Are you ready to take your career in Architecture to the next level?
Meet your coach
Stephen Drew
Founder of the Architecture Social
Stephen is the Founder of the Architecture Social, a member of the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architect’s) Future Architects and Education Development Groups, an ambassador for the Architect’s Benevolent Society and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
He is also a former elected Council Member of the RIBA, Visiting Critic and Teaching Assistant of Manchester School of Architecture, and professional mentor for Postgraduate Architecture students at the University of Westminster.
Previously he worked in the Architecture industry at EPR Architects for three years after completing a degree and diploma in Architecture at the University of Westminster and Manchester School of Architecture.
In 2014, Stephen left practising Architecture to pursue a career in recruitment where he worked alongside industry-leading Architecture Practices.
In 2021, Stephen joined Ackroyd Lowrie, an ambitious Architecture Practice as their Head of Talent. He was responsible for internal recruitment and retaining existing staff, alongside building up his own business known as the Architecture Social.
When competing for a dream job, Stephen is your unfair advantage.
When you work with an expert coach, you get access to their guidance, knowledge and expertise, instead of spending valuable time figuring it out yourself. This saves you a lot of time, energy and money.
Stephen recently works In-House in an Architecture Practice in charge of recruitment as Head of Talent, he has worked also in the Architecture Industry as a Part II Architecture Assistant and successfully recruited for the world’s leading architecture practices for 7 years.
He has seen every side of the recruitment process, from being the hiring manager, the recruiter as well as the job seeker in Architecture. This means that Stephen knows what it takes to be noticed above others, make a positive impression, and accelerate your career.
In tailored coaching sessions based on your career, we can focus on how to find the right job, refine your cv, portfolio, interview preparations, salary negotiations, handling offers and rejection, resigning on good terms, and much more.
After our coaching sessions, you will be sent a video recording and audio transcription for you to review afterward as well as access to the private coach’s cohort group on the Architecture Social.
Testimonials from designers and industry talent:
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Instead of a paid private session, perhaps you would prefer a free CV and Portfolio review that is featured publically on our Podcast and Youtube Channels.
Stephen worked in the Architecture Industry at:
Cullinan Studio
EPR Architects
Swansea City Council
He has worked in the recruitment industry as:
Head of Architecture at Macdonald & Company
Recruitment Director at Shape Careers
Recruitment Consultant at Bespoke Careers
Companies that Stephen has a track record of recruiting for:
Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM)
Arney Fender Katsalidis (AFK) Studios
ECE Projekt management Limited
Jefferson Sheard Architects (JSA)
FAQs about Career Coaching for Architecture Professionals and Students
Whether you’re an experienced architect navigating your next career move or a student laying the foundations for your future in the dynamic world of architecture, this FAQ offers tailored insights and guidance from Architecture Social.
I feel like my architecture career has hit a plateau. How can resources like Architecture Social and potentially coaching help me reinvigorate my professional path or explore new specialisations?
It’s quite common for experienced architects to reach a point where their career momentum seems to slow, or they feel a desire to explore new avenues within the profession. Architecture Social provides a wealth of resources that can help you identify emerging trends, from new technologies and sustainable design practices to different business models for practice. Our articles, podcast interviews with industry leaders, and community discussions can expose you to fresh perspectives and potential specializations you might not have considered, such as heritage conservation, urban design, BIM management, or even roles in architectural journalism or academia. This exploration can be the first step to reigniting your passion and finding new challenges.
If you’re considering a significant shift or need personalized guidance to navigate this stage, career coaching with Stephen Drew can be invaluable. He can help you assess your transferable skills, identify your core motivations, and develop a strategic plan to either climb higher in your current field or pivot towards a new specialization. Coaching provides a structured environment to explore your options, overcome limiting beliefs, and make confident decisions about your future career direction, ensuring your next move is both fulfilling and strategically sound.
I'm an experienced architect aspiring to a leadership role (e.g., Associate, Director). What kind of support does Architecture Social offer to help develop the necessary leadership and management skills?
Transitioning into a leadership role in architecture requires more than just technical proficiency; it demands strong communication, team management, strategic thinking, and business acumen. Architecture Social offers various resources that can support this development. Our articles and podcast episodes frequently delve into topics such as practice management, leading successful project teams, client relationship strategies, and the business side of architecture. Engaging with these materials and participating in discussions within the Architecture Social Club can provide valuable insights and perspectives from those already in leadership positions.
For more targeted development, Stephen Drew’s coaching can specifically address the challenges and opportunities of stepping into an architectural leadership role. His experience as a Head of Talent involved nurturing leadership potential within a practice. Coaching sessions can focus on honing your leadership style, improving delegation skills, managing difficult conversations, developing business development strategies, and building your professional influence. This personalized support can accelerate your readiness for senior positions and help you become a more effective and inspiring leader within your firm.
The architecture industry is known for demanding hours. How can I leverage Architecture Social's resources or coaching to achieve a better work-life balance without compromising my career progression?
chieving a sustainable work-life balance is a significant concern for many architecture professionals, and it’s a topic frequently discussed within the Architecture Social community and resources. Our articles and podcasts often feature insights from architects and practice leaders who have successfully implemented strategies for more balanced working lives, such as efficient project management, setting clear boundaries, and fostering supportive studio cultures. Learning from these examples can provide practical ideas you can adapt to your own situation. The community forum also offers a space to share experiences and advice with peers facing similar challenges.
If you’re struggling to implement these changes, coaching with Stephen Drew can help you identify personal and systemic factors contributing to an imbalanced workload. Together, you can develop personalized strategies for time management, assertiveness in managing expectations, and clarifying your priorities to align your career ambitions with your well-being. Sometimes, achieving better balance involves making strategic career choices or negotiating different working arrangements, areas where a coach can provide crucial guidance and support to ensure you can thrive both professionally and personally.
For more targeted development, Stephen Drew’s coaching can specifically address the challenges and opportunities of stepping into an architectural leadership role. His experience as a Head of Talent involved nurturing leadership potential within a practice. Coaching sessions can focus on honing your leadership style, improving delegation skills, managing difficult conversations, developing business development strategies, and building your professional influence. This personalized support can accelerate your readiness for senior positions and help you become a more effective and inspiring leader within your firm.
I'm considering starting my own architecture practice. What insights or support can Architecture Social provide for entrepreneurial architects?
Starting your own architecture practice is an exciting but challenging endeavor, requiring not only design talent but also strong business planning, financial management, and marketing skills. Architecture Social offers resources that can be beneficial for aspiring architectural entrepreneurs. Our content sometimes features founders of successful practices sharing their journeys, challenges, and key learnings. Discussions within the Architecture Social Club can also connect you with peers who are on a similar path or have already navigated the start-up phase, providing a valuable support network and a place to exchange practical advice.
While Architecture Social provides broad resources, if you’re seeking dedicated guidance on the business aspects of launching and growing a practice, specific business coaching might be beneficial. Stephen Drew’s experience, particularly in understanding market positioning and talent acquisition (crucial for a growing firm), can offer a valuable sounding board. He can help you think strategically about your niche, branding, attracting your first clients, and eventually, hiring your first team members, helping you lay a solid foundation for your new venture.
How important is networking in architecture today, and how can Architecture Social help me expand my professional connections effectively?
Networking remains critically important in the architecture industry for career advancement, business development, knowledge sharing, and staying informed about industry trends. It’s not just about collecting contacts; it’s about building meaningful professional relationships. Architecture Social is designed to facilitate this by providing a dedicated online community – the Architecture Social Club – where professionals and students can connect, engage in discussions, share work, and gain insights from peers across different sectors and experience levels within architecture and design.
Beyond the online forum, Architecture Social’s events (both online and potentially in-person, as applicable), podcast, and active social media presence create multiple touchpoints for connecting with the wider architectural community. By actively participating, sharing your expertise, and engaging thoughtfully, you can organically grow your network. For those looking to be more strategic, our resources and coaching can also offer advice on effective networking techniques, how to leverage platforms like LinkedIn, and how to build a strong professional reputation that attracts opportunities.
I've taken a career break from architecture (e.g., for family reasons, travel, exploring other interests). What advice or resources does Architecture Social offer for re-entering the profession?
Re-entering the architecture profession after a career break can feel daunting, with concerns about outdated skills, industry changes, and regaining professional confidence. Architecture Social offers resources that can ease this transition. Our platform helps you stay updated on current industry trends, software advancements (with articles on tools like Revit), and shifts in practice through our articles, news sections, and podcast. Reviewing recent job postings on our job board can also give you a sense of current employer expectations and in-demand skills.
Coaching with Stephen Drew can be particularly beneficial for architects returning after a break. He can help you identify how to best present your experience (including skills gained during your break), address any gaps in your CV or portfolio, and rebuild your professional network. Mock interviews and confidence-building exercises can be tailored to your situation, helping you articulate your value and navigate questions about your career break positively. The focus would be on creating a strategic and supported re-entry plan.
As an architecture student, how can I make the most of Architecture Social's resources to complement my university education and prepare for practice?
Architecture Social offers a multitude of free resources that can significantly enrich your university experience and bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice. You can dive into our extensive library of articles and guides that cover practical topics often not detailed in coursework, such as crafting a compelling architectural CV and portfolio from your student projects, understanding different software used in practice, and learning about various career paths within architecture. Our podcast features interviews with practicing architects and industry leaders, offering real-world insights and inspiration that can broaden your understanding of the profession.
Furthermore, actively engaging with the Architecture Social Club (our online community) allows you to connect with practicing professionals and fellow students. You can ask questions, share your student projects for feedback (where appropriate), and learn from the experiences of others. Following our job board, even before you’re actively seeking placements, can give you an understanding of what practices are looking for in graduates. These resources help you build industry awareness and practical knowledge beyond your formal studies.
Finding your Part 1 or Part 2 placement is a critical step, and Architecture Social is designed to support you through this process. Our comprehensive job board is a primary resource, featuring placement opportunities from a wide range of architectural practices across the UK and sometimes internationally. Regularly checking the job board and setting up alerts can ensure you don’t miss out on suitable vacancies. Beyond just listings, our platform offers numerous free articles and guides specifically on creating effective architectural CVs and portfolios tailored for placement applications, including how to best showcase your university projects and any relevant experience.
Stephen Drew also offers free public CV and portfolio reviews on the Architecture Social Podcast and YouTube channels, which can provide invaluable insights into what makes an application stand out. For more personalized support, his paid coaching sessions can offer tailored feedback on your application materials and help you prepare for interviews, giving you the confidence and tools to secure a valuable placement that aligns with your career aspirations.
Beyond traditional architectural practice, what other career paths can I explore with my architecture degree, and how can Architecture Social shed light on these?
An architecture degree equips you with a diverse and highly transferable skill set, opening doors to a variety of career paths beyond traditional architectural design roles. Architecture Social aims to highlight these diverse opportunities through its content. Our articles and podcast episodes sometimes feature professionals who have transitioned into related fields such as urban design, landscape architecture, sustainable design consultancy, architectural visualization, set design, architectural journalism, academia, BIM management, or even roles in property development, project management, and technology companies serving the AEC industry.
By exploring these resources, you can gain a better understanding of what these alternative roles entail, the skills required, and how your architectural training can be an asset. The Architecture Social Club also provides a platform to connect with professionals working in these varied capacities, allowing you to ask questions and learn from their experiences. This exposure can help you make more informed decisions about your future career path, whether it’s within a traditional practice or in a more unconventional role that leverages your architectural expertise.
As a student, building a strong portfolio feels overwhelming. What initial steps and advice does Architecture Social offer to start creating a compelling student portfolio?
You are in safe hands. We are a member of the global recruitment trade body, Apsco.
The Architecture Social is a member of APSCo (The Association of Professional Staffing Companies) which is the only membership body dedicated to representing excellence in the professional recruitment industry.
The APSCo badge is recognised by candidates and employers as the differentiating quality mark in professional talent acquisition.
As an APSCo member, we are also required to complete a regular member compliance assessment which enables us to demonstrate that not only do we understand our legal and regulatory obligations, but also that we are working to best practice recruitment standards.
