Architecture Social

Architecture Social, Stephen Drew
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Architecture has always been social. Careers should be too. Hosted by Stephen Drew, the Architecture Social podcast brings you honest conversations from across the UK built environment. Architects, practice leaders and the people shaping the profession talk openly about their careers, their work and how practice really runs. Expect straight talk on salaries, portfolios, hiring, progression and running a practice, from Part 1 students looking for their first role to directors building their teams. Architecture Social is more than jobs and hiring. It's a place to share work, discover opportunities, hear honest conversations and build connections across the industry. This is Architecture Social. Come and be part of it.

  1. Sep 24

    What Architecture Employers Actually Look For

    Architecture practices are rarely taught how to balance design ambition, client relationships and commercial reality. Markus Seifermann of Seifermann Architects explains how adaptability, collaboration and a willingness to learn have shaped a multidisciplinary studio. They get into winning unfamiliar projects, building a people-focused team, diversifying into film and events, hiring for entrepreneurial thinking, rebranding the practice and using AI without handing over responsibility. The conversation offers practical lessons for architects and designers navigating clients, careers, technology and the changing expectations of practice. Markus Seifermann on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markusseifermann/ Seifermann Architects: https://www.seifermann.london/ _____ ▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHD0iadj0Oc Architecture Social is where architects and designers find honest career advice, insight from practice, and live roles worth applying for:https://architecturesocial.com/ The fastest way to get hired is to be better at the things practices actually ask for. Revit, Rhino, rendering, BIM, portfolio work. Our learning partner ArchAdemia is built by architects, for architects:https://archademia.com/architecture-s... Use code ARCHSOCIAL10 for a discount on monthly or annual membership. _____ Chapters:00:00 Starting an architecture practice04:04 Winning the first major project08:32 Creativity and commercial reality10:43 Diversifying into film and events15:21 Collaboration and unconventional hiring19:38 Applications and interview advice23:11 Rebranding the architecture practice26:33 Mentoring and future careers29:44 Young people questioning AI and careers31:42 Managing different client relationships34:36 Designing without a house style36:16 Using AI as an architectural tool40:34 Why architectural education must change43:25 Projects and getting in touch #Architecture #ArchitectureStudent #Architect #ArchitecturePodcast

    What Architecture Employers Actually Look For

  2. Sep 2

    Architects Won’t Work the Same After This

    Most people think AI in architecture stops at generating a nice image. In this episode, Bill Allen from Chaos explains why the bigger shift is what happens when AI starts working inside Revit, Rhino and SketchUp. They get into AI rendering, agentic tools, automated construction drawings and the move from modelling to render, to rendering to model. Bill also explains why architects still need to understand the “why” behind their work, what practices should look for when hiring, and why students should learn how to learn instead of becoming too attached to one piece of software. Bill Allen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billallenarchitecture/ Chaos: https://www.chaos.com/ Architecture Social is where architects and designers find honest career advice, insight from practice, and live roles worth applying for: https://architecturesocial.com/ The fastest way to get hired is to be better at the things practices actually ask for. Revit, Rhino, rendering, BIM, portfolio work. Our learning partner ArchAdemia is built by architects, for architects: https://archademia.com/Use code ARCHSOCIAL10 for a discount on monthly or annual membership. Chapters 00:00 AI and architecture in 2026 01:57 From architect to design technology founder 05:35 How architectural rendering became accessible 09:14 Automating construction drawings with AI 11:01 Why architecture is slow to adopt technology 13:17 Agentic AI and MCPs explained 17:16 Creating architectural animations with a prompt 21:36 From modelling to render, to rendering to model 25:29 Turning AI images into editable 3D models 27:33 Using AI to place BIM components 32:20 Automating repetitive construction documentation 35:00 How AI could prevent costly drawing mistakes 38:16 Will AI replace entry-level architects? 42:13 Leaving architecture to build a business 46:44 What Chaos looks for when hiring 50:06 Advice for architecture students in the AI era 55:21 Why AI reaches architecture later 57:40 Where to find Bill and Chaos #Architecture #ArchitectureStudent #ArchitectureTech (00:00) - AI and architecture in 2026 (01:57) - From architect to design technology founder (05:35) - How architectural rendering became accessible (09:14) - Automating construction drawings with AI (11:01) - Why architecture is slow to adopt technology (13:17) - Agentic AI and MCPs explained (17:16) - Creating architectural animations with a prompt (21:36) - From modelling to render, to rendering to model (25:29) - Turning AI images into editable 3D models (27:33) - Using AI to place BIM components (32:20) - Automating repetitive construction documentation (35:00) - How AI could prevent costly drawing mistakes (38:16) - Will AI replace entry-level architects? (42:13) - Leaving architecture to build a business (46:44) - What Chaos looks for when hiring (50:06) - Advice for architecture students in the AI era (55:21) - Why AI reaches architecture later (57:40) - Where to find Bill and Chaos

    Architects Won’t Work the Same After This

  3. Aug 14

    He Built an Architecture Studio After 3 Redundancies

    After being made redundant three times, Dominic McAndrew went on to co-found Ruumi Studio and build a new architecture practice from scratch. In this episode, we talk about the reality of starting an architecture studio, what redundancy actually teaches you, why running a young practice is not as glamorous as it looks, and what small studios really look for when hiring. Dominic also shares how Ruumi Studio was built with AI in mind, how the team started trading quickly after a chaotic Christmas setup, and why personality, attitude and communication can matter just as much as technical ability when you’re applying to smaller architecture practices. We have partnered with ArchAdemia, an online learning platform built by architects, for architects:https://archademia.com/architecture-s...Use code ARCHSOCIAL10 for a discount on the monthly or annual membership. 00:00 Intro00:48 Meet Dominic and Ruumi Studio03:06 Getting Into Architecture by Accident09:40 Made Redundant Three Times18:15 Turning Redundancy Into Opportunity22:27 Leading a Team Through Redundancy26:08 How Ruumi Studio Began32:00 The Reality of Starting a Studio37:01 Building a Team and Hiring Architects44:03 Lessons From the First Six Months47:47 Building an Architecture Studio Around AI53:42 What’s Next for Ruumi Studio_____ 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

    He Built an Architecture Studio After 3 Redundancies

  4. Jul 2

    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-sutton ____ ▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Md1Fakkn7Q Architecture Social is where architects and designers find honest career advice, insight from practice, and live roles worth applying for:https://architecturesocial.com/ The fastest way to get hired is to be better at the things practices actually ask for. Revit, Rhino, rendering, BIM, portfolio work. Our learning partner ArchAdemia is built by architects, for architects:https://archademia.com/architecture-social/ Use code ARCHSOCIAL10 for a discount on monthly or annual membership. ____ Chapters 00:00 Intro03:00 Meet Alex Sutton03:40 How Alex got into architecture05:41 Starting out at Sevil Peach07:23 Setting up Studio Sutton at 2909:58 Six months before the pandemic13:08 Losing a year of work overnight14:45 Pivoting to Oslo and Stockholm17:08 The reality vs romance of running a studio20:38 The personal cost of being a founder22:58 The hidden cost of winning work26:17 Why better design doesn't always win29:27 Tick box forms and SME barriers32:16 £40,000 just to be in the room35:10 Where does design get lost?40:19 Where are the Mavericks?41:15 What actually creates value46:14 Advice for new founders54:34 Losing work to AI56:06 Is starting a practice in 2026 a dead end?01:00:16 Why architecture still matters01:05:08 Hiring and building a small team01:14:09 What architecture school doesn't teach01:15:28 The Bartlett and the culture of fear01:23:24 Where to find Studio Sutton

    He Started His Own Architecture Practice at 29

  5. Jun 18

    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-making How housing delivery, procurement and public policy affect architectural influence What RIBA needs to do if it wants to be more useful to members and the wider built environment Why architects need a clearer public, commercial and leadership voice This episode was recorded during the 2026 RIBA presidential election period. ____ ▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puoOxol-xBc 📝 Read the full write-up, with the key takeaways:https://architecturesocial.com/podcast/why-architects-have-zero-power-uk/ Architecture Social is where architects and designers find honest career advice, insight from practice, and live roles worth applying for:https://architecturesocial.com/ The fastest way to get hired is to be better at the things practices actually ask for. Revit, Rhino, rendering, BIM, portfolio work. Our learning partner ArchAdemia is built by architects, for architects:https://archademia.com/architecture-social/ Use code ARCHSOCIAL10 for a discount on monthly or annual membership. ____ Chapters 00:00 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 PresidentLinks from this episode Jay Morton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaymorton/Jay Morton campaign: https://jaymorton.co.uk/Bell Phillips Architects: https://www.bellphillips.com/

    Why Architects Have Zero Power in the UK Right Now

  6. Jun 16

    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 ____ ▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daFiWGho19c 📝 Read the full write-up, with the key takeaways:https://architecturesocial.com/podcast/kpf-director-advice-young-architects/ Architecture Social is where architects and designers find honest career advice, insight from practice, and live roles worth applying for:https://architecturesocial.com/ The fastest way to get hired is to be better at the things practices actually ask for. Revit, Rhino, rendering, BIM, portfolio work. Our learning partner ArchAdemia is built by architects, for architects:https://archademia.com/architecture-social/ Use code ARCHSOCIAL10 for a discount on monthly or annual membership. ____ Chapters 00:00 Francesco Casella, KPF and the episode context 03:54 Getting a first architecture role in London 05:07 Joining KPF and building a long-term route 14:18 Promotion, progression and changing firms 18:58 Teams, collaboration and leadership 26:05 BIM, technology and AI 29:43 Interviews, hiring and what candidates should show 33:15 Recruitment, judgement and understanding the profession 40:18 The rewards and pressure of architecture 41:51 Why architecture still feels worth it

    A KPF Director’s Honest Advice for Young Architects

  7. May 7

    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 ____ ▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3499S-97MB0 📝 Read the full write-up, with the key takeaways:https://architecturesocial.com/podcast/running-an-architecture-practice-isnt-what-you-think/ Architecture Social is where architects and designers find honest career advice, insight from practice, and live roles worth applying for:https://architecturesocial.com/ The fastest way to get hired is to be better at the things practices actually ask for. Revit, Rhino, rendering, BIM, portfolio work. Our learning partner ArchAdemia is built by architects, for architects:https://archademia.com/architecture-social/ Use code ARCHSOCIAL10 for a discount on monthly or annual membership. ____ Chapters 00:00 Arriving at nimtim and setting the scene05:01 Early practice formation and finding direction10:21 First projects, public attention and momentum15:07 Moving from larger practice to running whole projects20:12 Working with a partner and separating work from life25:04 Culture, office life and hiring30:13 Education, students and practice pressures35:18 Apprenticeships, training and the cost of qualification40:12 Skills, challenge and what practices need45:11 Starting a business, risk and reality50:25 Team routines and running the studio55:15 Honesty, pressure and the personal realities of practice1:00:13 AI, industrialisation and the profession's reaction1:05:17 Changing tools and fear of being left behind1:10:18 Clients, sales and keeping the practice goingLinks from this episode nimtim architects: https://www.nimtim.co.uk/nimtim on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nimtimarchitects/

    Running an Architecture Practice Isn’t What You Think

  8. Apr 14

    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 ____ ▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8WfJBJrz60 📝 Read the full write-up, with the key takeaways:https://architecturesocial.com/podcast/how-to-future-proof-your-architecture-career/ Architecture Social is where architects and designers find honest career advice, insight from practice, and live roles worth applying for:https://architecturesocial.com/ The fastest way to get hired is to be better at the things practices actually ask for. Revit, Rhino, rendering, BIM, portfolio work. Our learning partner ArchAdemia is built by architects, for architects:https://archademia.com/architecture-social/ Use code ARCHSOCIAL10 for a discount on monthly or annual membership. ____ Chapters 00:00 Why design technology matters in practice05:12 Scripting, process and fabrication10:11 BIM explained and why it matters15:15 Infrastructure, standards and solving problems in practice20:15 Grasshopper, Rhino and design workflows25:15 AI imagery and sandboxed tools30:20 Enterprise tools, data and internal knowledge35:08 Optimism, change and staying adaptable40:16 Rapid change in visualisation and design tools45:21 What students should focus on50:12 Technical work needs people skills55:08 Benoy, global studio life and audience questions1:00:03 Enterprise AI and business use cases1:05:16 Quality, bad outputs and critical judgement1:10:20 How to connect with Ami and closing thoughtsLinks from this episode Benoy: https://www.benoy.com/

    How to Future Proof Your Architecture Career
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About

Architecture has always been social. Careers should be too. Hosted by Stephen Drew, the Architecture Social podcast brings you honest conversations from across the UK built environment. Architects, practice leaders and the people shaping the profession talk openly about their careers, their work and how practice really runs. Expect straight talk on salaries, portfolios, hiring, progression and running a practice, from Part 1 students looking for their first role to directors building their teams. Architecture Social is more than jobs and hiring. It's a place to share work, discover opportunities, hear honest conversations and build connections across the industry. This is Architecture Social. Come and be part of it.

Information

  • Creator
    Architecture Social, Stephen Drew
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    261
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Architecture Social Limited
  • Show Website
    Architecture Social

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