Working On Your Architecture Business: Insights from Dicky Lewis of White Red Architects

In my latest Business Secrets for Architecture podcast, I sat down with Dicky Lewis, co-founder of White Red Architects, to explore what it really means to work on your business—not just in it.

From navigating market uncertainty to building a strong leadership team, Dicky shares his career journey from Foster + Partners to founding White Red, and the lessons learned along the way.

We dive into:

Leadership & Collaboration

– Why a complementary leadership team and a dynamic design culture are essential for growth. Business Acumen

– Understanding the numbers, commanding fair fees, and creating a sustainable pipeline. Brand & Storytelling

– How authentic storytelling and branding can differentiate your practice. Niching Down

– The power of focus and how White Red adapted post-COVID to meet evolving design needs. Diversification & Growth

– Balancing innovation with scaling while preserving culture.

Dicky also reflects on working with Virgin and Richard Branson, the importance of prospecting, and why confidence in your pipeline is key to thriving in today’s market.

Listen now for insights on architecture, business development, leadership, and the future of design:

Thank you again Peter for your time and sharing such an inspiring in-depth Podcast. We covered a whole range of topics, including the importance of Architects having strong communication strategies being pivotal for success. As explained with your first hand experience with some of the most notable names in architecture. We also discussed branding, marketing, urban design, public engagement, city architects, sustainable development and of course your love of London and continued pursuits to improve this great City, campaigning for better active travel to inspiring so many to make London healthier and more connected. Thank you again. Summary In this conversation, Andy Bigwood and Peter discuss the critical aspects of communication and branding in architecture, the evolution of marketing practices, and the importance of engaging the public in architectural discourse. They explore the role of events in fostering connections within the industry, the significance of active travel in urban design, and the need for city architects to shape the future of cities like London. The discussion emphasises the importance of sustainable development and the flexibility of buildings to adapt to changing needs. Takeaways The essence behind this podcast is to provide business advice to architects.You need to communicate effectively to attract clients.Successful architects invest in good communication strategies.Marketing in architecture has evolved significantly over the years.Engaging the public is crucial for architectural discourse.Events can foster meaningful connections in the architecture community.Active travel is essential for improving urban environments.City architects can play a vital role in shaping cities.London's architectural identity is unique and rich in history.Sustainable development requires buildings to be flexible and adaptable. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast00:51 The Importance of Communication in Architecture01:58 Building a Brand and Marketing Strategies04:15 The Evolution of Architectural Marketing07:09 Networking and Relationship Building in Architecture09:40 The Role of Publications and Media12:59 Engaging the Public in Architecture15:48 The Impact of Events and Community Engagement18:34 The Birth of Blueprint and Word Search21:30 The Formation of New London Architecture24:20 Cycling and Networking in the Architecture Community31:18 The Power of Shared Experiences33:13 Cycling's Impact on Urban Development34:39 Transforming Cities for Active Travel35:38 The Role of Public Spaces in Urban Life37:53 The Shift Towards Greener Cities39:21 Navigating Urban Traffic Challenges42:10 The Future of Active Travel42:55 The Need for City Architects46:16 Learning from Global Urban Strategies52:03 The Importance of Vision in Urban Planning53:59 Celebrating London's Evolution01:00:27 Sustainable Growth and Future Challenges