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

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

📝 Read the full write-up, with the key takeaways:
https://architecturesocial.com/podcast/david-drews-design-director-at-allied-london/

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

The fastest way to get hired is to be better at the things practices actually ask for. Revit, Rhino, rendering, BIM, portfolio work. Our learning partner ArchAdemia is built by architects, for architects:
https://archademia.com/architecture-social/

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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

(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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