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From Academia to Practice: Building an Architectural Business Model 

AIA CES program ID: GMG.0036

Approved LUs: .25 LU|Elective

Prerequisites: None

Program level: Entry

Advance learner preparation: None

When the studio ends, the real build begins.

This AIA CE course takes you behind the scenes of three architects’ leap from academia to launching a real-world design practice. Fueled by material exploration, digital fabrication, and frustration with industry stagnation, they created a business model built on collaboration, process, and purpose. If you’re rethinking your path—or ready to lead one—this conversation delivers real talk and real strategy.

Program Description

In this podcast-based course, three architects reflect on their transition from academic life to professional practice, and how that shift shaped their approach to firm-building. Disillusioned with conventional industry practices, they set out to create a business model that values craft, experimentation, and collaboration.

The episode explores their early challenges—legal structures, business logistics, creative constraints—and the powerful role that digital fabrication and competitions played in establishing their studio’s voice. You’ll hear how their shared values around materiality and process helped them build a practice rooted in design integrity and client alignment.

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

1. Analyze the evolution of architectural business models and their implications for practice.
2. Evaluate the role of digital fabrication and materiality in differentiating an architectural firm.
3. Formulate strategies for balancing creative aspirations with practical business needs.
4. Assess the challenges and opportunities of transitioning from academic collaboration to professional practice.

Who Should Take This Course

This course is ideal for:

• Early-career architects considering independent practice
• Design educators curious about the leap into entrepreneurship
• Small firm founders seeking to evolve or rethink their business model
• Creatives exploring how to integrate hands-on material exploration into practice

Why It Matters:

• Earn AIA CE credit while learning how real architects built a firm from shared vision to viable business
• Gain clarity on what it actually takes to shift from theory to execution
• Understand the impact of intentional collaboration, competitions, and material focus in business formation

Take the Quiz for your Certificate

AIA CES Provider statement

Gābl Media is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number 10024977. 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 ([email protected] 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.

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