Our London Studio team (with a few colleagues from our southwest studio too!) had the pleasure of welcoming inspirational architect and RIBA president, Simon Allford to Brixton last week.

Simon is a co-founder and director of Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM), current RIBA President and Chair of the Board of Trustees of The Architectural Foundation.

We kicked off the visit with a tour of the studio, which currently houses our London Festival of Architecture exhibition and a selection of project boards which showcase our work. From competition entries to technical delivery, we were able to discuss some of the highlights and challenges across the breadth of our projects, as well as broader conversations including ambitions for the practice. This was followed by an enthusiastic Q and A with the studio team.

Discussions covered topics such as architectural education, communication and reflection within the design process, and flexibility within built design. Our key takeaways include:

“Make the profession respect itself”

With a constant race to the bottom, we should be promoting good fees for good work and not underrating our worth.

“Create a feedback loop”

Communication is key – we often aren’t learning what we could from those around us, so find ways to reflect on past designs and teach others.

 “Understand the real brief”

Architecture is not just for foreseeable uses and today’s client. Design structures which can flex and change over time, building in tolerance and adaptability so use can change.

“Make the profession more accessible and affordable, so it reflects society today”

Educate and share within the local community, promoting architecture and design, supporting alternative methods to qualification for a more diverse pool of emerging architects.