CEUs

1 LU

Cost

Free

Full-time students

$5

Members of AIA, 2030 District, ACI, AFC, APA, ASCE, ASHRE, ASID, ASLA, ASPE, Boyer Guild, CNU, CSI, Green Umbrella, IIDA, NAIOP, NAWIC, NOMA, SEGD, SMPS, ULI, or USGBC

$15

Non-Members

Location

Union Hall Classroom

Program Overview

Jeff Echols will speak about brand, business philosophy, business design for better practice, and storytelling.

Do some clients see your work as a commodity? Are you afraid that AI and other advanced tools will make your work seem even less relevant? Are you struggling to run a business that's not only personally fulfilling but also financially rewarding?

If you answered 'Yes' to any of these questions, whether you're a firm owner or a future leader, this discussion is for you. Let's talk about what's really threatening the profession and what you can do to ensure a vibrant future for yourself, your work, the profession, and the clients you serve. Accept the challenge to build a better firm and open the door for architects to play a larger role in the built environment solutions for the future. 

Lecture starts promptly at 6.

Presented by the AIA Cincinnati VISION program.

Learning Objectives

• Understand why many architecture firms struggle to avoid commoditization.

• Understand the real threats threatening the viable future of the profession.

• Understand why architects are poised to play a larger role in built environment solutions in the future.

• Be able to explain the basic strategy that's necessary to employ to avoid the commoditization of their architecture firm.

• Be able to explain the architecture firm operating system to build a well-functioning, profitable business.

• Be able to develop a strategy for de-commoditizing their practice.  

• Be able to employ a business operating system model that allows them to build a business capable of supporting the art they want to create.

Keynote Speaker

Jeff Echols

Jeff Echols is the Firm Whisperer and he's on a mission to change the way architecture firms do business. He's the Host of the Build Your Brand podcast, and the live-stream show, Context & Clarity LIVE. He recently transitioned from the role of Vice President of Community Development at EntreArchitect to being a Senior Advisor at Shadow Ventures, where he leverages 30 years of experience working in, starting, and managing firms to help drive innovation in the business of architecture and AEC adjacent industries.

Continuing Education Details

Course Number: VL2023.e

Instructional Delivery Method: live

AIA CES Program Approval Expiration Date: 5/18/2026

Prerequisites: none

Program Level: beginner

Advance Learner Preparation: none

AIA CES Provider Statement

AIA Cincinnati is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number 088. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES (cessupport@aia.org or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3).

This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.

AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.