Dialogues in Design

Nikita Daptardar

A podcast for young design professionals for navigating early career decisions. Listen to some esteemed and experienced career professionals talk about their early days to get inspired and motivated on your career journey!

  1. 10 Aug

    Why Architects need to understand Business | Daniel Patterson

    The best designer doesn’t always win the project. Is being a good designer enough to build a career in architecture? We spend years in architecture school perfecting our design skills, but rarely talk about what happens beyond the design itself: business, branding, sales, communicating value and winning work. Today, I’m joined by Daniel Patterson, an award-winning RIBA Part 1 architectural designer turned brand strategist for architects and founder of Masterplan.pro. Daniel works at the intersection of architecture, branding and business, helping architects understand their value, build stronger brands and win better work. In this conversation, we unpack the business side of architecture and why being a great designer is only part of building a successful career.

  2. 3 Aug

    The power of being supported | Caitlin Brady

    In this episode of Dialogues in Design, I sit down with Caitlin Brady architect, project manager, and creator of Architectette, to explore what it really takes to build a fulfilling career in architecture. We discuss: * Caitlin's journey from architecture school to becoming a licensed architect * Balancing architecture school with full-time professional work * The transition from student to industry * Why mentorship and networking matter more than ever * The story behind the Architectette podcast * Women in architecture and creating a more inclusive profession * Using AI as a tool while developing critical thinking * Career advice for architecture students and emerging professionals If you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who is building their own path in architecture. Architectette Podcast: https://www.architectette.com/ Follow Dialogues in Design: Website: ⁠https://dialoguesindesign.com ⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/dialoguesindesign/

  3. 27 Jul

    From Graduate to Professional: What Really Matters | Ryan Wenham

    What does it really take to build a successful career in architecture? In this episode of Dialogues in Design, I sit down with architect, mentor, and founder Ryan Wenham to explore the realities of navigating the architecture profession as a young designer. Ryan shares his journey from discovering architecture as a child to building a platform that has helped thousands of students and graduates find direction in their careers. We talk about why talent alone isn't enough, the importance of communication, finding your niche, handling criticism, building confidence, and the three-step framework he uses to help graduates land jobs. Whether you're an architecture student, recent graduate, or an early-career designer feeling overwhelmed by portfolios, applications, interviews, or the job market, this conversation is packed with practical advice and honest insights. In this episode, we discuss: • Ryan's journey into architecture • Why architecture school doesn't prepare you for everything • Building confidence through clarity • How to find your unique value as a designer • Receiving and giving constructive feedback • The biggest mistakes graduates make when applying for jobs • The importance of communication and authentic networking • Ryan's three-step career framework: Application, Offer & Audience • How mentorship and community can transform your career If you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with architects, designers, and creative professionals. Follow Ryan Wenham: linkedin.com/in/ryanwenham larsenarchitecture.com Follow Dialogues in Design: Website: https://dialoguesindesign.com

  4. 20 Jul

    Stories, spaces and the courage to care | Dheeraj Akolkar

    What does it truly mean to be a designer? In this episode of Dialogues in Design, I sit down with Dheeraj Akolkar—architect and filmmaker—for a conversation that goes far beyond architecture and cinema. We explore creativity, purpose, education, storytelling, and the courage it takes to follow a path that isn't already laid out. Dheeraj shares his remarkable journey from studying architecture in Pune to working with legendary production designer Nitin Desai on films like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Lagaan, Devdas, and Black, before moving to London to pursue filmmaking. Along the way, we discuss how architecture shaped his way of seeing the world, why storytelling lies at the heart of every creative discipline, and how caring deeply about your work can become your greatest strength. This isn't just a conversation about buildings or films, it's about designing a meaningful life. In this episode, we discuss: Choosing an unconventional internship in the film industry Why architecture is about life, not just buildings The relationship between architecture and filmmaking Finding your creative voice and vision What architecture education often misses Documentary filmmaking and creating social impact Fear vs. love as a creative philosophy Advice for students and young designers If you're an architecture student, designer, filmmaker, or simply someone navigating a creative journey, I hope this conversation leaves you with something to reflect on. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to support more conversations like this. 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dialoguesindesign/ 💼 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nikita-daptardar 🌐 Website: www.dialoguesindesign.com

  5. 6 Jul

    How to place yourself in the job market | Abdur Raafay

    In this episode of Dialogues in Design, I sit down with Abdur Raafay, an architectural designer and mentor helping international architects navigate the UK job market. From arriving in the UK as an international graduate to securing his first role through self-learning and persistence, Abdur shares practical insights that every architecture student and young professional should hear. We discuss: Why "UK experience" is more than just having a previous job.How to tailor your CV and portfolio for every application.Understanding Part 1, Part 2, Architectural Designer and other UK job roles.The importance of networking, LinkedIn and building meaningful professional relationships.Self-branding and standing out in a competitive industry.Using AI as a tool in architectural practice.Dealing with rejection, uncertainty and staying motivated during the job search.Practical advice for international students and graduates entering the architecture profession. Whether you're studying architecture, urban design or looking to build your career in the UK, this conversation is filled with actionable advice and honest reflections from someone who has recently navigated the same journey. If you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to like, subscribe and share it with someone who might find it helpful.

  6. 29 Jun

    Optimism, Confidence and Careers in Architecture | Chris Simmons

    Architecture is often surrounded by conversations about long hours, low salaries, and uncertainty. But what if we shifted the focus towards optimism, confidence, and taking control of our careers? In this episode of Dialogues in Design, I sit down with Chris—architect, mentor, content creator, and podcast host—to explore what it really takes to build a meaningful career in architecture. We talk about:• How Chris went from a traditional architectural career to building a personal brand• The importance of mentors and learning through meaningful relationships• Overcoming shyness and developing confidence as a professional skill• Building an authentic online presence as an architect• Why niching down can help you stand out• The skills every architect should develop for the future of the profession• Why communication may be your greatest career advantage• Chris's honest advice for students and young graduates entering architecture today Whether you're an architecture student, recent graduate, or practicing architect, this conversation is packed with practical insights on designing not just buildings, but your own career. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who could benefit from the conversation. 🎙️ Dialogues in Design is a podcast exploring the journeys, ideas, and insights of architects, designers, and creative professionals to inspire the next generation.

  7. 22 Jun

    When Culture Shapes Spaces | Ayush Hazare

    In this episode, Nikita has a dialogue with Ayush Hazare, to explore architecture as a deeply cultural and human practice. We discuss Indigenous knowledge systems, decolonial education, and how design can emerge from lived realities, memory, and place. A conversation about learning from communities, and rethinking what it means to design for people. Ayush Hazare is an architect, independent researcher, and academician whose work focuses on Indigenous knowledge systems, culturally responsive architecture, and socially driven design practices. He is the Asia Regional Winner of the Global Undergraduate Awards (GUA), Dublin 2024, for his research on revitalizing tribal Ashram schools in Gadchiroli through culturally rooted educational spaces. His research exploring Gond tribal learning systems, decolonial education, heritage, sustainability, and participatory design has been published and presented at platforms including JIIA, SPA Delhi, IIA ANVESHAN (Springer Scopus Indexed), ICBE Haryana, FEMINARCH’25, ACAH Tokyo 2026, and international academic engagements associated with Cardiff University. Alongside practice and research, he has actively contributed to workshops, exhibitions, heritage documentation projects, academic seminars, and community initiatives focused on architecture, culture, and social impact. He has received recognitions including the Gunwanth Vidhyarthi Gold Medal for Academic & Research Excellence, Star Student Researcher by the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), and Best Research Paper Award at BVDU COA Pune.

  8. 15 Jun

    Tools, Technology and Design | Moritz Rietschel

    In this episode of Dialogues in Design, I speak with Moritz Rietschel, co-founder of Raven, a company working at the frontier of AI capabilities and CAD. His work builds on research at UC Berkeley exploring how early large language models can be integrated into CAD as AI collaborative tools, alongside work in robotic fabrication. In our conversation, we explore the evolving relationship between computation and architecture, and how emerging technologies are reshaping design practice. Moritz shares his perspective on AI as a supportive tool that expands creative possibilities while reinforcing the architect’s responsibility in shaping outcomes. We also discuss the broader impact of computational design and how these tools are changing the way designers think and work.

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About

A podcast for young design professionals for navigating early career decisions. Listen to some esteemed and experienced career professionals talk about their early days to get inspired and motivated on your career journey!

Information

  • Creator
    Nikita Daptardar
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Nikita Daptardar
  • Show Website
    Dialogues in Design