Back to The Drawing Board - S2 E2 - The Stereotypical Architect

Ever feel like your to-do list is managing you instead of the other way around? Strap in as I, Phil, and my quick-witted intern Theo, embark on a rollicking journey through the time management wilderness, with Zhana, our  live audience to keep things lively. We dissect the Eisenhower Matrix, tackling the quandary of urgency versus importance and why some tasks feel like they're all dressed up with nowhere to go. We'll let you in on our personal battles with the 'busy work' beast and offer a peek behind the curtain at the recording dynamic in our office-turned-studio, where the laughter is as abundant as the time management tips.

Imagine your workspace as a sanctuary of productivity — we do, and we're spilling our secrets on how to achieve that Zen. With anecdotes galore, we'll guide you through the minefield of distractions and how a decluttered desk can be your ticket to focus heaven. We're not just talking physical space; your digital realm needs love too, and we've got the hacks to make your computer desktop as pristine as a Marie Kondo-ed sock drawer. From the art of the natural workflow break to transitioning tasks without breaking a sweat, we talk ADHD-friendly approaches and why sometimes the best delegation is to your future self.

Closing out with a bang, we share how self-care isn't just bubble baths and yoga mats; it's about carving out time to prioritize your well-being and how it can lead to feats like pulling championship wins (true story, you'll want to hear this one). Weekly planning isn't just for the office — we're dishing out organization tips that span from your bank account to your sandwich prep. And for those who've ever contemplated a checklist tattoo, you're not alone. I reveal my own off-the-wall methods for staying on top of tasks and how an arm can double as a notepad. It's all here, wrapped up in our signature blend of strategy and sass, ready to help you turn your days from chaotic to choreographed.

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Imagine the color pink embroiled in a light-hearted dispute, setting the stage for a journey through the emotive world of architecture and love. As Phil Wontner-Smith, with my intern Theo by my side, we meander through stories where passion has left an indelible mark on structures around the globe. Feel the love that crafted the Taj Mahal, a mausoleum that not only celebrates the union between Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal but has become a symbol of India itself. Explore the delicate balance between cultural narratives and architectural marvels, as we reflect on how the built environment can echo the eternal song of love.

The romance doesn't end with ancient wonders; it's alive in the laughter-filled debate over Italy's geographical identity and the musings on Verona's alleged balcony that immortalized Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet. We weave tales of famed balconies and British Museum escapades, even veering into a galaxy far, far away with a nod to Star Wars politics. Through this tapestry of conversation, we examine how architecture not only captures the heart but also holds a mirror to the cultural zeitgeist of romance that persists through the ages.

As the curtains close on this Valentine's Day edition, we cast a spotlight on the communal spirit that art and architecture inspire. Join us in expressing gratitude for the shared passion that fuels our discussions and the laughter that punctuates them. We extend an invitation for further engagement, celebrating the creative journey and the collective experiences that shape our dialogues about art, history, and the human condition—all of which are, at their core, an ode to love.

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In this episode Theo and Phil talk about the last year since we had to take a break toil you in on where we've been, our experience as practice runner and studio for the last year in business and at university. We also set out the future of the podcast and our goals for this year.

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In this "a guide to" episode Theo and Phil talk tech for architects and students. 

Prepare yourself for Phil to say 'Apple' plenty of times and lots of riveting topics... Whilst not the most thought provoking subject technology is an essential part of the process for architects and students in the 21st century. Whilst many of us will do SOME hand drawing, sketching or artsy type works the majority of work is don on a digital medium so it is IMPERATIVE that we pick the right one. 

In this guide we're hoping to give you the knowledge and tips that will help you to select what's right for you and works best for you set up be it in practice or in university. 

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In this Valentines special Theo and Phil talk dating architects and what the benefits might be (or cons…) we also have a closer on this episode where we discuss some interestingly shaped buildings… 

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In this episode we’re going to discus the stereotypes of architects and whether we think they hold any water and will discus how close to these we stray, as weird as we are.

Stereotypes
Lego
Drives a saab
Weird fashion (but good fashion) Only dress in mono colour
Unathletic 
Engineers hate us
Rich
Good at drawing
Long hours
Fuelled by coffee/caffeine
Use shoulder bags
Live in awesome house that they designed
Socially maladjusted
Sustainability nerds
Can’t draw people
All work is sketching and drawing
James Bond cool
Architectural studies is very simple (The opposite is true)
Architecture is for men (really?)
For the wealthy 
Glamorous job
Travelling

Hobbies
Phil 
Coffee - separate ep / addiction 
Strong boy and truck pulling
Cheffing
Guitar / bass / sing / drums

once upon a time:
Gaming
Warhammer
Recording music 
DIY / tinkering 

Theo 
Painting/drawing
Lego
MMA
Cheffing
Drums and bass
Ducking / crouching

https://www.mymove.com/home-inspiration/architectural/classic-misconceptions-of-architects/
https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/architectural-community/a8205-breaking-the-stereotypes-in-architecture/
https://architizer.com/blog/practice/details/architect-stereotypes-and-the-stories-we-tell-ourselves/
https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/episode-061-architectural-stereotypes/

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Welcome to 2023 - In this video we're going to run through some of the awards from 2022 particularly RIBA, AJ and ArchDaily.

If the final section or this format is at all of interest t you ArchDaily release their winners next month and we could jump the gun by getting them out of the way then, just let us know in the comments!

RIBA:
Sterling prize 
https://www.architecture.com/awards-and-competitions-landing-page/awards/riba-stirling-prize
https://www.architecture.com/awards-and-competitions-landing-page/awards/riba-regional-awards/riba-east-award-winners/2022/magdalene-college-library

House of the year award - The Red House.
https://www.architecture.com/awards-and-competitions-landing-page/awards/riba-house-of-the-year

Stephen Lawrence - Hackney school of food. Awarded to projects with a budget under £1million. 
https://www.architecture.com/awards-and-competitions-landing-page/awards/stephen-lawrence-prize

Architects journal:
Architect of the year - Yuka to Tenjo by Kochi Architect’s Studio. 
https://awards.architectsjournal.co.uk/ajaa/en/page/2022-winners
http://www.kkas.sakura.ne.jp/

This is the chosen project to represent them
https://www.architectural-review.com/awards/ar-house/yuka-to-tenjo-in-tokyo-japan-by-kochi-architects-studio#:~:text=The%20Yuka%20to%20Tenjo%20('Floor,instead%20on%20transforming%20the%20interior.

Health and wellbeing - Thames Hospice by KKE Architects. 

https://kkearchitects.co.uk/project/thames-hospice/
Shortlist: https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/exclusive-first-aj-architecture-awards-2022-finalists-revealed

AJ House of the year March House by Knox Bhavan Architects  
https://knoxbhavan.co.uk/work/march-house

Small projects
https://smallprojects.architectsjournal.co.uk/ajsp23/en/page/previous-winners#2022

ArchDaily
https://www.archdaily.com/977012/the-15-winners-of-the-2022-building-of-the-year-awards
https://www.archdaily.com/975589/the-archdaily-2022-building-of-the-year-awards

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In this aptly quick episode we look into Phil’s top tips for pulling an all nighter. As its that time of the year where we all have to consider pulling one off its always worth going in prepared… or not going in at all…

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In this episode we talk about some gift ideas for architects and studios over 7 categories
For the stationary cupboard
For the library
For the desk
For away from the desk
For wearing
Tech
For Fun


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Music by friend of the cast: https://on.soundcloud.com/bey4p