Career Paths & Practice Journeys Episodes

Fixing Budget Misalignment in Residential Projects. A conversation with Michael Sweebe on Build Cost Estimation. Host Jon Clayton interviews residential architect Michael Sweebe of Sweebe Architecture about the common problem of homeowners’ design goals outpacing their budgets and the lack of early tools to define scope and estimate costs. Mike shares how his childhood experience in an unsuitable apartment shaped his focus on homes as expressions of memory, identity, and aspiration, and how 2...

In this episode of Architecture Business Club, Jon Clayton introduces Joshua Ayettey, a chartered architect and founder of JADC Studio and Scattered Hub, a mentorship community for aspiring architects. Joshua discusses his personal struggles through architectural training, leading to his passion for mentoring and creating Scattered Hub. The group focuses on providing support, confidence boosts, and guidance to new graduates navigating the architectural field. The conversation covers the group's ...

Jon interviews Nicla Diceglie, founder of Nicla D Interiors. Nicla shares her transformative journey from a stressful career as a project manager in London to embracing bold biophilic design inspired by her own battle with depression. She discusses the importance of nature and colour in creating spaces that nurture and restore well-being. The conversation touches on the therapeutic benefits of nature, the challenges of starting a new business during COVID-19, and the unique aspects of bold bioph...

From Award-Winning Homes to Transformative Community Projects - Jon continues his chat with Carl Turner about his journey from traditional residential projects to pioneering public and community-focused developments. Carl shares the pivotal moment of selling his award-winning home to fund Pop Brixton, a transformative community workspace made from shipping containers. This bold move opened new opportunities for Carl's practice, leading to more impactful projects like Peckham Levels and Hackney B...

Jon chats with award-winning architect Carl Turner, founder of Turner.Works. Carl shares the first part of his career journey. From his beginnings as a mature student to building an amazing reputation for residential projects. He won a string of prestigious awards along the way. Several of Carl’s projects have featured on TV shows like George Clarke's Ugly House To Lovely House & Grand Designs. In 2013, Carl’s own home, Slip House, won the RIBA Manser Medal, and in 2021, Hove House won Grand Des...

Jon is joined by architect Joe Wright, who shares his journey from working in a large architecture firm to running his own small practice. Joe shares the challenges and rewards of this transition, including his changing approach to business and the importance of client collaboration. He also discusses personal anecdotes, his love for a local gospel choir, and the significance of sustainable design in his projects. The episode offers valuable insights for small firm founders aiming to build their...

Jon is joined by copywriter and careers advisor Mel Barfield to explore the concept of luck in your career. They discuss whether luck is just about being in the right place at the right time or if it can be maximised through strategic actions. Mel shares insights from 'The Luck Factor' book, highlighting factors like maximising chance opportunities, listening to lucky hunches, expecting good outcomes, and learning from bad experiences. She also dives into the importance of self-promotion and how...

In part two of Jon's conversation with Ange Lyons they chat about the challenges of freelancing. They discuss dealing with tricky clients, avoiding scope creep, and combating loneliness. They also share practical tips on contracts, invoicing, and handling social isolation. If you're a small business owner in architecture, this episode offers valuable advice to help you build your dream business and enjoy more freedom and fulfillment. Today's Guest... Ange Lyons is a brand and marketing graphi...

Jon speaks with Ange Lyons, a seasoned graphic designer, about common challenges freelancers face. They discuss marketing strategies, setting charge rates, and the importance of networking. Jon also shares info on joining a supportive community for architects and designers. The episode offers simple, practical advice for freelancers looking to avoid isolation and grow their businesses. Don’t miss part two of this conversation in the next episode! Today's Guest... Ange Lyons is a brand and mar...

In this episode Jon chats with Ian Knowles, a Norfolk-based architectural designer and the director of Ikonic Architecture, sharing his journey from an employee to starting his own architecture business specialising in residential architecture, including bespoke new builds and renovations. Ian discusses overcoming the initial fears associated with leaving a steady income, the importance of a business plan, handling home renovation projects, and tips for finding clients and managing finances as a...

In this episode, host Jon discusses the importance of mentoring in the architecture industry with guest Chris Simmons, an architect, illustrator, and educator, and founder of Architects Instruction. They explore how mentoring can significantly impact career fulfillment, happiness, health, and financial well-being for architects. Chris shares his journey and insights on balancing a demanding career with personal life, leveraging his commute time for productivity, and the roots of his initiative t...

In this episode of the Architecture Business Club podcast, host Jon explores how architects can pursue a location-independent lifestyle and build a career that incorporates their passion for travel. Guest Sara Kolata, an architect turned digital transformation expert, shares her transition from traditional architecture practice to embracing digital nomadism and online business. Sara discusses her mission to improve the financial well-being of architects, her journey across various countries, the...

In the episode, host Jon interviews Ian Shirvell, a Chartered Architectural Technologist and the founder of Ora Design Architecture. Ian shares his journey from a G-grade high school student to a successful sole practitioner in architecture. Ian discusses how he started his career as a carpenter's apprentice, then moved into architectural technology after stints at a building surveyors, a timber frame company, and two prestigious RIBA registered practices. He chats about the influence his family...

The episode features an in-depth conversation between host, Jon, and guest, Ann Vanner, a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists and a Chartered Architect who recently returned to practice after a long break. They discuss Ann's experiences and challenges upon reentering the world of architecture, the changes she has noticed in communication modes, document management, planning process, and more. The discussion extends to the importance of continual learning, forming par...

In this festive edition of Architecture Business Club, host Jon takes listeners on a journey revisiting the Christmases of his past, present, and future as a practitioner in the field of architecture. He shares amusing anecdotes of the wild office Christmas parties from the late '90s and early 2000s, contrasts them against his current quieter festivities as a sole practitioner, and outlines his hopeful aspirations for the future. The podcast aims to build a community of solo and small firm archi...

In this episode of Architecture Business Club, host Jon discusses starting his own architectural design side hustle in 2010. He takes us through his motivation for starting a side business, shares details about the challenges he faced including dealing with job insecurity due to redundancy and his drive to create a location-independent business. Jon provides insights on how he got off the ground with consultations, grant funding opportunities, and forming a business plan. He also highlights the ...