This article is part of the “The worst Mistakes and the best Hits of the 50 most important Architectural Firms in Europe” Report.
We created this report to help architecture firms learn from the experiences of the biggest players in the industry.
By looking at their mistakes and successes, we wanted to show you what works, what doesn’t, and how you can apply these lessons to your own business.
Our goal is to give you practical advice that can help you avoid common pitfalls and make better decisions for your firm’s growth and success.
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Mistake #1: Chasing the wrong projects
One of the biggest mistakes some of the most prominent architectural firms make is taking on projects that, on paper, seem like great opportunities but end up being a huge drain on resources.
These are projects that don’t align with the firm’s core strengths or long-term goals.
And unfortunately, architects are too optimistic about what they can deliver.
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What goes wrong
At first, these projects seem like great opportunities.
They have big-name clients or offer the chance to work on something exciting.
But as projects go on, it’s clear they aren’t the right fit.
Scope creep, unclear expectations, or unrealistic budgets…
the firms ends up spending much more time and money than planned, without the financial return they hope for. Huge mistake!
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Some firms are too eager to impress or focused too much on adding big names to their portfolio.
They don’t check if the project makes sense financially or if it fits with their overall goals.
They miss warning signs like unclear budgets, uncertain project details, or too much client involvement.
This lack of careful planning leds to bigger problems later on!
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The consequences of chasing the wrong projects
1. Burnout
The firm’s team is stretched thin.
Because they are working on the wrong project, they neglect other, more profitable clients, which cause internal stress and burnout.
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2. Loss of time
The resources spent on a difficult project could be better used on projects that are more aligned with the firm’s capabilities.
What’s worse, some firms don’t realize the opportunity cost until it is too late.
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3. Damaged Reputation
When projects go wrong, it’s often not just the firm that takes the hit—it’s their reputation.
Clients become unhappy, and word gets around that the firm doesn’t handle specific types of projects well.
That can close doors to other high-quality opportunities.
(You’ve been there, right?)
Need to fix your firm’s Reputation? Continue here.
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The biggest lesson here is prioritize projects that align with your firm’s strengths, values, and financial goals.
Even if a project looks impressive or promises high visibility, if it doesn’t fit within the scope of what your firm does best, it will end up costing more than it’s worth.
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What you can do instead:
1. Evaluate project fit
Before saying yes to a project, ask whether it aligns with your firm’s long-term vision and goals.
- Does it play to your strengths?
- Is it financially viable? Yes – How much?
- Will it stretch your resources too thin?
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Always take the time to evaluate these questions thoroughly.
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2. Set clear criteria
Create a list of criteria that projects must meet before being considered.
For example: the budget must be realistic, the client’s expectations need to be aligned with what you can deliver, or the scope must be manageable.
Be ruthless in filtering out projects that don’t meet these criteria.
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3. Focus on Profitability, not prestige
It’s easy to get caught up in a project’s potential for fame or recognition.
But remember:
A well-paid, profitable project is far better than a high-profile one that leaves your firm struggling to break even.
(Read that again ↑ )
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Always keep your financial health in mind when considering new opportunities.
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4. Learn to say No
Saying no can be tough, especially when a client is persistent or a project seems like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
However, learning when to say no is one of the most powerful skills you can develop as a business owner.
It allows you to protect your firm’s time, energy, and resources for projects that truly drive growth.
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Conclusions of chasing the wrong projects
I will say it again:
A well-paid, profitable project is far better than a high-profile one that leaves your firm struggling to break even.
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Be pickier about the projects you take on and avoid overworking your team and spreading your resources too thin.
Focus on projects that really work for your firm and help you grow.
When you do this, not only will you see better financial results, but you’ll also build a reputation for doing great work that matches your values.
This will attract the right clients and the right opportunities, without all the extra stress.
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If you are you also chasing the wrong projects, it’s time to adapt your strategy.
👉 Complete the Self-Diagnostic and let’s find out.
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Have you been there before?
Send us your story about pursuing the wrong projects, and what you learned at [email protected].
We love connecting with other architects who have been in the trenches.
