21 Loka 2025

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

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▶️ 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.

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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

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