Radio Architecture with Ilana Razbash Ep.77
Vivid Recruitment • January 20, 2025
In conversation with Lee Stevens
New Year, New Opportunities in Architecture Recruitment! As we step into 2025, the architecture sector is buzzing with fresh energy and a renewed focus on growth. Many professionals are reflecting on their career paths, while businesses are re-evaluating their hiring strategies. To navigate this exciting yet dynamic period, tune in to the latest episode of Radio Architecture with Ilana Razbash, featuring an insightful conversation with Lee Stevens from Vivid Recruitment!
Lee shares his expertise on architecture recruitment, offering practical advice, market insights, and a hopeful outlook for the year ahead. Whether you’re a job seeker or an employer, this episode is packed with invaluable tips to help you succeed in 2025.
A Market in Motion: What’s Happening in Architecture Recruitment?
2024 ended with its fair share of challenges, but there’s a silver lining - Lee reflects on the “very positive signs” that emerged in the final weeks of the year.
- Candidate Activity: The last 4–6 weeks of 2024 saw a noticeable increase in candidates actively seeking new opportunities.
- Client Engagement: More clients started reaching out for assistance, signalling a growing demand for top talent.
- Optimism for 2025: Lee is confident the job market will gain significant momentum in the coming months, offering opportunities for both candidates and employers to thrive.
Lee’s Top Advice for 2025
For Candidates:
- Be proactive: Don’t wait for opportunities to land in your lap - take the initiative! Actively reach out to potential employers, showcase your skills, and network.
- Stay adaptable: The job market is always evolving. Be open to new roles, industries, and hiring practices.
- Keep a positive mindset: Positivity can make a huge difference. It helps you stand out to employers and navigate the job search with confidence.
For Clients:
- Leverage the momentum: With more candidates seeking work, now is the perfect time to find exceptional talent.
- Be responsive: Candidates are increasingly selective about where they want to work. Engaging promptly and actively with them can set you apart.
- Build solid relationships: Strong, reliable connections with candidates foster better recruitment outcomes and a supportive industry network.
Why Positivity and Adaptability Matter
Lee emphasises that optimism and flexibility are key to navigating the architecture job market in 2025. For candidates, this means embracing the opportunities that come their way and staying motivated. For clients, it’s about recognising the shifting dynamics of the market and adapting to meet the needs of top talent.
Key Takeaways from the Episode
- Growth is on the horizon:
After a challenging end to 2024, the job market is showing signs of recovery.
- Proactivity is essential: Candidates should actively engage in their job search, while clients should seize the moment to secure top talent.
- Relationships are everything:
Building and maintaining strong industry connections benefits both candidates and clients.
- Positivity drives success: A hopeful outlook fosters better decision-making and creates a thriving environment for all.
This episode offers a fresh perspective on the challenges and opportunities in architecture recruitment as we move into 2025. Whether you’re considering your next career move or looking to build a stellar team, Lee’s advice is a must-listen.
🎧 Catch the full episode here via YouTube or Spotify!
Take charge of 2025 - embrace the opportunities, stay adaptable, and connect with the right people to make this year your most successful yet!
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Thinking about accepting a counter offer? Learn what to consider before making a decision, common mistakes to avoid and expert advice from Vivid Recruitment.
About the Authors Nick Koop Director (Building Services Engineering) Nick specialises in building services recruitment across Australia, with a focus on mechanical, electrical, and fire engineering. He works closely with consultancies delivering major healthcare, infrastructure, and commercial projects, and has a strong track record placing senior engineers into technically demanding roles. Known for being straight-up and reliable, Nick spends most of his time in the detail, not the sales pitch. Lee Stevens Director (Architecture & Design) Lee is one of the founders of Vivid Recruitment and focuses on architecture and design studios across Australia. With years of experience working closely with directors and senior hires, he’s built long-term relationships based on trust and consistency. Lee’s approach is simple: understand what a business actually needs, cut out the noise, and get the right people in place without the usual recruitment carry-on. Contact Nick and Lee Nicholas Koop , Principal Recruitment Consultant, Engineering & Planning - 📲 0426 180 254 📧 nick@vividrecruitment.com.au Lee Stevens , Principal Recruitment Consultant, Architecture & Design - 📲 0406 470 020 📧 lee@vividrecruitment.com.au You can also connect with Lee on LinkedIn and Nick on LinkedIn or follow the Vivid Recruitment LinkedIn page for more industry insights, news, jobs and general chit chat and tips!
Understand double representation in recruitment & its impact on job opportunities. Get insights for candidates in architecture & engineering.
About the Author Lee Stevens, Director Lee has over 15 years of local and international recruitment experience across Architecture, Interiors, and Planning. Having worked with boutique studios through to large international consultancies, he’s built a reputation for honest advice, straightforward communication, and long-term relationships across the industry. Based in Melbourne, Lee is also a proud dad, sports fanatic, football coach, and someone who genuinely enjoys seeing good people build meaningful careers in architecture and design. Contact Lee Want to discuss your next role? Contact Lee Stevens , Principal Recruitment Consultant, Architecture & Design - 📲 0406 470 020 📧 lee@vividrecruitment.com.au You can also connect with Lee on LinkedIn or follow the Vivid Recruitment LinkedIn page for more industry insights, news, jobs and general chit chat and tips!
About the Authors Nick Koop Director (Building Services Engineering) Nick specialises in building services recruitment across Australia, with a focus on mechanical, electrical, and fire engineering. He works closely with consultancies delivering major healthcare, infrastructure, and commercial projects, and has a strong track record placing senior engineers into technically demanding roles. Known for being straight-up and reliable, Nick spends most of his time in the detail, not the sales pitch. Lee Stevens Director (Architecture & Design) Lee is one of the founders of Vivid Recruitment and focuses on architecture and design studios across Australia. With years of experience working closely with directors and senior hires, he’s built long-term relationships based on trust and consistency. Lee’s approach is simple: understand what a business actually needs, cut out the noise, and get the right people in place without the usual recruitment carry-on. Contact Nick and Lee Nicholas Koop , Principal Recruitment Consultant, Engineering & Planning - 📲 0426 180 254 📧 nick@vividrecruitment.com.au Lee Stevens , Principal Recruitment Consultant, Architecture & Design - 📲 0406 470 020 📧 lee@vividrecruitment.com.au You can also connect with Lee on LinkedIn and Nick on LinkedIn or follow the Vivid Recruitment LinkedIn page for more industry insights, news, jobs and general chit chat and tips!
Understand key factors for getting hired in architecture & design. Improve your chances today!
About the Author Lee Stevens, Director Lee has over 15 years’ experience across Architecture, Design, and Planning, working with boutique studios through to global consultancies. He’s built his network on straight-talking advice and long-term relationships, not sales tactics. Originally from the UK, Lee moved to Melbourne in 2014 and now balances recruitment with family life, coaching football, and keeping up with his kids and their very energetic cocker spaniel. Contact Lee Want to discuss your next role? Contact Lee Stevens , Principal Recruitment Consultant, Architecture & Design - 📲 0406 470 020 📧 lee@vividrecruitment.com.au You can also connect with Lee on LinkedIn or follow the Vivid Recruitment LinkedIn page for more industry insights, news, jobs and general chit chat and tips! If you’ve got an interview coming up and want a straight answer on how to approach it, reach out. No fluff. Just honest advice.
About the Author Nick Koop, Director With over 11 years in recruitment, Nick has worked closely with engineering professionals across Australia, from small consultancies to global firms. He’s built his approach on honesty, consistency, and actually listening to what people want, not just what’s on paper. Melbourne born and bred, Nick’s usually either following sport, chasing his kids around, or finding a decent spot for a quiet pint. He’s a long-suffering North Melbourne supporter, which probably says enough about his resilience. Contact Nick Want to discuss your next engineering hire? Give Nick a buzz or drop him a line via: 📲 0426 180 254 📧 nick@vividrecruitment.com.au You can also connect with Nick on LinkedIn or follow the Vivid Recruitment LinkedIn page for more industry insights, news, jobs and general chit chat and tips! Want Better Interview Advice That’s Actually Useful? If you’re preparing for a move in engineering, planning, or construction and want straight answers, reach out. No scripts. No fluff. Just a proper conversation.
Nick Koop from Vivid Recruitment breaks down why delivery and communication are starting to outweigh polished credentials in engineering interviews — and what candidates can do about it.