Commercial viability and creative ambition in architectural practice are a constant balancing act, even more so in this time of economic uncertainty. However, this tension is not unique to one generation.

As part of the 2025 Design Speaks Architecture Symposium: What’s next for practice?, Isabelle Toland, who cofounded Aileen Sage Architects in 2013, and Andrew Nimmo, who cofounded Lahznimmo Architects in 1994, spoke about the business of architecture, focusing on fees, procurement and starting their own practices. It was great to understand the similarities and differences that their respective studios experienced as they evolved over the years.

It was such an informative conversation that we wanted to share it with our Design Speaks Weekly listeners. This episode beings with Isabelle asking Andrew, “what is it about public projects that interests him?”

Further Reading

Generation exchange: Fees and procurement
https://architectureau.com/articles/generation-exchange-fees-and-procurement/

The many pathways to public work
https://architectureau.com/articles/the-many-pathways-to-public-work/

Contributor: Andrew Nimmo
https://architectureau.com/contributors/Nimmo-Andrew/

Contributor: Isabelle Toland
https://architectureau.com/contributors/Toland-Isabelle/