EPISODE · Feb 3, 2025 · 51 MIN
The Business of Architecture: Risks, Rewards, and Real Talk with Hakan Agca at Cross Works
from Architecture Social · host Architecture Social, Stephen Drew
Running an architecture practice is not only about design quality. It is risk, clients, forecasting, hiring, firing, culture, cash flow, technology and the pressure of keeping the business alive.Stephen Drew speaks with Hakan Agca, founder of Cross Works, about building an architecture business from scratch, scaling a team, making mistakes and staying commercially aware without losing the design ambition.The conversation covers: What it takes to start and grow an architecture business Why networks, clients and reputation matter from day one How hiring, team culture and office presence affect delivery Why forecasting and business strategy matter in practice How technology, BIM and AI are changing the commercial side of architecture ____▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9u7Ar8NWn-8📝 Read the full write-up, with the key takeaways:https://architecturesocial.com/podcast/hakan-agca-business-of-architecture/Architecture Social is where architects and designers find honest career advice, insight from practice, and live roles worth applying for:https://architecturesocial.com/The fastest way to get hired is to be better at the things practices actually ask for. Revit, Rhino, rendering, BIM, portfolio work. Our learning partner ArchAdemia is built by architects, for architects:https://archademia.com/architecture-social/Use code ARCHSOCIAL10 for a discount on monthly or annual membership.____Chapters 00:00 Introduction and studio tour 00:40 Moving to Camden 00:58 Starting the business 01:19 The business of architecture 02:09 Essential skills for architects 02:39 Challenges of running a business 04:37 Networking and client relationships 06:33 Scaling the practice 09:00 Innovation in architecture 10:31 Hiring and team building 15:06 Work environment and culture 24:16 Work efficiency and delivery 25:00 Flexibility in the workplace 26:19 Office dynamics and technology 27:44 Why office presence still matters 29:09 Architecture career challenges 31:12 Forecasting and business strategy 34:23 Technology in architecture 40:26 Recruitment and culture change 48:26 Final thoughts and contact details (00:00) - Introduction and Studio Tour (00:40) - Moving to Camden (00:58) - Starting the Business (01:19) - The Business of Architecture (02:09) - Essential Skills for Architects (02:39) - Challenges of Running a Business (04:37) - Networking and Client Relationships (06:33) - Scaling Up the Practice (09:00) - Innovations in Architecture (10:31) - Hiring and Team Building (15:06) - Work Environment and Culture (24:16) - Debating Work Efficiency (25:00) - Flexibility in the Workplace (26:19) - Office Dynamics and Technology (27:44) - The Importance of Office Presence (29:09) - Challenges in Architecture Careers (31:12) - Forecasting and Business Strategy (34:23) - The Role of Technology in Architecture (40:26) - Recruitment and Culture Change (48:26) - Final Thoughts and Contact Information
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Stephen Drew speaks with Hakan Agca of Cross Works about building an architecture business, risk, clients, hiring, office culture, technology, forecasting and the commercial reality of running a practice.
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The Business of Architecture: Risks, Rewards, and Real Talk with Hakan Agca at Cross Works
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