</a> are joined by Walter Hood, Creative Director & Founder of <a href="https://www.hooddesignstudio.com/">HOOD Design Studio</a>. The three discussed Walter's childhoo ... Show More
1h 13m
Jul 2024
#404 - Eddie Jones, Founding Principal of Jones Studio
<p>This week David and Marin<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">a of <a href="https://www.famearchitects.com/">FAME Architecture & Design</a></span><strong id= "docs-internal-guid-f695c4e4-7fff-77c1-2263-8059cdc7fdb9"> </strong>to discuss his childhood influences; passion for hand ... Show More
1h 25m
Sep 2
#464 - Scott Specht, Founding Partner of Specht Novak
This week David and Marina of FAME Architecture & Design are joined by Scott Specht, founding partner of Specht Novak Architects. The three discussed Scott's background, the evolution of technology in architecture, conceptual vs real world architecture, history of Specht Novak Ar ... Show More
1h 19m
Dec 2024
#423 - Our Failures in Architecture
<p>This week David and Marin<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">a of <a href="https://www.famearchitects.com/">FAME Architecture & Design</a></span> discuss their failures in architecture and advice for aspiring architects. The two touched on design exploration during university; ... Show More
1h 26m
Aug 5
#460 - Tom Spoja, Partner at Backen & Backen
<p>This week David and Marina of <a href= "https://www.famearchitects.com/">FAME Architecture & Design</a> are joined by Tom Spoja, Partner at <a href= "https://www.backenarch.com/">Backen & Backen</a>. The three discussed Tom's background, the Case Study 2.0 fire rebuild program ... Show More
1h 26m
Mar 2025
#440 - Christine Williamson, AIA, Assistant Professor of Architecture, Virginia Tech
<p>This week David and Marin<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">a of <a href="https://www.famearchitects.com/">FAME Architecture & Design</a></span> are joined by <a href= "https://www.christine-williamson.com/">Christine Williamson</a>, AIA, Assistant Professor of Architecture, V ... Show More
1h 27m
Feb 2025
#433 - Listener Question: Falling Behind in Architecture School!
<p>This week David and Marin<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">a of <a href="https://www.famearchitects.com/">FAME Architecture & Design</a></span> answer a question from a listener with regards to feeling behind peers as a student. The two discussed imposter syndrome and feeling ... Show More
1h 16m
Nov 4
#473 - Starting Your Architecture Career
This week David and Marina of FAME Architecture & Design share their advice for young architects who are beginning their career. They discussed when to start your own practice, how to avoid setting yourself back, personal vs professional development, career lifespan of an archite ... Show More
1h 27m
Feb 2025
#435 - Designing Fire-Resistant Homes in Los Angeles
<p>This week David and Marin<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">a of <a href="https://www.famearchitects.com/">FAME Architecture & Design</a></span> discuss strategies for creating a fire-resistant home. The two cover what causes wildfires to spread, the 3-layer approach to fire-r ... Show More
56m 43s