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Founder of Gustafson Porter + Bowman, Kathryn Gustafson reflects starting a studio in a second language, and learning the business side of practice through trial, mentors, and persistence. 00:00 Intro 0:59 Growing up in the desert 2:35 Discovering design 6:33 Journey from fashion to landscape architecture 12:04 Business vs Art 16:31 Founding her businesses and 'the invisible years.' 25:47 How to be a good leader 28:39 Building a workplace culture 29:21 Key projects and dealing with criticism 35:52 Navigating cultural contexts as a designer 38:59 Key skills designers need 41:05 Working with other designers: "Architects think they can do everything" 43:31 The changing nature of landscapes 47:58 Legacy 49:36 The next generation of designers

Kai-Uwe Bergmann is a Partner at Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), where he leads global business development and oversees urban design and landscape projects. Known for his strategic approach to "the political scale," Bergmann has been instrumental in scaling BIG from a Copenhagen-founded practice into a global force operating in over 40 countries. He is a primary contributor to Manhattan’s "Big U," a 10-mile coastal resiliency project designed to protect the city from future climate events. BIG, often described as "pragmatic utopian," focuses on transforming complex societal challenges (from energy and food distribution to affordable housing) into opportunities for design innovation. Bergmann’s personal journey, spanning from a German upbringing to an apprenticeship in glassmaking and stone masonry, informs his belief that architecture is a "limitless" field that requires the investigative skills of a detective and the foresight of a strategist. 0:00 Intro 1:09 Why architecture? 7:57 Glass-blowing, apprenticeships, and the value of experiences 13:21 Meeting Bjarke: A 20-year collaboration 17:43 Designing beyond election cycles 20:51 BIG's stratospheric rise 32:51 What architecture school doesn't teach you 36:52 What should architects be doing more of? 42:28 Scaling BIG and navigating the global scale 47:48 Balancing work-life and family life 49:48 The importance of architecture and the role of the architect 51:24 Architecture as a hopeful act

On 1 January 2026, Chris Williamson took a deliberate and provocative step. He allowed his registration with the Architects Registration Board to lapse, describing the framework as 'absurd'. In practical terms, the sitting President of the RIBA, a practitioner with more than forty years’ experience and the founder of one of the UK’s most successful practices, can no longer legally call himself an architect. "Since I was 18 it's all I've ever wanted to do. But to be asked to pay an annual fee (which is increasing each year) to the ARB for the title - when the function isn't regulated seems madness." This conversation was filmed in the weeks leading up to that announcement. It captures Chris at a moment of conviction, before he went public with a decision that challenges how the UK regulates the built environment. As a working class kid, Chris was told architecture wasn’t for "the likes of him." Decades later, as RIBA President and co-founder of Weston Williamson + Partners, he's reshaped global cities through transport and infrastructure. If you are interested in how architecture survives the collision of technological shift, class barriers, commercial pressure, and declining influence - this is for you. 0:00 Intro 1:28 Chris' route into architecture 4:55 Class and the barrier to professional entry 6:37 Founding ⁨@wwparchitects⁩ 12:27 Why architects are losing influence 14:31 Specialisim vs generalism 19:14 In defence of competitions 22:38 Partnerships, pressure and asking for help 27:08 AI: can anyone be an architect now? 30:19 Handing over WW+P to the next generation 32:58 What do you want you legacy to be? 36:56 How to fix architecture's influence problem 41:10 What Chris is doing as RIBA President 45:08 Why young architects aren't joining the RIBA 49:17 Protection of function vs title 52:21 What success as RIBA President looks like

Simon Allford is never short of a view, and this conversation covers the parts of architecture people usually avoid.AHMM was founded in 1989 at possibly the worst moment in modern British architecture. Gold cards maxed out to cover office debt, competitions won but never built, consultancy work drying up. Those five years of survival shaped everything that followed. The rule from their student days still holds: the best idea wins, not yours or mine. If everyone's comfortable with a design, it's probably not good enough. His infamous "first we storm the building, then we take back the asylum" quote came from genuine frustration with an RIBA he felt had lost its purpose. Architecture, not architects. The internal politics proved harder than expected: some figures were "sinisterly unpleasant," but the House of Architecture concept survived. The collection is returning from storage, Portland Place is opening up, and he's still chairing fundraising for the Museum of Architecture. AHMM now has seven new executive directors and a global team of 400+. Growth was never the goal, they used to joke about never exceeding thirty people, but scale found them anyway. If you want an honest take on what architecture is really like from the inside, and how to survive those (sometimes) brutal early years - this is a great place to start. 00:00 Intro 01:28 Becoming an architect 05:30 Founding AHMM 11:09 The first five brutal years 18:37 The success of AHMM 26:07 The RIBA presidency and 'that' quote 28:47 The House of Architecture and the role of the RIBA 32:29 The value of architecture and public engagement 42:12 Succession planning at AHMM 46:40 Mentorship and the next generation of architects 50:30 AI, critical thinking and the future of architecture 56:51 Following in his father's footsteps (and his daughters in his)

When Alyssa Anselmo quit her New York design job to build a daycare in Canada with next to no experience, everyone said she was crazy. Since then, she's delivered multiple award-winning projects, amassed a social media empire of 1M+ followers and built a studio that lets her choose work entirely on her own terms. Safe to say she made the right decision. Alyssa breaks down the decisions, the risks, and what she's learned about taste, money and attention. Her message is this: You don't need permission. You don't need a decade of experience. You need conviction, a willingness to be uncomfortable, and the courage to back your ideas even when nobody else does. 00:00 Intro 01:20 Why architecture and design made sense 08:46 What Italy, Canada and the US taught her about design 17:17 Walking away from commercial practice to start her own studio 22:02 How the Bambini daycare project began with her mum 28:31 Taking on a 1,000 square metre childcare centre solo 30:24 Rethinking daycare interiors for light, calm and curiosity 35:07 What she wants to design next 37:04 How TikTok and Studio Anva’s online presence started 43:04 Turning a rented flat into a content engine 45:11 Good design on a tight budget with Facebook Marketplace and IKEA 47:47 Money, taste and why some rich homes still feel flat 53:04 Why good design should scare you a little 54:09 Lessons for designers who want to grow on social media 1:00:25 Advice for young architects and designers backing their ideas 1:07:27 Her slow, human response to AI in design 1:13:29 Has her career gone to plan or not at all

Sarah Gibson & Nicholas Karlovasitis leave uni, cram a fledgling furniture brand into a Newtown flat, and decide they are going to export Australian design to the world. That is the starting point for DesignByThem. In this episode we unpack how fifteen years later, they're actually pulling it off. We talk about building a design brand from a tiny local market, backing Australian designers, and choosing factories around the world without losing the integrity of the work. The conversation gets into IP, copies, pricing, cashflow, and why treating business as a design problem changed everything for them.If you care about turning design from a side project into a viable brand, this one is worth your time. 0:00 Intro 1:22 Why design still hooks them after all these years 3:00 Chasing ideas that make beautiful things accessible 4:08 Childhood Lego, pulling things apart and thinking like designers 5:11 Sarah’s path from obsessive floor plans to industrial design 6:10 Education, UTS and putting Australian industrial design on the map 7:34 Spotting the gap and founding DesignByThem as a collective 9:39 Building a platform for Australian designers not just a personal studio 11:02 Royalties, collaboration and why the best invoices go to other designers 13:08 Designers as business people and treating business like a design problem 15:09 Systems and spreadsheets 16:29 How they find designers and why so many wait to be discovered 19:29 Social media, saturation and why direct outreach still wins 21:35 Young designers, polish, missing knowledge and the AI trap 22:56 Why outsourcing the concept is a mistake and IP is everything 24:16 Using AI for the boring bits so more time goes into design 24:23 Sustainability, materials and designing for the full life cycle 27:15 Greenwashing, regulation and how far Australia needs to go 33:20 Working with architects and interiors and learning from clients 34:50 Feedback loops, data and using colour and custom work smartly 39:21 Australian craft as limitation and why they went global with manufacturing 41:42 Balancing local pride, accessibly priced products and global factories 43:52 Turning furniture design from a second job into a real career 45:03 Educating the public and putting the designer behind the product 50:03 How products, brands and spaces work together in the real world 53:12 Their Smart Design Studio workspace and why the setting matters 55:33 What they have learned, what they would change and why they still love coming to work

A few times in a generation, a piece of technology comes along that changes everything. The internet, smart phones, or if you're an architect, CAD and BIM. Now, we have AI to add to that list. But can our profession embrace this, move forward, or even absorb another push for efficiency without hollowing out our expertise or having to question our real value now or in the future?We wanted to find out the answers to these questions and more. So we spoke to Rada Daleva, project lead at Studio Tim Fu, the leading AI-first architecture firm working with real clients on real projects and making real money.This studio is at the vanguard of what our future could look like, and that debut, commissioned at Lake Bled in Slovenia, is billed as the first fully AI driven architecture project.00:00 Intro01:25 Is AI coming for my job?02:37 What are the tangible use cases for AI right now?06:34 Rada’s path to Studio Tim Fu11:01 Using AI across the business11:54 Lake Bled: World's first fully AI driven architecture project15:06 Human touch, local context and training models19:14 Why later stages are harder for AI21:45 Does AI steal the fun part of design?24:17 How AI could shift architectural value26:55 What to do if you just started a design practice31:13 Should students be learning AI at University?34:57 Using AI as a marketing strategy38:49 Do clients actually want AI?39:45 Navigating the AI divide43:03 Will AI fundamentally change design forever?47:07 What do you say to the haters?48:15 How do we define our value in this new era of design?50:03 How will the industry evolve in the next five years?

Shawn Adams is an architect and outreach lead at HTA Design. He co founded POoR Collective (Power Out Of Restriction), a platform that works with young people to co design projects and build real skills. His work sits at the intersection of practice, education and community, bringing young voices into live briefs and treating them as the client. He is a published writer with bylines in Wallpaper, Frame and Icon. He trained at Portsmouth and the Royal College of Art, and came through the New Architecture Writers programme. Shawn’s focus is clear. Make design public. Cut the jargon. Open the door for the next generation. 0:00 - Intro 1:15 - Why architecture? 2:07 - Experience at architecture school 4:20 - Founding the POoR Collective 7:15 - What do the POor Collective do? 8:38 - Finding the balance between designer and facilitator 11:40 - Build the Way Internship 12:40 - Getting people to believe in your ideas 14:25 - Working at HTA Design 19:32 - Becoming a published writer in design 22:16 - The relationship between architecture and writing 24:37 - The architect as the polymath 28:22 - Communicating design via social media 30:38 - Drop the jargon 33:19 - Increasing representation in architecture 36:13 - Has your career turned out how you imagined? 40:18 - Advice for the next generation 43:46 - What change do you hope to see in the industry?

Peter Murray once herded longhorn cattle down St Johns Street in London to make a point: Architecture should speak to everyone. In this conversation he unpacks a life spent shaping that dialogue from AA student to editor of Building Design and the RIBA Journal to co founding Blueprint, Wordsearch, the London Festival of Architecture and New London Architecture.We get into why so much architectural writing misses the public, how to switch the language, and when he realised he was becoming institutionalised and needed a reset. He talks candidly about raising the game at BD, opening the debate beyond the profession, and building platforms that connect designers, policymakers and the public.

Download the report Here is the State of Sustainability in Architecture and Design 2025. A clear view of how sustainability is shaping hiring, skills and careers right now, based on a global survey of 350 professionals across the UK, US and Australia, plus straight talk from six pioneers who are pushing practice forward. Chris Simmons speaks with editor Hattie Hartman to unpack the findings. You will hear what candidates want, which skills are in demand, how teams are built, why evidence beats slogans, and where firms fall short between big promises and delivery.Featuring insights from Andrew Waugh, Kossy Nnachetta, Tamar Warburg, Heather Holddridge, Caroline Pidcock and David Ritter. Watch, take notes, then grab the free report and both handbooks for employers and candidates. Use them to hire smarter, structure teams with intent and build the skills that actually get you hired.

Architect and urban designer Mariana Cabugueira has bridged the worlds of physical infrastructure with immersive digital realms in the metaverse. In this episode, she traces her path from studying in Lisbon to honing advanced skills in London, and from her years at Zaha Hadid Architects to spearheading ambitious virtual projects.We explore what architects can contribute to the metaverse, how AI and parametric tools are changing workflows, and the challenges of building healthy design cultures. Mariana also talks openly about stepping away from a dream role to start something new.Watch to learn:– What Zaha Hadid Architects was really like inside– How to masterplan a virtual city under impossible deadlines– How AI is fuelling design– The mindset that keeps you relevant in the next wave of architecture00:00 Intro01:16 Why architecture?02:36 Growing up in Portugal and early studies04:09 Leaving Portugal for London06:14 Learning curve at the AA07:32 Landing a role at Zaha Hadid Architects09:39 Inside Zaha: collaboration and competition11:19 Tangible vs digital practice13:29 Transition to metaverse architecture16:21 Masterplanning a virtual city18:15 Starting her own practice19:43 Balancing physical and digital projects21:07 Designing for human experience in virtual worlds22:37 Saudi Arabia airport project26:24 AI and the metaverse29:13 Tools, software and advice for students31:10 Building community and working hard32:40 Gender and representation in architecture34:09 What’s next for Mariana’s practice35:21 Adaptability as the real skill36:34 Closing reflections

What does it take to run one of the world’s leading architecture practices? Grimshaw’s Group Managing Partner Mark Middleton shares lessons from three decades shaping global mega-projects, leading studios across continents, and keeping architects inspired on the world’s biggest stages. 0:00 - Intro 1:17 - Why architecture? 2:51 - How practical experience shapes better design 5:46 - Architecture school and a switch in work ethic 8:43 - Joining Grimshaw, working with Sir Nicholas Grimshaw and staying in one job for 30 years 11:44 - Becoming Group Managing Partner at Grimshaw 13:53 - Transitioning into leadership and staying close to projects 17:44 - How the global studio runs, board and regions 22:59 - Ambition, being asked to lead and the move to Australia 26:56 - Australia on the ground, local clients and a broader project mix 33:01 - Do big awards change anything? 37:10 - Film at Grimshaw, telling complex stories well 45:01 - Speak plainly and drop the archi-speak 54:24 - The gripe with architect stereotypes

From cubbies in the bush to projects in Melbourne, London, and New York, Martin’s career has spanned continents, practices, and passions. Now an Associate at FXCollaborative, he reflects on what drives him as an architect and his advocacy for diversity through Build Out Alliance. 00:00 Intro 02:51 Designing for the end user’s needs and enjoyment 05:38 DIY projects family building and formal training 08:09 London office planting the seed for international work 11:49 Getting licensed from the UK to New York 16:19 Balancing the technical and creative sides of architecture 18:49 Taking projects from concept through to completion 21:32 Working in London compared with New York contracts 24:10 Investing time in relearning codes and licensing 26:43 Build Out Alliance advocacy and LGBTQ+ support 29:33 Splitting time between comfort and work quality 32:21 Building awareness and inclusivity in the creative industry 36:18 Gaining opportunities and confidence through Build Out Alliance 39:14 Navigating straight environments and the energy of code switching 42:40 Designing with inclusivity and community in mind4 5:11 Making the move to New York and the mainland 48:02 Supporting queer communities through architecture and advocacy

The numbers aren’t great. Women in architecture are still paid less, promoted less, and leaving the profession at higher rates than men. It’s not unique to architecture, but there’s plenty of work to do. According to a Bespoke Careers report, the gender pay gap in Australia sits at 20.6% — nearly triple that of the UK and US. Angela Dapper has seen those realities up close, and has made it her mission to be the change she wants to see in the industry. Over a career in Melbourne and London with Grimshaw, Architectus and Denton Corker Marshall, she’s led landmark projects like the Stonehenge Visitor Centre, Aesop Store and Oxford Botanic Gardens Glasshouses. She’s mentored emerging architects, challenged industry norms, and built a reputation for making her voice count in rooms where women are still underrepresented.Now she’s stepping away from big practice to start her own socially sustainable studio on her own terms. This conversation explores the reality of being a woman in architecture and what it takes to create a career that truly works for you.0:00 – Introduction1:09 – What keeps Angela in architecture4:15 – Gender bias and the uphill battle in the 90s5:47 – Leaving Australia for opportunities in London7:17 – Designing the Stonehenge Visitor Centre12:22 – Lessons from working in three major practices15:41 – Leading diversity initiatives at Grimshaw17:55 – Why Angela moved from DCM to Grimshaw20:50 – Choosing the right practice for you22:26 – Why many senior women are leaving architecture24:05 – Starting her own socially sustainable studio27:59 – Making small projects high impact30:49 – Listening and adapting to community clients31:50 – Why she started her business later in her career34:22 – Returning to Australia as an architect36:41 – The value of panels, mentoring and professional networks40:13 – Gender equity in architecture today45:06 – Angela's experiences with gender discrimination47:19 – Advice for young architects finding their voice50:17 – Has her career turned out as expected?

What does it take to become a successful architect? How do you build an award winning practice culture? How do we fix the housing crisis? And are architects still hungry enough to make a difference?In this episode, Simon Bayliss, Managing Partner at HTA Design, shares what he's learned from 25 years at one of the UK’s leading housing-focused practices. 0:00 - Intro 0:56 - Why Simon became an architect 3:26 - Where architects bring the most value 6:41 - Going from Part II to Managing Partner at HTA Design 11:58 - Building an award-winning workplace culture 16:55 - Insights on hybrid and flexible working 22:18 - Benefits of a multidisciplinary approach 25:17 - Strategic growth in housing and co-living 29:51 - Rethinking space and the future of shared living 33:02 - Lessons for the next generation of architects 38:48 - Why trust and high standards go hand in hand 42:46 - What’s next for Simon and the future of housing