How architects engage with their work changes when they’re given access to the full financial picture. At Work Program Architects, it has resulted in more trust, more clarity, and more shared ownership. In a new essay for the American Institute of Architects, Associate Principal Erin Agdinaoay describes how WPA’s open-books policy has shaped not only her own leadership journey but also the firm’s culture as a whole. She writes:

WPA’s open-books policy fundamentally changes how architects engage at work.  By providing open-book access to financial information, the policy allows employees to see how revenue, expenses, and salaries are interconnected, as well as how these financial elements relate to their role on projects.  

Employees can see salary structures across all levels, from early-career architects to seasoned leaders. This visibility provides a clearly defined pathway for growth, linking responsibilities to compensation, and highlighting how individual contributions impact the firm’s revenue and profitability.

This transparency also fosters a sense of shared responsibility, encouraging employees to take ownership. With a clear understanding of the bigger financial picture, team members are empowered to advocate for their ideas and themselves while keeping the overall health of the firm in mind, fostering confidence and fueling career growth.

For a firm, these benefits extend beyond individual development. Transparency supports employee satisfaction, promotes retention, and cultivates a workplace culture where everyone feels valued and aligned with the company’s goals. By demystifying financial processes, the open-books policy at WPA has created an environment of trust and collaboration, strengthening the organization.

Read the full article here.