Why Most Architects Shouldn’t Be Developers (But Some Should) ft. Ben Richards

Ben Richards gave up the drawing board for the developer’s desk and now he’s got four businesses, millions in property deals, and a lot of stories from the front lines.  In this episode, we dig into the nitty-gritty of going from architect to real estate entrepreneur - what actually happens when you swap the studio for the site, the hard truths about making money in property, and how Ben’s managed to build (and survive) a business empire.  It’s not all doom and gloom though - we get into opportunities in social housing, what tech like AI and LIDAR might mean for the industry, and how to spot the trends that matter in 2025. Brutally honest, useful, and oddly motivating. Ben is the founder of Aura Architecture & Interiors, XP Property, and XP Surveys. 00:00 Ben Richards 00:09 🎄 Christmas Live Stream Kickoff 00:41 👷‍♂️ From Architecture to Development: Ben's Journey 01:29 💼 Building and Managing Multiple Businesses 03:49 🛠️ The Challenges of Hiring and Team Building 13:17 🏢 Transitioning from Architecture to Real Estate 18:02 🏘️ The Realities of Property Development 24:35 📈 Opportunities and Challenges in the Housing Market 29:58 🏠 Social Housing and Affordable Development 32:40 The Planning Process: Challenges and Changes 33:48 Social Housing and Property Conversions 34:30 Trends in Retail and Industrial Sectors 38:30 The Role of AI in Architecture and Business 47:35 Exciting Prospects for 2025 52:56 Business Strategies and Community Building 59:05 Podcast and Final Thoughts