In this episode, we sit down with Brendan Murphy, a University of Auckland architecture master’s student, to unpack what architecture school is really like - the creativity, the pressure, the studio culture, the workload, and the long road toward becoming a registered architect.

Brendan shares his journey from Cambridge High School to architecture school, reflecting on the subjects that helped him most, why maths is not as essential as many students assume, and why creativity, curiosity, English, art, DVC, workshop skills, and a genuine passion for design matter so much.

This conversation also goes deeper. Brendan speaks honestly about growing up around family violence, leaving home in Year 13, finding safety through another family, and continuing to pursue his goals through instability, COVID lockdowns, lost confidence, ADHD clarity, ...