Grimshaw’s Group Managing Partner On What It Takes to Be a Great Architect
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 - Intro1:17 - Why architecture?2:51 - How practical experience shapes better design5:46 - Architecture school and a switch in work ethic8:43 - Joining Grimshaw, working with Sir Nicholas Grimshaw and staying in one job for 30 years11:44 - Becoming Group Managing Partner at Grimshaw13:53 - Transitioning into leadership and staying close to projects17:44 - How the global studio runs, board and regions22:59 - Ambition, being asked to lead and the move to Australia26:56 - Australia on the ground, local clients and a broader project mix33:01 - Do big awards change anything?37:10 - Film at Grimshaw, telling complex stories well45:01 - Speak plainly and drop the archi-speak54:24 - The gripe with architect stereotypes
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Architecture, Identity and Queer Visibility - Martin Scott
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 Intro02:51 Designing for the end user’s needs and enjoyment05:38 DIY projects family building and formal training08:09 London office planting the seed for international work11:49 Getting licensed from the UK to New York16:19 Balancing the technical and creative sides of architecture18:49 Taking projects from concept through to completion21:32 Working in London compared with New York contracts24:10 Investing time in relearning codes and licensing26:43 Build Out Alliance advocacy and LGBTQ+ support29:33 Splitting time between comfort and work quality32:21 Building awareness and inclusivity in the creative industry36:18 Gaining opportunities and confidence through Build Out Alliance39:14 Navigating straight environments and the energy of code switching42:40 Designing with inclusivity and community in mind45:11 Making the move to New York and the mainland48:02 Supporting queer communities through architecture and advocacy
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Why are Women Walking Away From Architecture? - Angela Dapper
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?
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Are Architects Losing Their Edge? - Simon Bayliss
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 - Intro0:56 - Why Simon became an architect3:26 - Where architects bring the most value6:41 - Going from Part II to Managing Partner at HTA Design11:58 - Building an award-winning workplace culture16:55 - Insights on hybrid and flexible working22:18 - Benefits of a multidisciplinary approach25:17 - 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
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What Designers Still Get Wrong About Workplace Wellbeing - Dr. Kirsten Brown
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?
The Bespoke Careers Podcast brings you the career stories and insights from the people shaping architecture and design today. Tune in every two weeks for fresh conversations with designers, architects, and creatives from around the world, sharing insights, experiences, and the realities behind their professional journeys.
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