The Architects: The complete series 1 and 2

Synopsis

Arch-Brutalist Sir Lucien founded his architectural practice on a commitment to brutalist concrete in all its forms. But fashion has been a cruel mistress, and four decades later things are not going well for Sir Lucien and his loyal(ish) employees. With no money and no commissions, times are tough – but it’s onwards and upwards (and upwards again) for the staff, as they go all out to win new contracts, deal with nightmare clients and fight to get their ambitious projects past the planners.In the pilot episode, architects Sarah (Laura Solon) and Dan (Ben Willbond) contemplate escape from a malfunctioning multi-storey car park in Esher and the pure aesthetic of the open sandwich.Series 1 finds Sir Lucien (Geoffrey Whitehead) trying to overcome his creative block by visiting a spa in Baden Baden – accompanied by reluctant colleague Tim (Alex Carter). Back at the practice, the other partners are juggling ambition, principles and scary Americans – and dreaming of taking minimalism to the max.In Series 2, Sir Lucien and Partners chase a lucrative airport contract, head to Watford to restyle a Premier League footballer’s mansion, design a building with a great big turret (possibly) and decide to go into house building – negotiating marshland, unexploded bombs and homicidal relatives en route...Written by Jim Poyser and Neil Griffiths, this caustic, satirical comedy also stars Dominic Coleman, Ingrid Oliver, Anna Crilly and Aisling Bea.Written by Jim Poyser and Neil GriffithsDirected by Toby SwiftPilotSarah – Laura SolonDan – Ben WillbondSir Lucien – Geoffrey WhiteheadRasmus – Ewan BaileyTim – Tim DownieMayoress – Joanna BrookesCar Park Attendant – Ben CroweSeries 1 and 2Matt – Dominic ColemanSarah – Ingrid Oliver/Anna CrillySir Lucien – Geoffrey WhiteheadTim – Alex CarterHayley – Aisling BeaGregory Nettles/Mr Douglas – Sean MurrayMr Russell/Gentle Energy MD – Steve ToussaintNurse/Amanda/Helene/Planning Officer – Carolyn PicklesLotte – Georgie FullerSnadaker/Dave – Stephen CritchlowMr McCoy – Harry MyersJustin – Ben CroweDawn – Susie RiddellMurray – Peter ForbesNoel – David HounslowElla – Rhiannon NeadsDanny – Richie CampbellSean – Jude AkuwudikeJohn/Darvo/Council Receptionist – Ian ConninghamComputer Caddie/Tony – Sam DaleJemima – Hannah GenesiusBob – David ActonJane/Lucy – Jane SlavinFirst broadcast BBC Radio 4: 27 March 2013, (Pilot), 14 March-4 April 2014 (Series 1), 2-23 February 2015 (Series 2)