Are Developers the New Architects? Simon Vernon Harcourt’s Journey

Developers are often seen as the people on the other side of the table, but architecture professionals can learn a lot from how they think about sites, risk, viability and delivery.

Stephen Drew speaks with Simon Vernon-Harcourt, Design Director at City and Country, about moving from architecture into development, restoring historic buildings and working with architects on complex conversion projects.

The conversation covers:

• How Simon moved from architectural practice into a developer-side role
• What makes historic building conversion projects commercially and technically difficult
• How developers assess sites, risk, planning and long-term value
• What architects should understand when working with developers
• How technology and market sentiment are changing development work

Read the episode on Architecture Social: Are Developers the New Architects?

Watch on YouTube: Simon Vernon-Harcourt's Journey

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Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and episode context
• 00:52 Meet Simon Vernon-Harcourt
• 01:29 Simon's journey into architecture
• 03:29 Transitioning into a developer role
• 06:55 City and Country projects overview
• 10:48 Challenges and rewards of conversion projects
• 15:42 Finding and procuring unique sites
• 18:23 Technology and architecture
• 23:54 Advice for aspiring architects
• 30:18 Working with developers
• 32:23 Current industry sentiment
• 36:25 Closing remarks and contact details

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• (00:00) - Simon Vernon
• (00:52) - Meet Simon Verden Har Court
• (01:29) - Simon's Journey into Architecture
• (03:29) - Transition to Developer Role
• (06:55) - City and Country Projects Overview
• (10:48) - Challenges and Rewards of Conversion Projects
• (15:42) - Finding and Procuring Unique Sites
• (18:23) - Technology and Architecture
• (23:54) - Advice for Aspiring Architects
• (30:18) - Working with Developers
• (32:23) - Current Industry Sentiments
• (36:25) - Closing Remarks and Contact Information