The Business of Architecture: Risks, Rewards, and Real Talk with Hakan Agca at Cross Works
Summary
Stephen Drew speaks with Hakan Agca of Cross Works about building an architecture business, risk, clients, hiring, office culture, technology, forecasting and the commercial reality of running a practice.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
Creators and Guests
