Architecture is often presented as a linear career, but building a successful practice demands patience, resilience and a willingness to keep learning. Simon Allford, Founding Director of AHMM, explains how the practice survived its lean early years and developed a culture where strong architecture, shared ideas and long-term investment come first.
They get into starting a practice during a downturn, surviving the critical first five years, building an open studio culture, approaching architecture interviews, adapting to new technology and rethinking architectural education. The conversation offers practical perspective for architects, students and practices navigating changing tools, rising expectations and an industry that still struggles to value its work properly.
Simon Allford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-allford-b506331b1/
AHMM: https://www.ahmm.co.uk/
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Chapters
00:00 Finding lasting enjoyment in architecture
00:42 How AHMM began
02:11 Taking risks and making early hires
03:14 Surviving the practice’s leanest years
04:05 Why the first five years matter
04:46 Advice for starting an architecture practice
06:04 Building a generous professional community
06:27 Creating an open studio culture
08:00 Supporting people beyond the practice
09:00 Advice for architecture job interviews
10:18 Studying architecture as technology changes
11:47 Balancing digital tools with creative thinking
13:00 Managing information and client expectations
14:14 Optimism and the profession’s value problem
15:15 Rethinking architectural education
16:18 Making architecture more accessible
17:03 Architecture as a versatile degree
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