Architecture Social

Architecture Social, Stephen Drew

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.

  1. A KPF Director’s Honest Advice for Young Architects

    Jun 16

    A KPF Director’s Honest Advice for Young Architects

    In this episode, Stephen Drew speaks with Francesco Casella, Director at KPF, about career growth, working at a global architecture firm, and what it really takes to succeed long term in practice. Francesco shares his journey to London, breaking into KPF, staying with one firm for over a decade, leading major international projects, and managing teams at scale. We discuss: How to get hired at big architecture practicesThe value of staying at one firmCAD vs BIM and design thinkingAI and the future of architectureCareer advice for Part 2s, Part 3s, and young architects If you’re navigating an architecture career right now, this episode offers honest insight and practical advice. 🎙️ Guest: Francesco Casella, Director at KPF🎧 Host: Stephen Drew👉 Learn more about KPF: https://www.kpf.com👉 Subscribe for architecture and career conversations ____ 📐 The Architecture Social is an online platform packed with content to help you find new jobs, stand out from the crowd and take your career in Architecture to the next level 💻 Find out more at https://www.architecturesocial.com Want to sharpen your skills and actually stand out?We've partnered with ArchAdemia, an online learning platform built by architects, for architects. They cover the stuff uni doesn't teach you properly: Revit, Rhino, rendering, BIM, portfolio building, project management and more. If you're serious about levelling up, it's worth a look.👉 archademia.comUse code ARCHSOCIAL10 for a discount on their annual membership.

    49 min
  2. Is This the End of Revit? How Architects Must Adapt (2026)

    Feb 12

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

    ▶ Watch the video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fbQy7kP2Ag Stephen Drew sits down with Allister Lewis to break down the big changes happening in architecture today. From new software challenging Revit to the rise of AI across design, delivery and practice management, this episode gives a clear look at where the industry is heading. Allister shares his journey from architect to tech leader and explains how BIM 2.0, generative tools and smarter workflows are changing the way studios work. If you are an architect in London or the UK and want to understand how to stay ahead, this conversation is packed with insight. 00:00 – Intro: AI, robots & the future of architecture 01:36 – Meet Allister Lewis 02:00 – Allister’s path from architect to BIM & 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 – The architecture tech landscape: AI, BIM, Viz, compliance & more 19:10 – Software built on AI: what’s coming in 2026 21:05 – Will AI replace architects? And how much will change? 22:41 – What architects should focus on: relationships & communication 25:10 – If design becomes faster, do architects earn less? 27:47 – Who’s already building in‑house software? 29:42 – Inside Allister’s massive software database (1,700+ tools) 32:27 – The real problems inside architecture practices 38:22 – How practices can fix their digital foundations 41:30 – New job roles: BIM managers, computational designers, digital design leads 44:06 – The rise of digital design leaders 49:24 – AC Tech Jobs & software‑side careers 51:38 – How architects can pivot into tech 55:43 – The future of the industry: optimism or fear? 57:58 – What architects must do to stay relevant 01:03:09 – Should architects be building software too? 01:07:05 – Where to find Allister Lewis online _____ 📐 The Architecture Social is an online platform packed with content to help you find new jobs, stand out from the crowd and take your career in Architecture to the next level 💻 Find out more at https://architecturesocial.com

    1h 9m
  3. The Future of Housing: A Deep Dive into Modular Innovation with ZedPods

    12/18/2025

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

    In this episode, we sit down with Lalit Chauhary, Design Director at Zed Pods, an award winning modular design studio that’s changing the game in social housing. From studying architecture in India to leading zero carbon projects in the UK, Lalit shares the journey and the lessons learned along the way. We dive into the challenges of modular construction, closing the performance gap, and building a sustainable business that actually works. Plus, how technology and smart thinking are shaping the future of architecture. Whether you’re starting out or already established, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 00:38 Guest Introduction and Background 01:18 Educational Journey in Architecture 03:38 Early Career and Internship Experience 06:06 Challenges and Lessons in Architecture 10:36 Starting Zed Pods and Initial Struggles 16:55 Breakthrough Projects and Growth 25:51 Navigating the Pandemic and Expansion 46:19 Pricing Mistakes and Lessons Learned 46:38 Balancing Client Expectations and Fees 47:17 Undercutting in the Architecture Industry 47:53 Importance of Timing and Feasibility Studies 48:32 Learning to Charge Appropriately 49:34 Handling Client Conversations and Emotions 51:17 Setting Competitive Fees and Managing Risks 52:34 Growth and Success of Z Pods 53:45 Commitment to Zero Carbon Approach 54:41 Bridging the Gap Between Design and Construction 55:16 Performance Gap and Energy Standards 56:31 Innovative Business Model and Air Rights 01:06:08 Hiring and Empowering Smart People 01:13:58 Challenges and Rewards of Entrepreneurship 01:22:02 Future of Modular Construction and Technology 01:35:12 Conclusion and Contact Information _____ 📐 The Architecture Social is an online platform packed with content to help you find new jobs, stand out from the crowd and take your career in Architecture to the next level 💻 Find out more at https://architecturesocial.com (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

    1h 39m

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.

You Might Also Like