The 60-Minute MBA for Architects  

Key Strategies to Build a Smarter, More Profitable Architecture Firm

Sponsored by BQE Software | Presented by Steven Burns, FAIA

Live Webinar Airing on September 9, 2025 at 02:00 PM ET

Being a brilliant architect rarely translates into having a successful business. With all the years of education and training to make us experts in our profession, the skills needed to have a successful business were conveniently overlooked. This webinar will fill the void and provide you with the business management highlights that every firm needs to apply to achieve their full potential.

In this session, we will learn the fundamentals of all successful AE firms and provide the basis for making well-grounded business decisions. We will learn how firms can transition from being professionals providing services, to highly tuned businesses that can identify the needs of the marketplace and create services and products that are appropriately priced and yield consistent and greater profits.

Rather than seeking out new projects that merely build upon your current skills, you will start from a business-thinking mindset, where processes that are critical to building a thriving firm are examined and constituted in your firm. We will explore the importance of data within a firm and demonstrate how careful collection and interpretation can lead to more exciting and profitable territory.

Join us for an engaging, live webinar presented by Steven Burns, FAIA, Chief Creative Officer at BQE Software as he shares lessons learned over 35 years working with over 1,300 architecture firms.  

Photo courtesy of BQE Software

 

Speaker

As a distinguished thought leader, Steven Burns, FAIA, blends his passion for design and firm management with profound insights into emerging technologies. Over the past 2 decades, working directly with over 1,400 firm owners, Steve has significantly contributed to reshaping these businesses for enhanced growth and sustainability. Steve's career highlights include a 7-year tenure at SOM Chicago, founding BBA Architects in 1993 and growing it to 17 architects before its 2007 sale, and creating ArchiOffice, a groundbreaking project management software company acquired by BQE Software in 2010. Recognized for his significant impact on the profession, in 2009 Steve was elevated to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects. Currently, as Founder of The Well-Designed Firm, he focuses on leading AE firms to operational excellence, mentoring leaders to craft businesses as elegant and innovative as the architecture they create.

Originally published in Building Enclosure

Originally published in July 2025

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
  1. Identify why a “business-thinking” mindset is of utmost importance for service professionals.
  2. Explain best practices for implementing a metrics-oriented leadership system.
  3. Summarize how data-based performance management drives smarter business decisions.
  4. Analyze how profitability drives growth rather than being merely a result.