625: Why Design Talent Won’t Win You Clients (and What Will) with Joseph Aniedu of AGA Associates
03/31/25 • 58 min
In this episode, Rion Willard speaks with Joseph Aniedu, a seasoned architect with extensive experience across a range of project types and procurement methods. Joseph has led both internal and external design teams in the successful delivery of complex, multi-disciplinary projects, spanning residential, hospitality, and mixed-use sectors.
With a remarkable portfolio that includes award-winning healthcare and hospitality projects in the UK, Joseph’s work has contributed to projects totaling nearly £1 billion in value. His tenure as a senior architect for major clients has refined his approach to balancing the critical demands of quality, time, cost, and resource management in each project.
An advocate for collaborative problem-solving, Joseph works seamlessly with design teams, main contractors, specialist sub-contractors, and suppliers, ensuring strategic and detail-oriented solutions for every project. His passion for Building Information Modeling (BIM) underlines his dedication to enhancing workflow and efficiency across all RIBA stages, ensuring smoother and more effective project delivery from start to finish. Please join us in welcoming Joseph Aniedu to the show!
In today’s episode, we will be discussing:
- Growth in the Healthcare sector
- Leadership and strategic vision
- Client acquisition
To learn more about Joseph, visit his:
Website: https://www.aga-associates.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aga-associates/mycompany/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aga_associates_/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AGA-Associates-103902125557367
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AgaAssociates
► Transcription: https://otter.ai/u/UmC1Qo-GHvT_vhim7SqlS8ZDKSk?tab=chat&view=transcript
► Feedback? Email us at [email protected]
► 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, Rion Willard speaks with Joseph Aniedu, a seasoned architect with extensive experience across a range of project types and procurement methods. Joseph has led both internal and external design teams in the successful delivery of complex, multi-disciplinary projects, spanning residential, hospitality, and mixed-use sectors.
With a remarkable portfolio that includes award-winning healthcare and hospitality projects in the UK, Joseph’s work has contributed to projects totaling nearly £1 billion in value. His tenure as a senior architect for major clients has refined his approach to balancing the critical demands of quality, time, cost, and resource management in each project.
An advocate for collaborative problem-solving, Joseph works seamlessly with design teams, main contractors, specialist sub-contractors, and suppliers, ensuring strategic and detail-oriented solutions for every project. His passion for Building Information Modeling (BIM) underlines his dedication to enhancing workflow and efficiency across all RIBA stages, ensuring smoother and more effective project delivery from start to finish. Please join us in welcoming Joseph Aniedu to the show!
In today’s episode, we will be discussing:
- Growth in the Healthcare sector
- Leadership and strategic vision
- Client acquisition
To learn more about Joseph, visit his:
Website: https://www.aga-associates.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aga-associates/mycompany/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aga_associates_/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AGA-Associates-103902125557367
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AgaAssociates
► Transcription: https://otter.ai/u/UmC1Qo-GHvT_vhim7SqlS8ZDKSk?tab=chat&view=transcript
► Feedback? Email us at [email protected]
► 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!
Previous Episode
624: Overlooked Strategies for Profitability Without Working Harder with Enoch & Rion
How can you boost your architecture firm’s profitability—without taking on more work? In this episode, Rion Willard and Enoch Sears break down an often-overlooked strategy that could transform your business overnight. They discuss how pricing isn’t just a number—it’s positioning, marketing, and psychology all wrapped into one.
Discover why some firms effortlessly command premium fees while others struggle with clients who push back on pricing. Learn how one simple tweak to your service offerings could create new revenue streams instantly. Plus, get insight into the surprising lessons architecture can take from industries like luxury watches and high-end hospitality.
- What luxury brands know about pricing that most architects ignore
- A small shift in how you present fees that could dramatically increase your profits
- Why certain clients will happily pay more—and how to find them
- The hidden danger of “pricing dilution” and how to avoid it
► Transcription: https://otter.ai/u/Ya3EdEYd3TnNIMbNttEaBz95VU4?utm_source=copy_url
► Feedback? Email us at [email protected]
► 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!
Next Episode
626: From Architect to Developer: A Dangerous Move or a Bold New Model? with David Cross of Skyhouse
Most architects dream of building their own projects—but when it comes time to raise money, navigate risk, and manage construction, many find themselves stuck. Without the right systems, support, or business model, those dreams quickly fade under the weight of complexity and cost.
David Cross joins Rion Willard to tell the story of how he left a traditional practice to tackle one of the biggest problems in UK housing. In this episode, David shares the bold move that started it all—and the surprising childhood experience that planted the seed. He opens up about the risks, the wins, and what it really takes to build a housing company from scratch.
They explore what’s missing in today’s housing system and how David’s team found a fresh way to solve it. He also talks about the turning point that made him sell his practice and start over. If you’ve ever wondered how an architect becomes a developer—and why you might want to—you’ll want to listen to this.
- Discover the planning hack that helped David get early buy-in before he even had land
- The little-known reason most architects fail at building their own projects
- How a scooter crash inspired a key design test
- What to ask before choosing your next funding partner
To learn more about David, visit his:
Website: https://sky-house.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SkyHouseCo/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/skyhouseco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skyhouseco/
► Transcription: https://otter.ai/u/w4wRWmNItI8U-MvJt5bayqMBsD8?utm_source=copy_url
► Feedback? Email us at [email protected]
► 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!
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