UK Part 3 Students & Recently Qualified Architects - Practice Leadership

Over the past year, through conversations with practice leaders across the profession, I've found myself coming back to the same question time and again. Where do architects learn to become practice leaders? Not how to design or deliver a project, not even how to qualify, but how to lead a business. The UK profession is dominated by small practices. Around 78% employ fewer than ten people. That means the experience of most architects is shaped by leaders who are wearing multiple hats at once: architect, employer, finance director, HR lead, business developer, marketer, strategist... often all in the same week. Yet many of those practice founders didn't set out to become business owners. Some reached a point where progression felt limited and setting up on their own seemed like the only route to greater autonomy or seniority. Others simply spotted an opportunity and took the leap. Almost overnight they became directors, employers and business leaders. Which makes me wonder...where did they learn how to do that? I'm interested in understanding whether architectural education and early professional experience equip people for that reality, or whether many practice owners are learning these skills through trial and error after they've already taken on the responsibility. I'm not looking to criticise universities, Part 3 or the profession - I'm trying to understand the journey. So, I'd love to speak to: - Part 3 students - Recently qualified architects - Architects who have set up their own practice - Anyone who has seriously considered doing so I'm particularly interested in hearing about your expectations before taking that step, what you felt prepared for, what caught you by surprise, and what knowledge or support would have made the biggest difference. If you'd be happy to have an informal conversation, either online or over a coffee, please comment below or send me a direct message. I have a feeling these conversations may reveal something important, not just about how we prepare architects to practise, but how we prepare them to lead.