Exploring Architecture and Town Planning with UPP - Journey, Challenges, and Collaboration
Summary
Stephen Drew speaks with Enrique, Motti and James from UPP about combining architecture and town planning, building an interdisciplinary practice, collaboration, portfolio advice, AI and the future of planning-led design work.Architecture and town planning often sit in different conversations, but the best projects need both design judgement and a clear understanding of policy, process and place.
Stephen Drew speaks with Enrique, Motti and James from UPP about building an interdisciplinary studio, combining town planning with architecture and growing a collaborative practice from a small start-up into a broader team.
The conversation covers:
- How town planning and architecture overlap in everyday project work
- Why UPP built a practice around both disciplines
- How culture, flexibility and face-to-face collaboration affect a growing studio
- What early-career applicants can learn about portfolios and attitude
- How AI may support planning and architecture workflows
Read the episode on Architecture Social: Exploring Architecture and Town Planning with UPP
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Chapters
- 00:00 Introduction and purpose
- 00:33 Meet the UPP founders
- 04:20 The role of town planning
- 07:44 UPP's interdisciplinary approach
- 11:41 Collaboration and practice challenges
- 17:00 The impact of the pandemic
- 23:01 UPP's culture and flexibility
- 26:44 Why face-to-face meetings still matter
- 28:10 What makes a great portfolio?
- 28:56 Attitude, passion and early-career potential
- 32:19 Moving from large to small practices
- 40:01 AI in architecture and planning
- 43:07 Future prospects and optimism
- 47:15 Final thoughts and reflections
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- (00:00) - Introduction and Purpose
- (00:33) - Meet the Team: UPP's Founders
- (04:20) - The Role of Town Planning
- (07:44) - UPP's Unique Approach
- (11:41) - Navigating Challenges and Collaboration
- (17:00) - The Impact of the Pandemic
- (23:01) - UPP's Culture and Flexibility
- (26:44) - The Importance of Face-to-Face Meetings
- (28:10) - What Makes a Great Portfolio?
- (28:56) - The Value of Attitude and Passion
- (32:19) - Transitioning from Large to Small Practices
- (40:01) - Embracing AI in Architecture
- (43:07) - Future Prospects and Optimism
- (47:15) - Final Thoughts and Reflections
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