What happens when a young designer stops waiting and just starts building? In this episode, we meet Shane Curry—a 30-year-old designer who decided to take the leap into development, without a roadmap, and without waiting for the perfect moment. What followed is a story of risk, grit, and surprising wins in one of the most expensive housing markets in the world.

Shane shares how he navigated his first project, convinced partners to jump in with him, and found a way to make the numbers work. He talks about how he’s grown a design studio without ads, and why he refuses to do copy-paste architecture. His approach is raw, action-focused, and full of lessons for anyone tired of sitting on the sidelines.

Listen in to learn:

• The unusual way Shane landed his first real estate deal
• Why “being just dumb enough” might be your best strategy
• How he turned $0 in marketing into a pipeline of projects
• The mindset shift that made risk feel exciting—not scary

To learn more about Shane, visit his:
Website: https://www.studio1904.com/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/conceptsbyshane

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-curry-11a0a490/

► Transcription: https://otter.ai/u/BMrBCOrouUskUnWbijymQsJQA9o?utm_source=copy_url

► Feedback? Email us at podcast@businessofarchitecture.com

► Access your free training at http://SmartPracticeMethod.com/

► If you want to speak directly to our advisors, book a call at https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/call

► Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for updates:

https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture

*******

For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful, and fulfilling practice, connect with me on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/businessofarch/

Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/yt

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch

Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/show

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926

Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9idXNpbmVzc29mYXJjaGl0ZWN0dXJlLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz

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Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com

Carpe Diem!

Many architects dream of launching their own firm, but few do it with the level of preparation and insight that Matthew Arnold brings to the table. After nearly 15 years at a celebrated architecture practice, Matthew made a bold move, one inspired by a surprising encounter with two iconic projects in the Arizona desert. What followed was a shift not only in career, but in how he sees the role of architects in shaping their own futures.

In this heartening and practical conversation, Rion explores what made Matthew take the leap, what he did beforehand to prepare, and how he now blends the roles of designer and developer. Listeners will hear about the surprising lessons from famous architects of the past, and the critical detail that helped Matthew win a key development deal without breaking the bank.

Listen to learn:

• What a legendary gala tradition reveals about the business of architecture
• Why one dinner in the desert changed everything
• The mistake Matthew made selling a unit too early and how it backfired
• How one overlooked seller need gave him a development deal no one else could win

To learn more about Matthew, visit his:

Website: www.matthewdarnold.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-arnold-48bb504/

► Transcription: https://otter.ai/u/Uzlhs5qHQofHADRqKdXFyIaI_I8?utm_source=copy_url

► Feedback? Email us at podcast@businessofarchitecture.com

► Access your free training at http://SmartPracticeMethod.com/

► If you want to speak directly to our advisors, book a call at https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/call

► Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for updates:

https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture

*******

For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful, and fulfilling practice, connect with me on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/businessofarch/

Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/yt

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch

Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/show

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926

Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9idXNpbmVzc29mYXJjaGl0ZWN0dXJlLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz

*******

Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com

Carpe Diem!

In this episode of Business of Architecture, we meet Tima Bell, founder of Bell Design Group—a firm with global reach and an unexpected twist on what it means to practice architecture. With studios across Los Angeles, Madrid, and Argentina, Tima shares how his journey from hospitality design to managing a 50+ person team has shaped a unique approach to leadership, delegation, and culture.

You'll hear how one of his biggest challenges turned into a multi-business solution, helping not just his firm but others in the industry. He opens up about the real cost of passion, how to spot when a project is truly worth saying yes to, and when it’s not. And if you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to grow a firm while still loving the work, this conversation offers an inspiring glimpse behind the curtain.

Listen to learn:

• What most architects miss that keeps their firm stuck
• A surprising way to build international credibility without a big name
• How to get clients without "selling"
• What happens when you let go and trust your team to rise

To learn more about Tima, visit his:

Website: www.belldesigngroup.com

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tima-bell-577b177/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_belldesigngroup

► Transcription: https://otter.ai/u/9gbmgfvPiEW34QNfpO0Q-wd1nJ0?utm_source=copy_url

► Feedback? Email us at podcast@businessofarchitecture.com

► Access your free training at http://SmartPracticeMethod.com/

► If you want to speak directly to our advisors, book a call at https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/call

► Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for updates:

https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture

*******

For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful, and fulfilling practice, connect with me on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/businessofarch/

Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/yt

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch

Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/show

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926

Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9idXNpbmVzc29mYXJjaGl0ZWN0dXJlLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz

*******

Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com

Carpe Diem!