Inside First in Architecture: Insights from Emma Walshaw

First in Architecture matters because students and professionals need practical, clear resources they can actually use when detailing, studio or practice starts to feel opaque.

Stephen Drew speaks with Emma Walshaw about First in Architecture, practical learning resources, architectural details, Passive House, working from home, social media, perfectionism, productivity, running a business and exploring new career paths.

The conversation covers:

• How First in Architecture grew from a blog into a wider resource platform
• Why practical details and learning guides support employability
• How working from home and social media shaped the business
• Why perfectionism can help and hinder creative work
• What candidates can learn from building useful resources and visible expertise

Read the episode on Architecture Social: Emma Walshaw on First in Architecture Resources

Watch the video on YouTube: Emma Walshaw, First in Architecture

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Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Greetings
• 00:41 Emma's Background and First in Architecture
• 02:16 Stephen's Connection to First in Architecture
• 03:18 Transition to Passive House Focus
• 06:36 Working from Home Tips
• 11:35 Social Media Challenges and Strategies
• 16:52 Balancing Perfectionism and Productivity
• 21:38 Finding Inspiration Away from the Desk
• 22:21 The Joys and Challenges of Social Media
• 23:24 Upcoming Projects and Announcements
• 25:27 Career Advice: Exploring New Paths in Architecture
• 31:28 Starting and Running Your Own Business
• 35:45 The Architecture Social: Vision and Growth
• 41:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Architecture Social

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• (00:00) - Introduction and Greetings
• (00:41) - Emma's Background and First in Architecture
• (02:16) - Stephen's Connection to First in Architecture
• (03:18) - Transition to Passive House Focus
• (06:36) - Working from Home Tips
• (11:35) - Social Media Challenges and Strategies
• (16:52) - Balancing Perfectionism and Productivity
• (21:38) - Walking the Dog: A Source of Inspiration
• (22:21) - The Joys and Challenges of Social Media
• (23:24) - Upcoming Projects and Announcements
• (25:27) - Career Advice: Exploring New Paths in Architecture
• (31:28) - Starting and Running Your Own Business
• (35:45) - The Architecture Social: Vision and Growth
• (41:43) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts