In this episode of The Broke Architect, we speak with Catherine Hunt of Niche Design Architects, a small but thriving architectural practice based in Ilkley, West Yorkshire. It’s a brutally honest, no-holds-barred look at what it really takes to survive and ultimately thrive as a small studio in today’s architecture landscape.

We explore:

• The harsh realities of setting up a practice from scratch

• Navigating client expectations, pricing pressures, and self-doubt

• How learning the business side of architecture changed everything

• The mindset shift from creative struggle to entrepreneurial resilience

• The power of community, local context, and doing meaningful work

  
  

This is a must-listen for any architect who’s feeling stuck, burnt out, or unsure of how to make a living doing what they love, especially those running or considering starting their own practice.

• Small practices can thrive — but not by doing business as usual

• Financial literacy is critical in architecture

• Knowing your worth isn’t arrogance — it’s survival

• Success in architecture isn’t always about awards or scale

• The business of design deserves as much respect as the design itself

  
  

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Small practices can thrive — but not by doing business as usual

• Financial literacy is critical in architecture

• Knowing your worth isn’t arrogance — it’s survival

• Success in architecture isn’t always about awards or scale

• The business of design deserves as much respect as the design itself

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.

Recorded live at UK Construction Week 2025, this bonus episode of The Broke Architect FREE CPD!

I’m joined by Aaron Brian, Sales Director from Andel, a specialist in environmental protection and leak detection systems. We dive into the crucial role of water management in the built environment and how architects can integrate risk mitigation strategies into their designs. From climate resilience to smart sensor technology, we explore how Andel is helping to future-proof buildings in a rapidly changing world.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Who Andel are, what they do and their relationship with Hahn Plastics and the product Hanit.

• The types of water risk facing buildings today

• How leak detection systems work and where they’re used

• Real-world examples of water damage prevention

• The impact of water-related issues on sustainability and insurance

• Andel’s approach to innovation and technology

• What architects and specifiers should consider when planning for water risk

• The importance of early-stage collaboration with specialists

• Advice for practices looking to design more resilient buildings

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.

Today, I’m honoured to be joined by a representative from our Sponsor of the Show, Hahn Plastics, makers of Hanit. We recorded this episode live at Construction Week 2025 with Head of Sales and Marketing, Mathew Baxendale.

We explore how Hanit is turning plastic waste into durable, sustainable materials used across architecture and construction. Mark shares insights on the challenges of changing industry mindsets, how Hanit products stand up to traditional materials, and what it takes to market sustainability without the greenwashing. Whether you're a specifier, architect, or sustainability advocate, this conversation offers real-world takeaways for building a greener future, without breaking the bank.

In this episode, we delve into Stephen’s journey from launching his practice during a recession to navigating the complexities of architectural education, procurement, and professional advocacy. We talk about what’s changed and what hasn’t — in the business of architecture, and why he believes the profession must reassert its value in today’s construction industry.

Whether you’re aspiring to lead a practice or struggling to make ends meet, this is a conversation packed with insight, honesty, and a deep passion for the craft of architecture.

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.

Last week, I was live from Construction Week 2025 at London's Excel Arena. I recorded this podcast with Phill Cross, Managing Director of PC Construction, who supply and install EcoCrib retaining walls, a sustainable solution made from 100% recycled plastic and work with the sponsor of The Broke Architect podcast, Hahn Plastics.

In this episode, which is a FREE CPD, we explore the environmental credentials of the retaining wall. We cover typical uses, sizes and scale, typical construction and maintenance of the system.

To arrange a CDP with PC Construction, please contact office@pcconstruction.co.uk

For this bonus episode, we summarise the key findings of the "Workplace Culture Report" finalised in November 2024. The Architects Registration Board (ARB) released this report in April 2025, and it does not make for pleasant reading.

I have used my American friends Artie Keene and Siri Mallory to voice the shocking findings while i take a break.

Over a third of all professionals working in architecture have experienced insults, stereotypes or jokes relating to protected characteristics. A third of professionals would not feel confident raising concerns if they experienced or observed misconduct.

Please take a listen as it's much easier than reading the full report.

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.

Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠hahnplastics.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more.

Today, I’m absolutely honoured to be joined by one of the UK’s most respected architects, Stephen Hodder MBE. Many of you will know Stephen as the founding director of Hodder + Partners, which he runs with his wife Claire Hodder. Hodder and partners are the recipients of the inaugural RIBA Stirling Prize, and a former RIBA President.

The firm has been awarded over 60 major awards, their recent project, the Welcome Building at RHS Garden Bridgewater in Salford, has achieved remarkable acclaim, securing 17 awards on its own.

In this episode, we delve into Stephen’s journey from launching his practice during a recession to navigating the complexities of architectural education, procurement, and professional advocacy. We talk about what’s changed and what hasn’t — in the business of architecture, and why he believes the profession must reassert its value in today’s construction industry.

Whether you’re aspiring to lead a practice or struggling to make ends meet, this is a conversation packed with insight, honesty, and a deep passion for the craft of architecture.

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.

Visit ⁠⁠⁠hahnplastics.com⁠⁠⁠ to learn more.

I welcome back a past guest, an architecture recruitment business owner of the Architecture Social the wonderful Stephen Drew!

Warning - explicit language is heard throughout this episode.

Stephen and I got together on stream yard one Friday night, had some wine and free-styled. What you are listening to is an unscripted discussion about the state of architecture.

Topics include:

- Principal Designer is our chance to take back the profession.

- The Trump effect.

- RIBA problems pros and cons

- The Business of Architecture

- How the most talented people often don’t get the best jobs- Viral social media

- Cancel culture

- Architects are cool

- How we devalue ourselves.

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.

Visit ⁠⁠hahnplastics.com⁠⁠ to learn more.

In S4. E.6 I Meet Nikita Morrell, the ONLY copywriter in the world who ONLY writes for architects*. If you don't believe me just google her!

We talk about what makes a good website, top tips for gaining new clients and how she works with architects all around the world from her base in Australia.

Nikita has years of marketing & copywriting experience AND knows the architecture industry inside out. If you want to create a strategic, cohesive message for your firm — so you can get more (and better) clients, stand out from your competition & build your reputation — then get in touch.
TRUSTED BY: AIA (Presented at the 2024 AIA National Conference), RIBA, Entrearchitect, Business of Architecture UK, Australian Institute of Architects, Architecture Consulting Association, Architizer & more.
CHECK NIKITA OUT: at www.nikitamorell.com

To sign up to her MASTERCLASS on CHATGPT for Architects, use this link: https://jasonboyle123--nikitamorell.thrivecart.com/chatgpt-architectural-descriptions/

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.

Visit ⁠⁠⁠hahnplastics.com⁠⁠⁠ to learn more.