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Arts
Rolf Louis
"Architects Who Win" is a podcast designed to teach architects how to confidently secure clients, charge for consultations, and grow their practice. We discuss real-world challenges and solutions that architects face in the modern world.
Total 21 episodes
1
Ep 21 - Exit Strategies: How to Build a Business That Can Run Without You
In this episode of Architects Who Win, host Rolf Louis explores how architects can create self-sustaining practices that thrive without their constant involvement. With insights from thought leaders like Michael Gerber, Peter Drucker, and Simon Sinek, this episode offers practical tips on building systems, delegating effectively, and empowering teams. Discover how to design a business that gives you freedom, flexibility, and long-term value.
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08:3623/11/2024
Ep 20 - The Power of Listening: Unlocking Client Insights for Success
In this episode of Architects Who Win, host Rolf Louis explores the critical role of listening in architecture. Drawing on insights from thought leaders like Stephen R. Covey, Maya Angelou, and Peter Drucker, this episode offers practical tips for improving client communication and unlocking valuable project insights. Discover how listening can strengthen relationships, enhance trust, and lead to more successful outcomes.
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07:5520/11/2024
Ep 19 - The Money-Saving Myth: Why Hiring an Architect Doesn’t Mean Higher Costs
In this episode of Architects Who Win, host Rolf Louis tackles the myth that hiring an architect means higher costs. Drawing on insights from thought leaders like Henry Ford, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Amory Lovins, he explores how architects help clients save money through strategic planning, efficient design, and sustainability. This episode offers practical tips for architects to better communicate their value and challenge common misconceptions.
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07:5518/11/2024
Ep 18 - Networking Done Right: Building Meaningful Industry Connections
In this episode of Architects Who Win, host Rolf Louis explores the art of building meaningful industry connections. Drawing on insights from leaders like Reid Hoffman, Zig Ziglar, and Brené Brown, this episode offers practical tips and reflective questions to help architects network authentically and effectively.
Checkout the community superstarchitect.com/community
08:1616/11/2024
Ep 17 - Time Management for Architects: Juggling Creativity and Deadlines
In this episode of Architects Who Win, host Rolf Louis explores time management strategies for architects, focusing on how to balance creativity with deadlines. Drawing insights from experts like Stephen R. Covey, Cal Newport, and Arianna Huffington, this episode offers practical tips and reflective questions to help architects take control of their schedules and sustain their creative energy.
08:2513/11/2024
Ep 16 - The Confident Architect: How to Build Self-Belief in Your Skills and Value
In this episode of Architects Who Win, host Rolf Louis explores how architects can build self-belief in their skills and value. With insights from thought leaders like Henry Ford, Brené Brown, and Simon Sinek, listeners will gain practical tools and reflective exercises to boost their confidence and embrace their unique journey. Join the conversation and start building the confidence to thrive in your architecture practice. Join the community superstarchitect.com/community
07:5411/11/2024
Ep 15 - Balancing Passion Projects with Profitability
In this episode of Architects Who Win, host Rolf Louis explores how architects can balance creative passion projects with the need for profitability. By discussing insights from thought leaders like Richard Branson, Marie Forleo, and Warren Buffett, this episode encourages listeners to evaluate their projects’ long-term value and align their work with both creative and financial goals. joins us in Superstarchitect
08:4709/11/2024
Ep 14 -Systems and Processes: How to Automate Your Architecture Practice
In this episode of Architects Who Win, host Rolf Louis discusses the power of systems and automation in creating a sustainable architecture practice. Drawing on insights from experts like Peter Drucker, Tim Ferriss, and David Allen, he shares practical strategies for automating client communication, project management, and finances, all while encouraging listeners to think deeply about the future of their practice. For help with automation Superstarchitect
10:0206/11/2024
Ep 13 - Crafting Proposals that Win Clients
In this episode of Architects Who Win, we dive into the art of crafting proposals that resonate with clients and win their trust. Host Rolf Louis discusses the importance of clarity, value, and alignment in proposals, drawing insights from thought leaders like Simon Sinek, Peter Drucker, and Maya Angelou. With practical tips and reflective questions, this episode will help you transform your proposals from mere documents into powerful tools for building lasting client relationships. Visit Supertarchitect for ressources.
09:2204/11/2024
Ep 12 - Dealing with Scope Creep: When Clients Ask for More
In this episode of Architects Who Win, Rolf Louis dives into the topic of scope creep—when clients ask for more work than initially agreed upon. He shares practical tips for setting boundaries, adjusting fees, and using change orders to maintain control. Drawing from personal experiences and expert advice, this episode offers strategies to help architects protect their time, communicate clearly, and ensure every project remains profitable and on track. With insights on pricing, transparency, and negotiation, this episode equips architects with tools to manage expanding project scopes confidently.
08:0403/11/2024
Ep 11 - Mindset Shift: From Designer to Business Owner
In this extended episode of Architects Who Win, Rolf Louis dives deep into the essential mindset shift from designer to business owner. He discusses the importance of systems, pricing strategies, delegation, and aligning projects with long-term vision. Drawing on insights from thought leaders like Peter Drucker, Steve Jobs, and Blair Enns, this episode offers practical advice for architects ready to transition from working in the business to working on it. This is a conversation about moving beyond creativity to build a practice that truly supports your goals.
07:5030/10/2024
Ep 10 - The Power of Saying No: How to Turn Away Clients Who Aren’t a Good Fit
In this episode of Architects Who Win, Rolf Louis explores the power of saying no to clients and projects that don’t align with your practice's goals and values. Drawing on lessons from both personal experience and insights from figures like Warren Buffett and Steve Jobs, Rolf highlights how rejecting the wrong clients can create space for better opportunities. He offers practical advice on identifying when to say no and how doing so positions architects for long-term success and fulfillment. This episode is a reminder that growth often begins with clarity—and that clarity sometimes means turning things down.
05:2728/10/2024
Ep 9 - Owning the rights to the intellectual property of your work
In this episode of Architects Who Win, Rolf Louis dives into the topic of intellectual property rights in architecture. Discover why retaining ownership of your designs is crucial and how clear contracts can protect your creative vision. With insights into licensing options, brand control, and practical contract tips, this episode offers actionable advice to help architects secure their work and build a sustainable practice.
06:4126/10/2024
Ep 8 - Asking the right questions and listening carefully can make you a truly exceptional architect
In this episode of Architects Who Win, Rolf Louis explores how asking thoughtful questions and listening deeply can elevate your architectural practice. Drawing from personal stories, quotes from experts like Daniel Libeskind and insights from The Coaching Habit, this episode dives into the importance of staying curious, slowing down, and uncovering what truly matters to your clients. Discover how great questions can unlock creative solutions and build stronger relationships, not just with clients, but with your entire team.
05:4523/10/2024
Ep 7 - The Discount Trap: Why Lowering Your Fees Could Cost You More
In this episode of Architects Who Win, Rolf Louis breaks down how offering discounts could be quietly undermining your business. If you’ve ever felt compelled to lower your fees to win a project, this episode will make you think twice. Learn how discounting sends the wrong message about your value and how to shift toward a pricing strategy that works for you and your clients. With practical tips on tiered pricing, value-based offers, and why even helping friends should reflect your value, this episode equips you to build a profitable, sustainable practice.
07:3221/10/2024
Ep 6 - Specialist vs. Generalist in Architecture: Which Path Leads to Success (and Higher Fees)?
In this episode, host Rolf Louis explores the benefits of being a specialist versus a generalist in architecture, focusing on how niching down can lead to higher fees. By solving more expensive and complex problems, specialists are able to command premium rates, making them highly sought-after in their niche markets. Through real-life examples and a dash of humor, architects are encouraged to reflect on their own careers and consider the financial advantages of specialization.
Host: Rolf Louis
06:5019/10/2024
Ep 5 -Design as a Superpower: Turning Challenges into Creative Solutions
In this episode, we explore how architects use design as a superpower to solve problems. From famous examples like Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater to everyday constraints like zoning laws, we discuss how turning challenges into opportunities can lead to creative, functional, and impactful designs. Architects who embrace problem-solving through design set themselves apart and create lasting success in their careers.
Host: Rolf Louis
05:0316/10/2024
Ep 4 - Most Architects Ignore Marketing.
In this 12-minute episode, we explore why most architects overlook marketing and how telling your story is key to building a sustainable practice. With actionable insights, I’ll show you how to start marketing authentically—without feeling like a salesperson. You’ll learn how to communicate your value, showcase your process, and build trust with potential clients before they even meet you. Tune in for practical tips and motivational takeaways that will help you grow your architectural practice.
08:3914/10/2024
Ep 3 - The Evolution of Profitability in Architecture: From Starchitects to Sustainable Business Models
In this episode of Architects Who Win, we explore how profitability in architecture has evolved over the years—from the 'starchitects' who prioritized creative vision over financial health to today’s architects who balance design with sustainable business models. We dive into the shift from percentage-based fees to value-based pricing, the impact of technology, and how embracing sustainability and niching down can boost profitability. Join host Rolf Louis as he shares practical tips for architects looking to thrive both creatively and financially.
07:1012/10/2024
Ep 2 - Why Don’t We Teach Architecture Business in Schools?
In this episode of Architects Who Win, we explore why the business side of architecture is often neglected in schools and how this gap in education affects architects entering the field. From securing payments to pricing services, many architects find themselves unprepared for the realities of running a practice. Host Rolf Louis shares personal stories, insights from experts like Renzo Piano and Frank Lloyd Wright, and offers practical advice for bridging the business knowledge gap. Tune in for a conversation that challenges traditional education and offers solutions for architects eager to thrive.
04:3812/10/2024
Ep 1 - Pull Up a Chair: Welcome to Architects Who Win
In this first episode of Architects Who Win, I’m introducing you to what this podcast is all about and why I started it. I’ll be sharing my personal journey—from struggling to get clients to see my value and chasing payments, to finally figuring out how to turn my passion for architecture into a successful business. I want this podcast to feel like a conversation between us, where I’ll share insights, stories, and real-world advice on how to build a practice that thrives, not just survives. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, this episode sets the stage for what’s to come—honest conversations about the business side of architecture, and how we can all win together.
08:1612/10/2024