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 ____▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAf7meuVHEw📝 Read the full write-up, with the key takeaways:https://architecturesocial.com/podcast/are-developers-the-new-architects-simon-vernon-harcourts-journey/Architecture Social is where architects and designers find honest career advice, insight from practice, and live roles worth applying for:https://architecturesocial.com/The fastest way to get hired is to be better at the things practices actually ask for. Revit, Rhino, rendering, BIM, portfolio work. Our learning partner ArchAdemia is built by architects, for architects:https://archademia.com/architecture-social/Use code ARCHSOCIAL10 for a discount on monthly or annual membership.____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 (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