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Simon Allford

How AHMM Survived Its First Five Years

Hear Simon of Allford Hall Monaghan Morris on the Architecture Social podcast.

Portrait of Simon Allford
Simon Allford
Practice
Allford Hall Monaghan Morris
On the podcast
1 episode · 2026

Conversation

The thinking behind the work.

Episode 0261 · Architecture Social

How AHMM Survived Its First Five Years

Architecture is often presented as a linear career, but building a successful practice demands patience, resilience and a willingness to keep learning. Simon Allford, Founding Director of AHMM, explains how the practice survived its lean early years and developed a culture where strong architecture, shared ideas and long-term investment come first. They get into starting a practice during a downturn, surviving the critical first five years, building an open studio culture, approaching architecture interviews, adapting to new technology and rethinking architectural education. The conversation offers practical perspective for architects, students and practices navigating changing tools, rising expectations and an industry that still struggles to value its work properly. AHMM: https://www.ahmm.co.uk/

Cover artwork for How AHMM Survived Its First Five Years
Explore episode moments

Use the timestamps below to find each moment in the full episode.

  1. 00:42 · How AHMM began ↗
  2. 02:11 · Taking risks and making early hires ↗
  3. 03:14 · Surviving the practice’s leanest years ↗
  4. 04:05 · Why the first five years matter ↗
  5. 04:46 · Advice for starting an architecture practice ↗
  6. 06:04 · Building a generous professional community ↗

Expertise

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Practice
Allford Hall Monaghan Morris
On the podcast
1 episode · 2026

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