If you’re like many firm owners right now, you’re feeling the weight of uncertainty — what is happening in the market and - what’s next for my practice?

On today’s episode — in this special State of Architecture address — you’ll discover:

• What’s really happening in the market right now (and what most architects are missing).
• The biggest mistake small firm owners make during a downturn — and how to avoid it.
• A step-by-step path to turn uncertainty into opportunity, so you can lead your firm with clarity, confidence, and strength.

Architects love to design—but when it comes to managing money, many feel overwhelmed, underprepared, or just plain stuck. The creative fire that fuels great projects often fizzles out under the weight of cash flow crises, vague budgets, and project finances that never seem to add up.

When small architecture firms grow, the numbers don’t always follow. In this episode, Ryan Mayhugh from HOK shares what really makes or breaks a firm’s success.

You’ll hear what most small firm owners miss—and why that blind spot is more dangerous than they think. The conversation uncovers how creative freedom can coexist with smart money management. And why some “common sense” decisions can quietly sink your business.

Discover what separates firms that thrive from those that stall out—and why the difference has nothing to do with talent.

• The single budgeting shift that helped a startup land a multi-million dollar exit.
• Why following your gut on project pricing might be the worst move you can make.
• The quiet advantage big firms use that small firms can “steal” without selling out.

Website: https://www.hok.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hok/

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

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/hoknetwork

► Transcription: https://otter.ai/u/KcJzD2se6jzgCIvFxQL0WBBS_Lc?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

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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

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

Carpe Diem!

In this captivating episode of Business of Architecture, Peter Markos unveils the unexpected journey from freshly minted architect to founder of a niche, design-led development venture. What started with handcrafted models and zero capital evolved into a groundbreaking cabin project, earning major funding, press recognition, and a sustainable business model.

Peter’s story weaves through scrappy beginnings, bold financial maneuvers, and a surprising stroke of entrepreneurial insight. He talks about the hidden power of creative leverage, the overlooked value of sweat equity, and how constraints sparked scalable innovation.

This episode isn’t just about building a cabin—it’s about building belief in possibility.

• The clever move that turned $100,000 into something far greater—without laying a single brick.
• How a model smaller than your desk convinced strangers to sign over their land.
• The high-stakes risk Peter took (that you definitely shouldn’t)—but might wish you could.

To learn more about Peter, visit his:

Website: https://www.markosdesignworkshop.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-markos-40281bab/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559889704182

► Transcription: https://otter.ai/u/BXn996AW9pCh1QeCz9t7g4ccAyE?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!