Beyond the Numbers  

How Benchmarking is Driving Smarter Decisions in Architecture Firms

Sponsored by BQE Software | Presented by Steve Burns, FAIA

Live Webinar Airing on July 15, 2025 at 02:00 PM ET

In today’s evolving architectural landscape, firms face increasing pressure from economic volatility, talent retention challenges, and shifting client expectations. This webinar explores how benchmarking empowers architecture leaders to meet these challenges with clarity and confidence.

We’ll walk through key findings from the newly released 2025 Architecture Benchmarking Report, built on real performance data from over 2,000 A&E firms and 46,000 active users. You’ll learn how firms are setting meaningful performance targets, tracking progress, and using benchmarking to guide smarter, faster decisions.

With two years of data, we’ll also explore emerging trends and how leading firms are using insights from tools like BQE CORE to drive measurable results, including higher revenue per FTE, increased profit percentage, and year-over-year revenue growth.

Whether your goal is to improve operational efficiency, support long-term planning, or gain a competitive edge, this session will give you a practical framework for applying benchmarking in your own firm.

Photo courtesy of BQE Software

 

Speaker

As a distinguished thought leader, Steve 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 Architectural Record

Originally published in June 2025

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
  1. Explain the value of benchmarking in architecture practice and how it differs from internal reporting.
  2. Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) most relevant to firm operations and strategic growth.
  3. Interpret benchmark data to assess firm performance against industry standards and guide goal-setting.
  4. Recognize patterns and trends in industry-wide metrics such as revenue per FTE and profitability.
  5. Apply benchmarking insights to make data-informed decisions that improve firm performance and resilience.