Advertise on podcast: Architecture Social

Architecture is often presented as a linear career, but building a successful practice demands patience, resilience and a willingness to keep learning. Simon Allford, Founding Director of AHMM, explains how the practice survived its lean early years and developed a culture where strong architecture, shared ideas and long-term investment come first. They get into starting a practice during a downturn, surviving the critical first five years, building an open studio culture, approaching architecture interviews, adapting to new technology and rethinking architectural education. The conversation offers practical perspective for architects, students and practices navigating changing tools, rising expectations and an industry that still struggles to value its work properly. Simon Allford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-allford-b506331b1/AHMM: https://www.ahmm.co.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/ Use code ARCHSOCIAL10 for a discount on monthly or annual membership. Chapters 00:00 Finding lasting enjoyment in architecture 00:42 How AHMM began 02:11 Taking risks and making early hires 03:14 Surviving the practice’s leanest years 04:05 Why the first five years matter 04:46 Advice for starting an architecture practice 06:04 Building a generous professional community 06:27 Creating an open studio culture 08:00 Supporting people beyond the practice 09:00 Advice for architecture job interviews 10:18 Studying architecture as technology changes 11:47 Balancing digital tools with creative thinking 13:00 Managing information and client expectations 14:14 Optimism and the profession’s value problem 15:15 Rethinking architectural education 16:18 Making architecture more accessible 17:03 Architecture as a versatile degree #Architecture #ArchitectureStudent #ArchitectureTech

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

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

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

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

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/

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

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/

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/

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 ____ ▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HifIh5_4r2g 📝 Read the full write-up, with the key takeaways:https://architecturesocial.com/podcast/how-to-actually-get-hired-in-architecture-and-interior-design/ 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 Stephen's route from architecture into recruitment05:17 Sample portfolios and grabbing attention10:16 CV details, grades and contact information15:09 Software skills and how to present them20:02 Portfolio images and presentation quality25:02 ATS myths and making your CV readable30:10 Showing process in portfolio work35:08 Applying directly and building enough volume40:05 Skipping the job board queue with direct outreach45:01 Market conditions, persistence and application volume50:17 International graduates and visa conversations55:08 What employers value in graduates1:00:19 Start dates, availability and interview questions1:05:21 Targeting practices without overthinking it1:10:10 Writing emails that focus on the employer

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 ____ ▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Jm-X7yADeU 📝 Read the full write-up, with the key takeaways:https://architecturesocial.com/podcast/how-to-land-your-first-architect-role/ 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 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

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 ____ ▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fbQy7kP2Ag 📝 Read the full write-up, with the key takeaways:https://architecturesocial.com/podcast/is-this-the-end-of-revit-how-architects-must-adapt-2026/ 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 Intro: AI, robots and the future of architecture 00:50 Meet Allister Lewis 01:58 Allister's path from architect to BIM and technology leader 04:59 What practices really look like behind the scenes 05:31 BIM adoption in the UK and the rise of Revit specialists 07:16 The emergence of BIM 2.0 08:58 Generative design tools taking over feasibility work 13:03 Why choosing the right software matters 14:18 The wild west of new architecture tech 16:29 AI, BIM, visualisation, compliance and the tech landscape 19:03 Software built on AI and what is coming 22:01 Will AI replace architects? 22:44 Relationships, communication and what architects should focus on 24:31 If design becomes faster, do architects earn less? 26:34 Who is already building in-house software? 29:40 Allister's software database 33:38 Real problems inside architecture practices 37:12 How practices can fix their digital foundations 40:26 New roles in BIM, computation and digital design 47:53 AC Tech Jobs and software-side careers 51:06 How architects can pivot into tech 58:10 What architects must do to stay relevant 01:03:01 Should architects build software too? 01:06:39 Where to find Allister Lewis online

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 ____ ▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-N9twMkyAE 📝 Read the full write-up, with the key takeaways:https://architecturesocial.com/podcast/the-future-of-housing-a-deep-dive-into-modular-innovation-with-zedpods/ 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 setting the scene 01:05 Meet Lalit Chauhary and ZedPods 01:45 Studying architecture and early career routes 06:33 Early lessons from practice 11:03 Starting ZedPods and the first challenges 17:22 Breakthrough projects and growth 26:18 Navigating the pandemic and expansion 46:46 Pricing mistakes and lessons learned 53:01 Growth and success of ZedPods 54:12 Commitment to a zero carbon approach 55:08 Bridging the gap between design and construction 55:43 Performance gap and energy standards 56:58 Business model, air rights and delivery innovation 01:06:35 Hiring and empowering smart people 01:14:25 Challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship 01:22:29 The future of modular construction and technology 01:35:39 Conclusion and contact details (00:00) - and Setting the Scene (01:05) - Introduction and Background (01:45) - Journey in Architecture (04:05) - Career and Internship Experience (06:33) - and Lessons in Architecture (11:03) - Zed Pods and Initial Struggles (17:22) - Projects and Growth (26:18) - the Pandemic and Expansion (46:46) - Mistakes and Lessons Learned (47:05) - Client Expectations and Fees (47:44) - in the Architecture Industry (48:20) - of Timing and Feasibility Studies (48:59) - to Charge Appropriately (50:01) - Client Conversations and Emotions (51:44) - Competitive Fees and Managing Risks (53:01) - and Success of Z Pods (54:12) - to Zero Carbon Approach (55:08) - the Gap Between Design and Construction (55:43) - Gap and Energy Standards (56:58) - Business Model and Air Rights (01:06:35) - and Empowering Smart People (01:14:25) - and Rewards of Entrepreneurship (01:22:29) - of Modular Construction and Technology (01:35:39) - and Contact Information

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 ____ ▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euPp3UCHq58 📝 Read the full write-up, with the key takeaways:https://architecturesocial.com/podcast/why-architects-need-to-think-like-influencers-marketing-secrets-revealed/ 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 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 27:02 Not perfect, just post 32:33 Leveraging AI and automations 35:31 Inspiration and final thoughts (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 (27:02) - Marketing Rule: Not Perfect, Just Post (32:33) - Leveraging AI and Automations (35:31) - Inspiration and Final Thoughts

AI is no longer a distant conversation for architecture practices. It is already changing concept design, modelling, visualisation, workflows and the type of skills studios may need next. Stephen Drew speaks with George Guida, founder of xFigura, about building AI tools for architecture, what practices are getting right and wrong, and why ignoring the technology could become a serious commercial risk. The conversation covers: How AI is affecting architectural concept design and 3D modelling What George learned from studying, consulting and building software Why UX and UI matter when architecture tools move beyond specialists How schools and universities should prepare students for AI-led workflows What AI could mean for architecture jobs, recruitment and practice strategy ____ ▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqGAcgEmUB0 📝 Read the full write-up, with the key takeaways:https://architecturesocial.com/podcast/ai-architecture-practice-george-guida/ 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 to AI in architecture 00:50 Meet George Guida 01:22 George's journey into AI and architecture 02:49 Early AI experiments and innovation 04:56 Launching xFigura from concept to product 09:00 Exploring xFigura's features and capabilities 12:46 Challenges and the future of AI in architecture 19:51 Entrepreneurial lessons from building an AI business 23:17 Remote work, in-person work and product development 24:44 Advice for students on academic projects 26:08 The role of AI in architecture education 28:02 Where AI in architecture could go next 32:01 The changing architecture profession 36:24 Optimism and concerns around AI 41:05 Recruitment, business and AI adoption 46:31 Conclusion and contact details (00:00) - Introduction to AI in Architecture (00:50) - Meet George: Architect and AI Enthusiast (01:22) - George's Journey into AI and Architecture (02:49) - Early AI Experiments and Innovations (04:56) - Launching X Figu: From Concept to Reality (09:00) - Exploring X Figu's Features and Capabilities (12:46) - Challenges and Future of AI in Architecture (19:51) - Entrepreneurial Journey and Lessons Learned (23:17) - Challenges of Remote vs. In-Person Work (24:44) - Advice for Students on Academic Projects (26:08) - The Role of AI in Architecture Education (28:02) - Future of AI in Architecture (32:01) - The Changing Landscape of the Architecture Profession (36:24) - Optimism and Concerns for AI in Architecture (41:05) - Recruitment and AI: A Business Perspective (46:31) - Conclusion and Contact Information