Why are architects completely absent from the rooms where decisions get made?

Jay Morton is a director at Bell Phillips Architects, a housing campaigner, and a candidate for the next RIBA President. In this conversation with Stephen Drew, she breaks down why the architecture profession is struggling, what needs to change, and why she's putting herself forward to lead it.

RIBA voting is open from 15th June to 26th June. If you're a member, vote.
Jay Morton: linkedin.com/in/jaymorton
Jay's campaign: jaymorton.co.uk
Bell Phillips Architects: bellphillips.com

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Want to sharpen your skills and stand out?
We've partnered with ArchAdemia, an online learning platform built by architects, for architects. Courses on Revit, Rhino, rendering, BIM, portfolio building, project management and more.
👉 archademia.com

Use code ARCHSOCIAL10 for a discount on the annual membership.
Subscribe to Architecture Social: / @architecturesocial
Follow Stephen Drew on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stephen-drew
Architecture Social website: architecturesocial.com

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📐 The Architecture Social is an online platform packed with content to help you find new jobs, stand out from the crowd and take your career in Architecture to the next level

💻 Find out more at https://www.architecturesocial.com

In this episode, Stephen Drew speaks with Francesco Casella, Director at KPF, about career growth, working at a global architecture firm, and what it really takes to succeed long term in practice.

Francesco shares his journey to London, breaking into KPF, staying with one firm for over a decade, leading major international projects, and managing teams at scale.

We discuss:

How to get hired at big architecture practices
The value of staying at one firm
CAD vs BIM and design thinking
AI and the future of architecture
Career advice for Part 2s, Part 3s, and young architects

If you’re navigating an architecture career right now, this episode offers honest insight and practical advice.

🎙️ Guest: Francesco Casella, Director at KPF
🎧 Host: Stephen Drew
👉 Learn more about KPF: https://www.kpf.com
👉 Subscribe for architecture and career conversations

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📐 The Architecture Social is an online platform packed with content to help you find new jobs, stand out from the crowd and take your career in Architecture to the next level

💻 Find out more at https://www.architecturesocial.com

Want to sharpen your skills and actually stand out?
We've partnered with ArchAdemia, an online learning platform built by architects, for architects. They cover the stuff uni doesn't teach you properly: Revit, Rhino, rendering, BIM, portfolio building, project management and more. If you're serious about levelling up, it's worth a look.
👉 archademia.com
Use code ARCHSOCIAL10 for a discount on their annual membership.

In this episode, Stephen sits down with Tim, co founder of nimtim architects, a design led practice based in South London.

Tim shares his journey from working in traditional practice to unexpectedly starting his own studio, building it from a kitchen table with no clients, no roadmap, and no clear plan.

This conversation goes beyond projects. Tim goes into what it actually takes to run an architecture practice, from business realities and hiring, to fees, profit, and the challenges of delivering good buildings today.

Find Nimtim Architects and explore their work to learn more about their approach to design and practice.

Nimtim Website: https://www.nimtim.co.uk/
Nimtim Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nimtimarchitects/?hl=en

Curated content, insights and opportunities to accelerate your career in Architecture, Design, Development and Real Estate to the next level.

📐 The Architecture Social is an online platform packed with content to help you find new jobs, stand out from the crowd and take your career in Architecture to the next level

💻 Find out more at https://architecturesocial.com

In this episode, Stephen sits down with Ami Nigam, Head of Design Technology at Benoy, a leading global architecture practice based in London.

Ami shares his journey from studying architecture in India, to working internationally, to discovering computational design, BIM, and AI, and eventually creating a role that didn’t exist inside a major firm.
This conversation goes beyond software. We talk honestly about architecture careers, future proofing your skills, AI in practice, and what firms actually value when hiring architects today.

If you’re a student, Part 1, Part 2, or early career architect, and you’re unsure what skills will still matter in 5 to 10 years, this episode will help you think more clearly about where to focus your time.

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📐 The Architecture Social is an online platform packed with content to help you find new jobs, stand out from the crowd and take your career in Architecture to the next level

💻 Find out more at https://architecturesocial.com

Stephen Drew from Architecture Social drops into Kingston University for a straight talking session on how students and early career designers can land roles in London. It is welcoming, honest and very practical.

Stephen shows how to stop waiting on job boards and reach studios directly. He breaks down a clean 10 to 15 page sample portfolio that gets replies, plus a simple email format that busy directors actually open. He covers when to start applying, how international grads can frame the graduate visa so it is a non issue, and what to bring to interviews so you stay in control.

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HifIh5_4r2g
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📐 The Architecture Social is an online platform packed with content to help you find new jobs, stand out from the crowd and take your career in Architecture to the next level

💻 Find out more at https://architecturesocial.com

You want a job in architecture or interiors in London and you want it fast. This is the playbook. We cover how to stop waiting for job boards and go direct to studios. How to send a tight 3 to 5 page sample portfolio. The email that gets replies. Why volume plus a simple process beats vibes every time.

We keep it practical. Use InDesign. Keep the CV clean. Put a UK number and a London base. Call out the graduate visa so it is a non issue. Interview in person if you can. It is a people game.

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Jm-X7yADeU
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📐 The Architecture Social is an online platform packed with content to help you find new jobs, stand out from the crowd and take your career in Architecture to the next level

💻 Find out more at https://architecturesocial.com

▶ Watch the video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fbQy7kP2Ag

Stephen Drew sits down with Allister Lewis to break down the big changes happening in architecture today. From new software challenging Revit to the rise of AI across design, delivery and practice management, this episode gives a clear look at where the industry is heading.

Allister shares his journey from architect to tech leader and explains how BIM 2.0, generative tools and smarter workflows are changing the way studios work. If you are an architect in London or the UK and want to understand how to stay ahead, this conversation is packed with insight.

00:00 – Intro: AI, robots & the future of architecture
01:36 – Meet Allister Lewis
02:00 – Allister’s path from architect to BIM & technology leader
05:33 – What practices really look like behind the scenes
07:29 – BIM adoption in the UK and the rise of Revit specialists
10:21 – The emergence of BIM 2.0
10:53 – Generative design tools taking over feasibility work
12:45 – Why choosing the right software matters
15:03 – The “Wild West” of new architecture tech
17:21 – The architecture tech landscape: AI, BIM, Viz, compliance & more
19:10 – Software built on AI: what’s coming in 2026
21:05 – Will AI replace architects? And how much will change?
22:41 – What architects should focus on: relationships & communication
25:10 – If design becomes faster, do architects earn less?
27:47 – Who’s already building in‑house software?
29:42 – Inside Allister’s massive software database (1,700+ tools)
32:27 – The real problems inside architecture practices
38:22 – How practices can fix their digital foundations
41:30 – New job roles: BIM managers, computational designers, digital design leads
44:06 – The rise of digital design leaders
49:24 – AC Tech Jobs & software‑side careers
51:38 – How architects can pivot into tech
55:43 – The future of the industry: optimism or fear?
57:58 – What architects must do to stay relevant
01:03:09 – Should architects be building software too?
01:07:05 – Where to find Allister Lewis online

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📐 The Architecture Social is an online platform packed with content to help you find new jobs, stand out from the crowd and take your career in Architecture to the next level

💻 Find out more at https://architecturesocial.com

In this episode, we sit down with Lalit Chauhary, Design Director at Zed Pods, an award winning modular design studio that’s changing the game in social housing. From studying architecture in India to leading zero carbon projects in the UK, Lalit shares the journey and the lessons learned along the way. We dive into the challenges of modular construction, closing the performance gap, and building a sustainable business that actually works. Plus, how technology and smart thinking are shaping the future of architecture. Whether you’re starting out or already established, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

00:38 Guest Introduction and Background

01:18 Educational Journey in Architecture

03:38 Early Career and Internship Experience

06:06 Challenges and Lessons in Architecture

10:36 Starting Zed Pods and Initial Struggles

16:55 Breakthrough Projects and Growth

25:51 Navigating the Pandemic and Expansion

46:19 Pricing Mistakes and Lessons Learned

46:38 Balancing Client Expectations and Fees

47:17 Undercutting in the Architecture Industry

47:53 Importance of Timing and Feasibility Studies

48:32 Learning to Charge Appropriately

49:34 Handling Client Conversations and Emotions

51:17 Setting Competitive Fees and Managing Risks

52:34 Growth and Success of Z Pods

53:45 Commitment to Zero Carbon Approach

54:41 Bridging the Gap Between Design and Construction

55:16 Performance Gap and Energy Standards

56:31 Innovative Business Model and Air Rights

01:06:08 Hiring and Empowering Smart People

01:13:58 Challenges and Rewards of Entrepreneurship

01:22:02 Future of Modular Construction and Technology

01:35:12 Conclusion and Contact Information

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📐 The Architecture Social is an online platform packed with content to help you find new jobs, stand out from the crowd and take your career in Architecture to the next level

💻 Find out more at https://architecturesocial.com

• (00:00) - and Setting the Scene
• (00:38) - Introduction and Background
• (01:18) - Journey in Architecture
• (03:38) - Career and Internship Experience
• (06:06) - and Lessons in Architecture
• (10:36) - Zed Pods and Initial Struggles
• (16:55) - Projects and Growth
• (25:51) - the Pandemic and Expansion
• (46:19) - Mistakes and Lessons Learned
• (46:38) - Client Expectations and Fees
• (47:17) - in the Architecture Industry
• (47:53) - of Timing and Feasibility Studies
• (48:32) - to Charge Appropriately
• (49:34) - Client Conversations and Emotions
• (51:17) - Competitive Fees and Managing Risks
• (52:34) - and Success of Z Pods
• (53:45) - to Zero Carbon Approach
• (54:41) - the Gap Between Design and Construction
• (55:16) - Gap and Energy Standards
• (56:31) - Business Model and Air Rights
• (01:06:08) - and Empowering Smart People
• (01:13:58) - and Rewards of Entrepreneurship
• (01:22:02) - of Modular Construction and Technology
• (01:35:12) - and Contact Information