How to Run a 15-Minute Weekly Check-In That Keeps Your Architecture Studio Aligned
You didn’t start your firm to run meetings.
You started it to design great work. But somewhere along the way, your team got out of sync. Emails got missed. Deadlines slipped. You’re constantly re-explaining things—and the admin just keeps growing.
If that sounds familiar, this is for you.
This is a simple check-in you can run in 15 minutes or less each week to keep your team aligned and your studio running smoothly—without turning into a corporate machine.
🚩 The Problem: “We Talk All the Time… But Nothing Gets Done”
Architecture studios are collaborative by nature. You’re probably in constant communication—Teams, WhatsApp, post-it notes. But without a clear weekly rhythm, projects drift.
One person’s waiting for feedback that never comes
Files are in the wrong folder (again)
You’re not sure who’s chasing the client
No one’s updated the planning submission since last Thursday
The result? You feel like you’re holding everything together by hand.
✅ The Fix: A 15-Minute Weekly Studio Check-In
This isn’t a boring status meeting. It’s a quick pulse check that creates alignment without the faff.
Here’s the format I recommend when working with architecture firms.
—Same time each week. 15 minutes. Done before coffee gets cold.
1. What’s the one priority this week? (2 mins)
You don’t need 10 goals. You need one headline. Something like:
“Submit drawings for Smith Street extension by Thursday.”
This gives your whole team a north star—even junior team members.
2. What’s stuck or waiting on someone? (4 mins)
Give space to highlight delays, missing inputs, or reviews.
“Planning drawings are waiting on Ponk’s sign-off.”
“We haven’t heard back from the QS.”
Just the facts. No drama.
3. Are there any client issues brewing? (3 mins)
A quick gut-check. Anyone slow to pay? Anyone going cold?
“Client B hasn’t responded to the sketch pack.”
“We’re overdue for a check-in with the developer on Lot 17.”
4. What’s coming up next week that we need to prep for? (3 mins)
Flag reviews, deadlines, or big presentations before they sneak up.
“Building control meeting is Tuesday—make sure the fire escape route is finalised.”
“We’ll need photos ready for the portfolio shoot.”
5. Is anything unclear? (3 mins)
End by asking: “Is anything foggy right now?”
Your team might raise things you didn’t know were confusing.
🧱 Why This Works
It gives your team a single point of alignment
It surfaces blockers before they become fires
It takes pressure off you to always be the one chasing updates
Most importantly, it helps your studio feel like a studio again—not a pile of admin you’re just surviving.
Curious What Other Small Studios Are Doing?
I’m offering a free check-in template (PDF, Notion, and Google Docs) that you can adapt for your architecture studio.
📩 Want a copy? Leave your email below and get the download link
