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

    FEB 12

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

    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://www.architecturesocial.com

    1h 9m
  2. 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://www.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
  3. Why Architects Need to Think Like Influencers: Marketing Secrets Revealed

    12/05/2025

    Why Architects Need to Think Like Influencers: Marketing Secrets Revealed

    Join Stephen Drew on this detailed live stream covering essential marketing strategies for 2026 and beyond. Drawing from years of experience, mistakes, and successful tactics, the host shares valuable insights on building both personal and professional brands.  Whether you're looking to enhance your online presence on LinkedIn or Instagram, or you aim to become a social media influencer, this episode provides actionable tips. Learn about the importance of targeting your audience, leveraging precedents, staying consistent, and closing sales effectively. Plus, get tips on using AI and automation to streamline your marketing efforts.  Don't miss this comprehensive guide to mastering marketing in a busy, ever-evolving space. 00:00 Welcome to the Livestream00:04 The Importance of Marketing00:55 Personal and Professional Branding01:18 Presentation Preparation02:17 Becoming a Social Media Influencer03:25 The Reality of Being an Influencer05:19 Core Lessons for Aspiring Influencers05:36 Lesson 1: It's Not About You10:08 Lesson 2: Everything is a Marketing Precedent13:51 Lesson 3: Consistency is Key19:36 Lesson 4: Always Be Closing20:09 Building Client Relationships20:52 The Importance of Always Closing22:41 The AIDA Framework Explained27:01 Marketing Rule: Not Perfect, Just Post32:32 Leveraging AI and Automations35:30 Inspiration and Final Thoughts _____ 📐 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 (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

    41 min
  4. Why Ignoring AI Could Spell Doom for Your Architecture Practice ft. George Guida

    11/25/2025

    Why Ignoring AI Could Spell Doom for Your Architecture Practice ft. George Guida

    Join us in this exciting episode of the Architecture Social show as we delve into the future of AI in Architecture with the founder of xFigura, George.  Discover how AI is revolutionizing architectural practices, from concept design to 3D modeling, and what it means for the jobs of architects in the future. George shares his journey from studying at Oxford Brooks and Harvard to consulting large firms and developing cutting-edge AI tools.  We also discuss the challenges of starting an AI-based business, the importance of UX/UI in software, and the role of educational institutions in preparing the next generation of architects.  Don't miss this insightful conversation packed with industry expertise and future-forward thinking! 00:00 Introduction to AI in Architecture00:59 Meet George: Architect and AI Enthusiast01:31 George's Journey into AI and Architecture02:56 Early AI Experiments and Innovations05:04 Launching xFigura: From Concept to Reality09:07 Exploring xFigura’s Features and Capabilities12:55 Challenges and Future of AI in Architecture19:59 Entrepreneurial Journey and Lessons Learned23:23 Challenges of Remote vs. In-Person Work24:52 Advice for Students on Academic Projects26:14 The Role of AI in Architecture Education28:10 Future of AI in Architecture32:08 The Changing Landscape of the Architecture Profession36:34 Optimism and Concerns for AI in Architecture41:11 Recruitment and AI: A Business Perspective46:39 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://www.architecturesocial.com (00:00) - Introduction to AI in Architecture (00:59) - Meet George: Architect and AI Enthusiast (01:31) - George's Journey into AI and Architecture (02:56) - Early AI Experiments and Innovations (05:04) - Launching X Figu: From Concept to Reality (09:07) - Exploring X Figu's Features and Capabilities (12:55) - Challenges and Future of AI in Architecture (19:59) - Entrepreneurial Journey and Lessons Learned (23:23) - Challenges of Remote vs. In-Person Work (24:52) - Advice for Students on Academic Projects (26:14) - The Role of AI in Architecture Education (28:10) - Future of AI in Architecture (32:08) - The Changing Landscape of the Architecture Profession (36:34) - Optimism and Concerns for AI in Architecture (41:11) - Recruitment and AI: A Business Perspective (46:39) - Conclusion and Contact Information

    49 min
  5. Architecture's Future: Are Universities Keeping Up? | ft. Alberto Villanueva

    11/18/2025

    Architecture's Future: Are Universities Keeping Up? | ft. Alberto Villanueva

    Join us on the Architecture Social show as we explore the state of the architecture industry in 2025 with Alberto, head of the Department of Architecture at Ravensbourne University in London.  In this episode, we discuss the challenges and opportunities in the field of architecture, the evolution of education and industry practices, and the critical role of bridging academia with commercial firms.  Alberto shares insights on innovative teaching methods, the impact of newer universities, the importance of industry connections, and how he is navigating regulatory changes to benefit students. Don’t miss this insightful conversation filled with practical advice and visionary ideas for future architects. 00:00 Introduction and State of Architecture in 202501:21 Guest Introduction: Alberto and Ravensbourne University03:36 Challenges and Changes in Architectural Education05:48 Building Industry Connections and Student Preparedness10:32 Financial Realities and Government Policies22:30 Alternative Career Paths and Skills in Architecture32:26 The Value of Crits and Presentation Skills36:50 Setting Clear Expectations38:06 Reflecting on Architecture Education38:50 Personal Challenges and Triumphs40:08 Healthy Competition and Success41:08 Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry43:06 The Role of AI in Architecture44:00 Tailoring Job Applications45:57 Balancing Passion and Practicality51:49 Future of Architectural Education58:35 Final Thoughts and Farewell _____ 📐 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 (00:00) - Introduction and State of Architecture in 2025 (01:21) - Guest Introduction: Alberto and Ravensbourne University (03:36) - Challenges and Changes in Architectural Education (05:48) - Building Industry Connections and Student Preparedness (10:32) - Financial Realities and Government Policies (22:30) - Alternative Career Paths and Skills in Architecture (32:26) - The Value of Crits and Presentation Skills (36:50) - Setting Clear Expectations (38:06) - Reflecting on Architecture Education (38:50) - Personal Challenges and Triumphs (40:08) - Healthy Competition and Success (41:08) - Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry (43:06) - The Role of AI in Architecture (44:00) - Tailoring Job Applications (45:57) - Balancing Passion and Practicality (51:49) - Future of Architectural Education (58:35) - Final Thoughts and Farewell

    1h 3m
  6. From Designs to Developments: Greg Blaquiere's Planning Journey

    11/11/2025

    From Designs to Developments: Greg Blaquiere's Planning Journey

    Join us for a special episode as we sit down with Greg Blaquiere, founder of Eagle Planning and Development. Discover Greg's fascinating journey in the world of planning consultancy, from his beginnings in local government to launching his own planning business.  We explore the roles and responsibilities of a planning consultant, the dynamics of public vs. private sector planning, and the importance of relationship-building with architects.  Greg shares insights from his first year in business, the impact of technology and AI in planning, and offers invaluable advice for aspiring planners and business owners.  Don't miss this engaging discussion packed with practical wisdom and industry expertise! 00:00 Introduction and Welcome02:00 Meet Greg Blaquiere04:10 History of Eagle Planning07:45 Journey from Public Sector to Private13:15 Building Effective Relationships with Architects20:30 Advice for Young Planners26:45 The Role of AI in Planning35:20 Challenges and Successes in the First Year45:00 Future Plans and Expanding the Business48:40 Contact Information and Closing Remarks ____ 📐 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 (00:00) - Introduction and Overview (01:00) - Meet Greg from Eagle Planning (01:23) - Greg's Journey into Planning (03:27) - Early Career in Local Authority (07:44) - Transition to Private Sector (13:24) - Starting Eagle Planning (15:23) - Diverse Projects and Challenges (20:37) - The Role of Technology in Planning (25:28) - Balancing AI and Due Diligence (26:21) - AI's Limitations and Risks (29:15) - AI in Business Operations (31:30) - Exploring Eagle Planning (37:16) - Starting and Running a Business (45:13) - Final Thoughts and Contact Information

    49 min

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.

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