Exploring Architecture and Town Planning with UPP - Journey, Challenges, and Collaboration

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 full write-up, with the key takeaways:https://architecturesocial.com/podcast/exploring-architecture-and-town-planning-with-upp-journey-challenges-and-collaboration/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 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 (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