People · Podcast guest
Laurence Richards
Architectural Assistant Part II · Ackroyd Lowrie
Part II Architectural Assistant at Ackroyd Lowrie, working to widen access to architecture through the practice's work-experience and outreach programme.
- Current role
- Architectural Assistant Part II
- Practice
- Ackroyd Lowrie
- Location
- London
- On the podcast
- 1 episode · 2023
The story so far
The path behind Laurence's work.
Laurence Richards is a Part II Architectural Assistant at Ackroyd Lowrie, the East London architecture practice. He studied at UWE Bristol and the Manchester School of Architecture, and speaks openly about the time, cost and routes involved in qualifying as an architect.
At Ackroyd Lowrie he helps run the practice's work-experience and outreach programme, offering week-long placements built around a realistic brief, along with portfolio reviews, interview practice and mentoring, with a focus on reaching people who do not have family connections in the industry.
Episode 0161 · Architecture Social · 57:50
NO ENTRY! Exposing The Barriers To Entry Within The Architecture Industry, ft. Laurence Richards and Joe Maguire
Architecture can still feel hard to enter, especially for students, overseas professionals and early-career people without the right networks, money, experience or confidence.
Inside the conversation
6 moments to start with- 01
00:00 · Introduction to barriers to entry in architecture
- 02
05:00 · University access, A Levels and getting started
- 03
10:00 · Imposter syndrome and different routes into architecture
- 04
15:00 · Job hunting, overseas experience and the nightclub analogy
- 05
20:00 · Pay, professional bodies and early-career pressure
- 06
25:00 · Salaries, location and remote working decisions
Profile in brief
The work and context behind Laurence's conversation.
- Current role
- Architectural Assistant Part II
- Practice
- Ackroyd Lowrie
- Location
- London
Continue exploring
Meet the practice behind the work.
Founded in 2014, working across urban regeneration, masterplanning and education.
- Hybrid
- four studio days
Podcast · moments that play
Start where the idea starts.
- 05:00Laurence Richards · Audio onlyListen from 05:00 in the full episode.
University access, A Levels and getting started
- 10:00Laurence Richards · Audio onlyListen from 10:00 in the full episode.
Imposter syndrome and different routes into architecture
- 15:00Laurence Richards · Audio onlyListen from 15:00 in the full episode.
Job hunting, overseas experience and the nightclub analogy
- 20:00Laurence Richards · Audio onlyListen from 20:00 in the full episode.
Pay, professional bodies and early-career pressure
- 25:00Laurence Richards · Audio onlyListen from 25:00 in the full episode.
Salaries, location and remote working decisions
- 30:00Laurence Richards · Audio onlyListen from 30:00 in the full episode.
Why salary conversations have become more open
Selected work from Ackroyd Lowrie
Three projects, one connected practice.
A closer look at the practice’s work
Architectural visualisation courtesy of Ackroyd Lowrie.
Bombay Street
A 24-home mixed-use regeneration that also reworks neighbouring railway arches and adds a community garden.
View project →
Architectural visualisation courtesy of Ackroyd Lowrie.
Boxgrove Lanes
More than 70 homes and 2,000 m² of retail organised around landscaped courtyards and a lake.
View project →
Architectural visualisation courtesy of Ackroyd Lowrie.
Innova (Impact House) Croydon
A 220-home micro-living proposal with co-working, lounges, reception space and a rooftop cinema.
View project →