The Business of Design: What an A/E Firm Leader Needs To Know About Business

Great design work is only part of running a successful A/E firm. Growth, resilience, and profitability come from understanding the business engine behind the work. In this kickoff to the A&E MBA Series, Matt Cooper draws on his experience in tech and investment firms to reveal the core principles that drive high-performing companies in any industry—and how those same principles apply to architecture and engineering practices. This session introduces the essential economic and strategic concepts every A/E leader needs to know: how firms create value, why financial clarity matters, and how people, projects, and profit shape long-term performance. Attendees will leave with a clear business framework that sets the foundation for the entire series.

Upon completion of this course, the Learner should be able to:

• Identify the core economic principles that drive value creation in professional-service firms and explain how they apply to architecture and engineering practices.
• Analyze how business models in technology and investment sectors translate into strategies that strengthen A/E firm performance.
• Evaluate the impact of people, projects, and profit as the three primary levers that influence firm health and long-term sustainability.
• Apply a foundational set of MBA-level business concepts to improve decision-making and set the stage for deeper learning throughout the series.

Approximately 1 hour. Delivered via webinar or face-to-face presentation. Available sessions shown below.

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This course is registered with: 1 Industry Association(s)