A conversation with the wonderful Laura Simpkins from Pride Road Architects
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A conversation with the wonderful Laura Simpkins from Pride Road Architects

Summary

Stephen Drew speaks with Laura Simpkins about Pride Road Architects, larger practice experience, family, parenting, the pandemic, career adaptation and launching her own route through the Pride Road Architects franchise.

Laura Simpkins' story is useful because it shows architecture practice life as it actually happens: career ambition, family, pressure, timing and adaptation.

Stephen Drew speaks with Laura Simpkins about Pride Road Architects, larger practice experience, family, parenting, the pandemic, career adaptation and launching her own route through the Pride Road Architects franchise.

The conversation covers:

  • How larger practice experience can shape a later career route
  • How parenting and family life affect architecture careers
  • What career adaptation looked like during the pandemic
  • Why supported practice models can help people build a business
  • What candidates can learn from non-linear career paths

Read the episode on Architecture Social: Laura Simpkins on Pride Road Architects

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Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Laura Simpkins and Pride Road Architects
  • 04:00 Career in larger architecture practices
  • 10:00 Family, parenting and professional life
  • 17:00 Weathering the pandemic and career change
  • 24:00 Piano lessons, local work and adaptation
  • 31:00 Launching through Pride Road Architects
  • 38:00 Real-life obstacles in architecture careers
  • 44:00 Final reflections on resilience and practice

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Architecture Social

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Episode Video

Creators and Guests

Stephen Drew
Host
Stephen Drew
Hello! I’m Stephen Drew, Founder of the Architecture Social—an online community and resource hub dedicated to helping professionals in Architecture, Design, Development, and Real Estate advance their careers. I’m here to connect you with insights, tools, and opportunities that lead to meaningful growth, whether you’re just starting out or ready to take that next big step.