Date: June 16th, 2023
Location: Knoll
Led by: Jordan Blacker, Courtney Fuenzalida
Session Sponsor: Daltile, Allegion, Consento
Session Downloads: Session Program

Overview

Exploring the “Business of Architecture”, this session covered topics ranging from the fundamentals of business, the principles of finance, and pathways to leadership within a variety of corporate structures. Scholars were exposed to the process of balancing costs, budgeting, and staffing all within the context of profitability and risk management.

Presentation #1

Out of Architecture
Speakers: Jake Rudin & Erin Pellegrino

Jake Rudin and Erin Pellegrino, founders of the consulting firm Out of Architecture discussed the business of architecture, opportunities for specialization, and the organizational effectiveness of being an architect. They highlighted the transferability of architecture skills into other disciplines while also offering critiques and solutions to the current state of the profession, especially on pay transparency and the undervaluation of architects.

Presentation #2

Business Basics
Speakers: Professor Brian Sawers, J.D., Harvard

Professor Brian Sawers of the Georgetown University Law Center discussed fundamental business and finance concepts relevant to architects. He covered basic firm entity organization, corporate taxes, and basic accounting practices of architecture firms.

Presentation #3

Business in Practice
Speakers: Kim Sullivan, MBA, NCIDQ, LEED AP ID+C

Kim Sullivan of Gensler discusses the importance of integrating and understanding business within architecture and applying those concepts to everyday practice. Kim broke down how to win work and organize a project team by breaking the steps down into the pursuit, the proposal and the pitch. She covered the importance of knowing your clients needs, team talents, and firm performance metrics in order to run a successful firm.

Presentation #4

Panel Discussion: Paths to Leadership
Speakers: Jill Cavanaugh, Joshua Hill, Kim Sullivan

The panel discussion, between three firm leaders, compared paths to leadership in large firms with the path of starting a firm on your own. Panelists reflected on their careers while considering the opportunities and risks they have taken to achieve success in their positions. The group session ended with a discussion on pay transparency based on an internal survey.