Today, I’m absolutely honoured to be joined by one of the UK’s most respected architects, Stephen Hodder MBE. Many of you will know Stephen as the founding director of Hodder + Partners, which he runs with his wife Claire Hodder. Hodder and partners are the recipients of the inaugural RIBA Stirling Prize, and a former RIBA President.

The firm has been awarded over 60 major awards, their recent project, the Welcome Building at RHS Garden Bridgewater in Salford, has achieved remarkable acclaim, securing 17 awards on its own.

In this episode, we delve into Stephen’s journey from launching his practice during a recession to navigating the complexities of architectural education, procurement, and professional advocacy. We talk about what’s changed and what hasn’t — in the business of architecture, and why he believes the profession must reassert its value in today’s construction industry.

Whether you’re aspiring to lead a practice or struggling to make ends meet, this is a conversation packed with insight, honesty, and a deep passion for the craft of architecture.

This episode is brought to you by ⁠Hahn Plastics⁠, makers of Hanit – the innovative material reshaping the future of construction and design. Manufactured from 100% recycled consumer plastic waste and with unmatched durability, Hanit is the sustainable solution for tomorrow's projects. Want to discover how Hanit can transform your designs while reducing environmental impact? Book a CPD presentation today and let’s shape a greener future together at info@hahnplastics.co.uk.

Visit ⁠⁠⁠hahnplastics.com⁠⁠⁠ to learn more.

I welcome back a past guest, an architecture recruitment business owner of the Architecture Social the wonderful Stephen Drew!

Warning - explicit language is heard throughout this episode.

Stephen and I got together on stream yard one Friday night, had some wine and free-styled. What you are listening to is an unscripted discussion about the state of architecture.

Topics include:

- Principal Designer is our chance to take back the profession.

- The Trump effect.

- RIBA problems pros and cons

- The Business of Architecture

- How the most talented people often don’t get the best jobs- Viral social media

- Cancel culture

- Architects are cool

- How we devalue ourselves.

This episode is brought to you by Hahn Plastics, makers of Hanit – the innovative material reshaping the future of construction and design. Manufactured from 100% recycled consumer plastic waste and with unmatched durability, Hanit is the sustainable solution for tomorrow's projects. Want to discover how Hanit can transform your designs while reducing environmental impact? Book a CPD presentation today and let’s shape a greener future together at info@hahnplastics.co.uk.

Visit ⁠⁠hahnplastics.com⁠⁠ to learn more.

In S4. E.6 I Meet Nikita Morrell, the ONLY copywriter in the world who ONLY writes for architects*. If you don't believe me just google her!

We talk about what makes a good website, top tips for gaining new clients and how she works with architects all around the world from her base in Australia.

Nikita has years of marketing & copywriting experience AND knows the architecture industry inside out. If you want to create a strategic, cohesive message for your firm — so you can get more (and better) clients, stand out from your competition & build your reputation — then get in touch.
TRUSTED BY: AIA (Presented at the 2024 AIA National Conference), RIBA, Entrearchitect, Business of Architecture UK, Australian Institute of Architects, Architecture Consulting Association, Architizer & more.
CHECK NIKITA OUT: at www.nikitamorell.com

This episode is brought to you by Hahn Plastics, makers of Hanit – the innovative material reshaping the future of construction and design. Manufactured from 100% recycled consumer plastic waste and with unmatched durability, Hanit is the sustainable solution for tomorrow's projects. Want to discover how Hanit can transform your designs while reducing environmental impact? Book a CPD presentation today and let’s shape a greener future together at info@hahnplastics.co.uk.

Visit ⁠⁠⁠hahnplastics.com⁠⁠⁠ to learn more.

Released today this S4.E5 I spoke with Johnathan Munkley of WSP.

Don't Miss It! 🎙️In this explosive episode, we dive into some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing architects today:

🔥 Working for free – Why is this still happening?

⚖️ Protecting the architect's function – Should we have legal protection like lawyers?

🛑 Stagnation – Is architecture stuck in a rut?

📉 Race to the bottom – Are fees and standards spiralling downwards?

🔄 The PD role – Could this spark a renaissance in the profession?

🤖 AI fatigue – Is technology overwhelming architects?

💰 Data centres for Big Tech clients – Are architects missing out on this billion-pound industry?

🏗️ Mission-critical roles – Why architects are key to vital infrastructure.

🏢 Inside WSP – Exploring their culture, structure, and promotion paths.

🎓 Out-of-touch tutors – Are architecture schools preparing students for the real world?

🧠 Passing the torch – Why the next generation of architects needs more opportunities.

💺 Seats of power – Who really controls the future of architecture?

WSP employs 210 architects and designs data centres - could nuclear power them? This episode reveals why architects must act now to secure their place in these lucrative markets.

This episode is brought to you by Hahn Plastics, makers of Hanit – the innovative material reshaping the future of construction and design. Manufactured from 100% recycled consumer plastic waste and with unmatched durability, Hanit is the sustainable solution for tomorrow's projects. Want to discover how Hanit can transform your designs while reducing environmental impact? Book a CPD presentation today and let’s shape a greener future together at info@hahnplastics.co.uk.

Visit ⁠⁠⁠hahnplastics.com⁠⁠⁠ to learn more.

Meet Andrew Bondarenko, a BIM MEP technologist who lives and works in Ukraine. Andrew's story is unbelievable. A man who, despite difficult situations, has pivoted into BIM and runs a successful online BIM business from a warzone. What you will hear is a story of determination, resilience and hope.

Andrew and I have known each other for over 3 years and have kept in touch on Instagram. When the war with Russia happened, I tried to help him with contacts for overseas work, which was successful, and since then, he has worked for clients all over the world in a BIM capacity.

Andrew has a master's in Chemical Engineering and supports his family and was not able to join the army as he has had injuries to both of his knees which still need further surgery.

To contact Andrew see: https://andriibondarenko.wixsite.com/resume

Do you want to see the protection of function for architects and chartered technologists on the grounds of public safety? If so please sign my petition at https://www.change.org/p/petition-to-protect-the-function-of-architects-chartered-technologists-for-public-safety

This episode is brought to you by Hahn Plastics, makers of Hanit – the innovative material reshaping the future of construction and design. Manufactured from 100% recycled consumer plastic waste and with unmatched durability, Hanit is the sustainable solution for tomorrow's projects. Want to discover how Hanit can transform your designs while reducing environmental impact? Book a CPD presentation today and let’s shape a greener future together at info@hahnplastics.co.uk.

Visit ⁠⁠⁠hahnplastics.com⁠⁠⁠ to learn more.

In this episode, we dive into an inspiring journey of transformation, creativity, and resilience. Fro

Meet Vimi, who QUIT being an architect to create a CAKE business,The Cake Palette. The reasons why she quit architecture may surprise you.

Vimi was born in Sweden, was raised in Tanzania, and now calls Leicestershire, UK, her home. Vimi’s life has been a fusion of cultures, adventure, and an unshakable love for music and dance.

She began her career as an architect, but her passion for creativity led her down an unexpected yet fulfilling path—cake design. What started as a personal creative outlet during the challenges of 2020 soon flourished into a thriving business, where she crafts exquisite artisan cakes to celebrate life’s special moments.

Join us today as we explore her journey from architecture to artistry, the challenges of reinvention, and the sweet success of following your passion! 🎂

Website: https://www.thecakepalette.co.uk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecakepaletteuk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecakepaletteuk

This episode is brought to you by Hahn Plastics, makers of Hanit – the innovative material reshaping the future of construction and design. Manufactured from 100% recycled consumer plastic waste and with unmatched durability, Hanit is the sustainable solution for tomorrow's projects. Want to discover how Hanit can transform your designs while reducing environmental impact? Book a CPD presentation today and let’s shape a greener future together at info@hahnplastics.co.uk.

Visit ⁠⁠hahnplastics.com⁠⁠ to learn more.

Welcome BACK to season 4!!! This is episode 2 of season 4.

In this episode, I talk to ⁠Emre Süner, an architectural designer from Turkey who is now based in the UK and is seeking employment.

Emre is a dynamic and innovative architectural designer with a decade of experience across arts, commercial, and design fields. Known for meticulous attention to detail and outside-the-box thinking, I bring a fresh perspective to every project. I transform abstract concepts into impactful signage, leaving a lasting impression across diverse communication channels. I Seek new challenges to showcase my unwavering commitment, creativity, and ability to drive remarkable visual outcomes.

Emre is currently looking for a new challenge in the UK a

In this episode, we discuss Emre's issues with nearly getting removed from University for non-payment and having to set up a GoFundMe to survive and pay his University fees. We talk about how a company in Qatar withheld 3 months of his salary and he had to leave the country. But we look at the positives and how Emre is a talented designer who has clients such as Justine Timberlake and Hermes and has worked on designs for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

You can connect with Emre at @Mr_Creative on Instagram and his work is also on Behance .

This episode is brought to you by Hahn Plastics, makers of Hanit – the innovative material reshaping the future of construction and design. Manufactured from 100% recycled consumer plastic waste and with unmatched durability, Hanit is the sustainable solution for tomorrow's projects. Want to discover how Hanit can transform your designs while reducing environmental impact? Book a CPD presentation today and let’s shape a greener future together at info@hahnplastics.co.uk.

Visit ⁠hahnplastics.com⁠ to learn more.

Welcome BACK to season 4!!!

In this episode, I talk to Helen Maunders , a self-employed Architect based in London, UK who has been in business for over 13 years at her practice Grafeso.

Helen is passionate about creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional and has a deep understanding of the building regulations and the construction process. She is also a strong communicator and has a proven ability to work with clients to understand their needs and deliver projects that meet their expectations.

However, she is currently looking for a new challenge as she has had no new work for the last 6 months and has had to resort to sleeping on her sofa and give up her bedrooms to get lodges in to survive financially.

In this episode, we discuss the survival of an architect who is a single mother, has navigated serious health problems while finding out later in life that she has ADHD. This episode is an emotional rollercoaster for Helen and I thank her for her bravery.

This episode is brought to you by Hahn Plastics, makers of Hanit – the innovative material reshaping the future of construction and design. Manufactured from 100% recycled consumer plastic waste and with unmatched durability, Hanit is the sustainable solution for tomorrow's projects. Want to discover how Hanit can transform your designs while reducing environmental impact? Book a CPD presentation today and let’s shape a greener future together at info@hahnplastics.co.uk.

Visit hahnplastics.com to learn more.