Clients don’t wake up in the morning and decide to disrespect architects.

They respond to the version of the architect that shows up.

In this deeply honest and reflective episode of The SILL TALKS Podcast, host Arc. Egbeiyon Leonard unpacks one of the most painful—and misunderstood—realities of architectural practice in Africa: why architects struggle to command respect from clients, despite their training, expertise, and responsibility.

This is not a client-bashing episode.
 It is not a motivational rant.
 And it is definitely not academic theory.

Instead, this episode is a calm but powerful examination of how architects often and unintentionally position themselves in ways that weaken authority, invite disrespect, and turn professional services into negotiable favours.

Through relatable Nigerian and African practice scenarios such as site meetings, unpaid redesigns, “let’s manage it” conversations, friendship-driven projects, and pricing battles, this episode exposes the patterns that shape client behaviour.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why humility, when not balanced with authority, turns into silence
• How architects unknowingly train clients through flexibility and fear
• Why leading with drawings instead of decisions reduces professional value
• How pricing like a vendor invites negotiation instead of respect
• Why friendship without structure destroys authority
• How silence and conflict avoidance remove architects from leadership
• Why boundaries without consequences always collapse

Most importantly, this episode reframes the conversation from “clients don’t respect architects” to a far more powerful question:

What version of the architect have we been presenting—and what version do we now need to redesign?

If you’re an architect, designer, or creative professional practicing in Africa (or working with African clients), this episode will feel uncomfortably familiar—in the best possible way.

It’s a call to clarity.
 A call to structure.
 And a call to lead the process—not manage discomfort.

🎧 Listen closely. Reflect honestly. And redesign your professional authority.

Have a challenge in your practice, business, or professional journey that you’re currently navigating?

Send us a message at [email protected]
and share what you’re dealing with.
Your insight may shape a future episode or help us point you toward clarity, structure, and practical next steps.