Bespoke Careers Podcast

From studying at Yale to leading global megaprojects like Changi Airport and Hudson Yards, Forth shares what’s changed in the profession, why architecture is a service business, and how to lead without losing the joy in design.

00:00 - Intro01:15 - Why Architecture?01:51 - Forth's upbringing and route into architecture04:43 - Key lessons from Yale University07:24 - Is architecture school effectively preparing graduates for practice? 10:25 - The story of Forth joining KPF (a great story)14:51 - The hardest years of Forth's life (transition into leadership)16:30 - The 2 keys for architectural success (best advice Forth ever received)18:23 - Forth's advice for leaders20:55 - How to navigate running a large, international practice22:50 - How a team-based culture shapes KPF25:10 - Running project teams like small businesses (super interesting)30:34 - What is it about large projects that you love?35:17 - The evolution of KPF and navigating macro changes40:03 - The value of staying connected beyond architecture43:05 - Why many leave the profession and why that’s okay45:15 - Open House New York and sharing design with the public48:22 - Advice for young architects: grow at your own pace53:06 - Has your career turned out how you imagined?

This episode features Nimi Attanayake of Nimtim Architects, who discusses how her personal experiences, including a cancer diagnosis, reshaped her career.

Nimtim is an architecture practice in London that crafts playful, personal spaces for real people, rethinking how architecture can be more accessible and human.

We sit down with Keir-Regan Alexander, founder of Arka Works, to explore how AI is transforming architecture.

With over 15 years of design experience in top London practices, Keir shares his journey from architect to AI consultant, revealing how AI is changing the way architects work.

We cover everything from early career influences and design school experiences at Liverpool and Westminster to the pressures of running a practice and the challenges of embracing new tech.

00:00 - Intro01:23 - Why architecture?03:21 - Early influences05:13 - Architecture school: Liverpool vs Westminster08:28 - Early career at AHMM and Fielden Fowles12:43 - Transition to Morris+Company15:58 - Navigating the split at Duggan Morris18:51 - What are your leadership values?20:52 - Leaving Morris+Company for AI consultancy23:51 - The AI awakening: early recognition of potential27:19 - AI in architecture practices: two buckets approach30:06 - Practical applications of AI in architecture33:44 - Challenges and opportunities with AI36:37 - Omnihat: a new AI startup for architects41:05 - Using AI to optimise architecture workflows43:54 - Future of architecture and AI45:28 - Advice for young architects in the AI era50:04 - The economics of architecture education today

Thomas Rowntree is an architectural designer and content creator. Alongside practice, he's built a large online following by sharing honest, practical insights into architectural education, early career experience and the realities of the profession.

His content focus on visual communication, productivity, and creative workflows for students and young professionals. He is part of a growing group of designers using content to make architecture more accessible.

Thomas spoke to Chris Simmons about navigating architecture school without a blueprint, the realities of early career practice, and how building a personal brand opened doors the profession didn’t.

0:00–Introduction1:03–Why architecture?2:03–Visual communication as a creative outlet4:59–Lego to art: early sparks6:25–Starting architecture “blind”7:52–First architecture vlog goes viral8:10–Shift from fitness to architecture content12:47–Providing value to the viewer15:04–Planning systems and discipline16:23–Boosting efficiency, avoiding burnout18:54–Part 1 role fully remote in lockdown20:54–Delayed office start, home-working challenges23:04–Finding an 80/20 office/home split24:44–Value of in-studio serendipity26:06–Why he’s still chasing his architect title28:01–Building a personal brand in arch32:00–Social media as competitive edge35:52–Breaking gatekeeping with transparency39:35–Communication: core architect skill43:01–Using “hooks” and storytelling in talks45:56–Elevator-pitch clarity under pressure47:06–Advice: stay open-minded and keep learning49:44–Fav architects now: Hadid, Libeskind, Miralles

Recent changes to Australian workplace laws have significant implications for architecture firms. Merilyn Speiser of Catalina Consultants discusses:

- The new 'right to disconnect' law and its practical implications

- Updated redundancy rules and their impact on small businesses

- Enhanced protections for employees experiencing domestic violence

- Clarifications on independent contractors and sham contracting

- Changes to casual employment regulations

- Increased penalties for wage theft and underpayment

- New 'psychosocial' hazard regulations affecting mental health at work

Whether you're running an architecture practice or working in the industry, understanding these changes is crucial. We'll explain what you need to do to stay compliant and create a fair, safe workplace.

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