Business of Architecture is intended to help AIA members and the greater Cleveland design community to enhance their business acumen through expert presentations or moderated panel discussion, interactive peer discussions, and the exchange of practical tools, all centered around topic-specific facets of the design practice.

This Business of Architecture (BoA) session brings together a local panel of finance experts to understand the basics of business finance structure, and strategies for creating and managing an overall financially healthy firm.

Through practical real-world examples, we will examine how firms make money, where they lose it, and the common mistakes business owners make, and how to plan proactively rather than react late. We will explore the relationship between firm operations, project delivery, and profitability, while also addressing outside pressures such as economic cycles, competition, turnover, market instability, and AI.

Financial health in a firm is about far more than managing fees or bookkeeping. It is shaped by the daily decisions that affect staffing, project delivery, utilization, overhead, cash flow, billing discipline, contracts, receivables, scope management, and risk. Financial stability is deeply connected to how a firm operates, how it plans, and how early it responds to challenges rather than reacts late.

This session is designed for professionals at every stage of their career, whether you are leading a firm, mentoring future architects, or navigating your own path. Join us for a candid, practical conversation about building a practice that is responsible, resilient, and financially sound.