Updated in 2024
For a profession that is constantly evolving: with changes in building technology, material science, governmental regulations and production and business technologies. There are few professions more complex and challenging than the practice of architecture. To better rise to the considerable demands of the profession, master-architects, mid-career architects, young architects, architect interns and students can use all the help they can get!
Podcasts are a great way for architects to get targeted information about their field of choice as well as vital tips that can help them refine their craft. Podcasts may also serve as a convenient platform for sharing notable work stories as well as resources for architects who want to refine their business operations or advance their careers.
You don’t even have to be an architect to enjoy many of these remarkable podcasts. Large numbers of people around the world are fascinated with the science and art of architecture. So whether you’re an industry insider with a successful practice or an architecture enthusiast who wants to take a deep dive into the world that you love, there’s an architecture podcast out there for you.
In addition to providing professional services software that caters to the unique wants and needs of architecture firms, BQE has a long history of helping architects stay up to date with the latest industry developments.
Turning our attention to the world of architecture podcasting, BQE collected the opinions of a diverse array of architecture and media experts. After weighing their various thoughts and opinions, we tried to chose 6 architecture podcasts for our list. However, with so many inspiring people publishing podcasts these days we quickly expanded the list to 13 podcasts we recommend you subscribe to (listed below in no particular order).
Not solely about architecture, 99% Invisible is still beloved by architects. Host Roman Mars first established this podcast as a radio show way back in 2010. It began as a collaboration between the San Francisco public radio station KALW and the San Francisco chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Today, 99% Invisible is syndicated by radio stations across the United States and distributed widely as a podcast. Particularly adept at showing the ways in which architecture impacts everyday life, it has emerged as one of the most popular podcasts on iTunes.
99% Invisible delves into what architects, designers, and engineers see when they look at buildings and spaces versus what the average person may see. Whether you’re an architect looking for the perspectives of others in your field or interested in learning more about the function of the spaces around you, 99% Invisible has over 400 episodes to choose from (or binge!).
Bonus: They have also published a book: The 99% Invisible City: A Field Guide to the Hidden World of Everyday Design by Roman Mars and Kurt Kohlstedt
This podcast is hosted by a pair of experienced professional architects. Roughly every two weeks, Luke Jones and George Gingell get together to share conversations about everything from architectural history to the role that technology plays in the modern architectural workplace. Not only are these conversations extensive (episodes often go on for more than an hour), but the spirited camaraderie and enthusiasm of the About Buildings + Cities hosts make this podcast infectious to say the least.
Established in 2020, Face to Face is the newest podcast on this list. However, it is a production of Dezeen (a highly influential global architecture and design magazine that dates back to 2006). Every Tuesday, Dezeen founder and editor-in-chief Marcus Fairs sits down for an in-depth discussion with some of the top innovators in the world of architecture and design today. Past Face to Face guests include Thomas Heatherwick, Hella Jongerius, David Chipperfield, Roksanda Illinčić, Tom Dixon, John Pawson, and Es Devlin.
EntreArchitect Podcast is hosted by successful architect Mark R. LePage. It sets itself apart from the other podcasts on this list by specifically delving into the business side of architecture. While sharing his experiences as an entrepreneurial architect with his own small firm, Mark LePage offers key business strategies in areas that range from managing firm finances to spurring growth through marketing.
Hosted by architects Bob Borson and Andrew Hawkins, Life of an Architect podcast is a entertaining and informative for architects and non-architects alike. In addition to tackling general industry issues, it offers an intimate look into what it's like to work as an architect and with an architect. Whether you are thinking about studying architecture and pursuing it as a career, you are thinking of hiring an architect to design a project, or you are a mid-career professional looking to learn tips and tricks to be better at your work, Andrew and Bob offer excellent advice, share valuable experiences, and make the practice of architecture more transparent.
Hosted by American Institute of Architects fellow Michael Riscica, the Young Architect Podcast specifically serves an audience of people who are struggling to enter or establish themselves within the architecture industry. Featuring a discussion with a new young architect on every episode, it can help with issues that include succeeding in architecture school, furthering career development, and passing the architect registration exam.
No matter where your particular personal or professional interests happen to lie, podcasts are a great way to find inspiration or learn something new. No matter where you happen to be in your architecture career, there is something to gain from these podcasts. Even if you just want a peek into the science and art of architecture, you should give a listen to these six podcasts.
Bonus: there is even an episode featuring BQE's Director of Content and Community, Lucas Gray: Exploring Architecture All Over the World with Lucas Gray
The Architectette Podcast inspires, elevates, and connects women in Architecture, Design, Engineering, and Construction. Published Every other Monday, host Caitlin Brady, interviews a new podcast guest to share their unique stories and experiences as women in AEC. Architectette aims to encourage and inspire more women and minorities to become licensed architects, move up into leadership positions, stay connected with a strong community, and champion equality and inclusion. From recent graduates to some of the most famous architects in the world, including Denise Scott Brown, her guests cover all aspects of long career in AEC industries.
A defining feature of the architectural industry is that unfortunately architectural practice is relatively slow to change or adopt lessons or best practices from other industries. With new technology and shifts in management tactics, culture, and business practices, architects and especially firm leaders need to rethink how they work and how their businesses operate to stay competitive.
On the Practice Disrupted Podcast, host Evelyn Lee, AIA, Founder of Practice of Architecture, dives into challenging conversations with experts from within and outside the industry to explore the future of the profession. The goal is to help architects remain relevant and valuable in a changing world, while pushing the industry as a whole to make systematic changes needed to be sustainable.
Conversations with guests explore how technology, cultural shifts, and emerging best practices are prompting firm owners to assess their business models and make adjustments in their studios. Each episode features an industry leader, and explores the new frontier of architectural practice.
What’s it really like to work in architecture? The hosts of the Archispeak Podcast know, and they’re here to share real-life experiences. Since 2012 architects Evan Troxel and Cormac Phalen have been podcasting their brand of real talk on everything from design, tools, and work/life balance to generational differences, mentoring, job hunting, and more. Probing questions, revelatory interviews, and unique insights have grown their audience and become a weekly ritual for students and seasoned professionals alike.
Growing into a go-to resource for architects and especially architecture firm owners, The Business of Architecture Podcast delves into challenges and opportunities of running a successful architecture practice.
Episodes explore a range of topics related the business side of architecture, from marketing and business development to leadership and firm operations. The hosts dive into each topic and the conversations offer actionable advice, real-world experiences, and insights into the latest trends and best practices in the industry.
Whether you're a seasoned firm owner looking to refine your business strategies or an aspiring firm owner eager to hang your shingle and start a new practice, this podcast offers valuable guidance on topics like firm management, marketing, client acquisition, and financial planning.
Offering a raw look into the inner workings of an Architecture firm, Inside The Firm Podcast is hosted by firm principles, Alex Gore and Lance Cayko. Posted every Friday afternoon, the podcast covers challenges, opportunities, and issues of how to start, run, and maintain your firm, to dealing with clients, codes issues, Revit tips and tricks, and more. It is an honest, open, transparent discussion of what it is like on the ground. They don't gloss over the complexities or challenges but instead offer a glimpse of what it is actually like to run your own firm.
An architecture podcast to help you tackle your next detail. Along the process of design and construction, incredible stories of conflict and triumph emerge in pursuit of the broad vision for a building. Detailed Podcast is a series that features architects, engineers, builders, and manufacturers who share their insight and expertise as they highlight some of the most complex, interesting, and oddest building conditions that they have encountered, and the ingenuity it took to solve them. Join host, Cherise Lakeside, aka CSI Kraken, a Senior Specification Writer at RDH Building Science, as she uncovers lessons learned to help you navigate similar challenges that may arise in your next project.
This one isn't about architecture, but rather the 2Bobs Podcast is about running a professional services firm. Although mostly focused on marketing agencies the topics, tips, and lessons discussed in this podcast hosted by David C. Baker (author of The Business of Expertise) and Blair Enns (Author of The Win Withouth Pitching Manifesto), are 100% applicable to architecture firms. This should be on the rotation for all firm leaders as they explore topics like positioning, pricing strategy, leadership, and more.
For what it is worth, the 2Bobs Podcast may be my favorite podcast on this list and the one I listen to most regularly. It is also the one that is probably most applicable to firm owners rather than those filling more traditional architect roles at firms.