Welcome back to The Broke Architect Podcast, where I gather together the best bits from the lives of sole practitioners in architecture in the UK. We shine a light on the challenges and the uncomfortable realities of being an architect today.

We are joined by Helen Maunders, John Kellett, ⁠Niall Hedderman⁠, Catherine Hunt and Dale Whitfield

• Why Stress is a silent Killer of architects

• How to start on Social Media

• We have too many architects and stagnating salaries.

• New business services architects can offer

• Asperger's and Architects

• I can't get PII for larger projects!

• Why we don't employ Part 1 students.

If you’re an architect tired of low pay, undervaluation, and outdated business models, this episode is for you.

👉 Listen now, share with a colleague, and join the conversation about building a profession that values its people as much as its projects.

This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hahn Plastics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, makers of Hanit – the innovative material reshaping the future of construction and design.

Manufactured from 100% recycled consumer plastic waste and with unmatched durability, Hanit is the sustainable solution for tomorrow's projects.

Want to discover how Hanit can transform your designs while reducing environmental impact? Book a CPD presentation today and let’s shape a greener future together at info@hahnplastics.co.uk.

Welcome back to The Broke Architect Podcast, where I continue my theme of the life of sole practitioners in architecture. We shine a light on the challenges and the uncomfortable realities of being an architect today.

This week I’m joined by Niall Hedderman, architect and founder of Real Life Architecture. Niall has built a reputation for speaking openly about the issues too many in our profession prefer to ignore: low fees, low salaries, and a system that too often undervalues architects and the work we do.

With years of hands-on experience running his own practice, Niall brings sharp insight into the economics of architecture and why so many of us continue to struggle financially. Together, we dig into some big questions:

• Why so many architects earn more working for themselves than as salaried employees.

• How fragmentation of the profession, too many small practices, not enough scale, affects innovation and career growth.

• Whether the surge in architecture graduates has really pushed fees down.

• The impact of the public sector’s retreat from housing on fees and incomes.

• How greater transparency around fees could transform the profession.

• Why business training needs to be part of architectural education from day one.

• The ultimate question: why does a profession that demands so much education, responsibility, and skill still struggle with low salaries and fees — and what can we do to change that narrative?

  
  

Niall Hedderman is the founder of Real Life Architecture, a practice that doesn’t shy away from asking the tough questions about what it really means to be an architect today. Through his work and outspoken online presence, Niall has become a voice for change in a profession that urgently needs new ideas about value, business, and survival.

If you’re an architect tired of low pay, undervaluation, and outdated business models, this episode is for you.

👉 Listen now, share with a colleague, and join the conversation about building a profession that values its people as much as its projects.

This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hahn Plastics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, makers of Hanit – the innovative material reshaping the future of construction and design.

Manufactured from 100% recycled consumer plastic waste and with unmatched durability, Hanit is the sustainable solution for tomorrow's projects.

Want to discover how Hanit can transform your designs while reducing environmental impact? Book a CPD presentation today and let’s shape a greener future together at info@hahnplastics.co.uk.

🎙 Episode 15 – Top Tips for Beating the Competition (with Stephen Drew)
Welcome to Episode 15 of The Broke Architect!

As we take a short summer break, we’re bringing you something special, a throwback to our Clubhouse days with none other than Stephen Drew, architectural recruiter and founder of the Architecture Social.

In this value-packed episode, we cover everything you need to beat the competition in today’s architecture job market, including:

✅ Crafting a standout CV
✅ Navigating job search platforms effectively
✅ Writing winning applications
✅ Building a powerful portfolio
✅ Acing interviews with confidence

Whether you're a recent graduate or a seasoned professional looking for a new opportunity, this episode is full of practical, no-nonsense advice to help you get ahead.

💬 Don’t forget to leave a review wherever you listen, it really helps support the show!

This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hahn Plastics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, makers of Hanit – the innovative material reshaping the future of construction and design.

Manufactured from 100% recycled consumer plastic waste and with unmatched durability, Hanit is the sustainable solution for tomorrow's projects.

Want to discover how Hanit can transform your designs while reducing environmental impact? Book a CPD presentation today and let’s shape a greener future together at info@hahnplastics.co.uk.