Why Architects Stay Broke (And How to Fix It)

End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.co...

In this episode of Business of Architecture, host Rion Willard sits down with Mike Linn, the fractional CFO behind some of the most financially secure architecture firms today. They explore why most architects unknowingly sabotage their own profit — and how to fix it without becoming a “numbers person.” If you’ve ever felt stressed about cash flow or unsure about when to hire, this episode will speak directly to you.

Mike shares the mindset shift that turns messy financials into a tool for freedom, not frustration. He explains how simple changes in how you track time and plan ahead can radically improve the health of your firm. And you’ll hear how real firms are using these tools to confidently grow and reclaim their time.

You’ll discover:
The silent profit leak hiding inside 90% of firms
A smarter way to hire — even when cash is tight
The real reason your invoicing feels chaotic (and how to fix it fast)

To get in contact with Mike directly, send him an email at [email protected]

00:00 Intro
03:45 Why Architects' Detail Obsession Is Bleeding Profits
07:22 The Trust Problem: Why Firm Owners Hire Their Wives
11:18 Time Tracking: The One Thing That Fixes Everything
15:43 How to Keep Projects Profitable (It's Not Impossible)
18:29 The 20-30% Profit Target Most Firms Never Hit
22:16 Why 90-Day Unpaid Invoices Kill Your Business
26:41 The $250K Per Employee Benchmark Revelation
31:07 From Spreadsheet Chaos to Strategic Dashboards
34:52 The Staff Profitability Calculator That Removes Fear
38:15 Bill on the 1st: Simple Rule That Transforms Cash Flow
42:33 Why Architects Give Away Too Much Time for Free
46:18 The Profit-Sharing Method That Aligns Your Team
49:26 Each Project Is a Mini Business (Treat It That Way)
52:41 Why Monograph Gets Bought But Never Implemented
55:14 AI in Accounting: Promise vs Reality Check