Grade-G Student To Grade-A Architecture with Ian Shirvell | 020

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

In the episode, host Jon interviews Ian Shirvell, a Chartered Architectural Technologist and the founder of Ora Design Architecture. Ian shares his journey from a G-grade high school student to a successful sole practitioner in architecture. Ian discusses how he started his career as a carpenter's apprentice, then moved into architectural technology after stints at a building surveyors, a timber frame company, and two prestigious RIBA registered practices. He chats about the influence his family had on his career choices. Ian discusses his difficulties at school due to undiagnosed dyslexia, his journey through the recession, and his subsequent freelance opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today's Guest...

Ian Shirvell is a Chartered Architectural Technologist and is passionate about all aspects of architecture and construction. He comes from a family of property developers and his career spans over 20 years. Starting as an apprenticeship served Carpenter, he studied Architectural Technology at Oxford and developed his architectural expertise during his time at two prestigious RIBA registered practices. Throughout his career, Ian has worked on a broad range of projects including Residential, Healthcare, Churches, and Education including a new leading Independent School and renowned Oxford University buildings.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:45 Ian's Unconventional Journey into Architecture

01:39 Ian's Early Interest in Architecture and DIY

03:35 Ian's Struggles in School and Overcoming Dyslexia

07:30 Ian's Journey from Carpentry to Architecture

10:48 The Importance of Learning and Adapting in Architecture

19:20 Ian's Transition to Freelancing and Starting His Own Practice

23:17 Challenges and Successes in Running an Architecture Business

26:42 Ian's Favorite Places and Closing Remarks

Key Takeaways...

👉 Overcoming Challenges: Ian's story from being a high school student with low grades to becoming a successful chartered architectural technologist highlights the importance of persistence and determination in overcoming obstacles.

👉 Adapting Learning Styles: Ian discussed how his undiagnosed dyslexia influenced his learning and how he found his unique way of understanding and grasping concepts, emphasizing the importance of adapting learning styles to succeed.

👉 Career Transition: Ian's unconventional career journey from carpentry to architecture showcases the value of diverse experiences and skill sets in shaping a successful career path.

👉 Professional Growth: Ian's progression from working as a freelancer to starting his own practice demonstrates the significance of continuous learning, adaptability, and seizing opportunities for professional growth.

👉 Client-Centric Approach: Ian's experience with challenging projects underscored the importance of client relationships, providing value through expertise, and delivering high-quality work to build a successful architecture business.

👉 Strategic Career Choices: Ian emphasised the strategic importance of choosing the right firms, gaining diverse experiences, and continuously improving skills to stand out in a competitive industry.

👉 Passion for Innovation: Ian's enthusiasm for exploring new technologies and project types reflects the value of innovation, curiosity, and a passion for learning in driving business success.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Ian’s Website > https://www.oradesign.co.uk/

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In The Next Episode...

Next time, Jon shares exciting plans for Architecture Business Club beyond the podcast and will be sharing an incredible resource with you.