2 Jul 2024

Regenerative Designs, Real Impact: Career Insights from Russ Edwards, Architect turned Developer

Moving from architecture into development changes the scale of the decisions you make. It also changes the commercial, social and delivery pressures around every project.

Stephen Drew speaks with Russ Edwards, Project Director at Clarion Housing Group, about his route from architecture into development and his work on large-scale, affordable and regenerative housing projects.

The conversation covers:

How Russ moved from architectural practice into development
What developer-side project leadership looks like day to day
How architects can compete better for major projects
Why sustainability and affordable housing need practical delivery thinking
How technology may shape future development work

Read the episode on Architecture Social: Regenerative Designs, Real Impact

Watch on YouTube: Russ Edwards on Architecture and Development

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and welcome
01:47 Meet Russ Edwards
02:31 Russ's career journey
03:26 Moving from architecture into development
06:13 Day-to-day work in development
11:17 Tips for architects competing for projects
17:01 Sustainability and personal mission
23:24 Advice for architects considering development
27:48 Emerging technologies in development
30:39 Future prospects and optimism
37:05 Closing remarks and contact details

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Architecture Social

Find more architecture career advice, practice insight and live roles at Architecture Social.

Explore more conversations on the Architecture Social Podcast, browse free resources at Architecture Social Resources, or join the community at Architecture Social Club.

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