The Broke Architect

There’s a conversation happening in architecture about the “gap” between education and practice. But no one is going far enough. In this episode, I take a direct look at one of the most uncomfortable questions in the profession: How can you be taught to design and deliver buildings… by someone who hasn’t built one? This isn’t about criticism for the sake of it. It’s about credibility, responsibili...

After being made redundant three times in three years, Paul Testa built a resilient practice called HEM Architects and reveals why the business model of architecture might be fundamentally broken. In this episode of The Broke Architect Podcast , I speak with Paul Testa , co-owner of HEM Architects , about the realities of building a sustainable architecture practice in the UK. After being made red...

Welcome to Season 5 of The Broke Architect Podcast , where we challenge convention and ask uncomfortable questions about how we design, build, and power the world around us. In this episode, Jason Boyle is joined by Dr Tim Gregory , nuclear chemist and author of Going Nuclear , for a clear-eyed conversation about energy, climate change, and the realities behind Net Zero. We’ve electrified building...

This is the FINAL show of season 4! Today on the show, we’re joined by Helen Maunder's who was on Episode 1 of season 4. Helen had hit rock bottom 12 months ago but she is a fighter and I asked her to return to complete season 4 as she has been on a journey in the past 12 months. Please listen to understand her struggles and successes in this RAW and emotional episode. Helen Maunders is the fo...

Today on the show, we’re joined by someone who’s been breaking boundaries since he was a teenager. At just 16, he was named the UK Young Innovator of the Year and he hasn’t slowed down since. Peter Markos is the founder of Markos Design Workshop , a RIBA Chartered Architecture Practice known for turning eco-conscious homes and luxury holiday lets into high-performing assets . His team blends archi...

My guest is recording this podcast episode with me from the Frank Lloyd Wright Affleck House, owned and operated by the Lawrence Technological University in Michigan. Dory Azar is a Canadian Architect who is licensed and ran his own architectural practice for over 14 years before he closed his practice and became a brand ambassador.  Dory is Part architectural consultant, part brand ambassador and...

My guest is recording this podcast episode with me from the Frank Lloyd Wright Affleck House , owned and operated by the Lawrence Technological University in Michigan. Dory Azar is a Canadian Architect who is licensed and ran his own architectural practice for over 14 years before he closed his practice and became a brand ambassador. Dory is Part architectural consultant, part brand ambassador and...

Welcome back to The Broke Architect Podcast , where I gather together the best bits from the lives of sole practitioners in architecture in the UK. We shine a light on the challenges and the uncomfortable realities of being an architect today. We are joined by Helen Maunders , John Kellett , ⁠ Niall Hedderman ⁠ , Catherine Hunt and Dale Whitfield Why Stress is a silent Killer of architects How to...

Welcome back to The Broke Architect Podcast , where I continue my theme of the life of sole practitioners in architecture. We shine a light on the challenges and the uncomfortable realities of being an architect today. This week I’m joined by Niall Hedderman , architect and founder of Real Life Architecture . Niall has built a reputation for speaking openly about the issues too many in our profess...

🎙 Episode 15 – Top Tips for Beating the Competition (with Stephen Drew) Welcome to Episode 15 of The Broke Architect ! As we take a short summer break, we’re bringing you something special, a throwback to our Clubhouse days with none other than Stephen Drew , architectural recruiter and founder of the Architecture Social . In this value-packed episode, we cover everything you need to beat the comp...

Are My Architects’ Fees Too Low? I continue my focus on small practices in the UK…. This week, I sit down with Dale Whitfield , founder of Fields of Architecture for a candid, practical and empowering conversation on one of the biggest challenges architects face — FEES 💸 In This Episode: - Why so many architects undervalue themselves - The danger of “race to the bottom” pricing - Practical steps...

In Part 2 of this two-part series, you will hear from thought-provoking ⁠John Kellett ⁠⁠ , an ARB-registered, RIBA Chartered Architect, and founder of ⁠KR.eativ: Architects Ltd⁠ . Based in Northamptonshire, John has built his career designing sustainable, functional, and beautiful spaces across healthcare, heritage, residential, and hospitality sectors. His work combines modern construction method...

In Part 1 of this two-part series you will hear from thought-provoking John Kellett ⁠ , an ARB-registered, RIBA Chartered Architect, and founder of KR.eativ: Architects Ltd . Based in Northamptonshire, John has built his career designing sustainable, functional, and beautiful spaces across healthcare, heritage, residential, and hospitality sectors. His work combines modern construction methods wit...

In this episode I talk with Architect Dr Rebecca Jane McConnell and Architect Cathal Crumley from The Future Blueprint. They are breaking down the barriers in the architecture profession and are calling out the toxic issues that exist in the profession. Both were born in Northern Ireland and attended Queens Belfast University. 🔑 Key Takeaways: - The Mindset of the Architect - Confidence in Archit...

In this episode of The Broke Architect , we speak with Catherine Hunt of Niche Design Architects , a small but thriving architectural practice based in Ilkley, West Yorkshire. It’s a brutally honest, no-holds-barred look at what it really takes to survive and ultimately thrive as a small studio in today’s architecture landscape. We explore: The harsh realities of setting up a practice from scratch...

Recorded live at UK Construction Week 2025, this bonus episode of The Broke Architect FREE CPD! I’m joined by Aaron Brian, Sales Director from Andel , a specialist in environmental protection and leak detection systems. We dive into the crucial role of water management in the built environment and how architects can integrate risk mitigation strategies into their designs. From climate resilience t...

Today, I’m honoured to be joined by a representative from our Sponsor of the Show, Hahn Plastics , makers of Hanit . We recorded this episode live at Construction Week 2025 with Head of Sales and Marketing, Mathew Baxendale . We explore how Hanit is turning plastic waste into durable, sustainable materials used across architecture and construction. Mathew shares insights on the challenges of chang...

Last week, I was live from Construction Week 2025 at London's Excel Arena. I recorded this podcast with Phill Cross, Managing Director of PC Construction , who supply and install EcoCrib retaining walls , a sustainable solution made from 100% recycled plastic and work with the sponsor of The Broke Architect podcast, Hahn Plastics . In this episode, which is a FREE CPD, we explore the environme...

For this bonus episode, we summarise the key findings of the " Workplace Culture Report " finalised in November 2024. The Architects Registration Board (ARB) released this report in April 2025, and it does not make for pleasant reading. I have used my American friends Artie Keene and Siri Mallory to voice the shocking findings while i take a break. Over a third of all professionals working in arch...

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...

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 Desi...

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 in...

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...

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 th...

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 uns...