The Importance of Understanding Team Dynamics with Mark Davenport - SPS+ Architects

Building Scale

We interview successful Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) business leaders to learn how they use people, processes, and technology to scale their businesses.

The Importance of Understanding Team Dynamics with Mark Davenport - SPS+ Architects

E123 • Jun 10, 2025 • 59 mins

Mark Davenport discusses his career journey in architecture, from intern to managing partner at SPS+ Architects. He covers the firm's leadership structure, managing transitions, and role fit challenges. The conversation delves into business operations, including EOS integration for efficiency and the firm's evolving focus and expansion. Mark outlines future growth through studio specializations and examines how contract types are impacting the industry. He highlights using culture index for team dynamics, strategic planning, and process automation. Emphasizing growth strategies and technology's role in scaling, the episode concludes with ERP implementation lessons and time management advice.

Key Points

Creating an executive team and extended leadership team has enabled better management and growth without losing hands-on involvement in the firm.
Mark Davenport emphasizes the importance of fitting people into the right roles, even if it means redesigning positions or having tough conversations about their fit within the company.
Implementing a unified ERP system is a significant step towards streamlining operations and improving efficiency, but it requires thorough vetting and buy-in from multiple team members to ensure successful adoption.

Connect with Mark - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-davenport-21343011/ Website: https://www.spsplusarchitects.com/
Phone: 602-524-2190 Connect with Justin & Will - Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/ Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/ Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration - Website: https://www.spotmigration.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help

Speakers

Mark Davenport

Guest • 71%

Will Foret

Host • 2%

Justin Neagle

Host • 14%

Will Foret

Host • 13%

Chapters

0:00	Introduction and Mark Davenport's architecture career journey
5:13	Mark's transition from intern to managing partner
7:28	Leadership structure at SPS Plus Architects
11:35	Managing leadership transitions and role fit
17:14	Business operations challenges and insights
24:07	Implementing ChatGPT and EOS for efficiency
29:44	Evolution of firm's focus and geographical reach
33:27	Future vision and studio specializations
37:24	Contract types and their impact on the industry
41:33	Utilizing culture index for team dynamics
44:17	Strategic planning and process automation
48:44	Growth strategies and embracing risk
49:25	Technology's role in scaling the business
50:22	Journey and lessons from ERP implementation
55:25	Mark Davenport's advice on time management
57:25	Conclusion and contact information
58:36	Sponsor: ${name}

Transcript

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