Finding Your Dream Job in Architecture: Insights from Justin Nicholls of Fathom Architects

The new year often brings a sense of purpose, especially for those seeking a career shift or a new role in architecture. Justin Nicholls, founder of Fathom Architects, understands this journey well. With a career that spans over a decade at prestigious firms like Foster + Partners and Make, and as the founder of his own practice, Nicholls shares his insights on finding a fulfilling role in architecture—one that not only suits your skills but also aligns with your values and career goals.

Defining Your Dream Practice: Going Beyond the Basics

When it comes to choosing a practice, Nicholls advises against rushing into a role out of sheer necessity. “Finding a job quickly is tempting, but finding the right job, one that aligns with your values, can shape your entire career,” he explains. He encourages emerging architects to think long-term, even in challenging job markets. “Sometimes, a stepping stone role can eventually lead to your ideal position. Playing the long game is essential.”

Nicholls recalls an architect he once met who sought a job in a highly specialized field during a downturn. Unable to land her dream role immediately, she took a job in a related field that allowed her to build relevant skills. Her persistence eventually led to a position with her target firm. Her journey exemplifies the importance of focusing on your end goals, even if the path takes unexpected turns.

Identifying Inspiration and Your Unique Value

For Nicholls, his early passion for architecture was fueled by landmark projects like the Pompidou Centre and early influences like the work of Richard Rogers. He urges architects to seek out similar touchstones in their careers, identifying what truly excites them. “Knowing what inspires you helps create clarity in your career choices,” he says. This foundation of inspiration can be built upon throughout one’s career, helping to navigate both exciting and challenging projects.

Exploring architectural styles, visiting buildings, and engaging with different types of projects can clarify what type of work feels the most meaningful. “Experiment and engage in the real world; see buildings and spaces firsthand rather than relying solely on images online,” Nicholls suggests. Real-world experiences shape an architect’s understanding of space and design in ways that no digital platform can replicate.

Balancing Design with Technical Skills

Nicholls highlights a key balance that architects must master: blending design with technical understanding. The role of design may only account for a small percentage of the project in terms of time, yet it is what makes the entire endeavor worthwhile. “Five to ten percent of a project might be pure design, but it’s that small portion that creates meaning for the rest,” he explains. This dual focus on design and technical skills allows architects to turn creative visions into functional realities.

While design may be the most visible aspect of architecture, a deep technical understanding is essential. “Technical knowledge is just as valuable, even if it’s less glamorous. Understanding how things work—whether it’s an office building core or a detailed structural element—is essential,” Nicholls says. He emphasizes that even designers with a strong creative focus benefit from exposure to technical challenges, as it rounds out their capabilities and strengthens their designs.

Understanding Practice Culture and Finding the Right Fit

A practice’s culture can have a profound effect on job satisfaction and career growth. Nicholls describes practice culture as “values in action”—the way a firm’s principles guide its projects, team dynamics, and client relationships. Finding a studio that aligns with one’s values and preferred working style is critical.

“Research is key to understanding a practice’s culture. Explore their projects, listen to any public interviews, and attend events where team members present their work,” he advises. This due diligence can reveal insights into whether a practice’s philosophy and environment will align with your personal approach.

Working with Diverse Teams: The Importance of Collaboration

At Fathom Architects, collaboration is central to the studio’s philosophy. Nicholls believes that the best architectural outcomes come from bringing together diverse expertise. “We often work with specialized consultants and designers, and we curate these teams to ensure the highest quality of design and execution,” he says. This approach acknowledges that no single architect or team can provide the answer to every problem; rather, it’s about creating an environment where the right mix of people can contribute their strengths.

An architect’s adaptability to work within a team of varied experts is a skill that practices like Fathom value. Flexibility, curiosity, and the ability to engage respectfully with different perspectives are traits that Nicholls looks for when hiring. “Creativity and collaboration go hand in hand, and someone who is genuinely curious about the design process will thrive in a collaborative environment,” he explains.

Looking Beyond Design: Career Planning and Practicalities

Nicholls advises architects to think of career planning as both a personal and professional endeavor. Career paths are highly individualized, but he recommends defining a shortlist of “dream practices” and working steadily toward these. This approach allows architects to think strategically about the types of projects and work environments that will provide them with meaningful experiences and long-term fulfillment.

Creating this shortlist also helps applicants target their cover letters and applications in a way that aligns with each firm’s culture and projects. “Cover letters are often overlooked, but a well-crafted letter can immediately set an application apart,” he emphasizes. Nicholls appreciates applications that display genuine enthusiasm and knowledge of Fathom’s projects, values, and approach.

Tips for Standing Out in Applications and Interviews

When it comes to hiring, Nicholls values authenticity. “A lot of applicants try to tailor their answers to what they think we want to hear, but honesty is far more valuable,” he says. “If you’re transparent about your strengths and areas for growth, it allows us to better understand how you might fit into the team.” He suggests that applicants highlight not only their skills but also the motivations behind their career choices, which can provide insights into their alignment with a firm’s values.

For junior architects and those early in their careers, Nicholls recommends including university projects in portfolios, as these can reveal creative potential and design sensibilities that might not be as evident in entry-level professional projects. He also advises against overwhelming a portfolio with complex digital renderings if they don’t add real value, emphasizing that genuine skills and a clear narrative are more impactful than an abundance of graphics.

The Role of AI and Technology in Architecture

With technology advancing rapidly, Nicholls sees tools like AI as part of an architect’s expanding toolkit rather than a replacement for human creativity. “AI can help brainstorm or generate ideas quickly, but architecture requires a nuanced understanding of context, culture, and materiality that AI alone can’t replicate,” he explains.

While tools like AI can enhance productivity and generate concepts, Nicholls views them as complements to the creative process rather than substitutes for deep architectural thinking. For tasks that require clear, analytical thinking or hands-on problem-solving, he believes that the human mind remains irreplaceable.

Paving the Way to a Dream Career

Nicholls’ advice provides a roadmap for those eager to build a meaningful architecture career. From understanding personal motivations and finding a practice with shared values to developing technical skills and embracing collaboration, the journey is as important as the destination. As you navigate the architectural profession, embracing these principles can help you find not only a role that fits but also one that fosters personal and professional growth.

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