2 Nov 2020

Client Side Insights: An Interview with David Drews of Allied London

A client-side architecture role can be a strong move if you want to apply design judgement inside a developer, estate, client or owner organisation.

Stephen Drew speaks with David Drews from Allied London about client-side architecture roles, in-house design teams, TP Bennett, Steven Marshall Architects, Manchester projects, design quality, delivery roles, career transitions and creativity during lockdown.

The conversation covers:

How in-house design roles differ from traditional practice roles
Why client-side work needs design judgement and commercial awareness
How delivery architects and in-house teams protect design quality
What career transitions can teach candidates about timing and fit
Why creativity and adaptability still matter under pressure

Read the episode on Architecture Social: In-House Architect Career Guide

Watch the video on YouTube: David Drews, Design Director at Allied London

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:46 David Drews' Background and Role at Allied London
02:35 Allied London's Notable Projects
03:43 Personal Connections and Career Reflections
05:25 Navigating Career Challenges and Recession
07:22 Transition to Client-Side Role
14:11 Managing Design Teams and Projects
19:59 The Importance of Good Design
21:31 Choosing the Right Opportunities
23:21 The Role of a Delivery Architect
25:28 Navigating Career Transitions
29:10 Adapting to Challenging Times
36:08 Creativity During Lockdown
37:29 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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Architecture Social

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(00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome
(00:46) - David Drews' Background and Role at Allied London
(02:35) - Allied London's Notable Projects
(03:43) - Personal Connections and Career Reflections
(05:22) - Early Career and the Naomi Era
(07:35) - Navigating Career Challenges and Recession
(14:11) - Transition to Allied London and Client-Side Work
(16:41) - Managing Design Teams and Business Strategy
(19:59) - The Importance of Good Design
(20:58) - Challenges of Bad Design
(21:31) - Choosing the Right Opportunities
(23:21) - The Role of Delivery Architects
(25:28) - Navigating Career Transitions
(29:10) - Adapting to Changing Times
(36:08) - Creativity During Lockdown
(37:33) - Final Thoughts and Reflections

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