What Car Should an Architect Drive?

Luke Hirst
Jun 7
3 min read

Updated: Jun 17

What Car Should an Architect Drive?

Let’s be honest: the car an architect drives is a bit of a statement. Whether we like it or not, our choice of vehicle tends to say something about our approach to design, our practice, and—frankly—ourselves. So, what’s the “right” car for an architect?

I drive an Audi A6 Avant S Line. And no, it’s not just because it looks good parked outside a site meeting (though it does). I chose it because it represents something that I believe is central to good architecture: quality.

From the way it handles a tight corner on a moorland back road, to the interior that feels like it’s been considered by someone who genuinely understands design, it just works.

But it’s not just about aesthetics or badge snobbery. This car earns its keep.

The boot space is cavernous, meaning I can throw in my surveying kit, tripods, theodolites, PPE, muddy boots—all without needing to play a game of Tetris every morning. I’ve even got room for the family pram on a weekend if I’m on dad duty (which, let’s face it, happens more than I’d sometimes care to admit).

And the S Line trim? Well... why not? You only live once.

I don’t tiptoe around in it either—I regularly bounce it up and down muddy development sites, clattering over kerbs and bridleways with the grace of a mildly annoyed farmhand.

The A6 doesn’t complain. It’s big enough to command respect, but agile enough to get into tight spots without the performance anxiety of something flashier.

Now, let's compare that to the stereotypical architects' wheels:

The BMW 3 Series? Sleek, stylish, efficient—but perhaps a bit too safe these days. You’ll find more of them outside estate agents’ offices than design studios.
The Seat Leon? Popular among the younger, post-Part II crowd—especially when they’ve just set up a practice and want something that does the job without draining the bank account. Perfectly respectable, but you might grow out of it once you need the boot space for a laser scanner or the office banner stand.

And speaking of banners—yes, I’ve invested in my Audi. It’s not just a car, it’s a mobile billboard. Plastered across the doors and boot you’ll find my practice name, contact details, and the proudly displayed logos of the Royal Institute of British Architects and the Architects Registration Board.

It’s part advertisement, part declaration of professional pride.

It gets attention on the road, and it’s a surprisingly good conversation starter when parked up at a site or even the local supermarket.

Hirst Architects' branded car showcases sleek design and architectural graphics, reflecting their architectural expertise and professional style.

At the end of the day, a car for an architect needs to be practical, robust, a bit clever, and if possible—have a bit of flair. Just like the buildings we aspire to create.