Changing Careers from Architecture to Development, ft. Dolunay Dogahan

Moving from architecture into development or project management can make sense when you still care about buildings, but want to work closer to clients, budgets, strategy and delivery.

Stephen Drew speaks with Dolunay Dogahan about moving from architecture into project management, working client-side and understanding the job titles, interviews and industry knowledge needed to make that transition.

The conversation covers:

• How Dolunay moved from architecture into development and project management
• What project managers do on large commercial schemes
• How client-side and consultancy-side roles differ
• What to show in CVs and interviews when changing career direction
• Why industry awareness helps when moving beyond practice

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▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvOin6md6sc

📝 Read the full write-up, with the key takeaways:
https://architecturesocial.com/blog/changing-careers-from-architecture-to-development-ft-dolunay-dogahan/

Architecture Social is where architects and designers find honest career advice, insight from practice, and live roles worth applying for:
https://architecturesocial.com/

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https://archademia.com/architecture-social/

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Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and welcome
• 00:04 Meet Dolunay Dogahan
• 01:03 Moving from architecture to project management
• 03:44 Challenges and realisations in architecture
• 09:36 Job market and interview lessons
• 19:47 What a project manager does
• 25:49 Architecture versus development management
• 31:34 Audience Q&A
• 33:10 Starting the live session
• 33:36 Transitioning from architecture to development
• 34:05 CV and interview strategies
• 36:34 Why industry awareness matters
• 38:43 Challenges and rewards in project management
• 43:09 Job searches and job titles
• 48:38 Client-side versus consultancy-side roles
• 51:22 Career highs and lows
• 53:58 Future goals and in-person events
• 01:01:28 Final thoughts and contact details