580: Architects vs. Contractors: Who Really Calls the Shots? with Chris Butler of Walter Lilly

Business of Architecture Podcast

Architects often struggle with balancing leadership roles, managing design integrity, and navigating the complexities of construction development. As project demands increase, they face the challenge of maintaining control while collaborating with contractors who often take on more design responsibility.

In this episode of Business of Architecture, Rion Willard sits down with Chris Butler, managing director of Walter Lilly, to explore his remarkable career journey. Chris shares insights from his 26-year career with a single company, including a surprising start and an unexpected twist that led to his current role. He also touches on the evolution of contractor-architect relationships, the challenges of modern construction, and the importance of nurturing team dynamics.

Chris reveals the key strategies he uses to manage a large organization, balance client demands, and foster innovation, all while reflecting on the shifts in the construction industry. His thoughts on leadership, psychology, and building successful teams offer lessons for anyone looking to improve their business.

• How a chance event altered the course of Chris’s career
• The surprising shift in the balance of power between architects and contractors
• The one major change that improved his company’s structure
• Why Chris believes some critical skills in construction are disappearing

To learn more about Chris, visit his:

Website: https://www.walterlilly.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/walterlilly1924/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/walterlilly1924/mycompany/?viewAsMember=true

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WalterLilly1924

► Transcription: https://otter.ai/u/DFxj8mQhYXPpBFp1LuEqRIxEpZo?utm_source=copy_url

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