Navigating Change in Architecture with Tom Lewith | 039

Architecture Business Club - For Architects, Architectural Technologists, Surveyors & Designers

Jon speaks with Tom Lewith, a chartered architect and co-founder of New-works, about the challenges and transformations in the field of architecture. Tom discusses the closure of his previous practice, TDO, and the reasons behind starting New-works with a focus on specialisation, collaboration, wellbeing, and sustainability. They delve into the industry's pressing issues like climate change, mental health, the Building Safety Act, and the impact of AI. Tom shares insights on creating a structured and fulfilling workday, emphasising the need for specialisation and collaboration in architecture to handle these challenges. The conversation also touches upon personal passions and the importance of maintaining a work-life balance.

Today's Guest...

Tom Lewith is a Chartered Architect and co-founder of New-works. Prior to New-works he co-founded and ran TDO, a leading all-services architecture studio. The success of the practice and its work led to Tom being named in The Architects’ Journal ‘40 under 40’, and the studio featuring in the Architecture Foundation’s ‘New Architects 3’. Big issues affecting the industry like climate change, mental health, AI, and the Building Safety Act demand fundamental change. So in 2024 Tom co-founded New-works to explore a new way of working based on the principles of specialism, collaboration, wellbeing and sustainability.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

00:56 Meet Tom Lewith: Architect and Innovator

03:12 Tom's Journey into Architecture

04:34 The Rise and Fall of TDO

06:52 Challenges in the Architecture Industry

11:42 The Birth of New-works

16:52 Specialisation and Collaboration in Architecture

24:02 Stagnation in Architecture Practices

25:39 Embracing Change and Specialisation

27:02 The Power of Saying No

31:05 Introducing New-works

31:33 NewWorks' Unique Approach to Architecture

33:05 Structuring the Workday for Creativity

36:59 Reflecting on the Evolution of Work Practices

40:49 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

43:45 A Personal Favorite Place

45:03 Connecting with Tom Lewith

Key Takeaways...

Specialisation and Collaboration:

- Tom Lewith's approach with New-works highlights the importance of focusing on what you are passionate about and specialising in your strengths. By concentrating on the early stages of architecture (from initial client engagement to early design), New-works creates space for creativity and efficiency. Collaborating with partners who excel in other stages of a project ensures that the entire process is handled by experts, leading to better outcomes and more sustainable practice.

Structured Workday for Better Productivity:

- Implementing a structured workday is crucial for maintaining productivity and mental health. New Works starts their day with non-work activities to prepare mentally and physically, then dedicates a specific time block (10 AM to 2 PM) for deep work without interruptions. This focused period allows for significant progress on creative tasks, followed by a more flexible part of the day for emails, meetings, and other communications. This balance helps reduce anxiety and ensure a productive and enjoyable workday.

The Power of Saying “No”:

- To create a sustainable and profitable architecture practice, it is essential to say "no" to projects and clients that do not align with your core strengths and passions. By focusing on what they do best, architects can deliver higher quality work and maintain their enthusiasm for their projects. Saying no also helps define your unique value proposition, making it easier to attract the right clients and opportunities that match your expertise.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Learn more about New Works > https://www.new-works.net/

Connect with Tom on LinkedIn > https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-lewith/

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