Architecture at the Coffee Table
A Month of Open Conversation
Over the month of April, each Saturday morning, I hosted Coffee with an Architect at Victoria Sponge Café in Monikie. The warm atmosphere, paired with excellent coffee and cake, created the perfect setting for relaxed and engaging discussions about design and architecture.
Before anything else, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Victoria Sponge for their generosity in providing the space—these conversations wouldn’t have been possible without their support.
As the sessions progressed, I found myself reflecting on the experience, the conversations, and the lessons learned. I thought I would share some of those insights here—both for those who attended and for anyone interested in architecture, design, or engaging more with their local community.
Not a New Idea
Coffee with an Architect is a simple idea: to create an informal space where people could discuss their design aspirations, ask questions, and get free, impartial advice in a relaxed setting. I will confess—Coffee with an Architect is not a new concept. I had seen similar initiatives elsewhere, but this was my first time hosting something like this, and my motivations for doing so were twofold.
Firstly, I wanted to lower the barrier for people to access good design guidance and provide free, impartial, professional advice to help them navigate that process with confidence. Secondly, as a recently established practice in the area, I saw this as one of the most direct ways to connect with my local community—building relationships whilst increasing visibility for my work.
What surprised me was how warmly people received the idea. Many told me it was exactly the kind of opportunity they needed and appreciated. Hearing that firsthand reinforced the importance of making architectural expertise approachable and accessible.
The First Sessions (and the Unexpected Lessons)
Like any new initiative, the first few sessions didn’t go exactly as planned. Initially, turnout was lower than I was hoping, despite efforts to spread the word through flyers and social media. But even when people didn’t show up specifically for the event, I still found myself having meaningful conversations with visitors who happened to be at the Cafe. These casual chats reaffirmed that sometimes, engagement happens in organic ways rather than through structured events. After the first couple of weeks bookings came in and participation increased…. I guess it takes time and some patience to publicise a new initiative.
Conversations That Matter
One of the biggest hurdles for many people is simply knowing where to start when it comes to engaging with an architect. The process can seem intimidating, overly complicated, or out of reach. Coffee with an Architect was about breaking down those barriers, showing that architecture isn’t just for grand projects — it’s about practical, thoughtful design solutions that make everyday life better. Whether it’s navigating planning concerns, making a space more efficient, or just figuring out what’s possible, these conversations were about creating clarity and confidence.
Throughout Coffee with an Architect, I encountered a range of project ideas and design challenges. Some were about internal layouts that required thoughtful problem-solving, while others involved homes in need of additional space. In every case, the projects called for a creative approach to unlock their full potential.
What stood out to me was how engaged people were in the process—bringing their ideas, seeking clarity, and embracing the possibilities for their homes. Seeing their excitement grow as we explored solutions together was truly rewarding. There was a moment in each conversation when things clicked—when uncertainty gave way to clarity, and their vision came into focus. Those smiles, that sense of confidence in taking the next step—that was the most fulfilling part of the experience.
Conclusion
As I look back on these sessions, I’m grateful for the opportunity to connect with my local community and share conversations about design. A sincere thank you to Victoria Sponge for generously providing the space, and to everyone who attended. I hope you found the experience helpful and that it offered clarity or inspiration for your own projects.
Hosting Coffee with an Architect has been a rewarding experience, and I can see the value in continuing initiatives like this in the future. For new businesses, especially those looking to build local connections, I’d certainly recommend exploring similar opportunities. As I grow my practice, I look forward to finding new ways to engage and keeping these conversations going.
