Jon continues his deep dive into mental health within the architecture profession with guest Doug Hodgson. The discussion offers valuable insights into dealing with overwhelm and burnout, as well as practical steps Doug's practice, New-works, has taken to safeguard their team's mental health. The conversation also touches on the broader industry issues, such as the housing crisis, the role of architectural technologists, and the need for significant changes in architectural education and professional collaboration to improve mental well-being across the industry. The episode underscores the importance of a balanced work structure, staying connected to creative work, and fostering a supportive, diverse workplace environment.

Today's Guest...

Doug Hodgson is an Architect and leads the Retrofit agenda for New-works, a practice he co-founded to explore a new way of working, based on the principles of specialism and collaboration, wellbeing and sustainability - with a fundamental belief that wellbeing in the workplace generates better relationships and better architecture. Prior to New-works, Doug had co-founded TDO, was a Design Fellow at Cambridge University, and in 2020 was named in The Architects’ Journal 40 under 40. Doug is passionate about improving mental health and wellbeing, and has found from his own experience of being proudly openly gay that there’s an urgent need for greater kindness, understanding, and inclusion in the construction industry to make the profession more relevant.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:21 Practical Tips for Managing Mental Health

02:17 The Importance of Nature and Breaks

06:42 Challenges in the Architecture Profession

12:57 New-works' Approach to Mental Health

16:59 Advice for Practice Owners

22:32 The Role of Professional Organisations

30:55 Personal Reflections and Favorite Places

33:31 Conclusion and Contact Information

Key Takeaways...

The Importance of Mental Wellbeing and Nature:

- Both Jon Clayton and Doug Hodgson emphasise the critical role mental health plays in the architecture profession. They advocate for taking breaks, spending time in nature, and establishing a structured workday that allows for physical wellness and mental health activities. Doug discusses how a connection to nature and taking time off when feeling overwhelmed can significantly impact mental health positively.

Innovative Work Structure at NewWorks:

- Doug elaborates on the unique work structure at New-works, which reserves time in the morning for physical well-being and the late afternoon for mental well-being, with core creative work happening mid-day. This approach has led to increased efficiency and productivity and illustrates the importance of balancing work with personal well-being.

Collaboration and Diversity in Architecture:

- The conversation touches on the need for more collaboration within the architecture profession, advocating for cross-disciplinary work and better integration with various sectors like architectural technologists. Additionally, Doug emphasises the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the profession and the need for organisations like RIBA to support these initiatives more actively. This includes rethinking education and fostering environments where young professionals from diverse backgrounds can thrive.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Learn more about New-Works

Connect with Doug on LinkedIn

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Interested in working with Jon?

👉

Jon interviews Doug Hodgson about balancing mental health and professional success in the high-pressure field of architecture. They discuss Doug's experiences and philosophies on workplace wellbeing, sustainability, and collaboration. Doug talks about the impact of his outdoor hobbies and the vital need for greater kindness and inclusion in the industry. The conversation highlights the mental health crisis in architecture, the overwhelming demands on professionals, and the toxic culture in architectural education and practice. Doug emphasises the importance of specialising and collaborating to maintain mental health and professional satisfaction. The episode aims to raise awareness and encourage discussions on improving mental health and wellbeing for architectural professionals.

Today's Guest...

Doug Hodgson is an Architect and leads the Retrofit agenda for New-works, a practice he co-founded to explore a new way of working, based on the principles of specialism and collaboration, wellbeing and sustainability - with a fundamental belief that wellbeing in the workplace generates better relationships and better architecture. Prior to New-works, Doug had co-founded TDO, was a Design Fellow at Cambridge University, and in 2020 was named in The Architects’ Journal 40 under 40. Doug is passionate about improving mental health and wellbeing, and has found from his own experience of being proudly openly gay that there’s an urgent need for greater kindness, understanding, and inclusion in the construction industry to make the profession more relevant.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:02 Meet Doug Hodgson: Redefining Workplace Wellbeing

02:11 The Allotment: A Sanctuary During COVID

05:40 Sustainability and Regenerative Materials in Architecture

06:39 The Mental Health Crisis in Architecture

12:02 The Impact of Architectural Education on Wellbeing

21:46 Specialisation and Collaboration: A New Approach

28:55 Next Steps

Key Takeaways...

Importance of Mental Health in Architecture:

- The interview emphasises the critical state of mental health within the architecture profession. Jon and Doug discuss how overwhelming workloads, long hours, and unrealistic expectations can severely impact mental and physical well-being, leading to burnout.

Need for Industry-wide Change:

- To address the mental health crisis, a structural change is necessary within the profession and its education system. Doug highlights that the root of many mental health issues stems from the highly demanding and often abusive culture of architectural education. This oppressive environment is carried into professional practice, resulting in exploitative working conditions. Reform in both education and professional practices is needed.

Specialisation and Collaboration:

- Doug advocates for architects to specialise in areas they are passionate about and excel in, rather than trying to cover all aspects of a project. Collaborative efforts between specialised practices can lead to more effective and enjoyable work environments. This approach can help mitigate the overwhelming demands often placed on individual architects, contributing to better mental health and work-life balance.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Learn more about New-Works

Connect with Doug on LinkedIn

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Interested in working with Jon?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him...

Jon discusses the importance and benefits of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems for solo and small firm architecture practice owners. The episode covers the basics of CRM systems, their key features, and how they can help automate tasks, manage client communications, and streamline operations. Jon also offers advice on selecting the right CRM for different practice sizes and provides tips for successful implementation and consistent use.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:24 Understanding CRM Systems

03:09 Benefits of CRM for Architecture Practices

04:44 Key Features to Look for in a CRM

06:02 Choosing the Right CRM for Your Practice

08:32 Implementing a CRM System Successfully

12:07 Optimising your CRM for Long-Term Success

13:30 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Key Takeaways...

The Importance of CRM Systems:

CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems are key for architecture practices, regardless of size. They help manage client relationships, streamline communications, and automate routine tasks, which is essential for maintaining strong relationships over long project timelines and improving overall efficiency.

Key Features and Choosing the Right CRM:

Not all CRMs are created equal, and it's important to choose one that fits the specific needs of your practice. Key features to look for might include project tracking, communication history, automation for repetitive tasks, and integration with other software like AutoCAD or Revit. The choice of CRM should consider factors such as the scale of projects, team size, budget, and specific business goals.

Implementation and Optimisation:

Successful implementation of a CRM involves setting clear goals, training your team, and ensuring accurate data migration. Consistent use and regular review of CRM data to identify trends can help refine processes over time. This consistent use is key to keeping sales and project pipelines full and moving, ultimately adding value to your practice.

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Interested in working with Jon?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞

Resources…

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In The Next Episode...

Next time Jon chats with architect, Doug Hodgson about mental health and wellbeing in architecture.