The Business of Architecture: Risks, Rewards, and Real Talk with Hakan Agca at Cross Works

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 Read the episode on Architecture Social: The Business of Architecture with Hakan Agca Watch on YouTube: Hakan Agca at Cross Works ____ 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 ____ Architecture Social Find more architecture career advice, practice insight and live roles at Architecture Social. Explore more conversations on the Architecture Social Podcast, browse free resources at Architecture Social Resources, or join the community at Architecture Social Club. ____ Affiliate learning partner We have partnered with ArchAdemia, an online learning platform built by architects, for architects. Use code ARCHSOCIAL10 for a discount on the monthly or annual membership. Architecture Social may earn a commission if you join through our link or use the code. (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