Architecture Social

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 about evolving office design trends and the impact of AI in architecture, this episode is a must-watch!00:00 Welcome to the Virtual Studio00:12 Meet Holly Welsh from DMFK01:18 Holly's Journey into Architecture04:40 First Steps in Commercial Projects05:01 Adapting Office Designs Post-Pandemic05:15 Innovative Office Spaces with TOG08:35 The Evolution of Office Amenities18:14 Sustainability in Modern Office Design23:55 The Challenges of Remote Work25:10 Attracting and Retaining Office Staff26:20 DMFK: A Great Place to Work28:59 Tips for Aspiring Architects31:33 The Impact of AI in Architecture35:14 A Question for the Host39:01 Concluding Thoughts and Contact Information_____Curated content, insights and opportunities to accelerate your career in Architecture, Design, Development and Real Estate to the next level.💻 Find more content at https://www.architecturesocial.com

How is BIM shaping the future of landscape architecture? Join us for a conversation with Alejandro Gatica, Principal BIM Manager at Gillespies, as he shares his journey from architect to BIM expert. We’ll explore how tools like Dynamo and Grasshopper are transforming workflows and how BIM is unlocking new possibilities in the industry. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your skills, Alejandro’s insights will give you a fresh perspective on BIM’s role in design.

What’s it like to balance cutting-edge technology with groundbreaking design? Alfonso Monedero, Head of BIM at Heatherwick Studio, shares his journey from struggling architect to spearheading design innovation through BIM and coding. From tackling "impossible" geometry to building an in-house AI assistant for Revit, Alfonso breaks down the intersection of creativity, tech, and teamwork. A candid conversation packed with insights for anyone navigating—or contemplating—a career at the crossroads of architecture and technology. 

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 development, Ste shares how design codes can help avoid past mistakes and deliver a new era of beautiful, high-quality homes.

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.

What happens when budget constraints don’t exist? Join Victor LG, Design Director at HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates, for an eye-opening look at what it means to design for the ultra-rich. We’ll dig into the unique challenges, boundless opportunities, and creative freedom that comes with working at the highest end of luxury. Discover how navigating these projects can fast-track a creative career, the essential skills that separate good designers from great ones, and the hard-earned lessons Victor has learned over more than a decade in the industry. This is where creativity meets ambition, and output transforms into impact.

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.

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 conversation is packed with insights from the architects shaping the future of the profession.

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.

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!