Why Monograph's CEO says monthly billing can save your design practice

About this episode

Robert Yuen discusses the vision behind Monograph and the importance of shifting invoicing practices in the architecture industry.

In this episode, Robert Yuen, CEO and co-founder of Monograph, discusses the vision behind Monograph as an operating system for architecture. He delves into the challenges of building software for the architecture industry, particularly the cold start problem and the importance of time tracking for efficiency. Robert emphasizes the need for a shift in invoicing practices from billable hours to value-based billing, and shares insights for new founders in the AEC space. He also explores the impact of AI on architectural workflows and the future capabilities of Monograph. Takeaways Monograph aims to be the operating system for architecture. Time tracking is essential for architects to measure efficiency. The cold start problem requires building initial capabilities carefully. Invoicing should be based on value, not just hours worked. Small firms make up 95% of the architecture industry. AI is integrated into many features of Monograph. Behavioral change in invoicing practices is a significant challenge. Selling to AEC firms requires understanding their procurement dynamics. The future of Monograph includes expanding capabilities beyond time tracking. The journey to a fully…

People in this episode

Guest: Robert Yuen

Topics covered

• monthly billing
• design practice
• time tracking
• value-based billing
• AI in architecture
• software challenges

Keywords

• Monograph
• architecture
• billing practices
• time tracking
• AI
• design efficiency
• AEC industry

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Monograph, AEC, architecture

More episodes of Buildings 2.0

• Why Field Materials' CEO Left Big Tech to Fix Construction's Most Expensive, Least Talked Problem · May 15, 2026 · 30 min
• Why Killing Revit Won't Fix Construction, According to Swapp's CEO · May 8, 2026 · 36 min
• Why Arkio's Co-Founder Stopped "Building Buildings" to Fix Architecture's Broken Tools · April 3, 2026 · 30 min
• Why architects must balance speed and patience—with Henning Larsen’s Gregory Haley · February 13, 2026 · 35 min
• What Did the Space Architect Behind ICON's 3D-Printed Homes Discover While Designing for Mars · January 16, 2026 · 30 min
• How 100 homes in Maui could change disaster relief forever · November 28, 2025 · 39 min