Architecture Social
Education & Explainer
About
It is hard to get a job in architecture. We exist to help you get there. Hosted by Stephen Drew, Architecture Social is the unfiltered guide to the UK Built Environment. We decode the realities of the industry, provide actionable cheat codes for your career, and bridge the communication gap between the drafting board and the boardroom.Whether you are a Part I assistant trying to survive your first role, a Part III architect managing complex procurement, or a Practice Director fighting tight margins and adapting to the Building Safety Act, this podcast is your central node of intelligence. We strip away the aesthetic gatekeeping and toxic positivity to talk about the actual mechanics of the business.Expect honest conversations about salary realities, portfolio strategies, hiring economics, and the true experiences of the people actively shaping the profession.No fluff, just the reality of practice.
Episodes
- Running an Architecture Practice Isn’t What You Think
Tim, co-founder of nimtim architects, shares his experience starting and running a design-led practice in South London. The discussion covers business realities, hiring, fees, profit, and the challenges of contemporary building delivery.
- How to Future Proof Your Architecture Career
Ami Nigam, Head of Design Technology at Benoy, shares his journey from architecture in India to international practice, computational design, and AI. The episode covers future-proofing architecture careers and what firms value in hiring.
- How to Actually Get Hired in Architecture and Interior Design
Stephen Drew of Architecture Social visited Kingston University to provide practical advice for architecture and interior design students and early-career professionals seeking employment. The session covered direct studio outreach, portfo…
- How to Land Your First Architect Role
This episode provides a practical guide for securing architecture and interiors jobs in London. It details strategies for direct studio outreach, portfolio and email composition, and essential tips like including a UK number and addressing…
- Is This the End of Revit? How Architects Must Adapt (2026)
In the Architecture Social podcast, Stephen Drew and Allister Lewis explore the evolving landscape of architecture, discussing the impact of new software, AI, and BIM 2.0. They cover how these changes affect design, delivery, and practice…
- The Future of Housing: A Deep Dive into Modular Innovation with ZedPods
Lalit Chauhary, Design Director at Zed Pods, shares insights on modular construction, zero carbon projects, and the future of social housing. The discussion covers challenges in modular building, closing the performance gap, and developing…
- Why Architects Need to Think Like Influencers: Marketing Secrets Revealed
This episode of Architecture Social features Stephen Drew discussing marketing strategies for architects. It covers personal and professional branding, social media influence, audience targeting, consistency, closing sales, and leveraging…
- Why Ignoring AI Could Spell Doom for Your Architecture Practice ft. George Guida
George Guida, founder of xFigura, joins Architecture Social to discuss the integration of AI into architectural practices. The conversation covers AI
- Architecture's Future: Are Universities Keeping Up? | ft. Alberto Villanueva
The Architecture Social podcast features Alberto Villanueva, head of Architecture at Ravensbourne University, discussing the state of the architecture industry in 2025. Topics include challenges in education, bridging academia with commerc…
- From Designs to Developments: Greg Blaquiere's Planning Journey
Greg Blaquiere, founder of Eagle Planning and Development, shares his career path from local government to private practice. The episode covers the responsibilities of a planning consultant, public versus private sector dynamics, and the i…
- Can Architecture Really Heal? Discover the Impact with Kim Kennedy
Kim Kennedy, Principal at Parkin Architects, shares her experience in healthcare architecture, focusing on the design and impact of mental health facilities and the evolution of the field. The discussion covers career advice and the future…
- Introverts as Leaders: Carlo Magni Challenges Architectural Norms
Host Stephen meets Carlo Magni, an Architect and Associate Director, to discuss architectural leadership, career progression, and the challenges introverts face in leadership roles. The episode covers the transition from technical to leade…
- Are Developers the New Architects? Simon Vernon Harcourt’s Journey
Simon Vernon-Harcourt, Design Director at City and Country, joins Architecture Social to discuss his career path from architecture to development. The episode covers historic building conversions, modern design, technology
- Revit Rookie to Digital Leader: Jon Arnott's Path to Adeptus
Jon Arnott shares his career journey from traditional architecture to BIM implementation leadership, detailing challenges, the founding of his consultancy Adeptus Digital, and his views on AI in construction and advice for new professional…
- Small Practice, Big Impact: Claire Nash on Cash Flow, Clients and Confidence
Claire Nash shares her experiences running a small architecture practice, detailing strategies for cash flow management, client acquisition, marketing, and business growth, including insights from her journey and book writing.
- Writing, Curating, Strategising: Lucy Bullivant’s Urbanist Toolkit
Lucy Bullivant shares insights into her career as an urbanist, author, and curator. The discussion covers shaping cities, her book "Masterplanning Futures," exhibition curation, retrofitting, and community involvement.
- Why Most Architects Shouldn’t Be Developers (But Some Should) ft. Ben Richards
Ben Richards shares his journey from architect to real estate entrepreneur, detailing the challenges and opportunities in property development, social housing, and the impact of technology like AI and LIDAR on the industry.
- Oops! Did I Do That? Ayo Abbas Spills the Tea on the Top 5 Architecture Marketing Mistakes
Ayo Abbas joins Architecture Social to detail five common marketing mistakes in the architecture industry. Topics include the role of marketing, storytelling, social media, and avoiding the
- Exploring Architecture and Town Planning with UPP - Journey, Challenges, and Collaboration
This episode features Enrique, Motti, and James from UPP, discussing their journey from startup to an interdisciplinary firm blending town planning and architecture. They share insights on collaboration, adapting to the pandemic, leveragin…
- The Business of Architecture: Risks, Rewards, and Real Talk with Hakan Agca at Cross Works
Hakan Agca, founder of CrossWorks, shares insights on building an architecture business from the ground up, covering topics such as risk-taking, networking, hiring, sustainable scaling, and the role of technology like AI and BIM.
- What is Heritage and Conservation, Ft. Jonathan Goode at Le Lay Architects
Host Stephen Drew speaks with Jonathan Goode about heritage and conservation architecture. Goode shares insights from his 20-year career, discussing challenges, advice for new architects, and the role of technology in preserving historical…
- Reimagining Workplaces: Exploring the Future of Office Design with Hollie Welch at dMFK
Hollie Welch, Associate Director at DMFK Architects, shares her architectural journey and discusses the transformation of commercial office spaces. The episode covers adapting designs post-pandemic, sustainable practices, and the role of A…
- How BIM is Changing Landscape Architecture: A Conversation with Alejandro Gatica at Gillespies
In this episode of Architecture Social, host Stephen Drew talks with Alejandro Gatica of Gillespies about the application of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in landscape architecture. They cover Gatica's experience with Revit, challeng…
- BIM-ing Innovation: How Alfonso Monedero Bridges Tech and Creativity at Heatherwick Studio
Alfonso Monedero, Head of BIM at Heatherwick Studio, shares his journey from an architect affected by the 2008 crisis to a BIM expert. The episode covers BIM
- From Setbacks to Success: Ste Taylor’s Journey to Head of Design at Turley
Ste Taylor shares his career journey, including the transition from architecture to urban design and overcoming challenges to become Head of Design at Turley. The discussion covers design codes, their importance in UK urban development, an…
- Breaking the Architect Mold: Enrique Soler’s Shift to Interior Design at Willmott Dixon Interiors
Enrique Soler shares his transition from architecture to interior design at Willmott Dixon Interiors, discussing the benefits of working as a designer within a contractor and the risks associated with over-specialization in the field of ar…
- Designing Without Limits: Lessons from the Ultra-Luxury World, ft Victor LG at HBA
Victor LG discusses his career path in architecture, from Madrid to HBA Residential in Singapore. The episode covers designing for luxury clients, personal branding, career growth, and the future of architecture, including AI's role.
- Switching Careers from Architecture to Real Estate: Ft. Aqeel Sourjah at Quadrant Estates
Aqeel Sourjah shares his career path from architecture to real estate development at Quadrant Estates, discussing his work on ESG-driven projects like YY London and OSMO. The episode covers the role of a development manager, challenges for…
- Is an Architecture Apprenticeship Right for You? Insights from the Experts & Graduates
This episode features Daniel Goodricke, Luke Murray, and Laura McClorey discussing architecture apprenticeships. Laura shares her experience as a Level 7 apprentice, detailing the journey from application to career success, including balan…
- The Confidence Gap: How It's Affecting Women’s Careers in Architecture .ft Ishwariya Rajamohan
This episode features Ishwariya Rajamohan discussing the confidence gap
- Hospitality Reimagined: Converting Offices into Lifestyle Destinations. Ft. Eric Jafari at AENDRE
Eric Jafari shares his experience in transforming office blocks into hospitality destinations, detailing the process, challenges, and lessons learned in creating design-led hotels.
- Leaving Architecture to REMAP digital design, ft. Jack Stewart and Ben Porter
Jack Stewart and Ben Porter share their experiences moving from Hawkins Brown architects to founding REMAP, a digital design firm. They discuss REMAP's innovative use of technology in the built environment, including automation, BIM, and A…
- Designing Offices That Inspire: The Future of Workplaces, ft. Greta Kriovaite
Greta Kriovaite, Design Principal at Woodalls, explores how workplace design requires a significant rethink to create offices that inspire creativity, nurture connection, and balance collaboration with focus. The discussion touches on post…
- Behind the Algorithms: Computational Design Secrets, ft. Nirmala + Mario at Perkins&Will
Nirmala Srinivasa and Mario Romero of Perkins&Will share insights into computational design, explaining how tools like parametric design and real-time optioneering are used to address complex architectural challenges, optimize materials, r…
- What is Community Led Housing? Ft. Levent Kerimol
Levent Kerimol discusses community-led housing, covering its definition, advisory processes, challenges, funding, and the role of architects. The episode also touches on technology
- Changing Careers from Architecture to Development, ft. Dolunay Dogahan
Dolunay Dogahan shares her experience transitioning from architecture to project management in real estate development at CO—RE. The episode covers the challenges, job market navigation, and the specifics of the project manager role on lar…
- Blending Architecture, Design and Education for MAXIMUM IMPACT, ft. Kevin Haley
Kevin Haley, a designer and educator, shares his journey from music to design and his experiences founding Aberrant Architecture and working with the Royal College of Art. The episode explores his approach to creating meaningful spaces, ba…
- Regenerative Designs, Real Impact: Career Insights from Russ Edwards, Architect turned Developer
Russ Edwards, Project Director at Clarion Housing Group, shares insights from his 25-year career transitioning from architecture to development, discussing his work on the Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community Project and the future…
- Can an Architect Became an Award-Winning Developer? Ft. Marc Turnier at Arcvelop
Marc Turnier of Arcvelop shares his experience transitioning from architect to developer, highlighting Arcvelop's commitment to innovation, luxury, and craftsmanship in projects valued over £200 million. He discusses navigating the industr…
- How to Win Projects in the Public Sector, ft. Be First London
Jacob Willson and Amandeep Kalra from Be First London share insights on winning public sector projects, covering architecture, urban design, sustainability, fee setting, and team assembly. They discuss their work in Barking and Dagenham, a…
- From Vice to Nice: Running an Architecture Practice in Miami
This episode features Matias Daroch of MIK Architecture discussing the firm's collaborative model in Miami, where design, construction, and real estate development are integrated. The conversation covers office culture, project types, and…
- From Concept to Sensation: Crafting the Future of Experiential Hospitality
Ana Moisin from Anamo Design Studio shares insights on hospitality design, emphasizing the creation of engaging and personal guest experiences. The discussion touches on future trends, innovative materials, and technology integration in cr…
- Inside Innovation: BDP's Justin Parsons Talks Transformative Design
Justin Parsons of BDP shares insights on transformative design in retail and residential architecture, discussing his influence on urban development globally and the significance of mentorship in the field.
- Oliver Lowrie’s Top 10 LESSONS LEARNED made while setting up an Architecture Practice
Oliver Lowrie shares 10 lessons learned from establishing his architecture firm, Ackroyd Lowrie. The episode offers practical, unfiltered advice for those starting an architecture practice.
- Building Your Personal Brand: Mastering LinkedIn for Architecture Professionals
This episode discusses personal branding for architecture professionals, focusing on mastering LinkedIn. Guest Beatrice Ronchetti shares strategies for career enhancement and practice growth on the platform, highlighting LinkedIn's importa…
- Sustainable Futures with James Rixon: Retrofit Architecture
James Rixon of Rixon Architecture discusses the firm’s commitment to the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge and the Cambridge Retrofit Hub, emphasizing sustainable design and retrofitting for a carbon-neutral society by 2050.
- Inspiring Sustainable Ways of Life, ft. Michael Woodford at White Arkitekter
Michael Woodford of White Arkitekter shares insights on sustainable design and integrating green principles into urban spaces and buildings. The discussion takes place on the Architecture Social podcast.
- Elevating Designs & Empowering Architects with Technical Guidance, ft. Dieter Bentley-Gockmann at EPR Architects
This episode features Dieter Bentley-Gockmann, director at EPR Architects, discussing the integration of technical guidance, including fire and life safety, sustainability, and accessibility, into architectural design processes.
- Why should we (still) make Physical Models? Ft. Sophie and Max from Atomik Architecture
Sophie McCarthy and Max Fraser from Atomik Architecture join the podcast to discuss the continued relevance and usefulness of physical models in architectural practice in 2024, considering the rise of AI and virtual world building.
- Careers in Interior Design with Maria Ramirez at BB Interiors
Maria Ramirez joins The Architecture Social to discuss interior design careers, addressing misconceptions and offering insights into BB Interiors' transition from architecture to comprehensive design services.