By Jon Clayton
The podcast currently has 51 episodes available.
Jon continues his deep dive into mental health within the architecture profession with guest Doug Hodgson. The discussion offers valuable insights into dealing with overwhelm and burnout, as well as practical steps Doug's practice, New-works, has taken to safeguard their team's mental health. The conversation also touches on the broader industry issues, such as the housing crisis, the role of architectural technologists, and the need for significant changes in architectural education and professional collaboration to improve mental well-being across the industry. The episode underscores the importance of a balanced work structure, staying connected to creative work, and fostering a supportive, diverse workplace environment.
Today's Guest...
Doug Hodgson is an Architect and leads the Retrofit agenda for New-works, a practice he co-founded to explore a new way of working, based on the principles of specialism and collaboration, wellbeing and sustainability - with a fundamental belief that wellbeing in the workplace generates better relationships and better architecture. Prior to New-works, Doug had co-founded TDO, was a Design Fellow at Cambridge University, and in 2020 was named in The Architects’ Journal 40 under 40. Doug is passionate about improving mental health and wellbeing, and has found from his own experience of being proudly openly gay that there’s an urgent need for greater kindness, understanding, and inclusion in the construction industry to make the profession more relevant.
Episode Highlights...
00:00 Introduction
01:21 Practical Tips for Managing Mental Health
02:17 The Importance of Nature and Breaks
06:42 Challenges in the Architecture Profession
12:57 New-works' Approach to Mental Health
16:59 Advice for Practice Owners
22:32 The Role of Professional Organisations
30:55 Personal Reflections and Favorite Places
33:31 Conclusion and Contact Information
Key Takeaways...
The Importance of Mental Wellbeing and Nature:
- Both Jon Clayton and Doug Hodgson emphasise the critical role mental health plays in the architecture profession. They advocate for taking breaks, spending time in nature, and establishing a structured workday that allows for physical wellness and mental health activities. Doug discusses how a connection to nature and taking time off when feeling overwhelmed can significantly impact mental health positively.
Innovative Work Structure at NewWorks:
- Doug elaborates on the unique work structure at New-works, which reserves time in the morning for physical well-being and the late afternoon for mental well-being, with core creative work happening mid-day. This approach has led to increased efficiency and productivity and illustrates the importance of balancing work with personal well-being.
Collaboration and Diversity in Architecture:
- The conversation touches on the need for more collaboration within the architecture profession, advocating for cross-disciplinary work and better integration with various sectors like architectural technologists. Additionally, Doug emphasises the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the profession and the need for organisations like RIBA to support these initiatives more actively. This includes rethinking education and fostering environments where young professionals from diverse backgrounds can thrive.
Links Mentioned In The Episode...
Learn more about New-Works
Connect with Doug on LinkedIn
—--
Interested in working with Jon?
👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞
Resources…
👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁
It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers. Get it today (without any charge).
👉 Join our (free) WhatsApp Discussion Group 🎁
👉 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn 🤝
👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…
Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.
In The Next Episode...
Next time Jon chats with Fabio Zammit about how you can generate more leads from your website.
Jon interviews Doug Hodgson about balancing mental health and professional success in the high-pressure field of architecture. They discuss Doug's experiences and philosophies on workplace wellbeing, sustainability, and collaboration. Doug talks about the impact of his outdoor hobbies and the vital need for greater kindness and inclusion in the industry. The conversation highlights the mental health crisis in architecture, the overwhelming demands on professionals, and the toxic culture in architectural education and practice. Doug emphasises the importance of specialising and collaborating to maintain mental health and professional satisfaction. The episode aims to raise awareness and encourage discussions on improving mental health and wellbeing for architectural professionals.
Today's Guest...
Doug Hodgson is an Architect and leads the Retrofit agenda for New-works, a practice he co-founded to explore a new way of working, based on the principles of specialism and collaboration, wellbeing and sustainability - with a fundamental belief that wellbeing in the workplace generates better relationships and better architecture. Prior to New-works, Doug had co-founded TDO, was a Design Fellow at Cambridge University, and in 2020 was named in The Architects’ Journal 40 under 40. Doug is passionate about improving mental health and wellbeing, and has found from his own experience of being proudly openly gay that there’s an urgent need for greater kindness, understanding, and inclusion in the construction industry to make the profession more relevant.
Episode Highlights...
00:00 Introduction
01:02 Meet Doug Hodgson: Redefining Workplace Wellbeing
02:11 The Allotment: A Sanctuary During COVID
05:40 Sustainability and Regenerative Materials in Architecture
06:39 The Mental Health Crisis in Architecture
12:02 The Impact of Architectural Education on Wellbeing
21:46 Specialisation and Collaboration: A New Approach
28:55 Next Steps
Key Takeaways...
Importance of Mental Health in Architecture:
- The interview emphasises the critical state of mental health within the architecture profession. Jon and Doug discuss how overwhelming workloads, long hours, and unrealistic expectations can severely impact mental and physical well-being, leading to burnout.
Need for Industry-wide Change:
- To address the mental health crisis, a structural change is necessary within the profession and its education system. Doug highlights that the root of many mental health issues stems from the highly demanding and often abusive culture of architectural education. This oppressive environment is carried into professional practice, resulting in exploitative working conditions. Reform in both education and professional practices is needed.
Specialisation and Collaboration:
- Doug advocates for architects to specialise in areas they are passionate about and excel in, rather than trying to cover all aspects of a project. Collaborative efforts between specialised practices can lead to more effective and enjoyable work environments. This approach can help mitigate the overwhelming demands often placed on individual architects, contributing to better mental health and work-life balance.
Links Mentioned In The Episode...
Learn more about New-Works
Connect with Doug on LinkedIn
—--
Interested in working with Jon?
👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞
Resources…
👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁
It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers. Get it today (without any charge).
👉 Join our (free) WhatsApp Discussion Group 🎁
👉 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn 🤝
👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…
Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.
In The Next Episode...
Hear the conclusion of Jon and Doug’s conversation.
Jon discusses the importance and benefits of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems for solo and small firm architecture practice owners. The episode covers the basics of CRM systems, their key features, and how they can help automate tasks, manage client communications, and streamline operations. Jon also offers advice on selecting the right CRM for different practice sizes and provides tips for successful implementation and consistent use.
Episode Highlights...
00:00 Introduction
01:24 Understanding CRM Systems
03:09 Benefits of CRM for Architecture Practices
04:44 Key Features to Look for in a CRM
06:02 Choosing the Right CRM for Your Practice
08:32 Implementing a CRM System Successfully
12:07 Optimising your CRM for Long-Term Success
13:30 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview
Key Takeaways...
The Importance of CRM Systems:
CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems are key for architecture practices, regardless of size. They help manage client relationships, streamline communications, and automate routine tasks, which is essential for maintaining strong relationships over long project timelines and improving overall efficiency.
Key Features and Choosing the Right CRM:
Not all CRMs are created equal, and it's important to choose one that fits the specific needs of your practice. Key features to look for might include project tracking, communication history, automation for repetitive tasks, and integration with other software like AutoCAD or Revit. The choice of CRM should consider factors such as the scale of projects, team size, budget, and specific business goals.
Implementation and Optimisation:
Successful implementation of a CRM involves setting clear goals, training your team, and ensuring accurate data migration. Consistent use and regular review of CRM data to identify trends can help refine processes over time. This consistent use is key to keeping sales and project pipelines full and moving, ultimately adding value to your practice.
—--
Interested in working with Jon?
👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞
Resources…
👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁
It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers. Get it today (without any charge).
👉 Join our (free) WhatsApp Discussion Group 🎁
👉 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn 🤝
👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…
Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.
In The Next Episode...
Next time Jon chats with architect, Doug Hodgson about mental health and wellbeing in architecture.
Jon discusses how architecture practices can escape the feast and famine cycle by using launches as part of their marketing strategy. He is joined by Sigrun, an award-winning business coach, best-selling author, and entrepreneur, who explains the power of launching to create a steady and predictable pipeline of work. Sigrun shares her journey from studying architecture to becoming a leading business mentor and outlines how architects can implement launches to grow their practices. The episode also touches on the potential for architects to create online courses as an additional revenue stream. Sigrun offers practical insights into creating excitement through events, addressing common misconceptions, and the stages involved in the launch process.
Today's Guest...
Sigrun is an award-winning business coach, bestselling author, and multiple 7 figure entrepreneur. She is on a mission to accelerate gender equality through female entrepreneurship. She’s been called the leading business mentor for online entrepreneurs in Europe, is a TEDx speaker, and host of the top-rated Sigrun Show podcast. Sigrun’s online business journey started shortly after finishing her master’s degree in architecture. She’s since been featured in Forbes and numerous leading media publications in Europe and has won 5 Stevie Awards; as the Hero of the year, Entrepreneur of the year, Solo entrepreneur of the year, Manager of the year, and Sales Achievement of the year.
Episode Highlights...
00:00 Introduction
01:44 Meet Sigrun: Business Coach and Entrepreneur
04:37 Sigrun's Journey from Architecture to Online Business
19:22 The Concept of Launching Explained
23:15 The Power of Limited Editions
24:17 Creating Urgency in Marketing
25:40 Addressing Skepticism in Service Businesses
28:01 Effective Launch Strategies for Service Businesses
29:39 Stages of a Successful Launch
33:53 Leveraging Digital Products for Architects
34:28 Success Story: Zero Energy Buildings
38:59 Final Thoughts on Launching
41:50 Exploring Iceland: A Personal Favorite
44:02 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview
Key Takeaways...
The Power of Launching:
Launching is a marketing strategy that creates excitement and urgency around a product or service. By planning and executing a well-structured launch, you can significantly boost their sales in a short period. This approach works for is applicable not only to products but also to services and can lead to a more efficient and effective way of attracting and retaining clients.
Building Expertise and Authority:
Sharing expertise through online courses or digital products can enhance a business's authority in its field. By teaching others, businesses not only diversify their income streams but also attract new clients who recognize their expertise. This dual benefit can lead to increased business through both educational content and traditional service offerings.
Creating Urgency and Scarcity:
Communicating limited availability of services or spots creates a sense of urgency and encourages prospective clients to act quickly. This strategy is particularly effective in service-based businesses, as it ensures that potential clients do not delay making a decision, which can help in maintaining a steady flow of work and avoiding peaks and troughs in workloads.
Links Mentioned In The Episode...
Get Sigrun’s Book ‘Kickstart Your Online Business’ Now - For Free 🎁
Visit Sigrun’s Website
Sigrun on Facebook
Sigrun’s Instagram
Interested in working with Jon?
👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞
Resources…
👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁
It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers. Get it today (without any charge).
👉 Join our (free) WhatsApp Discussion Group 🎁
👉 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn 🤝
👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…
Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.
In The Next Episode...
Next time Jon talks about customer relationship management systems (otherwise known as a CRM).
Jon is joined by Melanie Boylan, an award-winning social media trainer and Google Business Profile specialist. Melanie explains how optimising Google Business Profiles can significantly enhance online visibility for architecture firms. The episode covers the basics and benefits of Google Business Profiles, including step-by-step guidance on setup, optimisation tips, and unique features like FAQs and call-to-action options. Melanie also shares how to leverage tools for consistent posting and answers listener questions about managing profiles efficiently. Melanie also shares her personal interest in space and science, and her experiences sharing this passion with her family. The episode ends with insights about the benefits of having a well-optimised online presence and practical advice for small architecture firms to get started.
Today's Guest...
Melanie Boylan is an award-winning Social Media Trainer, Digital Marketer, Speaker, Journalist and award-winning Podcaster with The Monday Morning Marketing Podcast and has been training and managing social media accounts for business since 2013.
Episode Highlights...
00:00 Introduction
01:15 Meet Melanie Boyland: Social Media and Google Business Profile Expert
01:50 Melanie's Passion for Space and Science
05:08 The Importance of Google Business Profiles for Architects
07:54 Setting Up and Optimising Your Google Business Profile
11:43 Maximising the Benefits of Google Business Profiles
18:37 Posting and Managing Your Google Business Profile
25:23 Final Tips and Recommendations
33:22 Conclusion and Farewell
Key Takeaways...
Importance of Having a Website and Google Business Profile:
- Having a website provides a central hub for all your business information and content. A Google Business Profile complements your website by improving your search engine visibility and making it easier for potential clients to find and contact you.
- A simple and clear website is often sufficient for service businesses, and a Google Business Profile can greatly enhance your online presence by presenting your business in Google search results and Maps.
Fully Optimising Your Google Business Profile:
- Fully optimising your profile involves more than just setting it up; it requires filling out all available fields, regularly posting updates, and encouraging client reviews.
- Regularly check and update the profile to ensure accuracy and relevance. Google may add categories based on how people find you, so it's important to review these periodically to manage customer expectations and avoid misunderstandings.
Leveraging Google Business Profile Features for Engagement:
- Google Business Profile allows for various types of posts, including text, images, videos, and even scheduling links, which can drive engagement and facilitate easy contact with clients.
- Features such as call-to-action buttons, FAQ sections, and review management can significantly streamline the customer journey, making it easier for them to contact you directly from the search results, thus enhancing user experience and increasing the likelihood of converting inquiries into clients.
Links Mentioned In The Episode...
Visit Melanie’s Website
Connect with Melanie on LinkedIn
---
Interested in working with Jon?
👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞
---
Resources…
👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁
It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers. Get it today (without any charge).
👉 Join our (free) WhatsApp Discussion Group 🎁
👉 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn 🤝
👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…
Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.
In The Next Episode...
Next time award-winning business coach Sigrun joins Jon to talk about using launches to scale and grow your business.
Jon chats with Jackie Goddard, a voice and acting coach. They explore the benefits of public speaking for architects and architecture practice owners, offering practical tips to overcome the fear of public speaking. Jackie, who has extensive experience in acting and coaching, shares her insights on how effective communication can aid in personal and business growth. They also discuss the significance of storytelling, preparation, and the three B's method: Believe, Breathe, and Be Prepared.
Today's Guest...
Jackie Goddard is a former fashion designer and recovering actor who’s spent 30 years working in and around the arts, most recently as a voice and acting coach. Through her company, Power to Speak, Jackie now works with entrepreneurs, business leaders & teams to make them excited about sharing their ideas and developing their Power To Speak. She is often asked to speak to audiences about public speaking, but also to share her thoughts on topics like the acting process, resilience, joy, and failure. Since 2020 Jackie has hosted a podcast, talking to speakers, authors, actors, & entrepreneurs to discover how they use their voice, story, and creativity for their work & wellbeing.
Episode Highlights...
00:00 Introduction
01:22 Meet Jackie Goddard
03:34 The Benefits of Public Speaking for Architects
06:29 Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking
11:13 Transforming Fear into Excitement
15:55 The Power of Storytelling in Public Speaking
21:18 First Steps to Public Speaking
27:29 The Three B's of Public Speaking
31:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
32:45 Favorite Places and Farewell
Key Takeaways...
Preparation is Key:
- Jackie emphasises the importance of thorough preparation in overcoming the fear of public speaking. Getting all your thoughts out on paper, organising them, and practicing out loud with someone are crucial steps. Preparation helps to internalise the content, making it easier to present with confidence and fluidity.
The Power of Storytelling:
- Incorporating stories into your public speaking can make your message more memorable and engaging. Personal stories are particularly effective because they are easier for the speaker to remember and help build a connection with the audience. The essence is to tell stories that resonate with the audience, not just boast about personal achievements.
Shifting Mindset from Fear to Excitement:
- Jackie explains that anxiety and excitement are physiologically similar, and by changing your mindset to see the act of public speaking as an exciting opportunity rather than a daunting task, you can improve your performance. Believing in what you are talking about and focusing on the positive outcomes can transform nervous energy into enthusiasm.
Links Mentioned In The Episode...
Grab Jackie’s (free) guide: ‘Speak With Confidence 101’
Visit Jackie’s Website
Connect with Jackie on LinkedIn
Curious about working with Jon?
👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞
Resources...
👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁
It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers. Get it today (without any charge).
👉 Join our (free) WhatsApp Discussion Group 🎁
👉 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn 🤝
👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…
Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.
In The Next Episode...
Next time Jon chats with Melanie Boylan about Google Business Profiles.
Jon shares insights into his work supporting small practice founders and sole practitioners in the architecture industry. He discusses his coaching, consulting, and mentoring services designed to help architecture businesses achieve their goals. Jon highlights the various ways he assists clients, from strategic planning and marketing to financial forecasting and team building. Real client stories illustrate how his tailored approach has helped small practices overcome challenges and grow. Listeners are invited to connect with Jon for personalised support and to explore potential collaborations.
Episode Highlights...
00:00 Introduction
01:13 Services Offered Beyond the Podcast
06:42 Client Success Stories
11:21 How to Work with Jon
13:37 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview
Key Takeaways...
Personalised Support for Small Architecture Practices:
Jon provides personalised one-to-one support for small practice founders and sole practitioners. This includes coaching, consulting, and mentoring services tailored to each client's unique needs, helping them achieve goals such as growing their practice, working fewer hours, or building their team.
Real-Life Client Success Stories:
Jon shares real-life examples of how he's helped clients overcome specific challenges. These stories illustrate practical solutions and strategies, such as improving time management, integrating specialised services like retrofit and low-energy design, enhancing marketing tactics, and developing new business plans aligned with long-term goals.
Initial Engagement Process for New Clients:
Emphasising the importance of a good fit, Jon explains the initial engagement process for prospective clients. This involves one or two initial meetings, usually held on Zoom, to understand your needs and decide if he’s a good fit for you. This ensures that both parties are aligned and that Jon can effectively support your business objectives.
—--
👇 Book a chat with Jon to explore working 1-2-1 with him 📞
https://tidycal.com/mrjonclayton/quick-chat
—--
👇 Click the link below to grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁
It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers. Get it today (without any charge).
https://architecturebusinessclub.com/blueprint
👇 Join our (free) WhatsApp Discussion Group 🎁
https://chat.whatsapp.com/BtFJsJF6iL37vUb5tHNpkI
👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…
Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.
👇 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn at...
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjonclayton/
In The Next Episode...
Next time Jon chats with Jackie Goddard to discuss the benefits of public speaking.
Jon is joined by Ian Anderson Gray, founder of the Confident Live Marketing Academy, to discuss how architecture practice owners can effectively use video as part of their marketing strategy. They delve into important strategies, AI tools for content creation, and tips to overcome the fear of being on camera. Ian also shares his experience and passion for music, and the episode explores the benefits of video marketing, the pros and cons of live versus pre-recorded video, and the concept of content repurposing. For those feeling time-poor, Ian provides practical advice and tool recommendations to streamline the video content creation process.
Today's Guest...
Ian is the founder of the Confident Live Marketing Academy and host of the Confident Live Marketing and Smart ADHD podcasts. He helps entrepreneurs to level up their impact, authority, and profits by using live video confidently. He's the founder of Seriously Social - a blog focused on live video and social media tools. He’s an international speaker, trainer, teacher and consultant. He has a passion for making the techno-babble of live video and social media marketing easy to understand. As well as being a geek, husband, and dad to two kids, Ian is also a professional singer and lives near Manchester in the UK.
Episode Highlights...
00:00 Introduction
01:32 Meet Ian Anderson Gray
04:13 The Importance of Video for Architecture Practices
07:57 Live vs. Pre-recorded Videos
13:07 Content Repurposing Explained
16:22 AI Tools for Content Creation
24:45 Tool for Short Form Videos
25:30 Descript and Opus Clip: A Comparison
26:45 AI Tools: Pitfalls and Best Practices
29:51 Using AI to Enhance Creativity
33:00 Content Repurposing Example
36:46 Cost and Time Efficiency in Content Creation
39:21 Final Thoughts and Advice
42:33 Favorite Travel Destinations
44:27 Connecting with Ian Anderson Gray
44:55 Closing Remarks and Next Episode Preview
Key Takeaways...
Start Small and Build Gradually:
- Ian advises starting with simple tasks and expanding over time. This approach prevents overwhelm and allows gradual improvement and scaling. He emphasises getting started and overcoming perfectionism, especially by using interviews, which are easier than monologues.
Leverage AI Tools for Efficiency:
- AI tools like Descript, ChatGPT, and Opus Clip can significantly streamline the content creation process. These tools help with transcribing, editing, generating show notes, and creating short-form content. However, it's crucial to use AI responsibly by refining outputs to ensure they match your voice and brand, turning AI into a valuable assistant rather than a crutch.
Repurpose Content:
- Repurposing content maximises the value derived from a single piece of content. By starting with a video, you can efficiently create various content formats like podcasts, blog posts, social media updates, and more. The key is to develop a system for repurposing that fits within your resource constraints and gradually increase the breadth of content repurposing as you become more comfortable with the process.
Links Mentioned In The Episode...
Ian on Facebook > https://www.facebook.com/iagdotme
Ian on LinkedIn > https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianandersongray/
Visit Ian’s Website > https://iag.me/
—--
👇 Book a chat with Jon to explore working 1-2-1 with him 📞
https://tidycal.com/mrjonclayton/quick-chat
—--
👇 Click the link below to grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁
It’s the FREE step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers.
https://architecturebusinessclub.com/blueprint
👇 Join our (free) WhatsApp Discussion Group 🎁
https://chat.whatsapp.com/BtFJsJF6iL37vUb5tHNpkI
👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…
Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.
👇 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn at...
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjonclayton/
In The Next Episode...
Next time Jon shares how he’s been working directly with small practice leaders and sole practitioners so that they can achieve their goals.
Jon speaks with Tom Lewith, a chartered architect and co-founder of New-works, about the challenges and transformations in the field of architecture. Tom discusses the closure of his previous practice, TDO, and the reasons behind starting New-works with a focus on specialisation, collaboration, wellbeing, and sustainability. They delve into the industry's pressing issues like climate change, mental health, the Building Safety Act, and the impact of AI. Tom shares insights on creating a structured and fulfilling workday, emphasising the need for specialisation and collaboration in architecture to handle these challenges. The conversation also touches upon personal passions and the importance of maintaining a work-life balance.
Today's Guest...
Tom Lewith is a Chartered Architect and co-founder of New-works. Prior to New-works he co-founded and ran TDO, a leading all-services architecture studio. The success of the practice and its work led to Tom being named in The Architects’ Journal ‘40 under 40’, and the studio featuring in the Architecture Foundation’s ‘New Architects 3’. Big issues affecting the industry like climate change, mental health, AI, and the Building Safety Act demand fundamental change. So in 2024 Tom co-founded New-works to explore a new way of working based on the principles of specialism, collaboration, wellbeing and sustainability.
Episode Highlights...
00:00 Introduction
00:56 Meet Tom Lewith: Architect and Innovator
03:12 Tom's Journey into Architecture
04:34 The Rise and Fall of TDO
06:52 Challenges in the Architecture Industry
11:42 The Birth of New-works
16:52 Specialisation and Collaboration in Architecture
24:02 Stagnation in Architecture Practices
25:39 Embracing Change and Specialisation
27:02 The Power of Saying No
31:05 Introducing New-works
31:33 NewWorks' Unique Approach to Architecture
33:05 Structuring the Workday for Creativity
36:59 Reflecting on the Evolution of Work Practices
40:49 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
43:45 A Personal Favorite Place
45:03 Connecting with Tom Lewith
Key Takeaways...
Specialisation and Collaboration:
- Tom Lewith's approach with New-works highlights the importance of focusing on what you are passionate about and specialising in your strengths. By concentrating on the early stages of architecture (from initial client engagement to early design), New-works creates space for creativity and efficiency. Collaborating with partners who excel in other stages of a project ensures that the entire process is handled by experts, leading to better outcomes and more sustainable practice.
Structured Workday for Better Productivity:
- Implementing a structured workday is crucial for maintaining productivity and mental health. New Works starts their day with non-work activities to prepare mentally and physically, then dedicates a specific time block (10 AM to 2 PM) for deep work without interruptions. This focused period allows for significant progress on creative tasks, followed by a more flexible part of the day for emails, meetings, and other communications. This balance helps reduce anxiety and ensure a productive and enjoyable workday.
The Power of Saying “No”:
- To create a sustainable and profitable architecture practice, it is essential to say "no" to projects and clients that do not align with your core strengths and passions. By focusing on what they do best, architects can deliver higher quality work and maintain their enthusiasm for their projects. Saying no also helps define your unique value proposition, making it easier to attract the right clients and opportunities that match your expertise.
Links Mentioned In The Episode...
Learn more about New Works > https://www.new-works.net/
Connect with Tom on LinkedIn > https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-lewith/
—--
👇 Click the link below to grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁
It’s the FREE step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers.
https://architecturebusinessclub.com/blueprint
—--
👇 Join the waitlist & chat group for our Community & Mastermind (for FREE)🎁
https://architecturebusinessclub.com/waitlist
👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…
Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.
👇 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn at...
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjonclayton/
In The Next Episode...
Next time Jon chats with Ian Anderson Gray about why you should create videos and how to produce them quicker using AI tools.
Jon speaks with award-winning marketing consultant Ayo Abbas. They discuss the essentials and opportunities of digital marketing for small architecture firms. Ayo shares her extensive experience and success in using digital marketing to boost brand visibility and lead conversions. Key highlights include leveraging social media, understanding the importance of SEO, and creating an effective marketing strategy. The episode emphasises that small firms can compete effectively with the proper use of digital tools. Ayo also shares her passion for cooking and her favourite place. This episode is half of a two-part series, in collaboration with Ayo’s podcast, The Built Environment Marketing Show.
Today's Guest...
Ayo Abbas is an award-winning built environment marketing consultant. She has 23 years’ experience working across the real estate and construction sector for major firms. Ayo founded her own consultancy business Abbas Marketing offering B2B marketing strategy and content creation services. Ayo was named as the overall winner for the Digital Woman of the Year Awards 2022. She also hosts her own podcast The Built Environment Marketing Show that shines a spotlight on marketing best practice. In 2023, Ayo was honoured to be a RIBA London Awards judge and named as an architectural trailblazer by Architizer Magazine.
Episode Highlights...
00:00 Introduction
01:55 Collaborative Podcasting
04:18 Diving into Digital Marketing Basics
08:42 Digital Marketing Myths
10:49 Opportunities For Architecture Practices
14:35 Targeted Advertising and Platform Insights
19:32 Leveraging LinkedIn for Architects
20:41 Exploring Other Social Media Platforms
21:24 Understanding SEO and Landing Pages
23:37 Email Marketing Strategies
24:13 The Power of Video Content and Webinars
27:05 Maximising Digital Marketing Efforts
31:38 Ayo's Favorite Place
33:16 Final Thoughts and Farewell
Key Takeaways...
The Importance of Digital Marketing for Small Practices:
Digital marketing presents big opportunities for small architecture firms and sole practitioners to boost their brand visibility and generate leads cost-effectively. Leveraging digital platforms can help small firms compete with larger ones by strategically using tools like email marketing, social media, and search engine optimization (SEO).
Strategic Planning and Execution:
Having a clear digital marketing strategy is key. It helps businesses define their goals, target audience, and the best channels to use to reach them. Execution should be consistent, and small businesses should focus on platforms and methods that align with their strengths and resources. It's important to test different tactics and measure their effectiveness continuously.
Leveraging Digital Platforms for Authentic Engagement:
Social media platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram, as well as tools like webinars and podcasts, provide unique opportunities for professionals to connect authentically with their audience. Showing up consistently and engaging with potential clients on these platforms can significantly enhance brand recognition and trust, which are essential for business success.
This episode is half of a two-part series, in collaboration with Ayo’s podcast, The Built Environment Marketing Show - LISTEN HERE 👇
https://www.abbasmarketing.com/mitc-podcast/small-practice-marketing
Connect with Ayo on LinkedIn > https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayoabbas/
Ayo’s Website > https://www.abbasmarketing.com/
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In The Next Episode...
Next time Jon chats with Tom Lewith about the closure of his practice, TDO, and the formation of New-Works.
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