Today we speak with the trailblazing team at Common Ground Workshop who isn’t your typical architecture practice – they’re a band of socially conscious mavericks with a hybrid business model that’s shaking up the game! They’re not just flexing their design muscles, they’re also brewing up love at their gorgeous café in East London, and making waves as property developers. 🏠☕ This vibrant team is proving that architects can, indeed, wear many hats – and wear them with style! This is all about be...
Sep 19, 2023•41 min•Ep. 179
Get ready to plug in, tune up, and let loose with another thrilling episode of Architecture Social! This time, we’re not just talking bricks and mortar – we’re talking people, connections, and opportunities! Stephen Drew is meeting up with Daniel K Poku-Davies, the networking maestro himself! 🚀 Who’s Daniel, you ask? Well, he’s not just an experienced architectural assistant with a killer record in the architecture & planning industry. He’s also the founder of “Our Space”, a creative networ...
Sep 12, 2023•43 min•Ep. 178
Get ready for a refreshing dive into the world of architectural illustrations with our next guest – Augustine Coll Augustine’s work is an intriguing exploration of architecture’s narrative and expressive capacity. It’s about more than just buildings – it’s about character, history, identity, and the fleeting nature of our built environment. Prepare to be captivated by his hand-drawn technical drawings, a blend of plans and elevations that intertwine to form enigmatic architectural characters. He...
Sep 05, 2023•30 min•Ep. 177
Is the Architectural Profession truly diverse and inclusive? At present, the UK architectural industry has approximately 1% black architects in its sector. Savannah Williams is a founder of POC in Architecture, a unique organisation which celebrates people of colour in Architecture. Join us in an open conversation where Savannah will illustrate all the good stuff POC is up to including content, workshops and educational support alongside having an open and informal discussion about the current s...
Aug 29, 2023•35 min•Ep. 176
Hey everyone, in case you missed it, last week’s Architecture Journal magazine reported that architectural firms anticipate hiring fewer employees in the coming months, and some may even face layoffs. This means that job hunting in the architecture field is about to get more challenging than it has been in quite a while, especially after the post-pandemic ease. Are you geared up for this steep climb? Think of it as a marathon that you need to train for, maybe even with a personal trainer. Now, I...
Aug 22, 2023•58 min•Ep. 175
If you have followed the news in the Architecture Journal magazine this week, you may have noticed that Architecture Practices expect to hire less staff for the next few months and may even make cut backs with redundancies. This means that competition to stand out when applying for jobs at all levels is going to be tougher than the last year – post-pandemic it has been the easiest it’s been for a looong time. Are you ready for more of an uphill battle? A bit like a marathon that you need to prep...
Aug 15, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 174
Get ready to dive into the exciting world of digital tech companies in the built environment with our new livestream from The Architecture Social. In this episode, our host Stephen Drew will be joined by Sarah Marshall and Robert Wood from Glider Tech to discuss what it’s like to work in a tech company that’s revolutionizing the way we manage data and deliver digital solutions in the world of architecture. If you’re curious about the culture, people, and office environment behind Glider, this ep...
Aug 08, 2023•38 min•Ep. 173
Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Jane Hatton, a disabled social entrepreneur, TEDx Speaker, and author, who is widely published in inclusive recruitment and sits on the executive board of the Recruitment Industry Disability Initiative, a Patron of Arkbound Foundation, and a Trustee of Action on Disability and Development International. During this livestream, Jane will be sharing her expertise on how to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace culture and how to harness the un...
Aug 01, 2023•51 min•Ep. 172
Today we sit down with Steven Charlton, the director of the innovative I/O Atelier, to dig into the disruptive power of Artificial Intelligence in the A&D industry. I/O Atelier stands at the forefront of blending science with artistry in architectural design, championing the use of geo-spatial data to create emotional and physical experiences in the built environment. They're digital natives, armed with an artist's vision and a scientist's precision, ready to crunch numbers to create beautif...
Jul 27, 2023•41 min•Ep. 189
Join Stephen as he meets with Amir Noori, a leading architectural designer, to delve into the exciting role of AI in architecture and design. As technology continues to evolve, architects must adapt to the new age of Artificial Intelligence. In this conversation, we’ll explore the limitations and potentials of using AI in design, and the opportunities that exist for people in architecture and design who know how to use AI. Amir will share live projects he has worked on using AI, and the types of...
Jul 25, 2023•55 min•Ep. 171
Are you ready to explore the exciting intersections between storytelling, architecture, and graphic design? As an architect by trade and graphic designer by passion, Adam is an expert at creating captivating visual identities and websites for artists and architects. In this informal conversation, we’ll dive deep into his creative process and explore how his architectural education shapes his approach to design projects. 📐 The Architecture Social is an online platform packed with content to help...
Jul 18, 2023•52 min•Ep. 170
Join us today as Stephen Drew will be chatting with Jordan Harris who is Systems Architect & Digital Operations Manager at Hale Architects about a topic that’s on the minds of many architects and professionals in the built environment: the impact of tech and AI. From design software and 3D modelling to AI-powered generative design, technology is transforming the way we approach architecture and the built environment. We’ll be diving into some of the ways tech and AI are already being used in...
Jul 11, 2023•54 min•Ep. 169
Are you ready to kick-start your career in urban design or landscape architecture? Stephen Drew is joined by the amazing Liezel Du Preez, an experienced landscape architecture and urban design recruiter with nine years of industry experience as Senior Urban Designer, as well as three years of New Business and Marketing experience. Get ready to discover some top insider tips on how to land your dream job in the world of urban design and landscape architecture. Liezel's industry insights are absol...
Jul 04, 2023•41 min•Ep. 168
Pssst… You won’t want to miss the next episode of Architecture Social’s livestream, because we’re sitting down with Chris Williamson, co-founder and director of Weston Williamson + Partners, one of the coolest and most innovative architecture practices out there. Our host Stephen Drew is going to chat with Chris about what it’s really like to work at Weston Williamson + Partners, getting the inside scoop on the culture, people, and office environment that make this award-winning firm so special....
Jun 26, 2023•34 min•Ep. 166
Tonight, we’re hosting the hustings for the Just Transition Lobby, the informal powerhouse network of individuals and organisations dedicated to shaking things up in the built environment sector. We’re on a mission to enact urgent change, and we need you to be part of it! Remember when we made waves by electing the youngest, first worker, and first Black president, Muyiwa Oki? 🌊 Well, we’re ready to ride that wave of success to make even more progressive changes in the RIBA and beyond. We stron...
Jun 20, 2023•59 min•Ep. 167
Join Stephen Drew in the next episode of Architecture Social as he talks to Nathalie Rozencwajg, founder of NAME Architecture, to discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on architecture and the architecture profession. With AI transforming the industry and changing how architects work, Nathalie shares her insights on how architects can leverage AI to improve their design process, optimize building performance and create new opportunities for innovation. She also gives us an inside look at ...
Jun 17, 2023•47 min•Ep. 165
Join us on the Architecture Social for a special show as Stephen Drew sits down with Richard Carr, Design Director at Landsec. In this episode, Richard will share his journey of moving from architecture into a successful career in real estate. Gain insights and top tips on making the switch, as well as discuss the exciting projects that Landsec is currently working on. If you've also thought about moving client-side then this is a must-watch for you. 📐 The Architecture Social is an online platf...
Apr 04, 2023•37 min•Ep. 164
Are you on the hunt for your perfect studio fit in 2023? Look no further! Join us for an exciting Livestream where we will sit down with industry expert Julia Nicholls to discuss all things studio culture. From understanding the ins and outs of different studio environments to tips on career progression and the importance of diversity and inclusivity. Join us for our top ten tips packed with valuable information for anyone looking to find the right place in the industry. Whether its a new job in...
Mar 10, 2023•58 min•Ep. 163
Join us as we welcome Mohammed from Khizr Studio to discuss the intersection of architecture and filmmaking. We will be delving into the ways in which film can be used as an alternative to traditional architectural drawings, and how it can be used to express materiality, habitation, and movement. The conversation will also cover the use of film through the RIBA stages, from site analysis to concept design, to technical design, and handover. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about how film and...
Mar 02, 2023•51 min•Ep. 162
One of the analogies I often use to visualise the Architecture Industry is like trying to get into a club. You’re an enthusiastic Architecture Graduate trying to get in the club known as the “Industry”. From the outside, you see all the happy people, however, in front of you is a grumpy bouncer holding the entrance past the rope barrier. “No UK experience?! Back of the queue!” “NEVER used BIM?! Hmmmph, I don’t think this is the right place for you” “Under 3 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE?!… Back of the lin...
Jan 02, 2023•58 min•Ep. 161
Whatever happened to QR Codes and overlaid information in the real world? Does Mixed Reality (MR) and Augmented Reality (AR) still play a role in the architectural design and construction of our built environment? So far we have been exploring Architecture in the Metaverse together. Sometimes this involves exploring new worlds using Virtual Reality headsets, a computer or a phone to explore different designs and creations. I'm interested to know if AR/MR still has a role to play in enhancing the...
Dec 26, 2022•44 min•Ep. 159
If you've ever been job seeking, you've probably looked at over a hundred Architecture Practice's online which includes scrolling through their websites. Some are an absolute job, with beautiful images and a great user interface which glides you from one project to another with a gentle touch. The vast majority of Architecture Practices' websites on the other hand deserve to be taken to the Web-design JAIL for serial offences such as slow-loading websites, unclear menu structure, absolutely empt...
Dec 19, 2022•53 min•Ep. 160
In the last few years, I've heard more and more about "Co-Working", especially since the pandemic where many companies are downsizing their offices for flexible working environments. On the other hand, I have started to see the term "Co-Living" pop up more and more. Is this some new fun, glamorous way of living that is very different from the student halls I used to live in many years ago? It sounds like it! Fortunately, to find out precisely what "Co-Living" design looks like, I am joined by Da...
Dec 12, 2022•43 min•Ep. 158
What does the future of working in the Architecture Industry entail? Unfortunately, I do not have a crystal ball, however, I am lucky enough to have the next best thing - a conversation with Evelyn Lee to hear her predictions! Evelyn Lee is the Head of Workplace Strategy and Innovation at Slack Technologies Join us to hear her thoughts on designing a future of work that is flexible, inclusive and connected as well as learn what "agile working" really is and if it can apply to the Architecture In...
Dec 05, 2022•59 min•Ep. 157
Do you know a person in your group of friends who moved to Dubai in the last few years? In my experience, this person usually takes great pleasure in telling you how excellent Dubai is every time you meet them. How many shops there are, the beaches, the buildings, the flights. "Is it raining in London? Well, here..." Alright, I get it, it's nice! I've never been to Dubai myself, or the wider Gulf, however, I've always been curious about what it's like to have an Architecture Career in the East. ...
Nov 27, 2022•44 min•Ep. 156
So far on this channel, we've had several Architects on our channel talking about their creations and passion projects in the metaverse. These are cool and interesting; however, how many of these designers have been paid for their work or have the projects made a profit? Architects in the real world are paid to deliver buildings to their clients - so how many designers are delivering projects in the Metaverse for clients with a budget? Sunken Blimp is Metaverse Architecture Studio bringing real ...
Nov 23, 2022•48 min•Ep. 155
GLAM is an acronym for GUCCI, LOUIS VUITTON ARCHITECTURE & ME. Popular culture has traditionally been influenced by the designs of iconic brands such as Gucci and Louis Vuitton fashion houses, but the tongue-in-cheek parodying of counterfeit culture (known as Bootlegs) is a trend that has gained popularity in recent years. Through this popular culture, we can attract and enthuse young creatives to learn about architecture, and engineering either those choosing university courses or universit...
Nov 18, 2022•46 min•Ep. 154
We’re going through changes in the Architecture Industry, some better than others, depending on whether you’re the hiring manager or working within a practice and your company’s culture. It’s been over a year since we returned to work. Before the pandemic, most Architecture Practices were working full-time in offices. Many thought it would be impossible to work remotely yet we powered through. Some companies have brought with them flexible working either remote or hybrid, while some are returnin...
Nov 17, 2022•29 min•Ep. 152
How important is mentoring the up-and-coming Architects of the future? Perhaps you are busy with a project, how do you find the time and where do you begin? Is it worth it? Following a successful two years of international mentoring, reaching over 150 students across 50 cities, Narrative Practice is providing complimentary design reviews and workshops for current and prospective students of architecture and the built environment; irrespective of their background or academic stage. Join me in ...
Nov 15, 2022•57 min•Ep. 151
Jake Peplow is an Architect who has created 'Points to Consider'; the new handbook for students of architecture wanting to enrich and invigorate their time studying architecture. In the book he address the whirlwind journey of studying architecture through a simple, comprehensive set of guidance notes; a handbook that can be used at all stages of your design project and, in a wider sense, all stages of your architectural development. In total there are 50 points, so I picked my favourite 5 and s...
Nov 13, 2022•50 min•Ep. 153