From Setbacks to Success: Ste Taylor’s Journey to Head of Design at Turley

Career setbacks can feel final in the moment, but in architecture and urban design they can also push people towards better-fitting roles and more useful expertise. Stephen Drew speaks with Ste Taylor, Head of Design at Turley, about moving from architecture into urban design, dealing with redundancy, building confidence and working with design codes at a time when housing quality is under pressure. The conversation covers: How Ste moved from architecture into urban design What redundancy and imposter syndrome taught him about career resilience Why design codes matter for housing, planning and public quality How Turley approaches design, planning and development advice What AI and policy changes could mean for the future of urban design Read the episode on Architecture Social: Ste Taylor's Journey to Head of Design at Turley Watch on YouTube: Ste Taylor at Turley ____ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and countdown 01:28 Meet Ste Taylor, Head of Design at Turley 01:54 Ste's journey into architecture 02:49 Overcoming imposter syndrome 06:21 Moving from architecture into urban design 13:31 Career challenges and redundancy 19:15 Joining Turley and career growth 21:19 Turley projects and design work 26:47 Understanding design coding 28:44 The role of the Office for Place 29:07 Design codes in the UK 30:37 Personal reflections on design coding 31:58 Government policy and design quality 33:35 Optimism for the future 36:36 AI in architecture and planning 44:40 Career reflections 50:08 Final thoughts and contact details ____ Architecture Social Find more architecture career advice, practice insight and live roles at Architecture Social. Browse live jobs at Architecture Social Jobs, compare pay using the Architecture Salary Guides, or explore free career resources at Architecture Social Resources. If you want more structured support, book one-to-one architecture career coaching, or join the Architecture Social Club for community support, portfolio feedback, salary discussions and peer advice. ____ Affiliate learning partner We have partnered with ArchAdemia, an online learning platform built by architects, for architects. If you join through our link or use code ARCHSOCIAL10, Architecture Social may earn a commission. Use code ARCHSOCIAL10 for a discount on the annual membership. (00:00) - Introduction and Countdown (01:28) - Meet Stephen Taylor: Head of Design at Turley (01:54) - Stephen's Journey into Architecture (02:49) - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome (06:21) - Transition from Architecture to Urban Design (13:31) - Navigating Career Challenges and Redundancy (19:15) - Joining Turley and Career Growth (21:19) - Showcasing Turley's Projects (26:47) - Understanding Design Coding (28:26) - Understanding Design Coding (28:44) - The Role of the Office of Place (29:07) - The Evolution of Design Codes in the UK (30:37) - Personal Reflections on Design Coding (31:58) - The Impact of Government Policies on Design (33:35) - Optimism for the Future (36:36) - The Role of AI in Architecture (44:40) - Personal Career Reflections (50:08) - Final Thoughts and Contact Information