Back to The Drawing Board

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered what happens to your architecture job application after you hit send? In this candid conversation, we pull back the curtain on how small architecture practices really evaluate potential candidates and what actually gets you noticed—or immediately rejected. Drawing from years of experience reviewing hundreds of applications, we reveal why your portfolio typically carr...

Send us Fan Mail Navigating the architectural landscape can be tricky, especially when the implications of pricing unfold. We unpack the philosophy behind spending wisely while maintaining quality in architectural design, emphasizing the importance of research and understanding needs.  • Importance of investing in quality design  • Researching potential architects or designers  • Recognizing the v...

Send us Fan Mail Can love and architecture really coexist in harmony? Journey with us this Valentine's Day as we unravel the fascinating stories of couples who seamlessly blend their personal and professional lives in the world of design. Discover how my accountant wife, despite not having a background in architecture, plays an essential role in our business and why the myth of course mates e...

Send us Fan Mail We dive deep into the architectural wonders recognized in 2024 by RIBA and Arc Daily, exploring award-winning designs and their significance in sustainable development. Each project exemplifies innovation that harmonizes beauty and function, challenging conventional thinking in architecture. • Exploring Eavesdrop: a harmonious blend with the countryside  • The Farm Workers House:...

Send us Fan Mail This episode explores the challenging yet rewarding journey of PWS Architecture and Theo's university adventures over the past year, with highlights including a notable increase in project inquiries, shifts in project types, and changes in the team. We reflect on our achievements and personal challenges while looking ahead to ambitious plans for the future.  • Detailed recap...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered about the masterminds behind the majestic pyramids or the soaring skyscrapers that define city skylines? Our latest episode takes you through time, unraveling the history of architecture from the era of Imhotep to the present day, where architects blend creativity with rigorous engineering. We'll walk you through the ancient roots of the profession, spotlighting...

Send us Fan Mail As your seasoned travel companions, Theo and I whisk you away on an architect's dream journey, first landing in Barcelona where the spirals of Sagrada Familia beckon. We spin tales from our visit, painting a vivid image of Gaudí's masterpiece and how it skyrockets the joy of discovery to new heights. Our conversation steers towards the grid-lined streets of Barcelona, ex...

Send us Fan Mail Ever feel like your to-do list is managing you instead of the other way around? Strap in as I, Phil, and my quick-witted intern Theo, embark on a rollicking journey through the time management wilderness, with Zhana, our  live audience to keep things lively. We dissect the Eisenhower Matrix, tackling the quandary of urgency versus importance and why some tasks feel like they'...

Send us Fan Mail Imagine the color pink embroiled in a light-hearted dispute, setting the stage for a journey through the emotive world of architecture and love. As Phil Wontner-Smith, with my intern Theo by my side, we meander through stories where passion has left an indelible mark on structures around the globe. Feel the love that crafted the Taj Mahal, a mausoleum that not only celebrates the...

Send us Fan Mail Support the show backtothedrawingboard.uk Follow us on IG: instagram.com/backtothedrawingboardig Follow us on FB: https://www.facebook.com/backtothdrawingboard Buy us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/backtothedrawingboard Prefer it as a Podcast? Look out for us on your favourite platforms Prefer it as a video? https://www.youtube.com/@backtothedrawingboard4115 Want to get in tou...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode Theo and Phil talk about the last year since we had to take a break toil you in on where we've been, our experience as practice runner and studio for the last year in business and at university. We also set out the future of the podcast and our goals for this year. Follow us on IG: instagram.com/backtothedrawingboardig Subscribe to our patreon: https://www.pat...

Send us Fan Mail In this "a guide to" episode Theo and Phil talk tech for architects and students.  Prepare yourself for Phil to say 'Apple' plenty of times and lots of riveting topics... Whilst not the most thought provoking subject technology is an essential part of the process for architects and students in the 21st century. Whilst many of us will do SOME hand drawing, sketc...

Send us Fan Mail In this Valentines special Theo and Phil talk dating architects and what the benefits might be (or cons…) we also have a closer on this episode where we discuss some interestingly shaped buildings…  Support the show backtothedrawingboard.uk Follow us on IG: instagram.com/backtothedrawingboardig Follow us on FB: https://www.facebook.com/backtothdrawingboard Buy us a coffee: https:/...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we’re going to discus the stereotypes of architects and whether we think they hold any water and will discus how close to these we stray, as weird as we are. Stereotypes Lego Drives a saab Weird fashion (but good fashion) Only dress in mono colour Unathletic  Engineers hate us Rich Good at drawing Long hours Fuelled by coffee/caffeine Use shoulder bags Live in awes...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to 2023 - In this video we're going to run through some of the awards from 2022 particularly RIBA, AJ and ArchDaily. If the final section or this format is at all of interest t you ArchDaily release their winners next month and we could jump the gun by getting them out of the way then, just let us know in the comments! RIBA: Sterling prize  https://www.architecture.co...

Send us Fan Mail In this aptly quick episode we look into Phil’s top tips for pulling an all nighter. As its that time of the year where we all have to consider pulling one off its always worth going in prepared… or not going in at all… Follow us on IG: facebook.com/backtothedrawingboardig Subscribe to our patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Backtothedrawingboard Prefer it as a Video? https://www.you...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we talk about some gift ideas for architects and studios over 7 categories For the stationary cupboard For the library For the desk For away from the desk For wearing Tech For Fun Follow us on IG: facebook.com/backtothedrawingboardig Subscribe to our patreon: https://www.patreon.com/backtothedrawingboard Prefer it as a Video? https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBIVql...

Send us Fan Mail In this fifth episode we look into some tips and tricks for making your office or studio experience suck less. Follow us on IG: facebook.com/backtothedrawingboardig Subscribe to our patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Backtothedrawingboard Prefer it as a video? https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBIVql3JPV7fZXQqg21n0zA Want to get in touch: askus@backtothedrawingboard.uk Music by frien...

Send us Fan Mail In this fourth episode we look into Phil's past and what lead him to where he is today in all its under slept and over-caffeinated 'glory' Follow us on IG: facebook.com/backtothedrawingboardig Subscribe to our patreon: https://www.patreon.com/backtothedraw... Prefer it as a Video? https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBIVql3JPV7fZXQqg21n0zA Want to get in touch: askus@b...

Send us Fan Mail In this third episode we look into a list of stationary and book requirements sent to Theo and we discus the merits, pro's cons and alternatives from years of experience and lots of trial and error; so you don't have to!  Follow us on IG: facebook.com/backtothedrawingboardig Subscribe to our patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Backtothedrawingboard Prefer it as a Video? htt...

Send us Fan Mail  In this second episode we look into the typical route(s) to becoming an architect where Theo and Phil discus their routes that they will be taking / have taken. Follow us on IG: facebook.com/backtothedrawingboardig Subscribe to our patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Backtothedrawingboard Prefer it as a Video? https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBIVql3JPV7fZXQqg21n0zA (in 100 subs we...

Send us Fan Mail Our first (very underproduced) episode, apologies for the quality, this was all a bit of a last minute decision and this was recorded late in the day. We are working on a more polished production moving forward! Follow us on IG: facebook.com/backtothedrawingboardig Subscribe to our patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Backtothedrawingboard Prefer it as a Video? https://www.youtube.com...