Why Most Architects Shouldn’t Be Developers (But Some Should) ft. Ben Richards

Why Most Architects Shouldn’t Be Developers (But Some Should) ft. Ben Richards

Ben Richards gave up the drawing board for the developer’s desk and now he’s got four businesses, millions in property deals, and a lot of stories from the front lines.

In this episode, we dig into the nitty-gritty of going from architect to real estate entrepreneur - what actually happens when you swap the studio for the site, the hard truths about making money in property, and how Ben’s managed to build (and survive) a business empire.

It’s not all doom and gloom though - we get into opportunities in social housing, what tech like AI and LIDAR might mean for the industry, and how to spot the trends that matter in 2025. Brutally honest, useful, and oddly motivating.

Ben is the founder of Aura Architecture & Interiors, XP Property, and XP Surveys.

00:00 Ben Richards
00:09 Christmas Live Stream Kickoff
00:41 From Architecture to Development: Ben's Journey
01:29 Building and Managing Multiple Businesses
03:49 The Challenges of Hiring and Team Building
13:17 Transitioning from Architecture to Real Estate
18:02 The Realities of Property Development
24:35 Opportunities and Challenges in the Housing Market
29:58 Social Housing and Affordable Development
32:40 The Planning Process: Challenges and Changes
33:48 Social Housing and Property Conversions
34:30 Trends in Retail and Industrial Sectors
38:30 The Role of AI in Architecture and Business
47:35 Exciting Prospects for 2025
52:56 Business Strategies and Community Building
59:05 Podcast and Final Thoughts

____

📐 The Architecture Social is an online platform packed with content to help you find new jobs, stand out from the crowd and take your career in Architecture to the next level

💻 Find out more at https://www.architecturesocial.com

Episoder(250)

Top Architecture Leadership Tips and Insight from an Ex-Industry Expert, ft. Karen Fugle

Top Architecture Leadership Tips and Insight from an Ex-Industry Expert, ft. Karen Fugle

Karen, an ex-industry expert with years of experience under her belt, is here to dish out some real talk on leadership within the architecture realm. If you're looking to step up your leadership game ...

12 Mar 202454min

Why is YADA the coolest Architecture Event in the UK?! And Where Can I Get a Cheeky Beer?!

Why is YADA the coolest Architecture Event in the UK?! And Where Can I Get a Cheeky Beer?!

YADA YADA YADA... What on earth is a YADA event? Who are the Young Architects and Developers Alliance? And perhaps most importantly, how to a get a cheeky glass of Red Wine? All good questions! The YA...

5 Mar 202454min

What is it like to work at HLW Architects? Ft. Bronte Turner

What is it like to work at HLW Architects? Ft. Bronte Turner

We're super excited because in our next episode, we're sitting down with Bronte Turner, the Managing Director of HLW since 2012. Having climbed the ranks since joining in 2008, Bronte's got stories, i...

27 Feb 202445min

What on earth is Part 4 in Architecture?! Ft. Neal Shasore at London School of Architecture

What on earth is Part 4 in Architecture?! Ft. Neal Shasore at London School of Architecture

Have you ever gone to a CPD session at your Architecture Practice, picked up a Pret sandwich and then looked at the agenda only to think in your head "Oh NO! Now I've got to listen to session on this ...

20 Feb 202441min

Ahead of the Curve: Engineering a Greener Tomorrow, ft. Chris Atkins from Symmetrys

Ahead of the Curve: Engineering a Greener Tomorrow, ft. Chris Atkins from Symmetrys

As our industry grapples with the urgent need for sustainability and effective ESG initiatives, Symmetrys is at the forefront, championing proactive, intelligent design. Chris Atkins will delve into h...

13 Feb 202432min

Algorithms & Aesthetics: Using Generative Design and AI tools to design Architecture, ft. Arka Works

Algorithms & Aesthetics: Using Generative Design and AI tools to design Architecture, ft. Arka Works

Joining us is the visionary Keir Regan-Alexander, an architect who’s not just been around the block but has helped redesign it! With a robust 15-year track record in London's professional scene, is cu...

6 Feb 202447min

Should you use ANNOYING Recruitment Consultants to find your next job in Architecture? ft. Matt Kirk

Should you use ANNOYING Recruitment Consultants to find your next job in Architecture? ft. Matt Kirk

Get ready, because today’s chat is going to peel back the curtain on the somewhat mystifying world of architectural recruitment.Matt Kirk, cheekily known as the Annoying Recruiter, is here to spill th...

2 Jan 202459min

Careers in BIM and the Built Environment, ft. Vanessa Cazaubon

Careers in BIM and the Built Environment, ft. Vanessa Cazaubon

From drafting tables and BIM models to designing career paths, Vanessa's journey is a testament to the dynamic world of architecture and construction.In this episode, we'll uncover: - Vanessa's invalu...

26 Des 202352min

Populært innen Business og økonomi

stopp-verden
dine-penger-pengeradet
e24-podden
rss-penger-polser-og-politikk
rss-borsmorgen-okonominyhetene
pengepodden-2
utbytte
pengesnakk
finansredaksjonen
morgenkaffen-med-finansavisen
tid-er-penger-en-podcast-med-peter-warren
livet-pa-veien-med-jan-erik-larssen
rss-sunn-okonomi
okonomiamatorene
lederpodden
rss-markedspuls-2
rss-fa-makro
boligbobla
rss-andelige-tanker-med-camillo
lederskap-nhhs-podkast-om-ledelse