Do you only work with large architecture firms?

No. Franne works with small and mid-sized architecture firm owners and principals, typically firms that are busy and respected but want stronger margins, clearer positioning, and less owner-dependence.

How is a business coach different from a consultant?

A consultant hands you a deliverable; a coach builds your capability. Franne helps you make better pricing, positioning, and leadership decisions so the improvements stick and the firm runs better without her.

What does business coaching for architecture firms cost?

It depends on scope and engagement length. The best first step is a free strategy session, which you can book after taking the free Profitable Firm Scorecard.

How quickly will we see results?

Pricing and scope changes often improve margin within a quarter, while positioning and owner-independence build over a few months of consistent work.

What is the Profitable Firm Scorecard?

A free 2-minute assessment that scores your firm on eight drivers of a profitable, owner-independent practice and shows where you are leaving money on the table.

AEC Client Results & Testimonials

Case Snapshot

Architecture: from founder-dentric studio to transferrable practice

The firm: Founder-led architecture studio.

The problem: Everything ran through the founder, decisions, reviews, client relationships. The dependence capped growth and clogged day-to-day operations.

What changed: Restructured the organization to reduce founder dependency, with accountability and decision authority made explicit at each level.

The result: Internal project escalations dropped 30% as accountability became clearer, and the practice now runs without the founder in every decision.

Read the full case study

Case Snapshot

Engineering: from over-billed principals to operational clarity

The firm: Multi-discipline engineering firm.

The problem: Principals carried too much billable work, squeezing margins and blurring who owned what.

What changed: Aligned utilization targets and tightened scope control across the disciplines.

The result: Discipline-level gross margins up 5 points.

Read the full case study

Case Snapshot

Construction: from overwhelmed operator to strategic builder

The firm: Regional construction firm.

The problem: The owner was buried in day-to-day operations, with revenue leaning on short-term regional jobs and no bandwidth for strategic growth.

What changed: Shifted the owner’s focus to strategic business development and revenue diversification.

The result: Two state-level contracts secured, totaling $1.4M — reducing reliance on short-term regional work.

Read the full case study

ARCHITECTURE

“Franne McNeal provided me with invaluable, specific and practical advice that I was able to implement into how I manage my architectural design business. Franne’s advice gave me a new perspective that is affording me the ability to see opportunities for growth in my architectural design firm.”

— Richard Olaya, Principal, O Z Collaborative

“Franne is insightful and unrelenting in helping entrepreneurs reach for growth for their companies and for themselves as leaders. She understands the core competencies needed for her clients to grow, and she makes sure they map an ambitious but realistic path to that growth.”

— Mary Holland, Principal at CICADA Architecture/Planning, Inc.

ENGINEERING

“Franne is an amazing business advisor who has a tremendous knack for identifying key issues. She is an exceptional listener. I would highly recommend her for business advising and coaching.”

— Walter Hopkin, Civil & Forensic WJH Engineering

CONSTRUCTION

“Franne opened my eyes to the business opportunities available to Torrado Construction by getting me to ‘think outside the box’. I highly recommend Franne as a business advisor for construction business owners who are serious about their business growth and scale.”

— Luis Torrado, President, Torrado Construction Co., Inc.

“Franne McNeal helped me examine and embrace my leadership style for significant business results. I recommend Franne as the business advisor you choose when you are creating the plan to increase your company value and preparing for growth, scale and future sale.”