Architecture Social

Hosted by Architecture Social, Stephen Drew

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258

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Jul 2026

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About the show

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.

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July 2, 2026Episode 2571 hr 23 min

He Started His Own Architecture Practice at 29

What does it actually take to start your own architecture practice in 2026?Alex Sutton founded Studio Sutton in August 2019 at the age of 29, just six months before the world locked down. In this conversation with Stephen Drew, he opens up about building an award winning international practice through a global pandemic, a war, an interest rate spike, an AI shake-up, and the hardest personal moments of his life. No fluff, no romanticising, just the real story of what running a small practice looks like when the cards are stacked against you.If you've ever thought about starting your own studio, or you're already on that path and wondering if it gets easier, this one's for you.Studio Sutton: studiosutton.co.ukAlex Sutton on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alex-suttonWant to sharpen your skills and stand out?We've partnered with ArchAdemia, an online learning platform built by architects, for architects. Courses on Revit, Rhino, rendering, BIM, portfolio building, project management and more.👉 archademia.comUse code ARCHSOCIAL10 for a discount on the annual membership._____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📐 #Architecture #ArchitectureStudent #Architect #architecturepodcast Chapters:00:00 - Intro05:08 - Meet Alex Sutton06:14 - How Alex got into architecture08:34 - Starting out at Sevil Peach10:07 - Setting up Studio Sutton at 2912:19 - Six months before the pandemic16:33 - Losing a year of work overnight17:44 - Pivoting to Oslo and Stockholm20:09 - The reality vs romance of running a studio23:40 - The personal cost of being a founder26:29 - The hidden cost of winning work30:14 - Why better design doesn't always win34:00 - Tick box forms and SME barriers36:36 - £40,000 just to be in the room38:52 - Where does design get lost?43:34 - Where are the Mavericks?45:08 - What actually creates value51:02 - Advice for new founders57:16 - Losing work to AI58:49 - Is starting a practice in 2026 a dead end?01:03:07 - Why architecture still matters01:08:14 - Hiring and building a small team01:17:05 - What architecture school doesn't teach01:18:30 - The Bartlett and the culture of fear01:26:08 - Where to find Studio Sutton

June 18, 2026Episode 25652 min

Why Architects Have Zero Power in the UK Right Now

Why do architects have so little power in the UK built environment, even when their work shapes housing, public space, procurement and the way cities function?Stephen Drew speaks with Jay Morton, Director at Bell Phillips Architects, housing campaigner and RIBA presidential candidate, about what is holding the architecture profession back and what needs to change.The conversation covers:Why architects are often absent from commercial and political decision-makingHow housing delivery, procurement and public policy affect architectural influenceWhat RIBA needs to do if it wants to be more useful to members and the wider built environmentWhy architects need a clearer public, commercial and leadership voiceThis episode was recorded during the 2026 RIBA presidential election period.Jay Morton: linkedin.com/in/jaymortonJay Morton campaign: jaymorton.co.ukBell Phillips Architects: bellphillips.comRead the episode on Architecture Social: Why Architects Have Zero Power in the UK Right NowWatch on YouTube: Why Architects Have Zero Power in the UK Right Now____Chapters00:00 Introduction and RIBA election context02:53 Why Jay Morton is running for RIBA President04:34 Jay's background and approach05:39 Why architects are invisible in government07:54 Pressure on architecture practices12:09 Fees and the race to the bottom15:29 Student debt and the cost of studying architecture17:39 Are architects just service providers?18:29 Architects as the doctors of buildings21:14 Why small practices are the backbone of the profession28:27 Why tendering is broken30:08 Public perception versus professional reality32:11 Architecture education and the bubble problem34:18 Apprenticeship funding and access40:37 Where to begin tackling the problem42:40 Advice for Part 1s and Part 2s44:14 AI and the future of the profession46:37 Why Jay does not want fast food buildings48:25 Why she wants to be RIBA President____Architecture SocialFind more architecture career advice, practice insight and live roles at Architecture Social.Explore more conversations on the Architecture Social Podcast, browse free resources at Architecture Social Resources, or join the community at Architecture Social Club.____Affiliate learning partnerWe have partnered with ArchAdemia, an online learning platform built by architects, for architects. Use code ARCHSOCIAL10 for a discount on the monthly or annual membership. ____ Architecture Social Find more architecture career advice, practice insight and live roles at Architecture Social. Explore more conversations on the Architecture Social Podcast, browse free resources at Architecture Social Resources, or join the community at Architecture Social Club. ____ Affiliate learning partner We have partnered with ArchAdemia, an online learning platform built by architects, for architects. Use code ARCHSOCIAL10 for a discount on the monthly or annual membership. Architecture Social may earn a commission if you join through our link or use the code.

June 16, 2026Episode 25549 min

A KPF Director’s Honest Advice for Young Architects

What does it really take to build a long-term architecture career inside a global practice? Stephen Drew speaks with Francesco Casella, Director at KPF, about career growth, working at scale, and what young architecture professionals can learn from staying, developing and leading inside one major studio. The conversation covers: How to get hired by large architecture practices What helps Part 2s, Part 3s and early-career designers stand out The value of staying with one firm and building trust over time CAD, BIM, design judgement and how technology is changing practice AI, global projects and the skills that still matter in architecture Guest: Francesco Casella, Director at KPF KPF: kpf.com Read the episode notes: A KPF Director's Honest Advice for Young Architects Watch on YouTube: A KPF Director's Honest Advice for Young Architects ____ Chapters 00:00 Francesco Casella, KPF and the episode context 05:27 Getting a first architecture role in London 10:18 Joining KPF and building a long-term route 15:01 Promotion, progression and changing firms 20:24 Teams, collaboration and leadership 26:50 BIM, technology and AI 30:23 Interviews, hiring and what candidates should show 36:36 Recruitment, judgement and understanding the profession 40:59 The rewards and pressure of architecture 46:21 Why architecture still feels worth it ____ Architecture Social Find more architecture career advice, practice insight and live roles at Architecture Social. Explore more conversations on the Architecture Social Podcast, browse free resources at Architecture Social Resources, or join the community at Architecture Social Club. ____ Affiliate learning partner We have partnered with ArchAdemia, an online learning platform built by architects, for architects. Use code ARCHSOCIAL10 for a discount on the monthly or annual membership. Architecture Social may earn a commission if you join through our link or use the code.

May 7, 2026Episode 2541 hr 17 min

Running an Architecture Practice Isn’t What You Think

Running an architecture practice is not just about design. It is fees, hiring, risk, clients, culture, profit and learning how to keep the studio moving without losing the work you care about. Stephen Drew speaks with Tim, co-founder of nimtim architects, a design-led practice in South London, about starting a studio, building a team and dealing with the commercial reality behind architecture. The conversation covers: What it is really like to start an architecture practice How nimtim grew from the kitchen table into a recognised design studio Fees, profitability and the pressure of running a small practice Hiring, culture and building a team without losing the studio's identity What students and early-career designers should understand about practice life nimtim architects: nimtim.co.uk nimtim on Instagram: @nimtimarchitects Read the episode notes: Running an Architecture Practice Isn't What You Think ____ Chapters 00:00 Arriving at nimtim and setting the scene 05:01 Early practice formation and finding direction 10:21 First projects, public attention and momentum 15:07 Moving from larger practice to running whole projects 20:12 Working with a partner and separating work from life 25:04 Culture, office life and hiring 30:13 Education, students and practice pressures 35:18 Apprenticeships, training and the cost of qualification 40:12 Skills, challenge and what practices need 45:11 Starting a business, risk and reality 50:25 Team routines and running the studio 55:15 Honesty, pressure and the personal realities of practice 60:13 AI, industrialisation and the profession's reaction 65:17 Changing tools and fear of being left behind 70:18 Clients, sales and keeping the practice going ____ Architecture Social Find more architecture career advice, practice insight and live roles at Architecture Social. Explore more conversations on the Architecture Social Podcast, browse free resources at Architecture Social Resources, or join the community at Architecture Social Club. ____ Affiliate learning partner We have partnered with ArchAdemia, an online learning platform built by architects, for architects. Use code ARCHSOCIAL10 for a discount on the monthly or annual membership. Architecture Social may earn a commission if you join through our link or use the code.

April 14, 2026Episode 2531 hr 12 min

How to Future Proof Your Architecture Career

How do you future proof an architecture career when BIM, computational design and AI are changing what practices value? Stephen Drew speaks with Ami Nigam, Head of Design Technology at Benoy, about design technology, international career moves and how to build skills that still matter as the profession changes. The conversation covers: How Ami moved from architecture into design technology Why BIM, computational design and AI are now career skills, not side interests How large practices think about technology, design quality and delivery What students, Part 1s, Part 2s and early-career designers should focus on How to stay useful without chasing every new tool Benoy: benoy.com Read the episode notes: How to Future Proof Your Architecture Career ____ Chapters 00:00 Why design technology matters in practice 05:12 Scripting, process and fabrication 10:11 BIM explained and why it matters 15:15 Infrastructure, standards and solving problems in practice 20:15 Grasshopper, Rhino and design workflows 25:15 AI imagery and sandboxed tools 30:20 Enterprise tools, data and internal knowledge 35:08 Optimism, change and staying adaptable 40:16 Rapid change in visualisation and design tools 45:21 What students should focus on 50:12 Technical work needs people skills 55:08 Benoy, global studio life and audience questions 60:03 Enterprise AI and business use cases 65:16 Quality, bad outputs and critical judgement 70:20 How to connect with Ami and closing thoughts ____ Architecture Social Find more architecture career advice, practice insight and live roles at Architecture Social. Explore more conversations on the Architecture Social Podcast, browse free resources at Architecture Social Resources, or join the community at Architecture Social Club. ____ Affiliate learning partner We have partnered with ArchAdemia, an online learning platform built by architects, for architects. Use code ARCHSOCIAL10 for a discount on the monthly or annual membership. Architecture Social may earn a commission if you join through our link or use the code.

March 24, 2026Episode 2521 hr 17 min

How to Actually Get Hired in Architecture and Interior Design

If you are trying to get hired in architecture or interior design, sending the same CV and portfolio to every studio is not enough. In this Kingston University session, Stephen Drew shares practical advice for students, graduates and early-career designers trying to land roles in London and the wider UK architecture market. The session covers: How to stop relying only on job boards and reach studios directly What to include in a 10 to 15 page sample portfolio How to write a direct email that busy directors are more likely to read When students and graduates should start applying How international graduates can talk about the graduate visa clearly What to bring to interviews so you stay in control Read the episode notes: How to Actually Get Hired in Architecture and Interior Design Watch on YouTube: How to Actually Get Hired in Architecture and Interior Design ____ Chapters 00:00 Stephen's route from architecture into recruitment 05:17 Sample portfolios and grabbing attention 10:16 CV details, grades and contact information 15:09 Software skills and how to present them 20:02 Portfolio images and presentation quality 25:02 ATS myths and making your CV readable 30:10 Showing process in portfolio work 35:08 Applying directly and building enough volume 40:05 Skipping the job board queue with direct outreach 45:01 Market conditions, persistence and application volume 50:17 International graduates and visa conversations 55:08 What employers value in graduates 60:19 Start dates, availability and interview questions 65:21 Targeting practices without overthinking it 70:10 Writing emails that focus on the employer ____ Architecture Social Find more architecture career advice, practice insight and live roles at Architecture Social. Explore more conversations on the Architecture Social Podcast, browse free resources at Architecture Social Resources, or join the community at Architecture Social Club. ____ Affiliate learning partner We have partnered with ArchAdemia, an online learning platform built by architects, for architects. Use code ARCHSOCIAL10 for a discount on the monthly or annual membership. Architecture Social may earn a commission if you join through our link or use the code.

March 17, 2026Episode 2511 hr 22 min

How to Land Your First Architect Role

Trying to land your first architecture or interiors role is hard enough without guessing what hiring managers, directors and recruiters actually look for. In this practical lecture, Stephen Drew breaks down how students and graduates can approach the job search with a clearer CV, tighter sample portfolio and a direct application process that creates more chances. The conversation covers: How to stop relying only on job boards and reach studios directly What to put in a focused sample portfolio How to write a clear application email that gets opened How international graduates can talk about graduate visas and sponsorship What to prepare for interviews, salary conversations and follow-up Read the episode on Architecture Social: How to Land Your First Architect Role Watch on YouTube: How to Land Your First Architect Role ____ Chapters 00:00 Stephen's route from architecture into recruitment 01:31 What hiring teams notice in CVs and portfolios 04:59 Where students usually look for jobs 08:28 Tailoring applications without overthinking it 11:09 Why the application email matters 15:04 CV basics, location and contact details 20:12 Sample portfolios versus interview portfolios 25:04 Building a spreadsheet and applying directly 30:21 Market conditions and persistence 34:30 Q&A begins 39:29 Graduate visas and sponsorship conversations 45:56 Salary expectations and fair pay 50:15 Skills, value and early-career growth 55:12 What to bring to interviews 60:09 Grades, CV details and honest positioning 70:09 What to leave out and how to stay credible 79:01 LinkedIn, recruiters and direct approaches ____ Architecture Social Find more architecture career advice, practice insight and live roles at Architecture Social. Explore more conversations on the Architecture Social Podcast, browse free resources at Architecture Social Resources, or join the community at Architecture Social Club. ____ Affiliate learning partner We have partnered with ArchAdemia, an online learning platform built by architects, for architects. Use code ARCHSOCIAL10 for a discount on the monthly or annual membership. Architecture Social may earn a commission if you join through our link or use the code.

February 12, 2026Episode 2501 hr 9 min

Is This the End of Revit? How Architects Must Adapt (2026)

Is Revit still the centre of architecture technology, or are AI, BIM 2.0 and new design tools starting to change what practices really need? Stephen Drew speaks with Allister Lewis about the architecture tech landscape, from BIM and generative design to AI software, digital leadership and career routes for architects who want to move into technology. The conversation covers: How BIM and Revit adoption changed UK architecture practice Why generative design and AI tools are becoming harder to ignore What practices need to fix before new software will actually help The rise of BIM managers, computational designers and digital design leaders How architects can move into software, data and technology-led careers Read the episode on Architecture Social: Is This the End of Revit? Watch on YouTube: Is This the End of Revit? ____ Chapters 00:00 Intro: AI, robots and the future of architecture 01:36 Meet Allister Lewis 02:00 Allister's path from architect to BIM and technology leader 05:33 What practices really look like behind the scenes 07:29 BIM adoption in the UK and the rise of Revit specialists 10:21 The emergence of BIM 2.0 10:53 Generative design tools taking over feasibility work 12:45 Why choosing the right software matters 15:03 The wild west of new architecture tech 17:21 AI, BIM, visualisation, compliance and the tech landscape 19:10 Software built on AI and what is coming 21:05 Will AI replace architects? 22:41 Relationships, communication and what architects should focus on 25:10 If design becomes faster, do architects earn less? 27:47 Who is already building in-house software? 29:42 Allister's software database 32:27 Real problems inside architecture practices 38:22 How practices can fix their digital foundations 41:30 New roles in BIM, computation and digital design 49:24 AC Tech Jobs and software-side careers 51:38 How architects can pivot into tech 57:58 What architects must do to stay relevant 01:03:09 Should architects build software too? 01:07:05 Where to find Allister Lewis online ____ Architecture Social Find more architecture career advice, practice insight and live roles at Architecture Social. Explore more conversations on the Architecture Social Podcast, browse free resources at Architecture Social Resources, or join the community at Architecture Social Club. ____ Affiliate learning partner We have partnered with ArchAdemia, an online learning platform built by architects, for architects. Use code ARCHSOCIAL10 for a discount on the monthly or annual membership. Architecture Social may earn a commission if you join through our link or use the code.

December 18, 2025Episode 2491 hr 38 min

The Future of Housing: A Deep Dive into Modular Innovation with ZedPods

Modular housing is often discussed as a technical solution, but the harder questions are commercial, political and practical: who pays, who builds, and how do you make the model work? Stephen Drew speaks with Lalit Chauhary, Design Director at ZedPods, about modular housing, zero carbon delivery, starting a business, pricing work properly and closing the gap between design ambition and construction reality. The conversation covers: How ZedPods grew from an idea into live modular housing projects What zero carbon delivery means when the building has to perform in use Why pricing, feasibility and client expectations can make or break a practice How air rights and underused sites can create new housing opportunities What architecture professionals can learn from a more integrated delivery model Read the episode on Architecture Social: The Future of Housing with ZedPods ____ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and setting the scene 00:38 Meet Lalit Chauhary and ZedPods 01:18 Studying architecture and early career routes 06:06 Early lessons from practice 10:36 Starting ZedPods and the first challenges 16:55 Breakthrough projects and growth 25:51 Navigating the pandemic and expansion 46:19 Pricing mistakes and lessons learned 52:34 Growth and success of ZedPods 53:45 Commitment to a zero carbon approach 54:41 Bridging the gap between design and construction 55:16 Performance gap and energy standards 56:31 Business model, air rights and delivery innovation 01:06:08 Hiring and empowering smart people 01:13:58 Challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship 01:22:02 The future of modular construction and technology 01:35:12 Conclusion and contact details ____ Architecture Social Find more architecture career advice, practice insight and live roles at Architecture Social. Explore more conversations on the Architecture Social Podcast, browse free resources at Architecture Social Resources, or join the community at Architecture Social Club. ____ Affiliate learning partner We have partnered with ArchAdemia, an online learning platform built by architects, for architects. Use code ARCHSOCIAL10 for a discount on the monthly or annual membership. Architecture Social may earn a commission if you join through our link or use the code. (00:00) - and Setting the Scene (00:38) - Introduction and Background (01:18) - Journey in Architecture (03:38) - Career and Internship Experience (06:06) - and Lessons in Architecture (10:36) - Zed Pods and Initial Struggles (16:55) - Projects and Growth (25:51) - the Pandemic and Expansion (46:19) - Mistakes and Lessons Learned (46:38) - Client Expectations and Fees (47:17) - in the Architecture Industry (47:53) - of Timing and Feasibility Studies (48:32) - to Charge Appropriately (49:34) - Client Conversations and Emotions (51:17) - Competitive Fees and Managing Risks (52:34) - and Success of Z Pods (53:45) - to Zero Carbon Approach (54:41) - the Gap Between Design and Construction (55:16) - Gap and Energy Standards (56:31) - Business Model and Air Rights (01:06:08) - and Empowering Smart People (01:13:58) - and Rewards of Entrepreneurship (01:22:02) - of Modular Construction and Technology (01:35:12) - and Contact Information

December 5, 2025Episode 24841 min

Why Architects Need to Think Like Influencers: Marketing Secrets Revealed

Architects are trained to care about the work, but the best work still needs to be seen, understood and trusted by the right people. In this solo episode, Stephen Drew breaks down what architecture practices and professionals can learn from influencers, sales and content marketing without becoming fake, gimmicky or performative. The conversation covers: Why marketing matters for architects, designers and practice owners How to build personal and professional brand without making it all about you Why consistency beats waiting for perfect posts How AIDA can help structure useful content and sales conversations Where AI and automation can support marketing without replacing judgement Read the episode on Architecture Social: Why Architects Need to Think Like Influencers Watch on YouTube: Why Architects Need to Think Like Influencers ____ Chapters 00:00 Welcome to the livestream 00:04 Why marketing matters 00:55 Personal and professional branding 02:17 Becoming a social media influencer 03:25 The reality of being an influencer 05:19 Core lessons for architects and designers 05:36 Lesson 1: It is not about you 10:08 Lesson 2: Everything is a marketing precedent 13:51 Lesson 3: Consistency is key 19:36 Lesson 4: Always be closing 20:09 Building client relationships 22:41 The AIDA framework 27:01 Not perfect, just post 32:32 Leveraging AI and automations 35:30 Inspiration and final thoughts ____ Architecture Social Find more architecture career advice, practice insight and live roles at Architecture Social. Explore more conversations on the Architecture Social Podcast, browse free resources at Architecture Social Resources, or join the community at Architecture Social Club. ____ Affiliate learning partner We have partnered with ArchAdemia, an online learning platform built by architects, for architects. Use code ARCHSOCIAL10 for a discount on the monthly or annual membership. Architecture Social may earn a commission if you join through our link or use the code. (00:00) - Welcome to the Livestream (00:04) - The Importance of Marketing (00:55) - Personal and Professional Branding (01:18) - Presentation Preparation (02:17) - Becoming a Social Media Influencer (03:25) - The Reality of Being an Influencer (05:19) - Core Lessons for Aspiring Influencers (05:36) - Lesson 1: It's Not About You (10:08) - Lesson 2: Everything is a Marketing Precedent (13:51) - Lesson 3: Consistency is Key (19:36) - Lesson 4: Always Be Closing (20:09) - Building Client Relationships (20:52) - The Importance of Always Closing (22:41) - The AIDA Framework Explained (27:01) - Marketing Rule: Not Perfect, Just Post (32:32) - Leveraging AI and Automations (35:30) - Inspiration and Final Thoughts