A conversation with the wonderful Laura Simpkins from Pride Road Architects

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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Explore more conversations on the Architecture Social Podcast, browse free resources at Architecture Social Resources, or join the community at Architecture Social Club.

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