Architecture Social

By Architecture Social, Stephen DrewBusiness Arts Careers Design

Architecture Social episodes

March 17How to Land Your First Architect Role
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
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▶️ 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.
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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
1 hr 23 min
February 12Is This the End of Revit? How Architects Must Adapt (2026)
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
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▶️ 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
1 hr 10 min
December 18, 2025The Future of Housing: A Deep Dive into Modular Innovation with ZedPods
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
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▶️ 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
1 hr 39 min
December 05, 2025Why Architects Need to Think Like Influencers: Marketing Secrets Revealed
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
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▶️ 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
42 min
November 25, 2025Why Ignoring AI Could Spell Doom for Your Architecture Practice ft. George Guida
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
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▶️ 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
49 min
November 18, 2025Architecture's Future: Are Universities Keeping Up? | ft. Alberto Villanueva
Architecture education is under pressure from all sides: fees, regulation, AI, employability, student expectations and a profession that keeps changing faster than course structures.
Stephen Drew speaks with Alberto Villanueva, Head of Architecture at Ravensbourne University London, about whether universities are keeping up and how education can better connect students with real practice.
The conversation covers:
How architecture education is changing in 2025

Why industry links and commercial awareness matter for students

The financial and policy pressures affecting universities

How crits, presentation and soft skills prepare students for practice

What AI and alternative careers could mean for future graduates
____
▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14r0otrbwp0
📝 Read the full write-up, with the key takeaways:
https://architecturesocial.com/podcast/architectures-future-are-universities-keeping-up-ft-alberto-villanueva/
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 the state of architecture in 2025

01:12 Meet Alberto Villanueva and Ravensbourne University

03:26 Challenges and changes in architectural education

05:38 Industry connections and student preparedness

10:24 Financial realities and government policy

22:23 Alternative career paths and transferable skills

32:18 The value of crits and presentation skills

36:43 Setting clear expectations for students

38:01 Reflecting on architecture education

38:46 Personal challenges and progress

40:03 Healthy competition and student success

41:04 Bridging the gap between academia and industry

43:00 The role of AI in architecture

43:52 Tailoring job applications

45:50 Balancing passion and practicality

51:45 The future of architectural education

58:28 Final thoughts and farewell
(00:00) - Introduction and State of Architecture in 2025
(01:12) - Guest Introduction: Alberto and Ravensbourne University
(03:26) - Challenges and Changes in Architectural Education
(05:38) - Building Industry Connections and Student Preparedness
(10:24) - Financial Realities and Government Policies
(22:23) - Alternative Career Paths and Skills in Architecture
(32:18) - The Value of Crits and Presentation Skills
(36:43) - Setting Clear Expectations
(38:01) - Reflecting on Architecture Education
(38:46) - Personal Challenges and Triumphs
(40:03) - Healthy Competition and Success
(41:04) - Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry
(43:00) - The Role of AI in Architecture
(43:52) - Tailoring Job Applications
(45:50) - Balancing Passion and Practicality
(51:45) - Future of Architectural Education
(58:28) - Final Thoughts and Farewell
1 hr 2 min
November 11, 2025From Designs to Developments: Greg Blaquiere's Planning Journey
Planning consultancy sits right at the point where design ambition, policy, viability and local authority reality meet.
Stephen Drew speaks with Greg Blaquiere, founder of Eagle Planning and Development, about moving from local government into private planning consultancy, starting a business and building better working relationships with architects.
The conversation covers:
What planning consultants actually do on projects
How local authority experience shapes private sector advice
Why architects and planners need clearer working relationships
How AI and technology can support planning work without replacing due diligence
What Greg learned from his first year running Eagle Planning and Development
____
▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MH1NQPDiGxY
📝 Read the full write-up, with the key takeaways:
https://architecturesocial.com/podcast/from-designs-to-developments-greg-blaquieres-planning-journey/
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 overview
01:35 Meet Greg Blaquiere from Eagle Planning
03:47 Greg's journey into planning
05:39 Early career in local authority
08:18 Transitioning into the private sector
13:47 Starting Eagle Planning and Development
15:32 Diverse projects and planning challenges
21:09 The role of technology in planning
25:44 Balancing AI and due diligence
26:55 AI limitations and risk
30:45 AI in business operations
34:21 Exploring Eagle Planning
37:21 Starting and running a business
45:43 Final thoughts and contact details
(00:00) - Introduction and Overview
(01:35) - Meet Greg from Eagle Planning
(03:47) - Greg's Journey into Planning
(05:39) - Early Career in Local Authority
(08:18) - Transition to Private Sector
(13:47) - Starting Eagle Planning
(15:32) - Diverse Projects and Challenges
(21:09) - The Role of Technology in Planning
(25:44) - Balancing AI and Due Diligence
(26:55) - AI's Limitations and Risks
(30:45) - AI in Business Operations
(34:21) - Exploring Eagle Planning
(37:21) - Starting and Running a Business
(45:43) - Final Thoughts and Contact Information
49 min
November 04, 2025Can Architecture Really Heal? Discover the Impact with Kim Kennedy
Healthcare architecture is not just about technical compliance. It affects dignity, treatment, safety, mental health and how people experience some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Stephen Drew speaks with Kim Kennedy, Principal at Parkin Architects in Ottawa, about healthcare architecture, mental health facilities, specialist project knowledge and what it takes to build a career in this demanding sector.
The conversation covers:
How Kim moved into healthcare architecture

Why mental health facilities need careful, human design thinking

How healthcare architecture has evolved as a specialist discipline

What early-career designers should know about working in healthcare

How technology may change healthcare design and delivery
____
▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LC7QC0POR4w
📝 Read the full write-up, with the key takeaways:
https://architecturesocial.com/podcast/can-architecture-really-heal-discover-the-impact-with-kim-kennedy/
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 overview

00:54 Meet Kim Kennedy from Parkin Architects

01:48 Kim's journey into healthcare architecture

04:41 The evolution of healthcare architecture

06:56 Mental health and architecture

09:24 Parkin Architects' healthcare projects

18:10 Career advice for aspiring healthcare architects

25:25 The role of technology in healthcare architecture

29:22 The future of healthcare architecture

32:55 How to connect with Parkin Architects

36:07 Conclusion and farewell
(00:00) - Introduction and Overview
(00:54) - Meet Kim Kennedy from Parkin Architects
(01:48) - Kim's Journey into Healthcare Architecture
(04:41) - Evolution of Healthcare Architecture
(06:56) - Focus on Mental Health in Architecture
(09:24) - Showcasing Parkin Architects' Projects
(18:10) - Career Advice for Aspiring Architects
(25:25) - The Role of Technology in Healthcare Architecture
(29:22) - Future of Healthcare Architecture
(32:55) - How to Connect with Parkin Architects
(36:07) - Conclusion and Farewell
38 min
October 28, 2025Introverts as Leaders: Carlo Magni Challenges Architectural Norms
Leadership in architecture is often framed around confidence, charisma and being the loudest voice in the room. That is a narrow view, and it can exclude people who lead in a quieter way.
Stephen Drew speaks with Carlo Magni, Associate Director at EPR Architects, about introversion, leadership, soft skills, delegation and how architecture professionals can grow beyond technical delivery into clearer project and team leadership.
The conversation covers:
Why soft skills matter as much as technical ability

How introverts can lead without pretending to be extroverts

What changes when you move from doing the work to managing people

Why time management and delegation matter in senior roles

How public speaking, communication and confidence can be developed
____
▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgTYzHGIpiU
📝 Read the full write-up, with the key takeaways:
https://architecturesocial.com/podcast/introverts-as-leaders-carlo-magni-challenges-architectural-norms/
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 Architecture Social Show

00:40 Meet Carlo Magni

01:31 Carlo's journey from Italy to the UK

06:17 Why soft skills matter in architecture

10:35 Leadership and team management

17:19 Leadership mistakes and lessons learned

21:35 Time management and delegation

24:24 Not everyone needs to be a leader

27:42 Debunking the myth of universal leadership

27:54 The real managers study

28:24 Effective managers versus successful managers

30:23 Leadership for introverts

35:36 Public speaking as an introvert

47:30 The importance of soft skills

52:31 Navigating complex projects with Navisworks

55:42 Conclusion and final thoughts
58 min
October 21, 2025Are Developers the New Architects? Simon Vernon Harcourt’s Journey
Developers are often seen as the people on the other side of the table, but architecture professionals can learn a lot from how they think about sites, risk, viability and delivery.
Stephen Drew speaks with Simon Vernon-Harcourt, Design Director at City and Country, about moving from architecture into development, restoring historic buildings and working with architects on complex conversion projects.
The conversation covers:
How Simon moved from architectural practice into a developer-side role

What makes historic building conversion projects commercially and technically difficult

How developers assess sites, risk, planning and long-term value

What architects should understand when working with developers

How technology and market sentiment are changing development work
____
▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAf7meuVHEw
📝 Read the full write-up, with the key takeaways:
https://architecturesocial.com/podcast/are-developers-the-new-architects-simon-vernon-harcourts-journey/
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 episode context

00:44 Meet Simon Vernon-Harcourt

01:21 Simon's journey into architecture

03:21 Transitioning into a developer role

06:47 City and Country projects overview

10:40 Challenges and rewards of conversion projects

15:33 Finding and procuring unique sites

18:14 Technology and architecture

23:45 Advice for aspiring architects

30:09 Working with developers

32:14 Current industry sentiment

36:16 Closing remarks and contact details
(00:00) - Simon Vernon
(00:44) - Meet Simon Verden Har Court
(01:21) - Simon's Journey into Architecture
(03:21) - Transition to Developer Role
(06:47) - City and Country Projects Overview
(10:40) - Challenges and Rewards of Conversion Projects
(15:33) - Finding and Procuring Unique Sites
(18:14) - Technology and Architecture
(23:45) - Advice for Aspiring Architects
(30:09) - Working with Developers
(32:14) - Current Industry Sentiments
(36:16) - Closing Remarks and Contact Information
39 min