21 Okt 2025

Are Developers the New Architects? Simon Vernon Harcourt’s Journey

Developers are often seen as the people on the other side of the table, but architecture professionals can learn a lot from how they think about sites, risk, viability and delivery.

Stephen Drew speaks with Simon Vernon-Harcourt, Design Director at City and Country, about moving from architecture into development, restoring historic buildings and working with architects on complex conversion projects.

The conversation covers:

How Simon moved from architectural practice into a developer-side role
What makes historic building conversion projects commercially and technically difficult
How developers assess sites, risk, planning and long-term value
What architects should understand when working with developers
How technology and market sentiment are changing development work

Read the episode on Architecture Social: Are Developers the New Architects?

Watch on YouTube: Simon Vernon-Harcourt's Journey

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and episode context
00:52 Meet Simon Vernon-Harcourt
01:29 Simon's journey into architecture
03:29 Transitioning into a developer role
06:55 City and Country projects overview
10:48 Challenges and rewards of conversion projects
15:42 Finding and procuring unique sites
18:23 Technology and architecture
23:54 Advice for aspiring architects
30:18 Working with developers
32:23 Current industry sentiment
36:25 Closing remarks and contact details

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Architecture Social

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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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(00:00) - Simon Vernon
(00:52) - Meet Simon Verden Har Court
(01:29) - Simon's Journey into Architecture
(03:29) - Transition to Developer Role
(06:55) - City and Country Projects Overview
(10:48) - Challenges and Rewards of Conversion Projects
(15:42) - Finding and Procuring Unique Sites
(18:23) - Technology and Architecture
(23:54) - Advice for Aspiring Architects
(30:18) - Working with Developers
(32:23) - Current Industry Sentiments
(36:25) - Closing Remarks and Contact Information

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