Bespoke Careers Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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

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

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?

Fed up with the traditional way of procuring architecture, Qutaibah Al-Atafi joined forces with builder Ryan Underwood to create something different. And with Underwood, their Melbourne-based design-led design and build firm, that’s exactly what they’re doing.

Immigrating from Iraq and growing up in the outer suburbs of New Zealand, Qutaibah was left questioning why some places felt like home and others didn’t.

In this conversation, amongst other things, we discuss whether architecture is still worth it. With tight fees getting tighter, and AI rewriting the rules, what’s keeping architects going?

0:00 - Intro1:40 - Why architecture?3:48 - Is architecture worth it?5:20 - Qutaibah's childhood and route into architecture9:27 - The importance of drawing and thoughts on AI16:37 - The design and build business model and philosophy31:01 - ADVICE - Seek out site experience!33:33 - Reimagining education and the role of an architect39:04 - The universal practitioner (always be learning)41:49 - Passive house, sustainable design, and an evidence based approach48:14 - Educating the client on sustainable design50:16 - Lessons learned and advice for architects53:36 - Mentorship (listen to older architects!)57:15 - Leave a job on good terms58:53 - Has your career turned out how you imagined?

We spend roughly a third of our adult lives at work. A third. That's about 90,000 hours over the course of a career. And yet, many of us have never stopped to really think about how our physical environment is shaping our mental health, our productivity, and our overall wellbeing every single day.

We're living through the biggest shift in how we work since the Industrial Revolution. Hybrid working, which felt revolutionary just a few years ago, is now the norm.

But as Kirsten will explain, we're still getting it wrong in some fundamental ways. We're still thinking about workplace design as something that gets done to employees, rather than with them.0:00 - Intro1:29 - What is it about people's relationship with their environment?3:03 - Background in landscape architecture5:58 - The step into real estate7:03 - Transferable skills in design9:03 - Herman Miller and the importance of company values14:02 - The missing piece in designing for wellbeing at work 18:03 - The disconnect between designers and users21:12 - What happens when employees help design the workplace strategy23:52 - Are firms keeping health and wellbeing "in a box"?23:48 - How do we appeal to companies that aren't invested in wellbeing?27:10 - Do certifications like WELL and Fitwel actually matter?32:01 - What are the workplace wellness strategies that make a difference?33:19 - The balance/disconnect between health and sustainability36:53 - Latest research on hybrid working41:22 - The link between wellbeing and flexibility44:14 - Career trade-offs and raising a family45:55 - Key lessons from Kirsten's career journey: "Never stop learning!"48:22 - Has your career turned out how you imagined?50:05 - What's next?

What does it take to become a successful architect? How do you build an award winning practice culture? How do we fix the housing crisis? And are architects still hungry enough to make a difference?In this episode, Simon Bayliss, Managing Partner at HTA Design, shares what he's learned from 25 years at one of the UK’s leading housing-focused practices.

0:00 - Intro

0:56 - Why Simon became an architect

3:26 - Where architects bring the most value

6:41 - Going from Part II to Managing Partner at HTA Design

11:58 - Building an award-winning workplace culture

16:55 - Insights on hybrid and flexible working

22:18 - Benefits of a multidisciplinary approach

25:17 - Strategic growth in housing and co-living

29:51 - Rethinking space and the future of shared living

33:02 - Lessons for the next generation of architects

38:48 - Why trust and high standards go hand in hand

42:46 - What’s next for Simon and the future of housing

From cubbies in the bush to projects in Melbourne, London, and New York, Martin’s career has spanned continents, practices, and passions. Now an Associate at FXCollaborative, he reflects on what drives him as an architect and his advocacy for diversity through Build Out Alliance.

00:00 Intro

02:51 Designing for the end user’s needs and enjoyment

05:38 DIY projects family building and formal training

08:09 London office planting the seed for international work

11:49 Getting licensed from the UK to New York

16:19 Balancing the technical and creative sides of architecture

18:49 Taking projects from concept through to completion

21:32 Working in London compared with New York contracts

24:10 Investing time in relearning codes and licensing

26:43 Build Out Alliance advocacy and LGBTQ+ support

29:33 Splitting time between comfort and work quality

32:21 Building awareness and inclusivity in the creative industry

36:18 Gaining opportunities and confidence through Build Out Alliance

39:14 Navigating straight environments and the energy of code switching

42:40 Designing with inclusivity and community in mind4

5:11 Making the move to New York and the mainland

48:02 Supporting queer communities through architecture and advocacy

The numbers aren’t great. Women in architecture are still paid less, promoted less, and leaving the profession at higher rates than men. It’s not unique to architecture, but there’s plenty of work to do. According to a Bespoke Careers report, the gender pay gap in Australia sits at 20.6% — nearly triple that of the UK and US. Angela Dapper has seen those realities up close, and has made it her mission to be the change she wants to see in the industry. Over a career in Melbourne and London with Grimshaw, Architectus and Denton Corker Marshall, she’s led landmark projects like the Stonehenge Visitor Centre, Aesop Store and Oxford Botanic Gardens Glasshouses. She’s mentored emerging architects, challenged industry norms, and built a reputation for making her voice count in rooms where women are still underrepresented.Now she’s stepping away from big practice to start her own socially sustainable studio on her own terms. This conversation explores the reality of being a woman in architecture and what it takes to create a career that truly works for you.0:00 – Introduction1:09 – What keeps Angela in architecture4:15 – Gender bias and the uphill battle in the 90s5:47 – Leaving Australia for opportunities in London7:17 – Designing the Stonehenge Visitor Centre12:22 – Lessons from working in three major practices15:41 – Leading diversity initiatives at Grimshaw17:55 – Why Angela moved from DCM to Grimshaw20:50 – Choosing the right practice for you22:26 – Why many senior women are leaving architecture24:05 – Starting her own socially sustainable studio27:59 – Making small projects high impact30:49 – Listening and adapting to community clients31:50 – Why she started her business later in her career34:22 – Returning to Australia as an architect36:41 – The value of panels, mentoring and professional networks40:13 – Gender equity in architecture today45:06 – Angela's experiences with gender discrimination47:19 – Advice for young architects finding their voice50:17 – Has her career turned out as expected?

What does it take to run one of the world’s leading architecture practices? Grimshaw’s Group Managing Partner Mark Middleton shares lessons from three decades shaping global mega-projects, leading studios across continents, and keeping architects inspired on the world’s biggest stages.

0:00 - Intro

1:17 - Why architecture?

2:51 - How practical experience shapes better design

5:46 - Architecture school and a switch in work ethic

8:43 - Joining Grimshaw, working with Sir Nicholas Grimshaw and staying in one job for 30 years

11:44 - Becoming Group Managing Partner at Grimshaw

13:53 - Transitioning into leadership and staying close to projects

17:44 - How the global studio runs, board and regions

22:59 - Ambition, being asked to lead and the move to Australia

26:56 - Australia on the ground, local clients and a broader project mix

33:01 - Do big awards change anything?

37:10 - Film at Grimshaw, telling complex stories well

45:01 - Speak plainly and drop the archi-speak

54:24 - The gripe with architect stereotypes