Pride Road is the UK's Architectural Practice Franchise. We are leading the flexible working movement for Architects. Here on this podcast, we talk about the business of Architecture, the RIBA, marketing, sales, running your own practice, start-up, flexible working, women in architecture, career development, and more! We help architects get the architecture business they're dreaming of, with the added support from a trusted and experienced brand.
Episodes
Friday Jul 16, 2021
Friday Jul 16, 2021
Louise is a conservation accredited architect at Arup. Louise began her career as an office junior at Purcell architects in York in 2006 where she quickly realised she wanted to be an architect. The next decade saw her choose universities which supported her interest in built heritage, following completion of her Part II, Louise joined the AABC apprenticeship programme to become an accredited conservation architect.
Louise has worked on buildings including The Elizabeth Tower (known as Big Ben), Canterbury Cathedral and railway stations throughout the country often preparing, advising and specifying new design and the conservation of historic fabric. Louise is also church architect to six churches.
Louise Priestman
Conservation Architect | Heritage
BA(Hons) MArch MA IHBC AABC RIBA
The Pride Road Franchise grew out of Founder Lisa Raynes’ refusal to accept that there was only one way for a woman to have an architecture career and a family life. She built her practice in the domestic sector, and then invested to turn her business into one that other ambitious architects wanting work/life balance can buy into. She’s had a seat on the RIBA Council (2015-18), been Chair of Women in Property NW and founded Manchester Curious, an urban architecture outreach festival. A key focus of the Pride Road Franchise business in a box is the fully-automated customer relation management system, this system helps lead a flow of new clients to our franchisees.
https://www.prideroadfranchise.co.uk
Friday Jul 16, 2021
Friday Jul 16, 2021
About John Warburton
I am an ARB registered architect with strong skills in 2D and 3D CAD and BIM applications. I've worked in architecture in the private sector for my whole 43-year career and have experience with practices of all sizes. I've designed and managed projects in the UK and the Middle East. In my time I have had major roles in everything from a small single room domestic extension right through to an Olympic sized sporting complex. My project experience is broad in both type and scale.
Drawing was central in guiding me towards a career in architecture and I believe that it has always been an essential skill for architects, even in these days of computer-based information production. When I first entered the profession it was in a pre-computing age, although as a student I was given a brief introduction to some of the early attempts to what was coming.
Along with my interest in architecture and drawing, I developed an interest in the blooming computing world, learning to code and even building my own computers from kits. That interest did not go unnoticed and I was put in charge of looking at this new-fangled CAD thing. CAD, and now BIM, have been a major part of my skill set ever since.
Drawing by hand has always been important to me, although mostly confined to use in work rather than as a hobby, which I now recognise is a shame. I've rekindled my interest, though and for a little over a year now I've been drawing away daily. Well, almost. I've amassed over 400 drawings and sketches and plan to keep going with this into retirement. Which is now only a few weeks away...
Instagram account - @jdwartist
https://www.prideroadfranchise.co.uk
Tuesday Jun 08, 2021
Tuesday Jun 08, 2021
- Where do you find clients in the first place?
- How do you reach out to clients?
- How often do you follow up with people?
- How do you structure your week/month? (how much time do you spend on marketing/business development/doing actual architectural work?
- Charging by the hour/by project/ percentage on the cost of the project?
- What are appropriate rates?
- How do you network?
- How do you exchange ideas with colleagues like you would in an office environment, while working by yourself?
- How do you 'switch' off from working?
- would you recommend having a niche? (housing extensions/commercial properties)
- Private clients vs Councils vs Developers? Do you have one type of client?
- How do you build a track record?
- What marketing strategies do you use?
Join in the conversation in the comments!
Constantina is a London based Cypriot Architect. She started her own architectural practice a few months ago CA Architecture, after qualifying as an architect in 2019. With extensive experience in the residential sector, Constantina focuses around unique spaces that grow and evolve with the users through time.
The Pride Road Franchise grew out of Founder Lisa Raynes’ refusal to accept that there was only one way for a woman to have an architecture career and a family life. She built her practice in the domestic sector, and then invested to turn her business into one that other ambitious architects wanting work/life balance can buy into. She’s had a seat on the RIBA Council (2015-18), been Chair of Women in Property NW and founded Manchester Curious, an urban architecture outreach festival. A key focus of the Pride Road Franchise business in a box is the fully-automated customer relation management system, this system helps lead a flow of new clients to our franchisees.
https://www.prideroadfranchise.co.uk
Monday Jun 07, 2021
Monday Jun 07, 2021
A chat about honing all-important networking skills - what works and how to close the deal.
In earlier podcasts Lisa and her guests have explored the benefits of networking , and how to start to take joy in doing so – networking is one key business skill that often stretches architects out of their comfort zone. So how do you broaden your professional networks?
In this session Lisa and her guest Rachel Bell, of Stride Treglown, will chat about their approaches to building value in networking, knowing where the right places are and how to present in the most effective way. And in the Covid economy it has become more important than ever to build rapport with partners whether they are your next client, supplier or influencer.
It’s all about learning to nourish relationships so that you can develop your business, convert clients and close the deal.
The Pride Road Franchise grew out of Founder Lisa Raynes’ refusal to accept that there was only one way for a woman to have an architecture career and a family life. She built her practice in the domestic sector, and then invested to turn her business into one that other ambitious architects wanting work/life balance can buy into. She’s had a seat on the RIBA Council (2015-18), been Chair of Women in Property NW and founded Manchester Curious, an urban architecture outreach festival. A key focus of the Pride Road Franchise business in a box is the fully-automated customer relation management system, this system helps lead a flow of new clients to our franchisees.
Rachel Bell is an Architect, Director and Head of Business Development at Stride Treglown. Leading the Winning Work team alongside fellow directors, Rachel believes in building a positive client relationship to help overcome those project hurdles as well as developing a continued pipeline of work.
Beyond her day job, Rachel supports numerous initiatives in the industry. She is currently on the SW Regional Board for LandAid and is the National Chair of Women in Property, the influential professional development organisation for women working in the built environment.
As a visible industry role model, Rachel has won many awards and accolades for her contributions including being named one of the 2019 Property Week Resi Trailblazers and South West Insider Property Personality in 2018.
‘Stand Tall’ is her mantra – something she encourages everyone to do..
https://www.prideroadfranchise.co.uk
Tuesday Jun 01, 2021
Tuesday Jun 01, 2021
A chat about how architects can make visual communications work for them
This podcast is about drawing. Taking an architectural idea and bringing it to life on paper in order to have an open discussion with clients or to ensure colleagues and contractors have a clear and concise understanding of the project. It’s an essential part of the life of a building. Yet the reality is that there are many ways to communicate visually, from pen and paper to digital pen and paper to complex modelling. And there is huge added-value to an architect of being visually literate. Effectively it’s a tool to develop your ideas and to create content that builds your profile online. Visuals seep into almost every area of the architectural profession.
Tune in to hear host Lisa Raynes and her guest Hamza Shaik chat about their use of visual communication – from sharpie markers on tracing paper in the case of Lisa, and digital sketching in the Hamza’s case.
Pride Road Franchise grew out of Founder Lisa Raynes’ refusal to accept that there was only one way for a woman to have an architecture career and a family life. She built her practice in the domestic sector, and then invested to turn her business into one that other ambitious architects wanting work/life balance can buy into. She’s had a seat on the RIBA Council (2015-18), been Chair of Women in Property NW and founded Manchester Curious, an urban architecture outreach festival. A key focus of Pride Road Franchise is the use of online tools to engage clients in the design process – that means using pen and paper in real time as discussions take place on zoom and options are brought to life.
Hamza Shaikh is Part 2 Architectural Assistant and Partner at Make Architects, London. He is also the producer & host of the Two Worlds Design podcast series which explores the multidisciplinary potential of Architecture by speaking with extraordinary practitioners. In 2020 he co-founded the MAD Collective which hosted the world's first global architecture-student convention bringing together content creators and an audience from around the world. He currently runs a fast-growing YouTube Channel providing educational content for architecture students and is set to start his Part 3 studies at the University of Cambridge this year. You can also find his popular architectural drawings on Instagram @hamzashaikh.design.
https://www.prideroadfranchise.co.uk
Tuesday May 25, 2021
Tuesday May 25, 2021
Join in the conversation in the comments…
1. Considering where the profession is at the moment (imminent climate crisis, post-pandemic, bridging the gap between education and practice), why is collaboration important now more than ever?
2. How does collaboration impact the industry?
3. Should collaboration be a greater part of the programme during the university years?
4. What can be done to support a healthier attitude towards collaboration moving forwards?
Pride Road Franchise grew out of Founder Lisa Raynes’ refusal to accept that there was only one way for a woman to have an architecture career and a family life. She built her practice in the domestic sector, and then invested to turn her business into one that other ambitious architects wanting work/life balance can buy into. She’s had a seat on the RIBA Council (2015-18), been Chair of Women in Property NW and founded Manchester Curious, an urban architecture outreach festival. For Lisa a successful outcome is a happy client – and clear communication is an essential skill to ensure this. This means giving clients the information they need in the format that works best for them, whether in emails, zoom calls or Lego demos!
https://www.prideroadfranchise.co.uk
Adrian C. Alexandrescu is a qualified architect based in London. Collaborating with a group of architects and designers spread worldwide, he delivers projects that highlight the belief that architecture is about possibility.
Having collaborated internationally with innovative practices in Romania, Morocco, China and the UK, Adrian looks at the future of architecture and sees it immersed in the wilderness. He is driven by a desire to design as part of a natural ecosystem and believes that architects have the responsibility of engaging with ideas that ensure a sustainable future. His enthusiasm and interest in how people respond to their environment led him to undertake research and enter competitions for projects in Brazil, Ethiopia and the Netherlands.
Inspired by the work of creatives such as Massimo Bottura, Es Devlin and Constantin Brancusi, Adrian says that: "Architecture is a rebellious profession that constantly fights against the commonplace. Through the combination of fantasy and pragmatism, architecture has the power to improve our lives
Tuesday May 25, 2021
Tuesday May 25, 2021
Join in the conversation in the comments….
Do you think the work / life balance is improving?
Does being a parent affect your chances of success within a company?
Would you advise females to have a career within the construction industry, given the current flexibility?
Does being a parent benefit you work in anyway?
Pride Road Franchise grew out of Founder Lisa Raynes’ refusal to accept that there was only one way for a woman to have an architecture career and a family life. She built her practice in the domestic sector, and then invested to turn her business into one that other ambitious architects wanting work/life balance can buy into. She’s had a seat on the RIBA Council (2015-18), been Chair of Women in Property NW and founded Manchester Curious, an urban architecture outreach festival. For Lisa a successful outcome is a happy client – and clear communication is an essential skill to ensure this. This means giving clients the information they need in the format that works best for them, whether in emails, zoom calls or Lego demos!
https://www.prideroadfranchise.co.uk
Rosie Nimmo is an Architect at Arkhi in Cheshire, a practice that specialises in large scale residential renovations and new builds. She is an advocate for flexible working hours for parents, and thinks that the industry still has a long way to go in terms of accommodating less traditional working contracts.
Tuesday May 25, 2021
Tuesday May 25, 2021
Architecture in the Den: Serious Play with Pablo Apolinar
aka the awesome Lego journey taken by two architects
Lego is one of those toys that is ubiquitous in schools, early years settings and the homes of young children. The name itself derives from the Danish phrase leg godt which translates as ‘play-well’. And in the hands of a young Pablo Apolinar, an amazing journey began with these bricks, put simply Lego had an influence on his decision to become an architect. Tune in to hear host Lisa and Pablo discuss their Lego journeys, and explore how this particular form of spatial communication inspires them in their professional careers.
For Lisa, Lego is an essential communication tool, she uses it to show her clients the different options available, for example, in roofs and extensions. It’s also a fun, quick and playful way to explain complex concepts. Pablo’s long-standing interest in social architecture can be reflected in the socialisation experienced by a group of kids building Lego together. Let’s see what these two architects can tell us – perhaps with a brick or two!
Pride Road Franchise grew out of Founder Lisa Raynes’ refusal to accept that there was only one way for a woman to have an architecture career and a family life. She built her practice in the domestic sector, and then invested to turn her business into one that other ambitious architects wanting work/life balance can buy into. She’s had a seat on the RIBA Council (2015-18), been Chair of Women in Property NW and founded Manchester Curious, an urban architecture outreach festival. For Lisa a successful outcome is a happy client – and clear communication is an essential skill to ensure this. This means giving clients the information they need in the format that works best for them, whether in emails, zoom calls or Lego demos!
Pablo Apolinar is very interested in social architecture, arts and creativity. He studied Architecture in the Polytechnic University of Valencia. After graduating in 2008, his Doctoral Thesis researched the concept of time in Architecture after Einstein. The architect works with space, light, beauty or proportion because they are familiar with them. However, this is not applicable to time. He obtained the highest qualification for his PhD. His academics were completed with a Ruta Quetzal grant, that builds communities overseas attached to the Secretariat of State for International Cooperation of Spain. This programme was declared of national interest by more than 30 countries, was endorsed by the European Union, and was declared a cultural programme of "Universal Interest" by UNESCO.
In his architecture Pablo makes imaginative and considered contributions to the built environment through a socially-engaged design processes. The relationship between local communities, development and creative practice is a particular focus and so far, he’s been involved in charity projects.
The first school Pablo built was on the border between Somalia and Ethiopia, and involved living and working on site for a year. Somalia is one of the world’s longest-running refugee crises and remains its worst refugee crisis. In Europe he started a University programme to integrate recent migrants in the local culture via architecture. Migration is caused by the actions of governments and citizens as a result of capitalism. We need to take seriously the role that cities have historically taken in empowering migrants.
Tuesday May 18, 2021
Tuesday May 18, 2021
Hi I am Roxanne Townsend, I usually go by Roxy. I am originally from the Midlands, I studied at Nottingham Trent for Part 1 and the University of the West of England for Part 2 and Part 3. I am now an Architect at Stride Treglown in Bristol, I am part of the schools team and I design secondary schools. Alongside my role as an Architect I am also a LandAid Ambassador, RIBA Mentor and FFT (Forum for Tomorrow) committee member. I have been at Stride Treglown for about four years and I have been qualified for just over a year.
Pride Road Franchise grew out of Founder Lisa Raynes’ refusal to accept that there was only one way for a woman to have an architecture career and a family life. She built her practice in the domestic sector, and then invested to turn her business into one that other ambitious architects wanting work/life balance can buy into. She’s had a seat on the RIBA Council (2015-18), been Chair of Women in Property NW and founded Manchester Curious, an urban architecture outreach festival. A franchise can be understood as a business-in-a-box – you are buying the experience, systems and processes of business success and enterprise.
https://www.prideroadfranchise.co.uk
https://anchor.fm/fft-western-podcast
Tuesday May 18, 2021
Tuesday May 18, 2021
Architects work notoriously long hours, so much so that when you calculate an hourly rate, it doesn’t go very far. So what steps could you take to make sure your time is valued by others as much as it is worth to you?
Host Lisa and her guest Dominic Hailey have about 40 years’ experience of the business of architecture between them. Tune in to hear them chat about how to make money as an architect and share their tips on how to identify the right niche for you.
For them a really key step is to identify your market and specialism, and to exploit that to be as niche as possible in a particular sector to ‘line the nest’. For Lisa it’s the Pride Road Franchise model working directly with clients living in the many thousands of 1930s semis in this country. For Dominic it’s the ‘grey pound’ and later living schemes and understanding how these are underpinned by clients and funds in order to best support the development journey. In both cases having a steady stream of income from a particular sector helps underpin stability, growth, and profitability for a practice.
Pride Road Franchise grew out of Founder Lisa Raynes’ refusal to accept that there was only one way for a woman to have an architecture career and a family life. She built her practice in the domestic sector, and then invested to turn her business into one that other ambitious architects wanting work/life balance can buy into. She’s had a seat on the RIBA Council (2015-18), been Chair of Women in Property NW and founded Manchester Curious, an urban architecture outreach festival. A franchise can be understood as a business-in-a-box – you are buying the experience, systems and processes of business success and enterprise.
https://www.prideroadfranchise.co.uk
Dominic Hailey has worked in architectural practice since 2001 designing and delivering architectural projects ranging in value from £1m to £100m. With an approach based on creating and maintaining positive, productive relationships with stakeholders, clients, and the wider project team, his experience in the residential sector, both with private developers and registered social landlords, gives him a broad base of knowledge and expertise in both design and technical areas.
Dominic joined ColladoCollins Architects in 2015, and now leads the teams responsible for later living and care projects, as well as construction and delivery work, alongside sharing the management of the 35 strong practice with four co-directors. Through the practice he developed the Just Living book, co-written with research architect and specialist Carly Dickson, and he has presented the research and findings at a number of sector-specific conferences and events, including
https://www.colladocollins.com/publications
https://www.prideroadfranchise.co.uk