Why architects must build more than buildings to survive - leadership and profile with Alex Ely

In this episode of Urban Forecast, we sit down with Alex Ely, Founding Director of Mæ to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing architects today. From navigating procurement hurdles to finding a unique voice in the industry, we explore how architects can build their profile beyond design. We delve into the social value of good architecture, the role of leadership, and why great design shouldn't be a luxury. Whether you're an architect, developer, or just interested in the built environment, this conversation offers a compelling insight into the future of the industry.


Key Takeaways

Balancing Specialism and Profile – Architects must develop niche expertise while also building their public profile to remain competitive.

Procurement Challenges – The procurement process is increasingly complex and often prioritises cost over quality, making it difficult to deliver the best design outcomes.

The Social Value of Architecture – Good design impacts physical and mental health, educational outcomes, and community well-being.

Finding an ‘Unfair’ Advantage – Success in architecture often comes from leveraging unique experiences, whether through policy, teaching, or even podcasting.

Leadership in Architecture – Modern leadership is about nurturing talent, fostering collaboration, and creating a ‘team of teams’ approach.

The Shift in Public Sector Work – Many tenders are unrealistic in budget, pushing small and mid-sized practices out of the market.

Sustainable Design as a Priority – The long-term benefits of sustainable architecture, like Passive House standards, outweigh the initial investment.

Making a Case for Better Fees – Architects must better articulate the value of their work to ensure fair compensation for their expertise.


Best Moments

"I think as architects, we all need to both develop specialisms but also build profile, which is beyond the actual design skills we have."

"Procurement has become so complex and bureaucratic that it’s often a barrier to delivering good projects."

"Good architecture isn’t just about aesthetics - it has a tangible impact on people’s health, well-being, and quality of life."

"If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys. Procurement must recognise the real value of good design."


VALUABLE RESOURCES

Jon Ackroyd - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jonackroyd

Oliver Lowrie - https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-lowrie/?original_referer=&originalSubdomain=uk


EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

The Future of Sustainable Design with Kelly Alvarez Doran

Is the Future of Housing Rental? With Michael Keaveney from Grainger PLC


ABOUT THE HOSTS

Jon Ackroyd and Oliver Lowrie, the visionary hosts of Urban Forecast, bring their expertise from leading their innovative practice, Ackroyd Lowrie. Known for pushing the boundaries in urban design, Jon and Oliver use their podcast to delve into the future of cities, sharing insights from their work on projects that emphasise sustainability, community, and transformative architecture. Through Urban Forecast, they engage listeners with discussions on how architecture and design shape urban living, aiming to inspire new ways of thinking about the spaces around us.

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