Case Study
CASE STUDY
FROM OVERWHELMED ARCHITECT TO VISIONARY ADVISOR
Jones Design Studio
Jones Design Studio started over a decade ago as an architecture and sustainability consulting firm in Oklahoma. Molly Jones founded the company and built a solid reputation for sustainable design work. They take on projects that bring together good looks, functionality, and environmental responsibility.
As time went on, Jones Design Studio found its niche in design-build owner advisory services. They walk owners through the design-build process and help them get high-performing, sustainable outcomes. But as the company expanded, things got more complicated behind the scenes.
The Goal: Create a Structure That Frees the Founder
Like many small business owners, Molly wore all the hats. She led every meeting, managed every project, and oversaw all the administrative details — all while trying to steer the company’s long-term vision.
“I was the president, founder, CEO, chief cook, and bottle washer — the whole enchilada,” she jokes. “It worked for years, until it didn’t.”
Her team had great systems for client projects but very few for running the business itself. Administrative tasks were a mess, meetings lacked rhythm, and there was no clear structure to get Molly out of the daily operations.
When a fellow entrepreneur from a coaching group recommended Beyond the Chaos, Molly reached out, hoping to bring order to her business.
The Tactics: Building Systems That Empowered a Visionary Leader
BTC’s goal wasn’t just to install new processes. It was to create a foundation that would help Jones Design Studio run smoothly without relying on its founder for every decision.
The team focused on understanding what was already working, strengthening what wasn’t, and putting systems in place that could sustain growth for years to come.
Comprehensive Business Analysis
BTC began with a deep diagnostic of Jones Design Studio’s operations. The team assessed everything from team structure to project workflows and administrative systems. This comprehensive analysis revealed where the company excelled (in project delivery) and where foundational gaps existed (in business management and internal processes).
“That initial analysis of how the company was performing was incredibly insightful. It literally formed the foundation of how we started working together.” – Molly Jones (Founder & CEO of Jones Design Studio)
Systemizing the Administrative Side
While Molly’s team had strong systems for production, they lacked structure for running the day-to-day business. BTC developed and documented processes for the administrative and financial side — from internal workflows to team communication and meeting cadence. These new systems brought consistency and efficiency to the company’s daily operations.
Shifting Leadership and Accountability
Previously, Molly led nearly every internal meeting herself. BTC transitioned leadership responsibilities to her project manager and executive assistant, allowing them to take ownership while BTC guided the process. This shift not only empowered the team but also freed Molly to focus on long-term strategy and client relationships.
“We started by turning team meetings over to BTC and my project manager,” she says. “That’s when things began running smoother — and needed me less and less.”
Data-Driven Decision Making
Through BTC’s systems and analysis, Jones Design Studio gained clarity on the profitability of its different service lines. These insights revealed which offerings aligned most with both financial performance and team passion. And that became the foundation of the company’s successful pivot toward design-build owner advisory services.
Creating Space for Strategic Growth
With structure in place and a capable team leading daily operations, Molly finally had the bandwidth to step fully into her visionary role. BTC’s systems gave her the freedom to pursue speaking, teaching, and thought leadership opportunities that had once felt impossible.
“BTC gave me the space and the data to grow,” Molly says. “It allowed me to become the face of the company, while the business ran smoothly without me.”
The Results: Empowering a Founder to Lead and Inspire Nationwide
Last year was our best financial year yet, this year we’re on track to meet or beat it, and next year looks even better — and I’m in the business less than ever before.
Just months after working with BTC, Jones Design Studio became a model of operational clarity. The team ran smoothly without Molly’s constant oversight, and she finally had time to focus on strategic growth and her personal goals.
Today, Molly is a national instructor for the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA), traveling across the country to teach others about the design-build process. She now speaks at every DBIA conference and is even writing books — all while her company continues to thrive.
“I’m taking more vacation than I ever have,” Molly says. “Last year was our best financial year yet, this year we’re on track to meet or beat it, and next year looks even better — and I’m in the business less than ever before.”
Her company has not only grown stronger financially but also more sustainable. That was built on systems that empower her team and protect her time.
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