Bell’s discontent with the financial rewards within architecture led her to this educational venture. Her frustration resonated with many mentees, who often found themselves at a crossroads, wondering whether to extend their architectural education or explore other realms. 

The course dives into business terminologies, entrepreneurship and start-up business pitches. It incorporates the ‘Design Sprint’ methodology, encouraging students to dream broader, derive inspiration from real-life examples and design their envisioned future. Completing an AltMBA online (pre-Covid) led to recording webinars in partnership with CPD provider Teulo. The course is designed to be accessible and informative to students and the working community. 

Feedback from students has been highly positive. Zarrie Wood, a Masters of Architecture (Prof) student, commented, “The knowledge and industry exposure I received over the short 6-week period was invaluable. I would definitely encourage people to take part.” Jack Walker, a computational designer and automation specialist, said it was one of the best courses he took at university.

Bell says it’s all about opening eyes to the myriad of possibilities outside traditional studio practice. “The course provides a sense of belonging to those with broader strategic interests, normalising the conversation around financial stability in the architectural realm.” She stresses the importance of equipping students with a business-oriented vocabulary, enabling them to engage in business dialogues beyond the architectural world and recognising that architecture is, in essence, a way of design thinking.

The 2023 course will be delivered by Dr Antony Pelosi, a senior lecturer and director of the AMPD research lab at the Wellington School of Architecture. Known for promoting technology-informed sustainable design-led approaches, Pelosi has experience with start-up ventures of innovative companies, such as XFrame, further enriching the course and providing a real-world perspective on intertwining design thinking with business acumen.

The course is not just a lesson in design thinking but a call to action for architectural students and current designers in practice to embrace a business-oriented approach in their careers. The Design Thinking Business course has created a path for students and practitioners to explore a world where design meets business and where architects are not just creators but strategic entrepreneurs. 

By taking the course, you will hear the stories of some of New Zealand’s most successful designers and architects – those who chose a different path and are working across the globe, designers who are changing the design of the streets we live on, the buildings we live in, the shoes we wear and everything in between, including how to make New Zealand predator-free.

The 6-week course will start online on 13 November, allowing you to work or travel while learning. For more information or to enrol in the course, click here.