Charging 50% upfront. Blogging to get work. Teaching part-time and even working as a dinner lady in the early days. From just herself to a team of six. Refusing to play the “starving artist” trope. Claire Nash isn’t just running an architecture practice - she’s rewriting the manual. In this honest, funny and practical conversation, Claire breaks down what it’s really like running a small architecture studio in the UK. From cash flow crunches to the mindset shift needed to chase overdue invoices,...
May 26, 2025•56 min•Ep. 240
Award-winning author, strategist and curator Lucy Bullivant joins us to spill the tea on what it really takes to shape cities that work – and why good urbanism needs more than just good design. We dive into her journey from writing "Masterplanning Futures" to curating edutainment exhibitions, chairing design review panels and working hands-on with communities from Oslo to Enfield. It’s all about retrofitting, storytelling, publishing, people and place. Lucy’s lived it – and she’s not holding bac...
May 19, 2025•50 min•Ep. 239
Ben Richards gave up the drawing board for the developer’s desk and now he’s got four businesses, millions in property deals, and a lot of stories from the front lines. In this episode, we dig into the nitty-gritty of going from architect to real estate entrepreneur - what actually happens when you swap the studio for the site, the hard truths about making money in property, and how Ben’s managed to build (and survive) a business empire. It’s not all doom and gloom though - we get into opportuni...
May 15, 2025•58 min•Ep. 238
Top 5 Mistakes in Architecture Marketing with Ayo Abbas In this episode, the host welcomes Ayo Abbas of Abbas Marketing to delve into the common mistakes made in architecture marketing. They discuss the top five errors, including misconceptions about marketing's role, underestimating the importance of storytelling, and the need to keep up with social media innovations. Ayo shares her career journey from construction PR to becoming an award-winning marketing consultant. The conversation also touc...
Mar 18, 2025•48 min•Ep. 237
Exploring Architecture and Town Planning with UPP - Journey, Challenges, and Collaboration In this episode, join us as we dive into the fascinating world of Architecture and Town Planning with the unique practice, UPP. We meet Enrique, Motti, and James, who share their journey from a cozy basement startup to a thriving interdisciplinary firm. Learn about the firm's collaborative approach, combining town planning and architecture under one roof, and how they leverage AI to enhance their workflows...
Mar 12, 2025•55 min•Ep. 236
What does it take to build a thriving architecture business from scratch? Hakan Agca, founder of CrossWorks, joins the show to share his journey from working in top firms to running his own practice. We’re diving into the nuts and bolts of the business of architecture: taking risks, building networks, hiring as well as firing, scaling sustainably, our biggest mistakes and staying ahead with technology like AI and BIM. It’s real talk about the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship in the bui...
Feb 03, 2025•51 min•Ep. 233
Old Meets New: A Deep Dive into Heritage and Conservation Architecture In this engaging livestream, join host Stephen Drew and special guest Jonathan Goode from Lillet Architects as they explore the world of heritage and conservation architecture. Jonathan shares insights from his 20-year career in London, focusing on maintaining the essence of historical buildings while adapting them for modern use. They discuss the challenges and surprises of working on various projects, including residential ...
Jan 27, 2025•39 min•Ep. 232
Join us in a fascinating discussion with Holly Welsh, Associate Director at DMFK Architects, as she delves into her journey in architecture, starting from her studies in Northumbria University to her current role. Explore how DMFK has adapted to the changing landscape of commercial office spaces, from traditional designs to innovative, user-centric workspaces. Learn about key projects, sustainability in design, and the future direction of workplace environments post-pandemic. If you're curious a...
Jan 23, 2025•40 min•Ep. 235
Exploring BIM for Landscape Architecture with Alejandro Gatica In this episode, Stephen Drew hosts a discussion with Alejandro Gatica, a seasoned architect and BIM manager from Gillespie's. They delve into the intricacies of using Building Information Modeling (BIM) for landscape architecture. Alejandro shares his journey from traditional architecture to specializing in landscape projects using Revit and other BIM tools. They explore how BIM can be adapted for landscape design, common challenges...
Jan 20, 2025•50 min•Ep. 231
Exploring the Unconventional Career in BIM with Alfonso Monedero from Heatherwick Studio In this episode, we step inside an aesthetically pleasing office to chat with Alfonso Monedero, head of BIM at Heatherwick Studio. Alfonso shares his unique journey from a Spanish architect struggling during the 2008 architectural crisis to becoming an influential BIM expert in the UK. Alongside anecdotes from his career path, Alfonso discusses the transition and evolution of BIM roles, the integration of AI...
Jan 16, 2025•49 min•Ep. 234
Ste Taylor’s career path is anything but traditional—starting in architecture, navigating difficult times and redundancies before ultimately rising to Head of Design at Turley. In this episode, we dive into his unexpected journey, from falling out of love with architecture to mastering design and planning on the client side. We’ll also get into the nitty-gritty of design codes, their role in shaping better housing, and why they’re more critical now than ever. With the UK at a crossroads in urban...
Jan 13, 2025•52 min•Ep. 230
Ever feel like you're stuck on the traditional architect path? Enrique Soler from Willmott Dixon Interiors is here to show you why playing it safe might be holding you back. We’ll get into the nuts and bolts of working within a contractor in the role of a designer, how interior design can open up whole new avenues for architects, and why sticking to one speciality is riskier than you think. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 01:35 Meet Enrique Soria: Head of Design at Wilmot Dixon Interiors...
Jan 06, 2025•42 min•Ep. 229
Originally from Spain, Victor shares his journey from studying architecture in Madrid to becoming the Design Director of HBA Residential in Singapore. Discover the nuances of designing for luxury clients, the importance of personal branding, and how to navigate your career in the architectural industry. Whether you're looking to enter the high-end residential sector or seeking inspiration, this conversation is packed with valuable insights and practical advice. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:...
Dec 30, 2024•33 min•Ep. 228
Aqeel Sourjah joins us to chat about his journey from architecture to managing major ESG-driven office developments at Quadrant, including YY London in Canary Wharf and OSMO in Battersea. With a background in architecture and an MSc in Real Estate Development, Aqeel brings fresh insights into the intersection of design, development, and sustainability. We'll also explore how his experience is shaping some of London’s most exciting new workspaces.
Dec 23, 2024•49 min•Ep. 227
We’re diving deep into the world of architecture apprenticeships with the team behind the Architecture Apprenticeship Handbook. Join us as we sit down with Daniel Goodricke, Luke Murray, and Laura McClorey to unpack the apprenticeship journey, from applying to smashing career goals. Laura shares her personal experience as a Level 7 apprentice at FaulknerBrowns Architects and how it shaped her career. Whether you're curious about taking this route or you're an employer wanting to know more, this ...
Dec 16, 2024•59 min•Ep. 226
What if confidence is quietly shaping the careers of women in architecture? We sit down with Ishwariya Rajamohan to explore how challenges with confidence affect retention and career growth for women in the field. Drawing from her experience supporting female leaders, Ishwariya highlights the unique pressures women navigate every day. This conversation is a must for anyone passionate about creating a more supportive and inclusive environment in architecture.
Dec 09, 2024•42 min•Ep. 225
Ever wondered what it takes to transform a bland office block into a vibrant, design-led hospitality hotspot? This week, we're diving deep with Eric Jafari, a visionary in real estate development who’s reshaping the way we experience spaces. From overseeing billion-pound portfolios to creating bespoke, community-driven destinations, Eric shares the highs, lows, and hard-learned lessons of converting office spaces into thriving hotels. See you shortly!
Dec 02, 2024•56 min•Ep. 224
Dive into the digital realm with Jack Stewart and Ben Porter as they unpack their journey from architects at Hawkins Brown to digital pioneers at REMAP. Discover how REMAP is shaping the future of the built environment through innovative technologies, and explore the pivotal projects and strategic decisions that are setting new benchmarks in the industry. Learn how REMAP’s approach to digital transformation and technology adoption is redefining the architectural landscape.
Nov 25, 2024•57 min•Ep. 223
Forget the cold, lifeless cubicles and soulless glass boxes. Greta Kriovaite, Design Principal at Woodalls, dives deep into why workplace design needs a massive rethink. In this candid chat with Stephen Drew, Greta breaks down how to create offices that feel like home—spaces that inspire creativity, nurture connection, and balance collaboration with focus. From debunking the “hotelification” trend to sharing her thoughts on AI’s role in the future of design, this conversation is packed with insi...
Nov 18, 2024•59 min•Ep. 222
Navigating complex design challenges requires more than creativity; it demands strategy and precision. Enter Nirmala Srinivasa and Mario Romero from Perkins&Will, masters of computational design. They’ll unpack how advanced tools help them tackle intricate projects, using real-time optioneering to pivot designs instantly and keep client needs front and center. Learn how parametric design optimizes material usage, cuts costs, and sharpens decision-making. Plus, discover how data-driven approa...
Nov 09, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 221
Dive deep into the innovative world of community-led housing with Levent Kerimol, Director of Community Led Housing London, as he unfolds the layers of collaborative design and development in the urban fabric. Discover how grassroots efforts can shape the cities of tomorrow and what this means for architecture and housing sustainability. Join us for an insightful conversation exploring new dimensions in urban planning and architectural practices through the lens of community initiatives. 📐 The ...
Jul 23, 2024•52 min•Ep. 220
Dive into Dolunay Dogahan's career shift from architecture to project manager, where she now orchestrates the development of London’s prime real estate at CO—RE. Discover what made Dolunay decide to switch careers to working client-side, what that journey entailed as well as learn more about what the Project Manager role entails working on a large commercial scheme in London. 📐 The Architecture Social is an online platform packed with content to help you find new jobs, stand out from the crowd ...
Jul 16, 2024•56 min•Ep. 219
Step inside the studio and classroom with Kevin Haley, a designer and educator who bridges practical architecture with academic inquiry. At Kevin Haley Studio and Aberrant Architecture, he designs spaces that resonate deeply with community values and cultural narratives, while his role at the Royal College of Art involves mentoring emerging talents, pushing the boundaries between practical design work and theoretical frameworks. Tune in to learn how Kevin's dual passions influence his approach t...
Jul 09, 2024•49 min•Ep. 218
Dive deep with us as we chat with Russ Edwards, the visionary Project Director behind Latimer's Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community Project at Clarion Housing Group, and learn how an architect's journey into development is shaping the future of housing. With a 25-year career that morphs from crafting award-winning designs to directing large-scale developments, Russ's experience is a masterclass in evolving with the industry. In this episode we will not only just a peek behind the curtai...
Jul 02, 2024•39 min•Ep. 217
Today, Marc Turnier of Arcvelop joins us to unpack the journey from architect to developer. At the heart of Arcvelop’s philosophy is a commitment to infusing every project with innovation, luxury, and a deep respect for craftsmanship. With a portfolio that boasts over £200 million in development value, Marc shares the secrets behind Arcvelop's success in marrying the finesse of modern traditionalist design with the boldness of contemporary elements. Discover how they're rewriting the playbook on...
Jun 25, 2024•48 min•Ep. 216
Dive deep with us as Jacob Willson and Amandeep Kalra from Be First open up about the transformative power of architecture and urban design in Barking and Dagenham. Their mission? To collaborate with communities in creating thriving, sustainable neighborhoods through top-notch housing, energy efficiency, and public spaces everyone can take pride in. With a mix of architecture, urban design, landscape, and sustainability expertise, they're not just designing buildings; they're crafting the future...
Jun 18, 2024•59 min•Ep. 215
Join us as we sit down with Matias Daroch MIK Architecture to peel back the layers of this Miami-based firm's unique collaborative environment where design, construction, and real estate development unfolds under one roof. From the ins and outs of office culture to the nuts and bolts of their typical projects, get ready for an insider's perspective that's as vibrant and diverse as the city they call home. Learn how they leverage cutting-edge software to communicate ideas, research potential proj...
Jun 11, 2024•44 min•Ep. 214
Join us for a conversation with Ana Moisin from Anamo Design Studio, who shares insights on the evolving landscape of hospitality design. We will be exploring the importance of creating spaces that not only look beautiful but also engage and connect with guests on a personal level. Ana may also offer a glimpse into the future of Anamo Design Studio and the trends shaping the hospitality industry. From innovative use of materials to the integration of technology in design, find out how Anamo is a...
Jun 04, 2024•48 min•Ep. 213
Dive into the world of architecture at BDP with Justin Parsons, the creative force behind some of the most innovative retail and residential spaces across the globe. With a hand in shaping the future of cities from London to Beijing and a keen eye on nurturing the next generation of designers, Justin's journey is a testament to the impact of thoughtful design on our daily lives. Expect insights into recent projects alongside the importance of mentorship in architecture and interior design. 📐 Cu...
May 28, 2024•43 min•Ep. 212
Today we are going to dive deep with Oliver Lowrie, the straight-shooting co-founder of Ackroyd Lowrie, as he lays bare the top 10 lessons learned while setting up their architecture practice. It's not all smooth sailing in the world of architecture, and Oliver is here to prove just that. From underestimated challenges to lessons learned the hard way, get ready for an unfiltered peek behind the curtain of building a successful firm. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just sketching out the bluepri...
May 21, 2024•58 min•Ep. 211
