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/

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▶️ 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.

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Chapters:
00:00 Starting an architecture practice
04:04 Winning the first major project
08:32 Creativity and commercial reality
10:43 Diversifying into film and events
15:21 Collaboration and unconventional hiring
19:38 Applications and interview advice
23:11 Rebranding the architecture practice
26:33 Mentoring and future careers
29:44 Young people questioning AI and careers
31:42 Managing different client relationships
34:36 Designing without a house style
36:16 Using AI as an architectural tool
40:34 Why architectural education must change
43:25 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

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 Intro
00:48 Meet Dominic and Ruumi Studio
03:06 Getting Into Architecture by Accident
09:40 Made Redundant Three Times
18:15 Turning Redundancy Into Opportunity
22:27 Leading a Team Through Redundancy
26:08 How Ruumi Studio Began
32:00 The Reality of Starting a Studio
37:01 Building a Team and Hiring Architects
44:03 Lessons From the First Six Months
47:47 Building an Architecture Studio Around AI
53:42 What’s Next for Ruumi Studio
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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.uk
Alex Sutton on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alex-sutton

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▶️ 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.

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Chapters

• 00:00 Intro
• 03:00 Meet Alex Sutton
• 03:40 How Alex got into architecture
• 05:41 Starting out at Sevil Peach
• 07:23 Setting up Studio Sutton at 29
• 09:58 Six months before the pandemic
• 13:08 Losing a year of work overnight
• 14:45 Pivoting to Oslo and Stockholm
• 17:08 The reality vs romance of running a studio
• 20:38 The personal cost of being a founder
• 22:58 The hidden cost of winning work
• 26:17 Why better design doesn't always win
• 29:27 Tick box forms and SME barriers
• 32:16 £40,000 just to be in the room
• 35:10 Where does design get lost?
• 40:19 Where are the Mavericks?
• 41:15 What actually creates value
• 46:14 Advice for new founders
• 54:34 Losing work to AI
• 56:06 Is starting a practice in 2026 a dead end?
• 01:00:16 Why architecture still matters
• 01:05:08 Hiring and building a small team
• 01:14:09 What architecture school doesn't teach
• 01:15:28 The Bartlett and the culture of fear
• 01:23:24 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.

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▶️ 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.

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Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and RIBA election context
• 02:53 Why Jay Morton is running for RIBA President
• 04:34 Jay's background and approach
• 05:39 Why architects are invisible in government
• 07:54 Pressure on architecture practices
• 12:09 Fees and the race to the bottom
• 15:29 Student debt and the cost of studying architecture
• 17:39 Are architects just service providers?
• 18:29 Architects as the doctors of buildings
• 21:14 Why small practices are the backbone of the profession
• 28:27 Why tendering is broken
• 30:08 Public perception versus professional reality
• 32:11 Architecture education and the bubble problem
• 34:18 Apprenticeship funding and access
• 40:37 Where to begin tackling the problem
• 42:40 Advice for Part 1s and Part 2s
• 44:14 AI and the future of the profession
• 46:37 Why Jay does not want fast food buildings
• 48:25 Why she wants to be RIBA President

Links 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:

Guest: Francesco Casella, Director at KPF

KPF: kpf.com

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▶️ 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.

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Chapters

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

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▶️ 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.

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Chapters

• 00:00 Arriving at nimtim and setting the scene
• 05:01 Early practice formation and finding direction
• 10:21 First projects, public attention and momentum
• 15:07 Moving from larger practice to running whole projects
• 20:12 Working with a partner and separating work from life
• 25:04 Culture, office life and hiring
• 30:13 Education, students and practice pressures
• 35:18 Apprenticeships, training and the cost of qualification
• 40:12 Skills, challenge and what practices need
• 45:11 Starting a business, risk and reality
• 50:25 Team routines and running the studio
• 55:15 Honesty, pressure and the personal realities of practice
• 1:00:13 AI, industrialisation and the profession's reaction
• 1:05:17 Changing tools and fear of being left behind
• 1:10:18 Clients, sales and keeping the practice going

Links 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

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▶️ 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.

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Chapters

• 00:00 Why design technology matters in practice
• 05:12 Scripting, process and fabrication
• 10:11 BIM explained and why it matters
• 15:15 Infrastructure, standards and solving problems in practice
• 20:15 Grasshopper, Rhino and design workflows
• 25:15 AI imagery and sandboxed tools
• 30:20 Enterprise tools, data and internal knowledge
• 35:08 Optimism, change and staying adaptable
• 40:16 Rapid change in visualisation and design tools
• 45:21 What students should focus on
• 50:12 Technical work needs people skills
• 55:08 Benoy, global studio life and audience questions
• 1:00:03 Enterprise AI and business use cases
• 1:05:16 Quality, bad outputs and critical judgement
• 1:10:20 How to connect with Ami and closing thoughts

Links 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

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▶️ 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.

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Chapters

• 00:00 Stephen's route from architecture into recruitment
• 05:17 Sample portfolios and grabbing attention
• 10:16 CV details, grades and contact information
• 15:09 Software skills and how to present them
• 20:02 Portfolio images and presentation quality
• 25:02 ATS myths and making your CV readable
• 30:10 Showing process in portfolio work
• 35:08 Applying directly and building enough volume
• 40:05 Skipping the job board queue with direct outreach
• 45:01 Market conditions, persistence and application volume
• 50:17 International graduates and visa conversations
• 55:08 What employers value in graduates
• 1:00:19 Start dates, availability and interview questions
• 1:05:21 Targeting practices without overthinking it
• 1:10:10 Writing emails that focus on the employer