Practice Disrupted with Evelyn Lee and Je'Nen Chastain: Recent Episodes
Evelyn Lee and Je'Nen Chastain // Gābl Media
The evolution of architectural practice has been relatively slow towards change, yet modern shifts in business and design management have prompted today’s leading architects to rethink how they work. On Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee, an architect, design strategist, and Senior Experience Designer at Slack, and architecture business strategy consultant, Je’Nen Chastain, set out to illuminate the future of the profession to help architects remain relevant and valuable in a changing world. They will explore how technology, cultural shifts, and emerging best practices are prompting firm owners to assess their business models and make adjustments in their studios. Each episode features an industry leader, and together our hosts will explore the new frontier of architectural practice.
What does the data tell us about the real path to becoming an architect, and how is NCARB shifting its model to build a more adaptable, modular roadmap for future candidates?
In this episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee breaks down the 15th edition of the NCARB by the Numbers report. She is joined by Jenny Kawecki, who leads data analytics and research at NCARB, and Gabriella Bermea, a licensed architect and NCARB volunteer who chaired the Experience Committee. Together, they explore the shifting dynamics of the architectural pipeline, unpacking why the median time to licensure has dropped to 12.3 years and what these statistics mean for the future of the profession.
Jenny provides an insider’s view of how NCARB uses this annual data report to track attrition points and actively improve its programs. She highlights major programmatic changes driven by historical data trends, such as retiring the rolling clock and revamping the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) reporting policy to give thousands of candidates their experience credits back. Gabriella adds an on-the-ground perspective, explaining how challenging past assumptions about rigid timelines helps eliminate systemic barriers and re-engages candidates who have stepped away from the path.
The conversation also digs deeply into NCARB’s massive "Pathways to Practice" initiative, a multi-year effort to pivot away from a single, rigid route toward a highly modular, competency-based framework. They address critical pipeline pinch points, including firm culture support during the AXP and the stark demographic pass-rate disparities within the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).
"Instead of pushing everyone through the same path, how can that path meet the needs of the individual? How can it be customizable almost to the candidate so that it aligns with your background, your career path, your educational path, your social path. We want there to be a licensure path that exists for you." - Jenny Kawecki
Finally, they look forward to how a more flexible, customizable licensure path can help mitigate the steep financial burdens of higher education and foster a significantly more diverse, representative body of architects.
Guests:Jenny Kawecki is NCARB’s Assistant Vice President of Data, Analytics, and Research, where she leads a team that analyzes industry trends and oversees publications like NCARB by the Numbers and Baseline on Belonging. Before joining NCARB in 2016, she wrote for Barnes & Noble and SparkNotes, and she holds a degree in Media, Culture, and the Arts from The King's College.
Gabriella Bermea, AIA, is a Senior Associate and Architect at Perkins Eastman with more than eight years of experience in educational design, stakeholder engagement, and community-focused solutions. A fifth-generation Tejana, she is a passionate advocate for educational equity and community empowerment and currently serves as Chair of NCARB’s Experience Committee.
This episode is especially for you if:✅You want to know why the median time to licensure dropped and how policy changes like eliminating the rolling clock shifted the needle.
✅You are curious about NCARB's "Pathways to Practice" initiative and how a modular, competency-based framework will offer diverse alternatives to the traditional degree path.
✅ You want to explore the primary pinch points in the licensure pipeline, from firm culture barriers during the AXP to pass-rate disparities within the ARE.
✅You want to learn how the revised AXP reporting requirements allow candidates to receive 100% credit for hours up to a year and 75% credit indefinitely.
✅You are interested in how scholarship programs through NOMA chapters and state boards are helping candidates facing financial and institutional adversities stay on the path.
What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.
📍 Show Links:* Learn more about NCARB * Learn more about NCARB by the Numbers report * Learn more about Pathway to Practice
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How can architecture firms unlock decades of buried institutional knowledge, and what happens to the apprenticeship model when every detail the firm has ever drawn is just a single query away?
In this bonus episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee dives into a conversation created with Pirros, exploring how technology bridges the gap between historic firm data and daily production workflows. The episode features Ross Wagner, who leads sales at Pirros, alongside Xander Ellenbogen, a senior BIM manager at Clark Nexsen. Together, they explore how firms can transition from hunting through endless subfolders to operating with an intelligent, centralized knowledge base.
Ross shares his trajectory from designing high-rise residential projects to riding the technology wave at PlanGrid and Autodesk, eventually joining Pirros to help firms maximize their workflow efficiency. Xander provides an on-the-ground perspective from Clark Nexsen, discussing his evolution from a traditional architect and the firm’s first commercial drone pilot to managing advanced BIM workflows. He explains how his firm used Pirros to adapt to a post-COVID, discipline-based model, allowing team members across multiple offices and states to access vetted, high-quality details instantaneously.
The conversation digs deeply into the broader implications of AI in the AECO space, specifically addressing the common comparison to the historical CAD-to-BIM shift. While the CAD-to-BIM transition still resulted in flat 2D drawing deliverables, the guests argue that AI represents a fundamentally different leap focused on data portability and knowledge preservation across an entire firm. They also tackle the crucial element of change management in a trust-driven profession, outlining the "sandwich effect" required to achieve widespread software adoption from leadership down to production staff.
"We're not here to flatten creativity and just be a place where you copy and paste. It's a place where you learn, you mentor, but also ensure that you don't go through the tedious tasks of reinventing the wheel each time and basically spend a bunch of hours hunting for something that you are trying to learn from." - Ross Wagner
Finally, they look ahead to the future of design with recent tools like Mira, a Revit agentic copilot, and discuss how firms can maintain the critical thinking required in the traditional apprenticeship model while letting AI do the tedious heavy lifting.
GuestsRoss Wagner, Assoc. AIA, began his career in architecture before moving into design technology, where he helped scale PlanGrid from under $10M to over $100M in ARR before its acquisition by Autodesk. Now Head of Sales at Pirros, he helps AECO firms improve productivity by transforming historical design content into trusted, accessible knowledge.
Xander Ellenbogen, AIA, is a licensed architect and Senior BIM Manager at Clark Nexsen, where he leads BIM standards, Revit workflows, and reality capture initiatives across the firm. With a background spanning architectural design and BIM leadership, he is currently directing a firmwide template rebuild as part of the JMT merger while continuing to serve as an Associate Principal.
This episode is especially for you if:✅You want to understand how Pirros captures a firm's historical work into an intelligent, AI-based search engine to prevent team members from redrawing existing details.
✅ You are curious about the "sandwich effect" in change management and how to secure software buy-in from both firm leadership and production staff.
✅ You want to explore why the CAD-to-BIM shift failed to move past 2D deliverables and how the AI shift focuses on data portability instead.
✅ You want to learn how firms can preserve the traditional apprenticeship model by using AI to handle 70% of the baseline work while keeping designers focused on the remaining 30% of critical problem-solving.
✅ You are interested in the potential of agentic workflows in Revit, such as Pirros' recently released chatbot copilot, Mira.
What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.
📍 Show Links:* Learn more about Pirros * Learn more about Clark Nexsen
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How can early-stage startups drive true transformation in the AECO space, and what happens when AI-native tools are designed to amplify human intent rather than replace the architect?
In this bonus episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee explores the intersection of corporate acceleration and cutting-edge startup innovation. The conversation brings together German Aparicio from Trimble Ventures alongside Yiping Goh and Carlos Banon, the co-founders of Formas.AI.
German walks listeners through the Trimble 0-60 accelerator program, which was recently named Built World's Accelerator Program of the Year. This 12-week, historically equity-free program invites early-stage startups to build on top of Trimble platforms like SketchUp and showcase their live integrations at Trimble Dimensions in Las Vegas this November. Herman outlines how Trimble acts as a system of record, searching for partners to create systems of action and intelligence across three key pillars: connected data, connected design, and the connected field. He also defines what "early stage" means for the program, targeting companies founded within the last five years, making under $2 million ARR, and operating with a couple of early customers looking to scale.
The spotlight then shifts to Formas.AI, a participant in the current cohort operating in the connected design space. Co-founders Yiping and Carlos explain how their AI-native design workspace is bridging the gap between an initial sketch, reference image, or floor plan and a buildable 3D model in hours instead of months. Carlos, an architect and professor, shares how the tool was born out of personal frustration with fragmented interfaces and broken workflows that detach designers from the joy of creating. Yiping provides an entrepreneurial lens on the broader AEC industry, noting that while it represents 13% of global GDP, it remains one of the least digitized sectors, heavily reliant on legacy software and restricted by the slow timeline of physical building processes.
Together, the group tackles the critical challenges of technology adoption, highlighting trust as a core barrier for practitioners who have invested heavily in traditional tools. Rather than replacing human designers, the founders argue for a democratization of design through guardrails that preserve creative authorship and intent. As Formas.AI navigates its 12-week acceleration path, they aim to leverage Trimble's ecosystem to deliver a validated, highly precise design experience that brings excitement and joy back to the craft.
"We are believing in the future of design being more human led, less or not even about human replaced. That the winners of AI are the ones that really can give people more creative power, not less." - Yiping Goh
This episode serves as an inspiring look at how industry giants and agile startups can co-create workflows that amplify human intuition and make design fun again.
GuestsGerman Aparicio runs the Zero to 60 accelerator program at Trimble Ventures. As a trained architect, he focuses on scaling early-stage software and hardware innovations that connect data, design, and job sites across the full project lifecycle.
Yiping Goh is the co-founder and CEO of Formas.AI. She is a tech entrepreneur currently scaling her fourth company, with a professional background spanning a real estate degree, venture capital, corporate venture building at McKinsey, and multiple successful company exits.
Carlos Banon is an architect, computational designer, and professor who has taught design in Singapore for the last 13 years. A self-taught coder since age six, he is the design and technical mind behind Formas.AI, having built its foundational versions to streamline creative workflows.
This episode is especially for you if:✅ You want to understand how the Trimble 0-60 accelerator helps early-stage startups scale by integrating directly into established industry platforms like SketchUp.
✅ You are curious about how Formas.AI closes the gap between a rough sketch and a buildable model using natural language and multimodal AI tools.
✅ You want to explore why trust, legacy tools, and authority code submissions present unique adoption challenges within the AEC space.
✅ You believe that AI technology should amplify a designer's creative intent and preserve human authorship rather than generate generic, unmeaningful variations.
What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.
📍 Show Links:* Learn more about Trimble * Learn more about 0-60 accelerator * Learn more about Formas.AI * Listen to the previous episode featuring German Aparicio
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How can architects protect and monetize their creative work with the help of intellectual property (IP) laws?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we’re joined by Ana Juneja, an award-winning intellectual property (IP) attorney and founder of Ana Law® – the first law firm offering flat-fee, 100% guaranteed services for patents, trademarks, and copyrights. In our conversation, Ana explores the essential role of IP in the architecture field.
First, Ana breaks down the four main types of intellectual property: copyrights, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets. She explains how each type applies to architecture and protecting creative works within client relationships and employee contracts.
Then, we dive into the intersection of AI and IP rights. Ana shares advice on protecting your designs, tools, and software created with AI and outlines the steps to securing patents and trademarks for your work.
You're investing in your trademark in order to protect your name, your marketing, and your branding. If you're building up this brand, you're putting in so much time, money, energy, and effort into doing so – you wouldn't really want to lose it…Whereas copyrights and patents are things that, for architects in particular, are incredibly valuable avenues to monetize your brand. It is really protection for your own investments that you're making into your business. - Ana Juneja
To wrap up the conversation, Ana highlights common IP mistakes architects make and offers practical tips to avoid them. She emphasizes the importance of understanding IP laws, using strong contracts and NDAs, and taking proactive steps to safeguard your work.
Tune in next week for an episode about
Guests:
Ana Juneja
As an award-winning intellectual property attorney and the founder of Ana Law®, Ana Juneja helps celebrities, athletes, influencers, start-ups, entrepreneurs, and corporations secure + monetize their brands and ideas in the US and abroad. Ana Law® is the first and only law firm that offers flat-fee, 100% guaranteed patent, trademark, and copyright services. Ana has a 100% success rate and often speaks on important topics such as emerging legal issues surrounding security, AI, and social media.
Additionally, Ana has extensive experience with social media intellectual property infringement issues. Ana’s insider connections with premier media agencies allow her to have direct access to key social media platforms, such as Meta (Facebook/Instagram), TikTok, and Twitter. These essential services are an important component of brand protection strategy for Ana’s celebrity, athlete, & influencer clients.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Ana on LinkedIn
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How can architects transition from marginal innovation to true business transformation, and what does it look like to run a diversified, AI-native practice that prioritizes attention over productivity?
In this Season 12 Finale of Practice Disrupted, the tables are turned as host Evelyn Lee steps into the hot seat. Instead of interviewing an industry guest, Evelyn is interviewed by Sage, her own AI chief of staff, in a dynamic conversation that pushes past traditional scripts to explore the cutting edge of architectural practice.
Evelyn reflects on her post-presidency transition from focusing on "innovation" to pursuing true "transformation," explaining how running a diversified, resilient portfolio model protects her business from market volatility. She pulls back the curtain on her exact four-tier AI agent stack, demonstrating how a sole proprietor can leverage technology to handle workloads that would traditionally require multiple people to run. Rather than chasing sheer productivity, Evelyn reveals why her system is intentionally built to protect human focus and relationship building.
The conversation moves deep into business model design, architectural education, and macro industry shifts. Evelyn discusses her course at the University of Michigan, arguing that business model thinking is a critical design craft rather than a betrayal of architecture. She also addresses the accelerating wave of private equity acquisitions in the AEC sector, urging smaller firms to consider proactive consolidation on their own terms. Finally, Evelyn shares personal reflections on leading publicly as an introvert and balancing transformational industry work with raising her family.
"Business model thinking is a craft and not necessarily a betrayal of design work." - Evelyn Lee
This episode serves as a powerful blueprint for any practitioner looking to treat their firm as a design problem and build a resilient, forward-looking business.
Guests:
Evelyn Lee is the founder of Practice of Architecture and a past president of the AIA. As a pioneer in architecture firm operations, technology integration, and business strategy, she balances institutional leadership with hands-on advisory work, teaching at the University of Michigan, and building AI-native operating models for the next generation of practitioners.
This episode is especially for you if:
✅ You want to know the precise architecture of a four-tier AI agent stack used to run a modern, diversified advisory business.
✅ You are curious about how to shift from billing hourly to positioning your architecture firm as a high-value strategic partner.
✅ You want to understand the accelerating impact of private equity on AEC firms and why succession planning is critical for survival.
✅ You believe that introverted leadership has distinct strengths and want practical strategies for managing energy and recovery time.
What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.
📍 Show Links:* Listen to FIFTEEN Episode * Listen to Architects FORA Episode * Listen to WPA Episode
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How can a 60-year-old architecture firm maintain an 80% energy reduction across its portfolio while fostering an integrated "no excuses" culture that empowers its future leaders?
In this episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee sits down with three future leaders from LPA Design Studios, the winner of the 2025 AIA Architecture Firm Award. Federico Cavasos, Jake Junge, and Rachel Nasland join the show to discuss how they are shaping the firm's operations and what winning the profession's highest honor means for their continued trajectory.
The group reflects on their distinct roles and how LPA's culture encourages individuals to design their own career paths. From Federico's recent transition to principal in San Antonio, to Jake spearheading the firm's new digital and data infrastructure, and Rachel pioneering an applied research function rooted in environmental psychology, they highlight the power of an interdisciplinary, integrated practice.
The conversation delves into the tangible impacts of their integrated approach, particularly their impressive achievement of an 80% energy reduction cost across their portfolio. The guests unpack their "no excuses" culture, demonstrating how prioritizing human outcomes and equipping teams with sustainability fluency allows them to design smarter, high-performing spaces without inflating budgets or timelines.
"LPA is helping shift architecture from designing buildings to designing outcomes." - Rachel Nasland
This episode serves as a powerful reminder that an architecture firm’s legacy is built on continuous innovation, investing in people, and empowering every discipline to have a voice at the table.
Guests:
Federico Cavazos is a Principal and Design Director in LPA’s San Antonio studio who has devoted his career to designing public spaces that educate and facilitate better lives. Inspired by his architect father, he leverages an open mind and a passion for integrated design to deliver impactful results and solve client problems, even on the tightest budgets.
Jake Junge is an Architect and Digital Manager at LPA Design Studios who focuses on advancing how technology, data, and digital products support architectural practice. He partners with interdisciplinary teams to develop data-driven workflows, automation tools, and scalable digital experiences that improve efficiency, enhance collaboration, and empower teams across all sectors.
Rachel Nasland is a Senior Design Researcher at LPA Design Studios who leverages her master’s degree in Environmental Psychology to understand how people interact with the built environment. She partners with design teams and clients across various sectors to translate behavioral insights into practice, utilizing pre- and post-occupancy evaluations to uncover how design decisions shape user experience and organizational outcomes.
This episode is especially for you if:
✅ You want to understand how a top-tier architecture firm sustains an 80% energy reduction across its portfolio.
✅ You are curious about the integration of data, AI, and digital tools to enhance design processes rather than replace human connection.
✅ You want to explore how environmental psychology and applied research can elevate user experience and human outcomes.
✅ You believe in a flattened hierarchy where every discipline has a voice and "no excuses" is the baseline for sustainable performance.
What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.
📍 Show Links:* Learn about LPA Design Studios * Follow LPA Design Studios on Instagram * Connect with LPA Design Studios on LinkedIn
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What happens when intersectional storytellers from different generations sit in a room together to connect their personal narratives and design a more inclusive future for architecture?
In this special episode of Practice Disrupted, the format shifts as host Evelyn Lee steps back to listen, handing the moderation over to Sarah Woynicz. This conversation marks the second of two episodes celebrating the release of Out in Architecture Volume 2 during Pride Month. Sarah sits down with three of the volume's authors, Gaby Espinosa, Lisa C. Henry, and Kody Chung, who share what happens when storytellers sit in the room together to connect their lived experiences.
The group reflects on the unique, vulnerable formats they chose to share their deeply personal histories. Gaby discusses her interview-style chapter, "Space to Be: A Conversation on Finding Ground," which features a dialogue with a close friend who witnessed her gradual coming-out process within a Dallas architecture office. Lisa reads an excerpt from her piece, "Topographies of Becoming," recounting how spatial experiences in New Orleans and Utah influenced her identity and her academic practice. Meanwhile, Kody returns to the project, having first met the Volume 1 authors as a student three years ago, to contribute "A Query on Space," reflecting his growth as an emerging designer.
The conversation also addresses the role of intersectionality and the importance of bringing one's full, embodied knowledge into the workplace and the classroom. Lisa shares a transformative positionality framework exercise she utilizes with her students to break down binaries and dismantle patterns of supremacy. Kody explains how his senior thesis leverages Chinese philosophy and the concept of yin and yang to explore the true essence of queer spaces. Ultimately, the authors emphasize that creating spaces for open dialogue allows individuals to realize they are not isolated, empowering the next generation to take up space entirely.
"Once you scratch that surface and you realize that no two experiences are the same, it opens your eyes to possibilities and what your future could be." - Gaby Espinosa
This episode serves as a powerful reminder that architecture is shaped not just by physical spaces, but by the diverse worlds of the people who navigate them. By honoring cultural heritage and sharing moments of resilience, this collective is actively expanding the endless possibilities of inclusivity across the AEC industry.
Guests:
Sarah Woynicz is a Project Manager at HKS who utilizes her cross-industry design experience to lead wellness-focused healthcare and mixed-use developments that blend client business goals with community health outcomes. She is deeply engaged in professional advocacy, currently chairing the AIA National Young Architects Forum and previously serving on the AIA Atlanta Board, where she spearheaded leadership initiatives to empower emerging professionals.
Kody Chung is a senior architecture design student at Drexel University whose work bridges queer and Asian identities. His senior thesis project investigates the intersectional relationships of space by leveraging Chinese folklore, philosophy, and intergenerational memory.
Gaby Espinosa is an architect at HKS who specializes in senior living design and is a contributor to Out in Architecture Volume 2. As a lesbian Latina architect who grew up in a conservative Catholic family in Mexico, she is passionate about representation and creating inclusive spaces where people can be free to be themselves.
Lisa C. Henry is an academic architectural practitioner and design educator who has spent 27 years teaching gender, race, and queer theory in architecture. Her pedagogy utilizes organizing and activism tools to foster liberatory practices, guide difficult conversations, and build community within academic and professional spaces.
This episode is especially for you if:
✅ You want to understand the profound impact of intersectional representation for LGBTQIA+ professionals in the AEC industry.
✅ You are curious about how unique storytelling formats like personal interviews and spoken excerpts can capture the vulnerability of becoming.
✅ You want to explore what it means to use positionality frameworks to dismantle patterns of supremacy in design education and practice.
✅ You want to look at how cultural heritage, philosophy, and concepts like yin and yang can be utilized to define the true essence of queer space.
✅ You believe that building community through continuous conversation is an indispensable tool for ensuring no architect feels isolated.
What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.
📍 Show Links:* Explore Out in Architecture Publications * Follow Out in Architecture on Instagram * Buy the First Edition * Listen to the previous Practice Disrupted episode featuring Out in Architecture * Listen to Out in Architecture Volume I episode * Buy Lisa’s new book
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How can sharing personal narratives empower the LGBTQIA+ community to hold the line and design a more equitable future for architecture?
In this special episode of Practice Disrupted, the format shifts as host Evelyn Lee steps back to listen, handing the moderation over to Sarah Woynicz. This conversation marks the first of two episodes celebrating the upcoming June 1st release of Out in Architecture Volume 2 at the start of Pride Month. Sarah sits down with the team behind the original publication, Jha D Amazi, Beau Frail, Julia Oderda, and Andrew Grant Houston, who have transitioned from co-authors in the first volume to co-editors of the second.
The group reflects on how their roles have evolved since Volume 1 was launched at the NOMA conference in October 2023. Moving from writing their own stories to holding space as editors for over 20 new contributors was described as a deeply humbling and emotional journey. They discuss the unique responsibility of stewarding deeply personal histories and guiding new authors through the vulnerable process of contributing to the professional archive.
The conversation also addresses the heightened stakes of visibility in today's political climate. The editors open up about the necessity of executing safety check-ins with potential authors following recent elections, recognizing that being visible carries distinct risks. Ultimately, they emphasize the critical importance of leveraging professional privilege and cachet to shine a light, ensuring that the next generation of architects feels empowered to do the same.
"No one can tell the story that you have to tell. So come tell it, come tell it however you want to. Whatever format, whatever language, whatever medium, tell the story because somebody needs to hear it." - Jha D Amazi
This episode serves as a powerful reminder that architecture is shaped not just by the buildings we draw, but by the lived experiences of the people who design them. By paying it forward and honoring those who came before, this collective is actively shifting the baseline of inclusivity across the AEC industry.
Guests:Sarah Woynicz is a Project Manager at HKS who utilizes her cross-industry design experience to lead wellness-focused healthcare and mixed-use developments that blend client business goals with community health outcomes. She is deeply engaged in professional advocacy, currently chairing the AIA National Young Architects Forum and previously serving on the AIA Atlanta Board, where she spearheaded leadership initiatives to empower emerging professionals.
Julia Oderda, AIA, is a principal at VCBO Architecture with over 25 years of experience leading award-winning higher education, recreation, and K-12 projects from concept to completion. In 2018, she came out as one of Utah’s first openly transgender architects in leadership and has since become a prominent advocate for LGBTQIA+ representation in the profession.
Andrew Grant Houston (Ace) is an architect, urban designer, and housing activist who runs his own practice, House Cosmopolitan, and previously ran for Mayor of Seattle in 2021. As a queer, mixed-race individual and sixth-generation Texan who splits his time between Seattle and Austin, he leverages his background and mastery of five languages to advocate for inclusive, culture-rich urban communities where people can thrive together.
Jha D Amazi is a Principal at MASS Design Group and leader of the Public Memory and Memorials Lab, where she engages communities to design inclusive monument projects that honor historically underrepresented histories and cultures. Beyond her architectural practice and academic background, she is a spoken word artist, LGBTQ+ SpaceMaker, and advocate who was appointed to the Massachusetts Governor’s Advisory Council on Black Empowerment in 2023.
Beau Frail, RA, is an architect, poet, and artist who serves as a Project Architect at Fox Fox Studio and leads his own consulting firm, Activate Architecture, balancing his practice between Savannah and Austin. A dedicated advocate for equity, community-engaged design, and LGBTQIA+ visibility, he helped launch major EDI committees and alliances at the AIA, co-edited Out in Architecture, and even shared his poetry as an opening act on Rupi Kaur’s 2022 World Tour.
This episode is especially for you if:✅ You want to understand the profound impact of visibility and representation for LGBTQIA+ professionals in the AEC industry.
✅ You are curious about the internal journey and responsibility of moving from a co-author to a co-editor of personal narratives.
✅You want to explore what it means to pay it forward and pay it backward by honoring the legacy of those who paved the way.
✅ You are looking for strategies on how communities can hold the line and support one another through volatile political and social climates.
✅ You believe that individual storytelling is an indispensable tool for uncovering the true history and future potential of architectural practice.
What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.
📍 Show Links:* Explore Out in Architecture Publications * Follow Out in Architecture on Instagram * Buy the First Edition * Listen to the previous Practice Disrupted episode featuring Out in Architecture
📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:
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Can the rigorous, systematic process of architectural design be the secret ingredient to disrupting the fashion industry?
In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Aidan Turner, the founder of The Garment Architect. Aidan, who graduated from the Syracuse School of Architecture just one year ago, is challenging the standard "fast fashion" model by treating apparel design with the same technical precision and systemic discipline typically reserved for buildings.
Aidan’s journey began well before his first day of architecture school; he was running a clothing brand as an undergraduate, balancing studio critiques with supply chain management. He explains how he bridges these two worlds by viewing a "tech pack" (the documentation for a garment) as an architectural blueprint. By applying principles like site analysis (market research), structural integrity (fabric testing), and construction sequencing (production), Aidan has created a studio that prioritizes quality and longevity over the rapid-fire releases common in the apparel world.
The conversation explores the "architectural mindset" as a transferable skill. Aidan argues that the value architects bring to any industry, whether it's real estate, manufacturing, or fashion, is the ability to see a project through a full, multi-phase lifecycle. They discuss the challenges of being an entrepreneur in a field that often demands 100% of your time, and why Aidan believes the "veil of mystery" surrounding the design process needs to be lifted to better communicate the true value of professional expertise to clients.
"We communicate through drawings, but our process is definitely not communicated through our deliverables. It's everything that goes on in our brains. I think if architecture can evolve in a way where our skills are valued as highly as they should be, then we would be able to be more entrepreneurial and more business-minded." - Aidan Turner
This episode is a compelling case study on the versatility of an architectural education. Aidan highlights that when you understand how to design systems and manage complex production, the scale of the object, whether it’s a skyscraper or a jacket, is secondary to the process itself.
Guest:Aidan Turner is the founder of The Garment Architect, a Syracuse School of Architecture alumnus, and an entrepreneur who successfully merged his love for fashion and architecture. He is redefining apparel design by implementing professional architectural workflows, including rigorous blueprinting, sourcing, and project management, to create more sustainable and high-quality clothing.
This episode is especially for you if:✅ You are curious about how architectural skills and workflows can be applied to fields entirely outside of the built environment.
✅ You want to learn how to bridge the gap between "design-focused" creative work and "business-focused" operational work.
✅ You are a student or recent graduate wondering how to leverage your education to start a business early in your career.
✅ You believe the architecture profession needs to remove the "veil of mystery" and communicate our value more clearly to non-architect clients.
✅ You are interested in the parallels between construction documents and technical apparel packs for streamlined production.
What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.
📍 Show Links: Connect with Aidan on Linkedin * Check out The Garment Architect Website * Follow The Garment Architect on Instagram * Follow The Garment Architect on TikTok*
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How can the AEC industry turn 41 million tons of annual wood waste into a circular economy powerhouse?
In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee ventures into the construction and manufacturing side of the built environment to speak with Todd Thomas, founder and CEO of Woodchuck. While the podcast typically focuses on architectural practice, Todd’s work at the intersection of AI and sustainability offers a glimpse into a future where waste is no longer an afterthought, but a valuable commodity.
Todd explains the staggering scale of the problem: over 41 million tons of wood are sent to U.S. landfills every year, accounting for nearly 40% of all landfill volume. He details how Woodchuck uses advanced AI platforms to identify, sort, and divert this material at industrial scale. By bridging the gap between construction sites and manufacturing outlets, Todd is building the infrastructure necessary to move the industry away from a "take-make-waste" model and toward a truly circular economy.
The conversation also touches on the speed of execution in the tech world versus the slower pace of traditional architectural practice. Todd shares insights into how Woodchuck was "spun up" quickly to meet market demands and why architects need to start thinking about the material life cycle, and deconstruction, long before a project breaks ground.
"If we don't have a way to divert it, it goes to a landfill. It's that simple. And when it goes to a landfill, it produces methane, which is 80 times more potent than CO2. We have to treat waste as a resource if we want to change the math on sustainability." — Todd Thomas
This episode is a fascinating look at how adjacent industries are solving the problems architects design for. Todd emphasizes that while architects have the vision, they must partner with technologists and "builders" of systems to ensure their sustainable goals are actually met in the field.
Guest:Todd Thomas is the founder and CEO of Woodchuck, a technology platform dedicated to wood waste diversion at industrial scale. With a background spanning construction, manufacturing, and emerging technology, Todd has spent his career building AI-driven platforms that solve complex environmental and supply chain challenges. He is a leading voice on the circular economy and the role of tech in scaling sustainability.
This episode is especially for you if:✅ You want to understand the true environmental impact of construction waste and why wood is the most overlooked resource in the waste stream.
✅ You are curious about how AI and machine learning are being used on the ground to identify and sort materials for reuse.
✅ You want to learn how to design for deconstruction and help your clients participate in a circular material economy.
✅ You are interested in the speed of tech startups and how their approach to business execution differs from traditional architecture firms.
✅ You believe that architectural value should extend beyond the building's completion and into the responsible lifecycle of its materials.
What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.
📍 Show Links:* Learn more about Woodchuck * Connect with Todd on LinkedIn
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How can architects transition from being passive users of technology to the master builders leading the next wave of industry innovation?
In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with German Aparicio, a licensed architect who operates at the intersection of architecture, software development, and venture capital. As the lead for early innovation and partner development at Trimble Ventures, German shares his journey from a fifth-grade dream of becoming an architect to building the frameworks that are now reshaping the AECO (Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations) industry.
German discusses his early career at Arup, where he first encountered the friction of broken industry systems and "redundant rework," which sparked a lifelong pursuit of better technological frameworks. He recounts his time at MIT and Gehry Technologies, his experience through the Trimble acquisition, and the evolution of G-Team into what is now Trimble Connect. The conversation explores how these experiences led him to co-found 0 to 60, an equity-free accelerator that integrates startups like TestFit, Monograph, and ScaffPlan into the broader technology stack to drive industry-wide change.
Beyond corporate innovation, German remains deeply rooted in academia, teaching advanced digital design and entrepreneurship at Cal Poly Pomona. He challenges the traditional "service-for-time" business model and presents a vision for an AI-native design practice, one that leverages natural language and automation to do more with less, allowing architects to reclaim their roles as master builders.
"I encourage all my students to do the same. Imagine the future you want to see and then go build it. Nobody's going to come and save you." - German Aparicio
This episode is a call to action for architects to take ownership of their professional evolution. Whether through building software, designing ecosystems, or rethinking the value of architectural output, German emphasizes that the future of the profession depends on architects leading technology rather than being led by it.
Guest:German Aparicio is a licensed architect in California and the project manager for early innovation and partner development at Trimble Ventures. He is the co-founder of the 0 to 60 accelerator and a faculty member at Cal Poly Pomona. With a background from Cal Poly Pomona and a master’s in design and computation from MIT, German has spent his career building systems, software, and ecosystems that bridge the gap between design and construction.
This episode is especially for you if:✅ You are interested in how accelerators and venture capital are influencing the development of new tools for architects.
✅ You want to understand the potential of an AI-native design practice to shift the industry from a time-based to an output-based business model.
✅ You are a student or early-career professional looking for ways to take ownership of your career path outside of traditional firm structures.
✅ You want to learn about the history and future of Trimble Connect and how it facilitates better data flow across complex projects.
✅ You believe the architecture profession needs to adopt systems thinking to solve long-standing productivity and collaboration challenges.
📍 Show Links:* Connect with German on LinkedIn * Learn more about 0-60 * Learn more about Trimble
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How do we manage the rapid transformation of the AECO industry without losing the human systems that make the work possible?
In this first-ever live recording of Practice Disrupted, captured at the NASCC Steel Conference in Atlanta, Evelyn Lee is joined by Shelby Morris and Emily Schickner to discuss the "methods and mindsets" required to lead through industry-wide change. From the dramatic shift in the Atlanta real estate market, where zero new office buildings are currently under construction while billions are poured into data centers, the conversation explores how firms must adapt their business lines to remain relevant. The guests discuss how flexibility and a willingness to pivot are no longer just survival tactics but core operational strategies.
The episode delves into the nuances of communication, particularly how AI-generated renderings are shifting client expectations and the way architects articulate their value. Beyond technology, the discussion focuses on building a resilient firm culture through "co-creation" rather than top-down mandates. Shelby and Emily share insights on radical transparency in fees, the importance of intentional mentorship, and why viewing the entire AEC industry as a collaborative "family" is essential for raising the profession's standing.
This live discussion offers a rare look at how leadership happens in real-time during market volatility. By focusing on the intersection of market data and human capital, Shelby and Emily provide a roadmap for firms to move beyond traditional hierarchies toward a more integrated, transparent, and agile way of working.
"It's the family culture and environment that should spread across our entire AEC industry because we absolutely are all in this together and we all must support each other to continue being the profession that needs to be respected in the way that it needs to be." - Shelby Morris
This episode is a masterclass in leading with transparency and empathy. Shelby and Emily emphasize that while the technical requirements of the job will always evolve, the business of architecture is, at its heart, a people business built on trust and shared values
Guest:Shelby Morris is the Co-Managing Director of Gensler’s Atlanta office and a former AIA Atlanta president. He has led over $3 billion in transformational projects across the Southeast and is a leading voice on office management, market adaptation, and firm-wide diversification.
Emily Schickner is a Principal at Harrison Design, the firm’s first female principal, and the past president of AIA Atlanta. She serves as the chair of AIA’s 2025 Women's Leadership Summit and is a sought-after voice on mental health, mentorship, and equity within the profession.
This episode is especially for you if:✅ You are curious about how large and small firms are shifting their business models to meet new market demands like data centers and retail.
✅ You want to learn strategies for communicating the value of architectural expertise when clients arrive with AI-generated renderings.
✅ You are interested in implementing "reverse mentorship" and structured development programs to retain the next generation of talent.
✅ You struggle with the transition from being a technical expert to being a leader focused on HR, finance, and relationship management.
✅ You want to understand the difference between hiring for "culture fit" versus "culture ad" to build a more diverse and agile practice.
What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.
📍 Show Links:* Learn more about Gensler * Learn more about Harrison Design * Learn more about AISC * Learn more about NASCC * Connect with Shelby on LinkedIn * Connect with Emily on LinkedIn
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Why does the architecture profession’s investment in human capital development still lag so far behind its investment in technology and tools?
In this episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee is joined by Laura Weiss, an architect who stepped away from traditional practice thirty years ago to focus on the human systems that make design possible. With a decade-long tenure at IDEO as a practice director and associate partner, where she co-led the original service design practice, and experience as a principal at Korn Ferry, Laura brings a precise, unsentimental perspective to the profession. Now an ICF-certified coach and mediator returning to teach at Yale, she explores why the quality of the conversations we have is the ultimate determinant of a firm's success.
The conversation centers on Laura’s framework of the "five conversations" essential for the growth of people, firms, and projects. She breaks down the mechanics of why feedback often collapses in creative organizations and why conflict avoidance is a "leadership strategy" that inevitably leads to higher long-term costs. Laura challenges the industry to rethink its approach to leadership, moving away from the "worker bee" mentality toward a more holistic understanding of agency and influence within the "spider web" of organizational systems.
"Organizations or systems are like spider webs. You touch one part of it and the whole thing can move. So anyone that thinks, 'I'm just a worker bee,' think a little bit more creatively. If you lean into your own personal sense of power and agency, it will come." - Laura Weiss
This episode is a masterclass in the "soft" systems that drive "hard" results. Laura provides a roadmap for architects to reclaim their power, navigate the discomfort of difficult feedback, and build a more resilient professional culture. Whether you are a firm leader looking to evolve your leadership style or a young professional seeking to understand your own influence, this discussion offers a framework for navigating the complex human dynamics of practice.
Guest:Laura Weiss is an architect, leadership coach, and facilitator. She spent a decade at IDEO as a Practice Director and Associate Partner, where she helped pioneer the service design practice. She has served as a Principal at Korn Ferry and is currently an ICF-certified coach and mediator. Laura is also a member of the faculty at the Yale School of Architecture, where she teaches on leadership and organizational development.
This episode is especially for you if:✅ You want to understand why conflict avoidance in leadership is a strategy that always costs more than it saves.
✅ You are curious about why feedback systems often fail in creative environments and how to fix them.
✅ You are interested in the "five conversations" framework for fostering growth in people, firms, and projects.
✅ You want to learn how to view your firm as a "spider web" of influence where every individual has agency.
✅ You are looking for ways to elevate the profession's investment in human capital to match its investment in technology.
What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.
📍 Show Links:* Learn more about Laura on her website * Connect with Laura on LinkedIn * Listen to the previous Practice Disrupted episode with Laura
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If workplace culture is failing, are we brave enough to use Gen Z as the prototype for what comes next?
In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Amanda Schneider, the founder and president of ThinkLab, joins host Evelyn Lee to discuss her transition from a "designer by degree" to a leading researcher in the built environment. As the author of the upcoming book Work for What’s Next, Amanda explores the uncomfortable truth that current workplace structures are struggling to keep up with the shifting expectations of the modern workforce. She shares insights from her viral research into Gen Z, explaining how this generation is not a "problem to manage," but a vital signal for the digital-first evolution that the architecture and design industry must undergo to remain relevant.
The conversation delves into the "trust gap" currently widening between leadership and staff, and the specific role physical space plays in closing it. Amanda breaks down the findings from ThinkLab’s latest research, challenging architects and designers to think beyond traditional ROI and consider how physical environments can foster psychological safety and authentic connection. She discusses the friction between "analog natives" and "digital natives," offering a roadmap for firms to move beyond describing industry problems and toward building a culture that prioritizes people as much as projects.
"Workplace culture is failing. Gen Z can see why. And if we're willing to use them as a prototype rather than a problem, they show us exactly where the profession needs to go." - Amanda Schneider
Beyond generational shifts, Amanda and Evelyn discuss the business of research itself and the importance of data in shaping the future of practice. From her journey of building and selling a company to her current focus on the "trust survey," Amanda emphasizes that the future of the profession belongs to those who can bridge the gap between digital-first thinking and the irreplaceable value of physical space.
Guest:Amanda Schneider is the founder and president of ThinkLab, a premier market research company wholly focused on the built environment (now a part of Sandow). A designer, journalist, and researcher, her work on Gen Z and workplace culture has been featured in Forbes, MIT Sloan Management Review, and a TEDx talk with over half a million views. Her book, Work for What’s Next, focuses on the evolution of professional culture.
This episode is especially for you if:✅You want to understand why Gen Z is the "prototype" for the future of work rather than just a generational trend.
✅You are a firm leader interested in closing the "trust gap" within your organization.
✅You are an "analog native" looking for strategies to pivot toward a digital-first mindset in a design practice.
✅You are curious about the evolving ROI of physical office space and how it impacts firm culture.
✅You want to hear how market research can be a catalyst for meaningful change in the architecture and design industry.
What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.
📍 Show Links:* Learn more about ThinkLab * Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn * Order Work for What’s Next * Join in their latest research by taking this survey * Listen to Amanda’s podcast * Watch Amanda’s TED Talk
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How much of what architects claim they value actually shows up in how they practice, especially when it comes to community engagement?
In this episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee is joined by the leadership team from Architects Fora: Leah Alissa Bayer (President), Kate Conley and Sarah Vaccaro (Principals), and Nicole Little (Community Engagement Lead). Together, they pull back the curtain on how their firm successfully transitioned community engagement from a nebulous, often pro-bono "extra" into a structured, billable service called Engage Fora. Nicole, whose dual background in architecture and urban planning drives this initiative, shares how she leveraged the firm’s unique 20% research-and-passion-time policy to build a full-service practice area that bridges the gap between design and the people it serves.
The conversation explores the internal mechanics of a firm that prioritizes "slow-burn" hiring and deep value alignment. Leah, Kate, and Sarah discuss the intentionality behind their remote-first structure and how they empower staff to pursue professional convictions that move the needle for the entire industry. Nicole reflects on her personal history, growing up in housing that actively harmed her family’s health, and how that experience became the professional catalyst for ensuring that community voices are not just heard, but are fundamentally integrated into the architectural process through a sustainable business model.
"I think our role as young professionals is to bring in that fresh new perspective. To be disruptive and change the field for the better." - Nicole Little
This episode is a masterclass in aligning firm operations with personal and professional convictions. The team breaks down the logistical challenge of building a community engagement practice from the ground up, including how to define its value to clients who may be used to traditional, top-down delivery methods. Whether you are a firm leader looking to restructure your internal research time or a young architect wondering how to bring your social justice passions into a corporate environment, this discussion provides a tangible framework for creating a practice that is both disruptive and highly effective.
Guests:Leah Alissa Bayer is the President of Architects Fora, a fully remote, women-led firm. She is a dedicated advocate for business innovation and equity within the profession, focusing on how firm structures can better support diverse talent and restorative design.
Kate Conley and Sarah Vaccaro are Principals at Architects Fora, where they lead complex housing and community-focused projects. They are instrumental in fostering a firm culture that balances rigorous project delivery with a commitment to internal research and professional growth.
Nicole Little is the Community Engagement Lead at Architects Fora. With dual master's degrees in Architecture and Urban Planning, she spearheads "Engage Fora," a practice area dedicated to deep, systematic community involvement in the design process.
This episode is especially for you if:✅ You want to move beyond "check-the-box" community engagement and learn how to build it into a billable service.
✅ You are interested in firm models that dedicate a percentage of staff time to research, pro-bono work, and professional passions.
✅ You are a young professional with a dual-degree background looking for ways to integrate multiple disciplines into a single career path.
✅ You want to understand how to align your personal values with the project work and operations of your firm.
✅ You are curious about how a remote-first office can foster a deep sense of community and collaborative leadership.
What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.
📍 Show Links:* Learn more about Architects FORA * Explore Engage FORA * Connect with Leah Alissa Bayer on LinkedIn * Connect with Kate Conley on LinkedIn * Connect with Sarah Vaccaro on LinkedIn * Connect with Nicole Little on LinkedIn * Listen to the previous episode featuring Architects FORA * Listen to the previous episode featuring Leah Alissa Bayer
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What happens when an architect’s greatest professional success is making themselves completely irrelevant to their own firm?
In this episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee is joined by William H Dodge, founder and design principal at p-u-b-l-i-k, whose career trajectory defies every standard industry norm. From moving to the island nation of Malta at 19 to escape the perceived threat of Y2K to starting as a janitor at NC State Libraries, William’s path to leadership was anything but linear. He shares the remarkable story of how he helped transform Hanbury’s North Carolina office from a two-person operation into a powerhouse of 49 employees managing $2.5 billion in projects, only to walk away once he realized the systems he built had made his daily presence unnecessary.
The conversation explores William’s unique philosophy on growth, talent acquisition, and firm culture. He reflects on the "49 hires in 49 months" period, explaining why he prioritized hiring for potential and culture over specific architectural credentials. William discusses the audacity of taking on high-stakes wayfinding projects for university chancellors while working as a janitor and how that "outsider" perspective allowed him to see opportunities where traditional practitioners saw barriers. He challenges the rigid structures of the profession, advocating for a model of leadership that focuses on empowering others to take over the reins.
"I don't hire for the portfolio. I hire for the person. You can teach someone how to use the software, but you can't teach them how to care about the work." - William Dodge
This episode is a masterclass in building a practice that thrives on adaptability and intentionality. William breaks down why he chose to leave a major firm at the height of its success to start p-u-b-l-i-k, a design studio focused on high-impact community projects. Whether you are an aspiring architect looking for an alternative career path or a firm leader struggling with succession planning and scale, William’s journey offers a provocative roadmap for reclaiming the "creative" in the business of architecture.
Guest:William H Dodge is the founder and design principal at p-u-b-l-i-k. A self-described "non-architect" who has led some of the most successful design teams in the country, William specializes in large-scale institutional projects and urban wayfinding. His career includes a tenure as a principal at Hanbury, where he spearheaded massive regional growth before pivoting to found his own mission-driven studio.
This episode is especially for you if:✅ You feel stuck in a traditional career path and want to hear how an unconventional background can lead to the top of the profession.
✅ You are interested in the logistics and mindset required to scale a firm office from 2 to 49 people in just four years.
✅ You want to understand the philosophy of "leadership through redundancy" and how to build a firm that doesn't rely on your constant oversight.
✅ You are a student or recent graduate seeking advice on how to prioritize learning and happiness over "checking the right boxes."
✅ You are curious about how a background in wayfinding and system design can be applied to large-scale architectural projects.
What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.
📍 Show Links:* Connect with William on LinkedIn * Follow William on Instagram * Learn more about p-u-b-l-i-k * Learn more about a gang of three * Learn more about the vernon pratt project * Read William’s Fast Company article
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Are architects going to figure out startups first, or will startups figure out architecture first?
In this episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee is joined by Bryan Boyer, founding director of the Bachelor of Science in Urban Technology at the University of Michigan's Taubman College and Faculty Director of the University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit, and Larry Fabbroni, architect and innovator, to discuss the critical crossroads facing the built environment. With roughly 165 companies currently vying to sell technology into the AECO supply chain, Bryan and Larry explore the innovation gap in an industry that remains significantly under-innovated compared to analogous sectors. They advocate for a radical shift in architectural education and practice, one that equips architects with the entrepreneurial vocabulary and venture design skills needed to lead the companies of the future.
The conversation delves into the rise of Urban Technology and why it is essential for architects to understand the startup and capital landscape. Bryan shares the mission behind his first-of-its-kind degree program, which prepares students to manage the complexity of cities through a lens of product and service design, and explains how that work has evolved into a new master's degree program launching through UMCI, a $250 million innovation hub opening in downtown Detroit in fall 2027. Larry discusses the intimidation many architects feel when entering the startup world and the importance of providing them with the resources to move from passive employees of tech companies to founders and leaders who actually define how our built environment is delivered.
"The fastest moving teams are gonna be the ones who have individuals with those deep knowledge expertise, who have the knowledge across the domains and can collaborate with each other faster and better." - Larry Fabbroni
This episode is a deep dive into the tension between traditional practice and the rapid influx of venture-backed technology. Brian and Larry break down the mechanics of the "professional intensive" they are building to bridge the gap between design thinking and business innovation. Whether you are curious about the intersection of cities and technology or looking to bring a more entrepreneurial mindset to your own career, this discussion offers a roadmap for architects to reclaim their seat at the head of the table in the digital age.
Guests:Brian Boyer is the founding director of the Bachelor of Science in Urban Technology at the University of Michigan's Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning and Faculty Director of the University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit (UMCI), a $250 million initiative bringing multidisciplinary graduate education and workforce development to downtown Detroit. A designer and educator with a background in strategic design and urban informatics, Bryan has spent his career exploring how technology and design can be leveraged to improve the quality of urban life and governance.
Larry Fabbroni is an architect with over two decades in practice. He formerly led master planning projects at Ehrenkrantz Eckstut & Kuhn Architects and Strada Architecture, working on some of the largest development projects in the U.S. Today, he serves as a consultant specializing in strategic pre-development services and as CIO for the Practice of Architecture. Larry earned his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, where he focused on entrepreneurship and strategy.
This episode is especially for you if:✅ You are curious about the "Urban Tech" landscape and why it is a critical new frontier for architectural practice.
✅ You want to understand why the housing sector is considered "10 times under-innovated" and how architects can change that.
✅ You are interested in how architecture schools are evolving to teach venture design and entrepreneurial leadership.
✅ You are an architect looking to expand your professional vocabulary to include startups, scale-ups, and venture capital.
✅ You want to hear a strategic perspective on whether architects will lead the next generation of tech companies or simply work for them.
What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.
📍 Show Links:* Learn more about Bryan on his Website * Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn * Connect with Larry on LinkedIn * Connect with Evelyn on LinkedIn * Register your interest in the course * Listen to the previous episode with Brian
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Why does the architecture profession have a technology adoption problem that has almost nothing to do with technology?
This week on Practice Disrupted, Evelyn sits down with Melvin Williams III, a Digital Practice Leader at HKS, to explore the underlying machinery of firm transformation. Melvin shares his unconventional path from being a trainee at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, where he first viewed architecture as a single component within a massive operational system, to founding his own consulting firm and eventually leading digital strategy at one of the world’s largest architecture practices. Together, they discuss why the real barrier to innovation isn't the software we use, but the leadership and culture required to sustain it.
The conversation dives deep into the "messy" reality of digital transformation. Melvin reflects on his years as a consultant at Microdesk, where he observed that while firms are often fluent in project execution, they struggle with the "bridge building" needed to evolve their business models. He challenges the industry's historical reliance on 2D artifact production and explains why technology should be viewed as operational leverage rather than just an overhead expense. By shifting the focus from BIM libraries to system-level thinking, Melvin illustrates how firms can move past the "horse and buggy" mentality to embrace a more integrated, data-driven future.
"Architecture can't really remain centered on artifact production. It has to evolve towards system level thinking about delivery. And when you do that, you start to see that the advantage is going to belong to firms that can design both buildings and the mechanisms by which those buildings are delivered. And that's digital practice, right?" - Melvin Williams III
This episode is an essential look at the soft skills required to drive hard changes in AEC. Melvin shares the hard-earned lessons from his own entrepreneurial journey, including the importance of "failing fast", and how those experiences shaped his approach to mentoring leadership on tech adoption. Whether you are a firm leader trying to justify a technology budget or a technologist looking to move from the "help desk" to the board room, this discussion provides a roadmap for building the organizational clarity that makes adoption actually stick.
Guest:Melvin Williams III is a Digital Practice Leader at HKS, where he focuses on building the internal culture and systems necessary for true digital transformation. With a career spanning the Port Authority of NY and NJ, his own consulting practice, and years as a specialist at Microdesk, Melvin brings a systems-design perspective to the architecture profession. He is a dedicated advocate for rethinking how technology can strategically align and empower architecture firms.
This episode is especially for you if:✅ You are a firm leader struggling to move beyond "traditional" workflows and want to understand the cultural barriers to tech adoption.
✅ You are a technologist who feels like "overhead" and wants to learn how to communicate your value as a strategic business partner.
✅ You are curious about the difference between project execution and systems design in a large-scale practice.
✅ You want to hear an honest perspective on why many digital transformation efforts fail when the "third-party" consultants leave.
✅ You are interested in how early career exposure to infrastructure and government agencies can reshape a designer's understanding of buildings.
What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.
📍 Show Links:1. Learn more about HKS 2. Connect with Melvin on LinkedIn
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How can architects move beyond the traditional service model and embrace a future where they build products instead of just selling hours?
In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee is joined by Larry Sass, a Professor of Architecture at MIT and lead of the Design Fabrication Group. Larry reflects on a 30-year journey that began with a desire to remain in traditional practice but shifted when he realized the industry’s initial resistance to digital tools. Today, he is a leading voice in digital fabrication and 3D printing, advocating for a radical shift in how architects are trained and how they operate in a world increasingly defined by technology, automation, and the need for new business models.
The conversation explores Larry’s conviction that the architecture profession is at a crossroads. He discusses the friction between the slow-moving "service" model of architecture and the fast-paced world of digital innovation. Larry introduces the concept of the "third practice", a path where architects use their design expertise to create software, products, or new fabrication methods rather than simply billing for time. He shares insights from his work at MIT, including the DesignX program, which encourages students to approach architecture with an entrepreneurial mindset to solve industry-wide problems.
"Try and figure out how to teach people how to start new businesses around the industry of architecture. Reinvent it and rethink it." - Larry Sass
This episode is a masterclass in rethinking the value of an architectural education. Larry breaks down why the industry has struggled to fully adopt digital fabrication and what it will take for the next generation to reclaim their role as innovators. From the limitations of current BIM tools to the potential for 3D printing to revolutionize housing, Larry’s perspective challenges the traditional boundaries of the profession and offers a roadmap for those looking to disrupt the status quo from both inside and outside academia.
Guest:Larry Sass is a professor of architecture at MIT, where he leads the Design Fabrication Group. With a PhD from MIT and decades of experience in both academia and practice, his research focuses on the intersection of computing and construction. He is dedicated to exploring how 3D printing and digital fabrication can lead to new forms of architectural practice and more efficient housing production.
This episode is especially for you if:
✅ You are curious about the "Third Practice" and how architects can pivot toward product-based or entrepreneurial business models.
✅ You want to understand why digital fabrication has not yet fully disrupted traditional architectural practice as once predicted.
✅ You are an educator or student looking for ways to integrate business ideation and entrepreneurship into the architecture curriculum.
✅ You are interested in the future of 3D printing and its potential to address global housing needs through "printed" architecture.
✅ You want to hear from a veteran of MIT who has spent 30 years bridging the gap between high-tech research and the reality of the profession.
What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.
📍 Show Links:1. Learn more aboutLarry Sass 2. Explore the MIT DesignX Program 3. Connect with Larry on LinkedIn 4. Follow Larry on Instagram
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What does it look like when a firm stops just talking about diversity and starts building a tangible pathway for the next generation of architects?
In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee is joined by Leah Alissa Bayer, founding principal of Architects Fora, and Gabriella Vaz de Freitas, the firm’s Technology Lead and a former recipient of the "FORAship." Leah shares how her fully remote, women-owned firm moved beyond industry-wide conversations about the "pipeline problem" to create a structured, year-long scholarship and internship program. Gabriella, who moved from São Paulo to California, provides a firsthand account of how the program’s financial support and intentional mentorship allowed her to transition from a student to a leader in AI-enabled design and firm technology.
The conversation explores the mechanics of the FORAship, an immersive experience designed specifically for underrepresented students. Unlike traditional internships, this program integrates students into business management conversations and specialty research, ensuring they have a seat at the table from day one. Leah discusses the strategic advantage of investing in international students and entry-level talent, while Gabriella explains how she leveraged her role to spearhead the firm’s adoption of generative design tools and new visualization workflows.
"Our profession is only as strong as those that are coming into it after us. And it's our job to make the space and support system for that to happen." - Leah Alissa Bayer
Beyond the logistics of the scholarship, the episode delves into the benefits of a fully remote practice for mentorship and firm culture. Leah shares her "five-year goal" of creating a cohort of small firms to rotate internships, making the process more manageable for employers and more impactful for students. For those navigating the transition to practice, especially international students requiring visa sponsorship, Gabriella’s journey offers a roadmap for finding firms whose missions truly align with their personal and professional values.
Guests:Leah Alissa Bayer, AIA, NOMA, NCARB is a founding principal of Architects Fora, a fully remote, women-owned firm focused almost exclusively on affordable and restorative housing design. A former local AIA component president, she is dedicated to creating better work environments where diverse populations can succeed.
Gabriella Vaz de Freitas is the Technology Lead at Architects Fora and a former Fora Ship recipient. Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, she graduated from Cal Poly and now specializes in AI-enabled design processes, graphic communication, and the implementation of generative tools.
This episode is especially for you if:
✅ You are tired of "token gestures" and want to see how a small firm can build a legitimate program around equity and belonging.
✅ You want to understand the logistics of running a combined scholarship and paid internship program.
✅ You are an international student seeking advice on finding firms that support non-U.S. citizen applicants and visa sponsorship.
✅ You are curious about how to manage and mentor entry-level staff effectively in a fully remote environment.
✅ You want to hear how a new graduate can lead technology research and AI implementation within a firm.
What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.
📍 Show Links:1. Learn more aboutArchitects Fora 2. Learn more aboutFORAship 3. Connect with Leah Elizabeth on LinkedIn 4. Connect with Gabriella on LinkedIn 5. Listen to the previous Practice Disrupted episode with Leah
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How can better business systems protect your firm's profitability, and your sanity?
In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee is joined by Darguin Fortuna, founding principal of Flow Design Architects and chair of the AIA Small Firm Exchange. Darguin shares his incredible journey from moving to the United States from the Dominican Republic in 2010, learning English while working night shifts at Wendy's, to passing all six ARE exams in just over a year and earning his license the same day his daughter was born.
Darguin's frustration with traditional architecture practice didn't stem solely from long hours; it also stemmed from the lack of transparency around business operations, the constant scope creep, and the inability to establish a healthy work-life balance. Determined to build something different, he and his partner, Marcos Severino, founded Flow with rigorous systems designed to protect profitability and empower their staff. They share how they categorize their services into three distinct levels, Ionic, Doric, and Corinthian, charge for initial consultations, and use a fictional office manager to handle difficult financial conversations.
"Every line is a source of good, and it's worth money. If I draw a map to a treasure that has billions of dollars of gold, how much is that map worth? You can't get the gold without the map." - Darguin Fortuna
This episode is a masterclass in treating an architecture firm as a business first. Darguin explains his obsessive focus on process, from recording client meetings and creating standard email templates to building a vast library of internal training videos that enable the firm to run autonomously. Whether you are a firm owner struggling with profitability or a young architect looking to carve your own path, Darguin's story is a powerful reminder that you have the agency to design a career and a life on your own terms.
Guest:Darguin Fortuna is the founding principal of Flow Design Architects in Salem, Massachusetts, and the first Dominican-born recipient of the AIA Young Architect Award. After immigrating to the U.S. and completing his architecture degree at the Boston Architectural College, Darguin became licensed and quickly recognized the flaws in traditional practice models. At Flow, he has pioneered highly systematic, business-first approaches to architecture, focusing on profitability, clear client communication, and robust internal training. He is also an entrepreneur with ventures in short-term rentals and childcare.
This episode is especially for you if:
✅ You are tired of scope creep and want to learn how to ensure you are paid for every service you provide.
✅ You want to understand how to implement tiered service offerings (like Flow's Ionic, Doric, and Corinthian models) to manage client expectations.
✅ You struggle with setting boundaries with clients and want strategies for maintaining work-life balance.
✅ You are interested in how to build internal training systems (SOPs) so your firm can operate without your constant oversight.
✅ You want to hear an inspiring story of resilience, entrepreneurship, and carving out a unique path in the architecture profession.
What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.
📍 Show Links:1. Learn more about Flow Design Architects 2. Connect with Flow Design Architects on LinkedIn 3. Connect with Darguin on LinkedIn
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Can You Be an Architect, a Tech Marketer, and a Business Owner All at Once?
In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Joann Lui, an architect-turned-entrepreneur who is redefining what a career in architecture can look like. Joann shares her journey from traditional practice at Gensler to content marketing for tech startups like Monograph and Testfit, and reveals her latest venture: co-founding OIKA, a matcha company that has become the largest matcha refinery in the United States.
Joann opens up about her early realization that she never wanted to start her own architecture firm, a decision that freed her to explore other passions. She discusses how she applies her architectural mindset to designing cafes and building businesses, treating each venture as a design problem to be solved. The conversation dives into the challenges of opening a brick-and-mortar business, from navigating permits and renovations to learning entirely new operational systems on the fly.
"I don't think there is a work life balance. I'm always working, but I really do love it. Burnout comes when you're doing work that's not aligned with your values." - Joann Lui
Evelyn and Joann also explore the concept of a "portfolio career", discussing how Joann balances her multiple roles, from leading the Women Architects Collective to consulting on content marketing, without succumbing to burnout. Whether you are interested in entrepreneurship, side hustles, or simply curious about how architectural skills translate to other industries, this episode offers an inspiring look at building a career on your own terms.
Guest:Joann Lui is an architect, content marketer, and entrepreneur. After spending over a decade in traditional architecture practice, she pivoted to the tech world, leading marketing for startups such as Monograph and Testfit. She is the founder of the Women Architects Collective, a community of over 5,000 members, and the co-founder of OIKA, a single-origin matcha company based in New Jersey.
This episode is especially for you if:
✅ You are an architect interested in entrepreneurship or starting a business outside of traditional practice.
✅ You want to learn about "portfolio careers" and how to balance multiple professional passions.
✅ You are curious about the intersection of design, branding, and brick-and-mortar business operations.
✅ You are looking for inspiration on how to leverage your architectural skills in new industries like tech or retail.
What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.
📍 Show Links:1. Learn more about OIKA 2. Learn more about Joann Lui 3. Connect with Joann on LinkedIn
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Can a 60-Second video change who enters the architecture profession?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Gabriella Bermea, a Senior Associate at Perkins Eastman and the voice behind the growing social media platform "Architect Big Sis." Together, they explore the power of storytelling outside traditional portfolios, discussing how short-form video and personal narrative can demystify the profession for the next generation.
Gabriella shares her journey as a "border kid" from Eagle Pass, Texas, where careers were often inherited rather than discovered. She opens up about the resilience required to navigate architecture school and licensure, revealing she took 16 ARE exams (failing 10) before becoming the first in her class to get licensed. Now, she uses those experiences to create content that answers the questions she had as a student, offering a transparent look at salaries, career progression, and the reality of studio culture.
"If your best people are afraid to speak, you're not protecting that professionalism, you're just protecting your control over them." - Gabriella Bermea
The conversation also addresses the business side of content creation. Gabriella explains why metrics like "saves" and "shares" are more valuable than views, and why firms should view employee advocacy as an asset rather than a liability. Whether you are a student looking for guidance or a firm leader navigating the creator economy, this episode challenges the industry to stop hiding behind polished images and start sharing the unfiltered truth.
Guest:Gabriella Bermea is a Senior Associate at Perkins Eastman and a 2024 AIA Young Architects Award recipient. Growing up on the Texas-Mexico border, she didn't know what an architect was until high school. Today, she is a recognized "trend disruptor" and advocate for equity in the profession, using her social media presence to mentor students and emerging professionals globally.
This episode is especially for you if:
✅ You are an emerging professional or student looking for honest advice on exams, salaries, and career growth.
✅ You are interested in starting a social media channel but struggle with perfectionism or fear of criticism.
✅ You are a firm leader trying to understand how to support employees who want to build personal brands.
✅ You want to learn how to use digital storytelling to reach a broader, more diverse audience. ✅ You are curious about the metrics that actually matter when building a community online.
What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.
📍 Show Links:1. Connect with Gabriella on LinkedIn 2. Follow Gabriella on Instagram 3. Learn more about Perkins Eastman
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How Can Architects Ditch the 'Starving Artist' Mentality and Design a More Profitable Future?
To kick off Season 12 of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee returns from her term as AIA President with a special episode, turning the tables to be interviewed by Tyler Suomala, founder of Growthitect. In this candid conversation, they reflect on Evelyn's year of travel and leadership, discussing the often unseen advocacy work of the AIA and the disconnect between national efforts and local members' perceptions.
Evelyn and Tyler examine the core challenges facing the architecture profession, particularly the limitations of the traditional fee-for-service business model. They argue that the industry's "starving artist" mentality and reliance on slim margins are hindering innovation and the ability to offer competitive benefits such as parental leave. The discussion explores practical ways architects can capture more value, from rethinking "pre-design" and "post-occupancy" services to exploring subscription models for long-term building maintenance.
"You don't build your business first and then your life second. You have to build a business around the life that you want." - Tyler Suomala
Both leaders emphasize that transformation starts at the individual level. They challenge listeners to stop waiting for permission or industry-wide change and instead take ownership of their careers by raising fees, embracing new skills like sales and marketing, and carving out dedicated time for strategic thinking. Whether you are a firm owner or an emerging professional, this episode offers a roadmap for building a more sustainable, profitable, and human-centric practice.
Guest:Tyler Suomala is the founder of Growthitect, where he helps architects and designers master sales, marketing, and business development. After starting his own design studio early in his career and realizing the gaps in his business knowledge, Tyler pivoted to learn these essential skills in other industries. He is now dedicated to bringing those lessons back to the architecture profession, helping firm owners escape the "feast or famine" cycle and build thriving businesses.
Is This Episode for You?This episode is for you if:
✅ You are frustrated by the "starving artist" narrative in architecture and want to build a more profitable business.
✅ You are curious about alternative business models, such as subscription services or productizing your expertise.
✅ You want to understand the value of national advocacy and professional organizations like the AIA.
✅ You are looking for strategies to balance design excellence with business operations and personal well-being.
✅ You are ready to stop waiting for the industry to change and start making moves in your own career today.
What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.
📍 Show Links:1. Connect with Tyler on LinkedIn 2. Follow with Tyler on Instagram 3. Learn more about Growthitect
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How can technology, innovation, and sustainable practices transform the architecture, engineering, and construction industry?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, I chat with Dave Lemont, the past CEO of Revit and the Executive Chairman of Acelab with over 30 years of experience in high-tech startup companies. In our conversation, Dave shares his invaluable insights on scaling software companies, revolutionizing the architecture industry, and the massive potential in the future of digital tools.
First, Dave discusses how his passion for photography and architecture influenced his career path. He also highlights how his entrepreneurial mindset and desire to innovate the industry immensely helped him grow and lead his companies. Dave's expertise lies in identifying product-market fit and creating solutions that address broader market needs rather than niche segments.
As the executive chairman of Acelab, Dave is dedicated to revolutionizing material management in the AEC space, allowing architects to access sustainable building materials efficiently. He touches on the potential of these digital tools in architecture and explains why architects need to be engaged in the evolution of AI.
Architecture is an opportunity to do something for people in the world. Not all the software that I've managed or sold in my life had that potential impact. How this room feels affects me all day. Where you go to school, the efficiency of that building, and how our museums look or how we feel when we walk in – all of those things affect our lives. It's a privilege to be involved in technology that can make that more efficient. - Dave Lemont
To wrap up the episode, Dave shares his recommendations on building your pipeline and adjusting workflow to keep your business afloat amidst the ever-changing and often confusing landscape architects operate within. Dave also shares his perspective on bridging the gap between traditional architectural practices and digital innovation while advising young architects to use a grassroots approach to incorporate new technology into their companies.
Tune in next week for an episode about using people analytics to improve employee engagement.
Guest:
David Lemont
David Lemont is an accomplished business leader, go-to-market strategist, and advisor with over 30 years of experience in high-tech startup companies. David has extensive experience in SaaS business applications with keen expertise in construction tech. Helped five companies to successful exits to high-tech leaders such as Autodesk, Trimble, HP, Oracle, etc.
He is best known for his role as CEO of Revit; the predominant way buildings are designed in 3D today. Dave is currently the Executive Chairman of Acelab.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Dave on LinkedIn
Explore Acelab’s free specification workflow tools
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Episode 117: Towards an Equitable and Inclusive Future: LGBTQIA+ ArchitectsWhat would an equitable future for LGBTQIA+ people look like? What’s the role of architecture in designing an equitable future?
Expanding our equity, diversity, and inclusion series, episode 117 explores the perspectives of LGBTQIA+ architects and designers working to create a more equitable future for all. One of the earliest episodes in this series, “Voices from the Future of the Profession,” episode 016, was recorded in 2020. Since that recording date, a number of anti-LGBTQIA+ bills and legislation have been passed across the United States - risking protections against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. As architects and designers, we believe there is much more we can do to create safe and inclusive policies and spaces in the built environment and within our communities. We’ve invited leaders to share their stories and discuss what matters most in this moment of change.
Guest Moderator:
Dedicated to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and visibility of LGBTQIA+ architects, architecture adjacent, and design professionals, Sarah Nelson-Woynicz, AIA, is the Founder of Pride by Design. As a Project Architect with HKS, Inc in Atlanta, Georgia, Sarah’s professional practice focuses on commercial, mixed-use, and multi-family markets, while also amplifying and engaging in HKS’ justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion work. Sarah has served on the AIA Atlanta Board of Directors and currently serves at the AIA Young Architects Forum Advisory Committee, Community Director.
Guests:
Rajas Karnik is a Project Architect with over 20 years of varied project experience in urban design, transportation, commercial and residential buildings.
Raj grew up in India, where he was surrounded by a family of artists. As a child, he spent many days in his father's architecture office and felt it was his destiny to follow in his footsteps. He attended the Academy of Architecture in Mumbai, his father's alma mater, before moving to the United States to pursue his Master of Architecture at Texas A&M University. Raj believes a strong team drives a successful project. It's a combination of personality and communication, but mostly it's about respect. Architecture is one of the few professions where you are literally learning new every day—from different building parameters, to changing client needs and goals, and new consultant teams. He feels that you have to form personal relationships and learn from everyone, so treating everyone equally and with respect is most important.
Rajas is also the co-founder and Past President of Build Out Alliance, a non-profit organization that promotes and advocates for the LGBTQ+ community within the building design and construction industry. Through this group he helps create visibility for Out LGBTQ professionals and create a safe environment for them to celebrate who they are.
Beau Frail is a poet, artist, and architect. Beau is passionate about community-engaged design and advancing equity and justice, including within the LGBTQIA+ community. Beau has served on the Texas Society of Architects (TxA) Board of Directors, where he helped launch the EDI Committee, and on the AIA National Associates Committee. He helped start LGBTQIA+ Alliances at AIA Austin and AIA New York. Beau was honored with the 2020 TxA Presidential Citation and the 2018 AIA Austin Honor Award for Community Service. Beau was selected as a Next City Vanguard, an AIA Design Justice Fellow, and an Association for Community Design Fellow. While his poetry manuscript has been rejected by publishers many times, he remains steadfast and had the honor of being one of Rupi Kaur’s opening acts last year during her poetry world tour. He is a Project Architect at Fox Fox Studio and has his own consulting firm, Activate Architecture. He currently lives/works between Brooklyn, NY and Austin, TX.
K Kaczmarek is an interior designer who designs spaces by first considering the people who will interact with and use them. K works collaboratively with architects and built environment teams to create beautiful, barrier-free, inclusive spaces. As a member of the transgender and disabled communities, K is passionate about equitable design. They have a unique perspective on why spaces work well and which spaces could be improved to serve all potential users. K is particularly inspired by bold, vibrant interiors that promote thinking outside the box. Their recent project work has centered around designing with neurodiverse communities for inclusive workplaces, and conducting research about belongingness at work. Their proudest work is found in their research project, Designing Beyond the Binary, a critical study on the relationship between gender and the built environment. K works at Mithun, located in Seattle, WA.
📍 Learn more about the programs these leaders support:
Pride by Design
Build Out Alliance
AIA Austin's LGBTQIA Alliance
Designing Beyond the Binary
📚 Continue Learning:
Practice Disrupted Episode 016: Voices from the Future of the Profession
Related Links:
HKS, Inc
Gensler
Mithun
Active Architecture
Fox Fox Studio
Gay Poet
📍 Follow our Guests on Social:
Beau on Instagram
Sarah on Instagram
Designing Beyond the Binary
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Episode 078: Leading on Climate Action for a Positive FutureHow can architects address the challenge of global warming?
Planetary warming is one of the biggest disruptions of our time. In this special crossover episode focused on climate action, our friends from Design the Future podcast will join us to discuss the evolution of the sustainable design movement and where it is heading. What can architects do to be part of the solution?
The Design the Future podcast is hosted by Lindsay Baker and Kira Gould, two women working at the intersection of the built environment and climate change. Kira and Lindsay will share how they've seen architects leading on climate action, and where the opportunities exist for new leaders to join this work.
Guests:
Kira Gould is a writer, consultant, and convenor, working from multiple perspectives. As a writer and member of the design media, on staff at and as a consultant to firms, and as a volunteer leader at AIA, she has led the redefinition of design excellence as inclusive of climate action, health, and equity, and emphasized that human and leadership diversity is crucial to advancing all those goals. She is a member of the AIA Committee on the Environment's national Leadership Group. She is a Senior Fellow with Architecture 2030, and was named an Honorary Member of the AIA in 2022. She co-authored Women in Green: Voices of Sustainable Design with Lance Hosey (Ecotone, 2007).
As CEO of the International Living Future Institute, Lindsay Baker is the organization’s chief strategist, charged with delivering on its mission to lead the transformation toward a civilization that is socially just, culturally rich, and ecologically restorative. Lindsay is a climate entrepreneur, experienced in launching and growing innovative businesses. Her introduction to the green building movement began at the Southface Institute in Atlanta, where she interned before entering Oberlin College to earn a BA in Environmental Studies. She was one of the first 40 staff members at the U.S. Green Building Council, working to develop consensus about what the LEED rating system would become. She then earned an MS from the University of California at Berkeley in Architecture, with a focus on Building Science, and spent five years as a building science researcher at the UC Berkeley Center for the Built Environment. Lindsay applied her experience around the study of heat, light, and human interactions in buildings to a role with Google’s Green Team, and later co-founded a smart buildings start-up called Comfy, which grew over five years to 75 employees and a global portfolio of clients. She was the first Global Head of Sustainability and Impact at WeWork, where she built the corporate sustainability team and programs from scratch. Lindsay is a Senior Fellow at the Rocky Mountain Institute, and a lecturer at UC Berkeley. She serves on several non-profit boards, and is an advisor and board member for numerous climate tech startups.
📍 Show Links:
Kira Gould Connect
International Living Future Institute
Listen to Design the Future Podcast
📚 Continue Learning:
Architecture 2030
AIA Sustainability
The 2030 Commitment
Materials Pledge
AIA Resilience and Adaptation Certification Series
Framework for Design Excellence
U.S. Green Building Council
Rocky Mountain Institute
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Episode 113: 2023 AIA Gold Medal Award Winner Carol Ross BarneyWhat can we learn from 2023 AIA Gold Medal Award Winner Carol Ross Barney?
Join us this week as we speak with Carol Ross Barney, the 2023 AIA Gold Medal winner. Ryan Gann, a former employee of Carol's and one of her students, will be our facilitator. Get ready to be inspired by a unique conversation that only happens between two individuals who have a great deal of respect for each other and have worked together for many years.
Ryan and Carol's conversation is a fascinating exploration of the intersection between architecture and social justice. They discuss the importance of Equity + Representation in architecture, and how Carol has been a trailblazer in this area throughout her career. She shares stories about the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field, and how she overcame them with the help of other women who inspired and supported her along the way.
The conversation also touches on Purpose Driven Architecture, which is an approach that prioritizes the needs of people and communities over aesthetics or ego. Carol explains how this philosophy has guided her work, particularly in projects that serve marginalized communities. Finally, Ryan and Carol go beyond architecture to discuss how design can be used as a tool for social change.
They talk about the role of architects in addressing issues like climate change, affordable housing, and racial inequality, and how Carol's work has been driven by a desire to impact society positively. Overall, this conversation is a powerful reminder of the potential for architecture to be a force for good in the world, and of the importance of diversity and inclusion in the field.
It was a great privilege to sit back and listen to these two individuals. We hope that you will enjoy the change-up in the format of this episode and find it as insightful as we did.
Guests:
Carol Ross Barney, FAIA, HASLA has been in the vanguard of civic space design since founding Ross Barney Architects in 1981. With a career that spans nearly 50 years, Carol has made significant contributions to the built environment, the profession, and architectural education. From the early days in the United States Peace Corps planning National Parks in Costa Rica to recent collaborations with City Governments, Carol has relentlessly advocated that excellent design is a right, not a privilege. At the forefront for equity in the architectural profession, Carol has long sought to move beyond her gender as a contributing factor or hindrance to success. But it’s not enough just to blaze the trail, Carol continually teaches, mentors, and empowers young architects to contribute their ideas and designs to progress the profession.
Ryan Gann, AIA, NOMA an Architect and Design Strategist; helps clients become better versions of themselves through design, culture, and prosperity. This work expands beyond architecture and often sits at the intersection of engagement and facilitation, elevating community-centered voices through the built environment. Ryan is the recipient of the AIA Associates Award, Schiff Foundation Fellowship from the Art Institute of Chicago, was the inaugural Architect-in-Residence at the Hyde Park Art Center, and recently co-curated an exhibition with Carol at the Chicago Architecture Center titled ReCovered: Chicago's Urban Tree Canopy."
📍 Show Links:
Learn more about Ross Barney Architects
Meet Ryan Gann
📚 Continue Learning:
Learn about AIA Gold Medal Winner Carol Ross Barney
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Episode 068: 2022 AIA Whitney M. Young Jr. Honor Award Winners: RIDING THE VORTEXWhat lessons on architecture, practice, and change can we learn from AIA Whitney M. Young Jr. Honor Award Recipients Kathryn Prigmore, Kathy Dixon, Katherine Williams, and Melissa Daniel?
Named for civil rights leader Whitney M. Young Jr., the AIA Whitney M. Young Jr. Honor Award distinguishes an architect or architectural organization that embodies social responsibility and actively addresses a relevant issue, such as affordable housing, inclusiveness, or universal access. Architects and design leaders Kathryn Tyler Prigmore, FAIA; Kathy Denise Dixon, FAIA; Katherine Williams, AIA; and Melissa R. Daniel, Assoc. AIA are the winners of this year’s award for their leadership in advancing educational programming to support and increase the number of people of color licensed to practice architecture in the U.S.
According to the American Institute of Architects, “The number of practicing African-American architects had been a stagnant 2% in recent decades. In the early 1990s, there were just 1,800 licensed African-American architects in the country, and only 30 of them were women. As of the summer of 2021, those numbers have grown to 2,435 and 533, respectively, and VORTEX has been a major catalyst in the 254% growth in African-American women architects.”
This episode includes the stories of the VORTEX collaborators, as well as a candid discussion about their careers, what inspires them, and their work to build this program.
Guests:
Kathryn Prigmore, FAIA, NOMAC, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, CDT is an architect, educator, and design practice leader with an inimitable understanding of the dynamics that impact the management of firms from the perspective of an architect, academic, and regulator. She has over 40 years of design and management experience for award-winning architectural projects of a wide range of sizes, types and delivery methods executed for private and public clients within diverse practice environments. Her academic leadership includes teaching experience in sustainable design. As an award-winning strategic thinker and planner, she is also a leader in regulatory issues and professional ethics. Kathryn is skilled at growing staff into leaders.
Kathy Denise Dixon was born in Baltimore and grew up in Harford County, Maryland. She is a graduate of Howard University School of Architecture and attended UCLA matriculating with a Master's degree in Urban Planning in 1993. Kathy has been a licensed architect since 1998 and started the firm K Dixon Architecture, PLLC in 2003. She acquired legacy firm Walton Madden Cooper Robinson Poness in 2016. Kathy is a past president of the National Organization of Minority Architects and was elevated to Fellow in the American Institute of Architects in 2017. She is also the co-author of the book titled “The Business of Architecture: Your Guide to a Financially Successful Firm” published in December 2017.
Katherine Williams, AIA, NOMA, LEED AP is a licensed architect in Northern Virginia and currently a Senior Project Manager at a DC university. Her career path includes work in traditional architecture firms, community development, and managing commercial construction for a general contractor. Katherine has written extensively about the architecture profession, diversity in the industry, and community development. She has served as editor for multiple publications and was the NOMA magazine editor from 2009-2014. She writes at katherinerw.com and is publisher/editor for archstories.com.
Melissa R. Daniel is an architectural designer in Maryland, and the creator and host of the Architecture is Political, a podcast where Black and Brown folks have a conversation about architecture. She served as executive co-chair of the 2017 AIA Women’s Leadership Summit, and was a recipient of a 2018 AIA Associates Award.
📍 Show Links:
- RIDING THE VORTEX - AIA
- Black Women in Architecture Network (Show your support through a financial contribution that will help support their initiatives!)
- Kathryn Prigmore
- K Dixon Architecture
- Katherine Williams
- Melissa R Daniel
- Follow Melissa on Twitter
📚 Continue Learning:
- ‘I Was the 14th African-American Woman Architect in the U.S.’ — by George (georgetowndcblog.com)
- 'Accelerating Success: Kathryn Tyler Prigmore on Mentoring and Volunteering for Impact' — Madame Architect
- Arch Stories, A collection of stories from architects.
- The Desiree V. Cooper (DVC) Memorial Scholarship
- Architecture is Political
- The National Organization of Minority Architects
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How can the next generation of architects lead us toward a more human profession?In a special episode marking the end of her term as AIA President, Evelyn Lee hosts a candid conversation about the future of architectural leadership with two emerging voices: Gilberto Lozada Baez, the 69th president of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), and Jordan Luther, the immediate past president of AIAS and the student director on the AIA board.
Together, they explore leadership not as a title, but as an evolving journey shaped by mentorship, empathy, and the courage to step into uncomfortable spaces. Gilberto and Jordan share their personal paths from introverted students to national leaders, emphasizing how community support and "shoulder tapping" empowered them to find their voices. The discussion tackles the realities of entering the profession today, from navigating post-pandemic work cultures to advocating for mental health and livable wages, and debunks common misconceptions about Gen Z in the workplace.
Evelyn, Gilberto, and Jordan also dive into the necessity of difficult conversations for growth, the power of authenticity in leadership, and why the profession must burst its "bubble" to become more interdisciplinary and human-centric. They envision a future where architects are seen as systems thinkers and problem solvers, leveraging technology like AI not to replace their work, but to enhance their ability to focus on high-impact, creative solutions.
"There's already so many exciting initiatives out there on community design, on how we're collaborating with others and bringing them into the profession. I just think it needs to settle. And I really hope to see that. I think the future of architecture is a little more human." - Gilberto Lozada Baez
This episode concludes with a shared hope for a profession that values its people as much as its projects, a profession where equity, diverse representation, and sustainable business models allow architects to thrive both in their work and their lives. It is a powerful reminder that the next generation isn't just inheriting the future of architecture; they are actively rewriting it with creativity, resilience, and heart.
GuestsGilberto Lozada Baez is a Mexican architect and the 69th President of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS). His work explores architecture as a process honoring ecological and cultural dynamics. His leadership spans roles in AIAS, ACSA, and the AIA Strategic Council, with a commitment to collaboration across borders.
Jordan Luther is an aspiring architect and medical planner at GBBN. She is the immediate past president of AIAS and serves as the student director on the AIA board. Her work bridges design, psychology, and neuroscience, focusing on wellbeing, research, and trauma-informed design.
Is This Episode for You?This episode is for you if:
✅ You are an emerging professional or student navigating the transition from school to practice.
✅ You are a firm leader wanting to understand the values and expectations of the next generation.
✅ You are interested in leadership development and how introverts can thrive in public roles.
✅ You believe in a more human-centric, interdisciplinary, and equitable future for architecture.
✅ You want to learn how to have difficult conversations that lead to positive change in your firm or organization.
What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.
📍 Show Links: Connect with Gilberto on LinkedIn * Connect with Jordan on LinkedIn * Learn more about AIAS*
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What does it mean to design for the greater good?
In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee steps back to listen as two remarkable architects have a thoughtful, candid, and deeply human conversation. You will hear from Deborah Berke, FAIA, architect, educator, founder of TenBerke, Dean of the Yale School of Architecture, and the 2025 recipient of the AIA Gold Medal. You will also hear from Arthi Krishnamoorthy, a Principal at TenBerke, whose work spans mission-driven institutions, foundations, and major academic projects.
Together, they reflect on the arc of Deborah’s career, from discovering architecture at age 13 to shaping a practice grounded in collaboration, authenticity, and optimism. They explore what it means to design for the greater good, how architecture must respond to the increasing complexity of today, and why optimism remains an essential creative act. Arthi shares her own global perspective informed by her upbringing in Singapore and her deep community involvement in Queens, and how she and Deborah lead with shared values and a belief in the power of architecture to create meaningful and joyful spaces.
Woven throughout the conversation is the story of TenBerke, a New York-based firm defined by its humanist approach and commitment to design that is "authentic, simple, clear, and relevant." Deborah and Arthi discuss the firm's growth, from a solo practitioner to a collective of 55 people, and the critical role that a diverse, collaborative culture plays in their success. They emphasize the responsibility of the architect to be a voice of optimism and possibility, particularly when tackling complex problems like climate change and social equity.
"I'm fundamentally optimistic. And I think to be an architect, you have to be optimistic. You have to believe in the future. You have to believe in the ability to change things for the better, because otherwise you can't be doing what we're doing. It's a huge creative act, but it's also an act of optimism." - Deborah Berke
The episode concludes with a look at the future of practice, affirming that architecture remains a discipline of both beauty and responsibility. Deborah and Arthi’s conversation is a powerful reminder that enduring design is rooted in shared values, authenticity, and a sustained, optimistic belief in what buildings can do for people and communities.
GuestsDeborah Berke, FAIA, LEED AP, is the founder of the New York-based firm TenBerke (formerly Deborah Berke Partners) and the Dean of the Yale School of Architecture. She is the 2025 recipient of the AIA Gold Medal, recognizing her distinguished career focused on humane, authentic, and context-driven design.
Arthi Krishnamoorthy, AIA, LEED AP, is a Principal at TenBerke. Her work focuses on mission-driven projects for institutions and foundations, reflecting the firm's core values of community and design for the greater good. She is actively involved in community initiatives in Queens, New York.
Is This Episode for You?This episode is for you if:
✅ You are inspired by the career of the 2025 AIA Gold Medal recipient, Deborah Berke.
✅ You are interested in how to foster a collaborative, values-driven culture in a growing firm.
✅ You want to understand the role of optimism and authenticity in architectural practice.
✅ You believe in the power of design to serve the "greater good" and create meaningful spaces.
✅ You are interested in the evolution of a successful firm from solo practice to a collective.
What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.
📍 Show Links:1. Connect with Deborah on LinkedIn 2. Read the Gold Medal Award 2025 AIA article 3. Connect with Arthi on LinkedIn 4. Learn more about TenBerke
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How can artificial intelligence reduce administrative burden, simplify compliance, and help architects reclaim time for the design work they love?
This week, we are joined by Brandon Levey, the founder and CEO of Ichi, a promising young company building AI tools for the built environment.
Brandon brings a unique blend of two decades in technology leadership and a lifelong connection to construction through his family's business. He shares how these experiences shaped his belief that the spaces we occupy profoundly impact our lives, and that the current processes for building them are ripe for improvement. We discuss Ichi's mission to tackle the "compliance, administrative, and design" challenges that often bog down projects, from navigating complex building codes to automating quality assurance reviews. Brandon is clear: this isn't about replacing architects, but about augmenting their capabilities.
"I think directly within their profession, the biggest silver lining is that they're going to get back to being able to do more of what they love, and spend less of their time doing those things that don't bring them joy. Giving those people more time and space to be able to invest in that is just going to yield better impacts for society." - Brandon Levey
This episode concludes with a forward-looking conversation about the role of AI in bridging the industry's talent gap and the potential societal benefits of more efficient construction. Brandon addresses common fears around data privacy and AI adoption, explaining Ichi's "walled garden" approach and advocating for a future where technology empowers architects to focus on what matters most: creating better buildings, better cities, and a better world for everyone.
Guest:
Brandon Levey is the founder and CEO of Ichi, a technology company developing AI-powered tools for code compliance, quality review, and knowledge management in the AEC industry. With a background that includes founding Stitch Labs and leading R&D platform teams at Square, as well as hands-on experience in construction, Brandon is passionate about using technology to improve how we design and build our world.
Is This Episode for You?
This episode is for you if:
✅ You are an architect curious about practical AI applications beyond image generation.
✅ You want to understand how AI can help with code compliance, QA/QC, and knowledge management.
✅ You have concerns about data privacy and security when using AI tools.
✅ You are interested in the intersection of technology and the future of architectural practice.
✅ You believe in the potential of technology to create more joy and efficiency in your work.
📍 Show Links: Learn more about Ichi * Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn*
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How can designers build intentional businesses while embracing an AI-powered practice?
This week, we're joined by Jessica Nelson and Stephanie Lindsay, the co-founders of Etch Design Group and the new venture AI for Interiors. They share their 10-year journey of building Etch into a celebrated Austin-based studio, driven by a "yin and yang" partnership and a desire to create a firm culture centered on autonomy, trust, and a sustainable work-life rhythm. Now a team of 10, they've successfully structured the firm to empower their designers, allowing Stephanie to work remotely and giving both founders space to explore new passions.
That new passion became AI for Interiors, a platform born from Jessica's background in tech and a shared curiosity about new tools. Through speaking, courses, and hands-on team onboarding, they are demystifying artificial intelligence and helping other designers solve their biggest pain points . They tackle the biggest misconception they hear: that AI diminishes creativity.
"If you're using AI the right way, it actually gives you so much more freedom and so much more creativity than you ever thought possible because it allows you to really dream bigger and think so much broader." - Jessica Nelson
This episode concludes with a candid discussion on the lessons learned from a decade of entrepreneurship, from the importance of always trusting your gut instinct to why they wish they'd invested in marketing and a business coach sooner. Jessica and Stephanie also explain their "community over competition" philosophy, sharing why they believe being an "open book" and helping other designers ultimately elevates the entire industry's reputation.
GuestsJessica Nelson and Stephanie Lindsay are the co-founders of Etch Design Group, an Austin-based interior design studio specializing in residential and boutique commercial projects. After meeting at a previous firm, they founded Etch in 2015. They are also the founders of AI for Interiors, a platform that provides speaking, workshops, and coaching to help design professionals integrate artificial intelligence into their creative and business workflows .
Is This Episode for You?
This episode is for you if:
✅ You are an entrepreneur looking for candid lessons on building and scaling a design firm.
✅ You are curious about how to integrate AI into your creative and business workflows.
✅ You want to debunk common misconceptions about AI and its role in creativity.
✅ You are interested in building a firm culture based on autonomy, trust, and work-life balance.
✅ You believe in "community over competition" and sharing knowledge to elevate the design industry.
📍 Show Links: Learn more about Etch Design Group * Connect with Etch Design Group on LinkedIn * Follow Etch Design Group on Instagram * Learn more about AI for Interiors*
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How do you build a tech company that champions, rather than replaces, the analog craft of drawing?
This week, we explore the intersection of design and digital innovation with Mark Collins, architect, educator, and co-founder of Morfolio. Mark's journey has taken him from the early days of paperless studios at Columbia's Cloud Lab to co-founding a bootstrapped company that now serves over a million designers worldwide.
Mark shares the origin story of Morfolio, born from a group of architects at Columbia who saw the revolutionary potential of the iPad as a creative tool. While major software companies initially missed the opportunity, Mark and his co-founders began a 10-year experiment to redefine drawing for the digital age. By intentionally staying small (under 10 people) and bootstrapped, they've avoided the pressures of venture capital and remained deeply connected to their users, creating what Mark calls an "explosion in slow motion".
"When we think about the word technology, our minds instantly go to screens and iPads, but everything is a technology. I think trace paper is a technology. We think of the design crit as a kind of technology. Anytime we're bringing to bear materials and processes and knowledge to get an outcome, we call that a technology."
- Mark Collins
This episode concludes with a look at the next wave of technology, including AI and augmented reality. Mark explains how Morfolio's innovation strategy involves fusing their own bespoke drawing engine with powerful, built-in technologies from giants like Apple, such as the LiDAR scanner used for Trace's "Room Scanner" feature. He offers advice to new graduates: avoid "doomerism" about AI, "just try things", and embrace a "multimodal" approach to design that blends drawing, data, and software to forge their own unique paths.
Guest:Mark Collins is an architect, educator, and the co-founder of Morfolio, the creative suite behind popular design apps like Trace, Board, and Journal. His career has bridged academia, where he co-founded Columbia University's Cloud Lab, private practice, and entrepreneurship. Mark's work focuses on blending analog design craft with digital innovation and keeping the human experience at the center of technology.
Is This Episode for You?
This episode is for you if:
✅ You are an architect who loves the feel of hand drawing but wants to integrate digital tools.
✅ You are curious about the "paperless studio" and its evolution since the early 2000s.
✅ You want to understand the future of AI and AR in design from a practitioner's perspective.
✅ You are interested in "bootstrapping" a tech company rather than using VC funding.
✅ You believe in the power of community feedback to shape software development.
✅ You are a recent graduate exploring alternative career paths that blend design and technology.
📍 Show Links:
- Connect with Mark on LinkedIn
- Learn more about Morpholio
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What does it really mean for an architecture firm to be transparent?
This week, we dive into the operations of Work Program Architects (WPA), an award-winning practice known for its community-driven design and radically open culture, with Associate Principal Erin Agdinaoay.
Erin shares her journey to WPA, drawn initially by their community-focused work and then captivated by their commitment to radical transparency. She details how WPA puts this philosophy into action daily: 100% open books accessible to all staff, full salary visibility (shown even during the hiring process), and a rotating Raises and Bonuses Committee that gives everyone a chance to participate in financial decision-making. Erin explains that this level of openness isn't just about fairness - it's a strategic approach designed to demystify firm operations, foster trust, and empower every team member, regardless of experience level, to think and act like an owner.
The conversation explores the practicalities and challenges, from managing growth while maintaining communication to educating staff on financial literacy through exposure and direct involvement. Erin addresses common questions and skepticism, emphasizing that while transparency can create friction, assuming good intent and approaching conversations with curiosity makes the process constructive. WPA even shares its internal templates to encourage other firms to adopt similar practices. Erin's ultimate hope extends beyond WPA.
"My hope is that firms all over dramatically increase their transparency and their ability to give access to business information and financial literacy to all staff in their firm, especially younger staff to create a long runway to learn the business. That way our very talented young professionals can learn what maybe the default is today so that they can create a different tomorrow that increases the value of architecture in the profession." - Erin Agdinaoay
This episode concludes by showcasing how WPA's radical transparency fosters a culture of trust, equity, and shared ownership, challenging traditional firm management norms. Erin's insights reveal that openness is not just an ideal but a practical tool for building resilience, improving business acumen across the firm, and ultimately, empowering the next generation to elevate the architectural profession by understanding its foundations.
Guest:Erin Agdinaoay is an Associate Principal at Work Program Architects (WPA), based in the Norfolk area of Virginia. With a people-first leadership style, she has been instrumental in shaping and implementing WPA's commitment to radical transparency, including open books and salary visibility. She is an advocate for pay equity and believes in empowering all staff with financial literacy to foster an ownership mindset within the firm. Erin is a graduate of Virginia Tech's architecture program.
Is This Episode for You?
This episode is for you if:
✅ You are curious about alternative firm management models beyond traditional hierarchies.
✅ You believe in or want to learn more about pay transparency and open-book management.
✅ You are interested in fostering an "ownership mindset" among your staff.
✅ You want practical advice on how to implement transparency initiatives in your own firm.
✅ You are a younger professional seeking firms with values aligned with equity and openness.
📍 Show Links:
- Connect with Erin on LinkedIn
- Learn more about Work Program Architects
- Connect with Work Program Architects on LinkedIn
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What does a career path look like when it’s guided by necessity, unconventional experiences, and a deep respect for place?
This week, we're joined by David Sellers, founder of Hawaii Off-Grid Architecture and Engineering and Surf Block, whose journey embodies designing within limits to create smarter, self-sustaining systems.
David shares his non-traditional path, from working as a mechanic and on Alaskan fishing boats to studying architecture in the Netherlands. These experiences fueled a fascination with self-sufficient systems, inspired by observing the integrated mechanics of boats. This led him to Hawaii, where high energy costs and resource constraints created the perfect environment to build a multidisciplinary practice focused on net-zero and off-grid projects. His firm, Hawaii Off-Grid, now mandates that all new buildings be at least net-zero, driven by both environmental values and a compelling economic proposition for clients.
The conversation also dives into Surf Block, a startup born from observing the sheer volume of surfboard foam waste filling local landfills. Inspired by insulated composite concrete forms (ICCFs), David saw an opportunity to turn this waste into a high-performance, resilient building material - resistant to hurricanes, mold, mildew, and termites - perfectly suited for Hawaii's climate and challenges. Now, Surf Block is playing a crucial role in the rebuilding efforts in Lahaina. David's hope is that his work inspires others to find similar opportunities in their own backyards.
“Necessity - that’s been the story of my life ever since. And I think that part of our architecture practice is rooted in necessity. There’s a necessity for us to have climate responsive design, because we’re seeing a shift in vernacular architecture.” - David Sellers
This episode concludes with a powerful reminder that innovation often stems from constraints and necessity. David’s story showcases how diverse experiences outside traditional architecture can enrich design thinking and lead to ventures with profound environmental and community impact. He demonstrates that architects' next frontier may lie not in grand scale, but in developing intelligent, self-sufficient systems that respond directly to the unique challenges of their place, ultimately inspiring others to find and create value in unexpected ways.
GuestDavid Sellers is the founder of Hawaii Off-Grid Architecture and Engineering and the co-founder of Surf Block. With an unconventional background that includes working as a mechanic, on fishing boats, and studying architecture internationally, David brings a unique systems-thinking approach to sustainable design. His practice in Hawaii focuses on net-zero, off-grid, and climate-responsive projects driven by the unique environmental and economic necessities of the islands. Through Surf Block, he is pioneering the use of recycled surfboard foam waste to create innovative, resilient building materials for communities like Lahaina.
Is This Episode for You?
This episode is for you if:
✅ You are interested in off-grid, net-zero, and sustainable design practices.
✅ You believe necessity and constraints can be powerful drivers of innovation.
✅ You are inspired by unconventional career paths within and beyond architecture.
✅ You want to learn about innovative approaches to waste stream utilization and sustainable materials.
✅ You are looking for examples of architecture practices with a strong quadruple bottom line focus (community, environment, global impact, career progress).
📍 Show Links:
- Connect with David on LinkedIn
- Learn more about Hawaii Off Grid
- Learn more about Surf Block
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What happens when a tech leader with a background in democratizing design at companies like Figma turns their attention to architecture?
This week, we're joined by Radhika Parashar Narain, Head of Marketing at Arcol, a software company reimagining how architects design and collaborate.
Coming from the world of Software as a Service (SaaS), Radhika offers a fresh and insightful perspective on a profession she finds fascinatingly complex and creative, yet overdue for better tools. She shares her initial shock at the fragmented, inefficient, and often joyless workflows architects are forced to navigate. Radhika discusses the cultural and practical hurdles to tech adoption in an industry rooted in tradition, from the high "cost of change" after years spent learning legacy software to a scarcity mindset around collaboration. The conversation explores how Arcol, founded with a "Figma for BIM" ethos, aims to bring simplicity, accessibility, and collaboration to the earliest stages of design.
Ultimately, Radhika’s vision is not about disruption for its own sake, but about empowerment. She argues that by embracing intuitively designed, cloud-based tools, architects can reduce friction, foster collaboration, and rediscover the joy in their craft. Her hope is for architects to raise their standards for the software they use every day.
"My hope for the profession is for architects to have as high expectations as we have of the tools that we can foresee and we can kind of imagine can bring that joy back to the process." - Radhika Parashar Narain
This episode concludes with a call for the profession to see technology as a leverage point. Radhika encourages architects, especially students and smaller firms, to experiment early, build collaboration as a muscle, and use new tools to "punch above their weight." By democratizing access to powerful, well-designed software, the next generation can move beyond the limitations of legacy systems and focus on what they do best: creating the built world.
Guest:
Radhika Parashar Narain is the Head of Marketing at Arcol, a software company building a new generation of design and collaboration tools for architects. With a background in SaaS and design technology, including a tenure at Figma, she is passionate about empowering creators with better tools and making design more accessible to everyone.
Is This Episode for You?
This episode is for you if:
✅ You are an architect frustrated with your current software and workflows.
✅ You are curious about how the mindset of Silicon Valley (SaaS) applies to the AEC industry. ✅ You want to understand the challenges and opportunities of tech adoption in architecture.
✅ You believe in the power of technology to democratize design and empower smaller firms. ✅ You are a student or educator looking for the next wave of tools that will shape the future of practice.
📍 Show Links:
- Learn more about Arcol
- Connect with Radhika on LinkedIn
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What does it take to build and fund the companies that are truly transforming the built environment?
This week, we are joined by Jesse Devitte, co-founder and General Partner of Building Ventures and a pioneer who has spent over three decades at the intersection of architecture, construction, and technology.
Jesse shares his remarkable journey, from co-founding SoftDesk, the company that laid the groundwork for Autodesk's AEC division in the early 90s, to becoming one of the first venture capitalists dedicated to the industry. He explains the origin of Building Ventures, a firm created to invest across the entire lifecycle of how we design, build, and operate our world. Supported by a network of industry leaders, the firm was founded on the belief that a wave of innovation was coming, and the built environment was ready for a new generation of transformative companies.
The conversation offers a rare look inside the mind of an investor, exploring the evolution of AEC tech, the business model challenges facing architecture firms, and what it takes to get a startup funded. Jesse reveals that his team looks for more than just a good idea; they look for founders with a unique, firsthand understanding of the problem they are solving.
"We want them to really not pitch us on a solution for their problem. We want them to be in love with the problem. That's an earned secret to us that someone has that they can apply that makes them really unique." - Jesse Devitte
This episode concludes with a forward-looking perspective on where the industry is headed. Jesse argues that the path forward requires a mindset shift from all players: architects must "lean in" to new opportunities like industrialized construction to maintain influence, and the industry as a whole must foster a collaborative ecosystem where startups, incumbents like Autodesk, and practitioners work together to drive progress. His story is a guide to where opportunity lives, offering invaluable insights for both aspiring entrepreneurs and firm leaders wondering how capital, innovation, and design intersect to shape the future of practice.
Guest:
Jesse Devitte is a co-founder and General Partner at Building Ventures, a venture capital firm investing in early-stage startups that are transforming the built environment. With a career spanning over 30 years, Jesse was a pioneer in AEC software development, co-founding SoftDesk, which was acquired by Autodesk to create its AEC Market Group. He later became one of the first VCs to focus on the built world, with early investments in iconic companies like SketchUp. Through Building Ventures, he continues to support entrepreneurs who are improving how we design, build, and operate our world.
Is This Episode for You?
This episode is for you if:
✅ You are an entrepreneur with a startup idea for the AEC industry and want to know what investors look for.
✅ You are a firm leader trying to understand the broader trends in AEC technology and investment.
✅ You are curious about the evolution of venture capital in the built environment.
✅ You want to hear the perspective of a pioneer who has shaped AEC software from the beginning.
✅ You are interested in the future of design tech, pre-construction, sustainability, and industrialized construction.
📍 Show Links:
- Connect with Jesse on LinkedIn
- Learn more about Building Ventures
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How do you build a career with intention, navigate unsupportive environments, and find the mentors who will champion your growth?
This week, we are joined by Leslie Sydnor, an architect and design manager whose journey offers a masterclass in resilience, self-advocacy, and the power of networks.
Leslie shares her story, from being inspired by New York City construction sites as a child to finding her path at Yale and UCLA. She offers a candid look at her career, including her "dream job" designing low-income housing for the City of New York, her time in small, supportive firms, and a challenging stint in a corporate environment that confirmed her fears about who gets to climb the ladder. A pivotal point in her career was finding a mentor in Helena Jubany, who saw her potential and taught her how to run an office, a relationship that shaped her understanding of what’s possible as a woman of color in architecture.
Now a Design Manager for the country's largest community college district, Leslie acts as a crucial translator between the massive institution and its architects. She argues this is not a role architects have "given up," but a necessary function in a complex bureaucracy, one best filled by an architect who can advocate for the design team.
"Find your tribe and keep them close. Architecture is such a small, interconnected world - you’ll cross paths with classmates, colleagues, even old bosses, again and again. Your tribe will support you, tell you about jobs, and help you when you need it most." - Leslie Sydnor
This episode concludes with Leslie’s core advice for the next generation of architects, distilled from years of experience and her current role as an educator at Cal Poly Pomona. She emphasizes the importance of strategy, flexibility, and building a strong professional network, summed up in her key mantra: "Find your tribe and keep them close." Her story is a powerful reminder to treat job interviews as a two-way street, to ask the hard questions, and to find the environments and people who align with your values and will support your long-term success.
Guest:
Leslie Sydnor is an architect and Design Manager with the Cumming Group, currently working with the Los Angeles Community College District. With a career spanning traditional practice in firms both large and small, design-build, and now owner-side representation, she brings a wealth of experience to her role. A graduate of Yale University and UCLA, Leslie is also an educator at Cal Poly Pomona, where she teaches project management and mentors students on building intentional careers. As one of the first few hundred licensed Black women architects in the U.S., she is a passionate advocate for diversity, mentorship, and self-advocacy within the profession.
Is This Episode for You?
This episode is for you if:
✅ You are a young professional seeking advice on how to navigate the architecture industry and find supportive firms.
✅ You want to understand the career path of a design manager and what the role entails.
✅ You are inspired by stories of mentorship and the impact of finding the right champions in your career.
✅ You have felt undervalued and want to learn more about the importance of self-advocacy.
✅ You believe in the power of networks and want to be more strategic about building your professional community
📍 Show Links:
- Connect with Leslie on LinkedIn
- Follow Leslie on Instagram
- Visit Cal Poly Pomona’s Website
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How can architects remain relevant in a world where cities are as digital as they are physical?
In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Bryan Boyer, Co-Founder of Dash Marshall and Faculty Director of the Urban Technology Program at the University of Michigan. Bryan’s career bridges technology, design, and urbanism - and through his leadership, he is training the next generation of designers to think differently about how we build, govern, and inhabit our cities.
Bryan shares the origins of the Urban Technology program, why he believes the built environment has lagged behind other industries in digitization, and how the program prepares students to be equally fluent in architecture, planning, and technology. He highlights how fragmentation in the AEC industry creates a “chain drain” of intelligence and argues that architects need to reclaim agency by embracing new tools, methods, and mindsets.
The conversation delves into the unique curriculum of Urban Tech, which integrates cities, technology, and design. Students learn to view cities as complex systems, develop technical fluency in coding and data science, and practice forms of service and strategic design that extend beyond traditional building. Bryan also reflects on how AI, automation, and interaction design are reshaping the skills architects need, and what this means for education, practice, and the profession as a whole.
“Our cities today are fully physical and fully digital. The challenge isn’t just to bridge the gap between urbanist and technologist - it’s to prepare a new generation who doesn’t believe that gap exists at all.” – Bryan Boyer
This episode concludes with Bryan’s vision for the future: a profession that works with urgency, embraces user research, and balances long-term aspirations with near-term agency. He challenges architects to move beyond utopian visions and engage directly with the realities of policy, economy, and technology in order to create cities of shared prosperity, sustainability, and joy.
Guest:
Bryan Boyer is the Co-Founder of Dash Marshall, a design practice that works across architecture, interiors, and strategy. He is also the Faculty Director of the Urban Technology Program at the University of Michigan, where he leads an innovative undergraduate degree exploring the intersection of cities, technology, and design. His career spans architecture, technology, and public sector work, including roles at Sidewalk Labs, the Helsinki Design Lab, and the Office of New Urban Mechanics.
Is This Episode for You?
This episode is for you if:
✅ You want to understand how technology and architecture intersect in urban contexts
✅ You’re curious about new forms of design education and career paths
✅ You’re grappling with the challenges of fragmentation in the AEC industry
✅ You believe architects should embrace coding, user research, and new design methods
✅ You’re interested in what the future of urban practice looks like in a digital era
📍 Show Links:
- Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn
- Follow Bryan on Instagram
- Visit Bryan’s Website
- Subscribe to Urban Technology Substack
- Learn more about Cedar
- Learn more about Monograph
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What happens when a public servant becomes a tech founder to solve the problems they face every day?
This week, we're joined by Nichole Sterling, the Mayor Pro Tem of Nederland, Colorado, and the founder of MyTownAI. Her journey offers a unique perspective on how technology can reshape civic decision-making from the inside out.
Nichole shares the origin story of MyTownAI, a venture born from the "pain" of watching her own small-town staff navigate a maze of disconnected sources - zoning maps, municipal codes, county websites, and even Zillow, just to answer a simple question like, "What can be built on this parcel of land?". To address this, she developed MyTownAI, an intelligent data hub that consolidates information and utilizes low-cost digital twins to enable municipalities to run simulations, ranging from modeling the impact of zoning changes to exploring economic development strategies.
The platform is designed to serve the vast, often-overlooked majority of American communities: the 83% of towns with fewer than 10,000 people. By providing accessible AI tools to under-resourced governments, Nichole is driven by a powerful vision for the future of the public sector.
"I want to see local governments become the next wave of innovation. If you think about it, just that a very small disruption at the local government level has the potential to make huge waves." - Nichole Sterling
This episode concludes with an exploration of how a tool built for government can create a more transparent and collaborative ecosystem for all. MyTownAI aims to enhance civic participation by giving citizens direct access to information and a platform to co-create ideas for their communities. For architects and developers, it represents a future where they can quickly find community-aligned opportunities, accelerating a process that is often opaque and slow. Ultimately, Nichole's work challenges architects to evolve their value proposition from being navigators of a complex system to becoming strategic partners in a data-empowered, citizen-driven future.
Guest:
Nichole Sterling is the Mayor Pro Tem of Nederland, Colorado, the founder of MyTownAI, and the co-founder of the nonprofit Women Defining AI. As a public servant and civic tech founder, she is focused on leveraging artificial intelligence to empower small and under-resourced municipalities. Her work aims to make government more efficient, transparent, and innovative by providing accessible tools for data analysis, scenario planning, and civic engagement.
Is This Episode for You?
This episode is for you if:
✅ You are an architect or planner who feels the pain of navigating fragmented municipal data. ✅ You are interested in how AI and digital twins can be applied at the local government level. ✅ You want to understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing small towns.
✅ You are inspired by stories of non-technical founders solving real-world problems.
✅ You believe technology can enhance civic participation and create more collaborative communities.
📍 Show Links:
- Connect with Nichole LinkedIn
- Visit MyTownAI’s Website
- Visit Woman Defining AI’s Website
- Listen to the Previous Episode with Nichole
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How can a career in architecture be more than a single path, but a foundation for a multifaceted professional life?
This week, we welcome back Mikael Avery, a designer, educator, and healthcare professional, for a deep dive into his own remarkable journey. Mikael’s story is one of continuous exploration, starting with a degree in landscape architecture before moving through urban design, a traditional architectural apprenticeship, and a solo digital fabrication practice. Driven by a desire for a larger impact, he then made a significant pivot, earning a master's degree in occupational therapy to learn about healthcare from the inside out. Today, his work weaves all these threads together as a senior lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania, a collaborator with design firms, and the co-leader of a medical device startup.
Throughout the conversation, Mikael explains how he sees these varied roles not as separate careers, but as different facets of one cohesive professional identity: that of a designer and educator. He shares invaluable insights into the cross-pollination of skills between fields, how his designer’s mindset informs his work in healthcare, and how the crucial soft skills learned in occupational therapy, like building instant rapport with clients, are vital for architects. His ultimate hope for the profession is a return to its fundamental purpose.
"Architecture is a service profession. Because our work is in service of the people. And so I think the more students who graduate and really appreciate that service aspect of architecture and design, I think the more in demand designers will be." - Mikael Avery
This episode concludes with a powerful reframing of what a career can be. Mikael’s journey is a testament to seeing a career not as a linear path to be followed, but as a continuous development propelled by curiosity and a desire to learn. He offers actionable advice for anyone looking to forge their own way: start with confidence in your design skills, be curious, learn the language of other industries, and build a network to create opportunities. His story is a compelling case for how a commitment to service can unlock the true value of design in any field.
Guest:
Mikael Avery is a designer, educator, maker, and healthcare professional working at the intersection of architecture, product design, and health. He is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania, where he teaches courses in the architecture department and the Integrated Product Design program. Alongside his teaching, he advises healthcare systems, collaborates with design firms like Fifteen, and co-leads a medical device startup, embodying a truly interdisciplinary approach to practice.
Is This Episode for You?
This episode is for you if:
✅ You are exploring a non-linear career and want to see how different interests can form a cohesive whole.
✅ You want to understand how skills from other industries, like healthcare, can benefit architectural practice.
✅ You are a student or young professional seeking advice on how to forge your own unique career path.
✅ You believe in the power of design to have a larger social impact beyond the building.
✅ You are inspired by the idea of architecture as a service profession and want to explore what that means.
📍 Show Links:
- Connect with Mikael LinkedIn
- Visit FIFTEEN’s Website
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What happens when an architect’s skillset is applied not just to buildings, but to the complex systems that shape our cities, policies, and climate?
This week, Evelyn is joined by co-host Larry Fabbroni and his longtime friend and Carnegie Mellon classmate, Mark Chambers, an environmental policy leader and architect who has taken his training from design studios to city halls and the White House.
This rich conversation explores Mark's remarkable career arc, from practicing architect to the Sustainability Director for Washington D.C. and New York City, and later, the first Senior Director for Building Emissions and Community Resilience in the Biden White House. Mark explains how he views his architectural training as the discipline of a "three-dimensional problem solver," a skill that allows him to deconstruct and reassemble complex policy challenges just as he would a building. He argues that this skillset is a strategic advantage, especially in interdisciplinary rooms where the architectural perspective is unique and highly valued.
The discussion goes beyond resumes to tackle the big questions facing the profession and society. When asked how architects can secure more value for their work, Mark challenges the premise of fighting for a bigger piece of the existing pie.
"I'm questioning the whole pie. I'm questioning the way in which the pie was set up. It's like, I don't want a bigger slice. I want a different pie." - Mark Chambers
This episode concludes with a masterclass in optimistic disruption, as Mark advocates for a fundamental reimagining of the architect's role - from a service provider to an owner, a caretaker, and a shaper of systems. He offers advice for professionals at any stage on how to build a personal narrative, take calculated chances, find their audience, and use their unique skills to drive collective action and build the future they want to see.
GuestMark Chambers is an architect, environmental policy leader, and social impact designer focused on the intersection of climate action, community, and the built environment. His career has been dedicated to public service, having served as the Director of Sustainability for both New York City and Washington D.C., and as the Senior Director for Building Emissions and Community Resilience for the White House Council on Environmental Quality. A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, Mark uses his architectural training to solve complex systemic problems and advocate for a more sustainable and equitable future.
Larry Fabbroni is an architect with over two decades in practice. He formerly led master planning projects at Ehrenkrantz Eckstut & Kuhn Architects and Strada Architecture, working on some of the largest development projects in the U.S. Today, he serves as a consultant specializing in strategic pre-development services and as CIO for the Practice of Architecture. Larry earned his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, where he focused on entrepreneurship and strategy.
Is This Episode for You?This episode is for you if:
✅ You are curious about career paths for architects in public policy, climate action, and government.
✅ You want to understand how an architectural skillset can be a strategic advantage in non-traditional roles.
✅ You feel frustrated by the existing systems and are looking for inspiration to challenge the status quo.
✅ You are seeking an optimistic framework for staying hopeful and effective in a time of uncertainty.
✅ You want advice on how to build a career narrative, take chances, and find your voice to make an impact.
📍 Show Links:
- Connect with Mark on LinkedIn
- Connect with Larry on LinkedIn
- Learn more about Living Future
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What happens when you reach the pinnacle of a successful architecture career and realize you’re no longer working toward the next thing?
This week, we are joined by Laura Sachtleben, a leader who spent two decades in practice, rising to Vice President and Global Sector Leader at Stantec, before making the courageous decision to step away and redefine her path.
Laura shares her journey from knowing she wanted to be an architect in the sixth grade to building an impressive, 20-year career within a single firm that evolved from a small studio to a global powerhouse. She describes the gradual realization that, despite her success, the role that once energized her was no longer providing personal growth. This led her to take an intentional six-month sabbatical to reflect, explore, and "design her life".
The conversation delves into the practical steps Laura took during her break, from reading and journaling to having candid conversations with colleagues who had forged different paths. This period of discovery led her to her current role as Chief Strategy Officer at Landscape Forms, a company whose values around design, culture, and sustainability aligned perfectly with her own. Laura offers invaluable advice for anyone contemplating a career change, emphasizing the importance of embracing discomfort as a catalyst for growth.
"A successful career has to be one linear path - that's what I was taught in school. And the reality is that's not the path for everyone. And then there may be a next phase to your career. And then there could be a phase after that." - Laura Flannery Sachtleben
This episode concludes with the understanding that Laura's story is not about leaving architecture behind, but about evolving her relationship with it. She discusses how her architectural skillset translates directly to her new strategic role and how she continues to be a passionate advocate and mentor for the profession, proving that you can have a profound impact from both inside and outside of traditional practice.
Guest:
Laura Flannery Sachtleben is the Chief Strategy Officer for Landscape Forms, a company dedicated to creating beautiful and sustainable outdoor furnishings. Before joining Landscape Forms, she spent two decades in architectural practice, where she rose to become Vice President and Global Sector Leader for Education, Science and Technology at Stantec. A passionate lifelong learner and mentor, Laura continues to advocate for the profession through her involvement with the AIA and by guiding architects at all stages of their careers.
Is This Episode for You?
This episode is for you if:
✅ You are an established professional feeling like you’ve hit a plateau in your career.
✅ You are contemplating a major career change but don't know where or how to start.
✅ You want practical advice on how to take a reflective and productive career break.
✅ You are curious about how the skills of an architect translate to leadership roles in adjacent industries.
✅ You are looking for mentorship advice for navigating the different stages of a career in architecture and beyond.
📍 Show Links:
- Connect with Laura on LinkedIn
- Visit Landscape Forms’s Website
- Connect with Landscape Forms on LinkedIn
- Follow Landscape Forms on Instagram
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What happens when a software startup becomes a full-service, AI-powered architecture firm?
This week on Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee is joined by Patrick Chopson, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Cove Architecture (formerly Cove Tool). What began as a mission to provide architects with performance analysis tools has evolved into Cove Architecture, the first AI-driven practice reimagining how buildings are conceived, coordinated, and delivered.
Patrick shares the story of Cove’s evolution, from its roots as a SaaS platform to its pivot into consultancy, and now into a full-service design studio backed by over $36 million in venture funding. Their debut project, a multifamily complex in Atlanta’s West End, was designed in just 15 days, demonstrating how AI can accelerate timelines by 60%, improve cost accuracy, and cut iteration expenses nearly in half.
Beyond efficiency, Patrick envisions AI as a force for design excellence. By offloading code checks, zoning analysis, and cost modeling, architects are freed to focus on creativity, meaning, and beauty. He reflects on how Cove integrates human expertise with machine intelligence, how AI supports senior architects in elevating design, and why training and mentorship must adapt in this new era.
The conversation also touches on the business model of architecture: how venture capital is reshaping practice, what “AI-powered but human-centered” really means, and how these tools might democratize design for firms of all sizes.
“Being AI-powered doesn’t mean removing the human from the process. It means empowering the expert architect to do what they do best: elevate design, mentor the next generation, and create lasting impact.” - Patrick Chopson
This episode concludes with a reflection on the future of practice: from profitability and scale to sustainability and mentorship. Patrick challenges architects to see AI not as a threat, but as an opportunity to design more bespoke, more sustainable, and more beautiful buildings, and to build a profession that is more resilient for generations to come.
Guest:
Patrick Chopson, AIA is Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Cove Architecture. With a background in mechanical engineering, high-performance building design, and sustainability consulting, Patrick has over 20 years of experience advancing tools that merge technology with design excellence. At Cove Architecture, he leads the charge in creating an AI-powered, human-centered model of practice.
Is This Episode for You?
This episode is for you if:
✅ You’re curious about how AI is transforming architectural practice
✅ You want to learn how venture-backed firms are reshaping the field
✅ You’re navigating mentorship and training in an AI-powered environment
✅ You believe architecture must evolve to deliver sustainable, bespoke design
What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.
📍 Show Links:
- Connect with Patrick on LinkedIn
- Visit Cove’s Website
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What happens when innovation isn’t just a lofty ideal, but an everyday discipline accessible to everyone in an organization?
In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee is joined by Dr. Simone Ahuja, keynote speaker, innovation strategist, bestselling author, and founder of Blood Orange. Simone’s path from dentistry to advising Fortune 500 companies on frugal innovation is anything but ordinary. Drawing on her research into jugaad innovation - a mindset of resourcefulness rooted in doing more with what you have - she helps leaders cut through “innovation theater” and focus on creating real, tangible value.
Together, they explore how constraints can actually spark creativity, why the democratization of innovation matters, and how leaders can foster cultures of problem solving that scale from the grassroots up. Simone shares practical frameworks for managing up, influencing decision-makers, and breaking big challenges into small, testable experiments, whether you’re in a small firm or a multinational corporation.
The conversation connects back to architecture, where creative thinking often thrives in design work but lags in business operations. Simone challenges firms to think beyond client deliverables and embrace strategic abandonment, distributed innovation, and leadership practices that create space for both reflection and experimentation.
Her message is clear: innovation is not reserved for R&D teams. It’s a discipline, a mindset, and a shared responsibility across every level of an organization.
“Innovation is some of the best training out there for leaders for navigating uncertainty, because you’re thinking about what problems exist, how to rigorously prioritize, how to move forward and learn from that, and how to influence others along the way." - Dr. Simone Ahuja
This episode closes with a reminder that disruption brings opportunity to those willing to reframe problems, leverage existing assets, and learn from other industries. Innovation doesn’t have to be big, or expensive, it just has to add new value.
Guest:
Dr. Simone Ahuja is the founder of Blood Orange, a Minneapolis-based innovation strategy firm, and the author of Disrupt-It-Yourself and co-author of Jugaad Innovation. She works with organizations like Target, 3M, and Stanley Black & Decker to help leaders and teams innovate smarter without overcomplicating the process. Drawing on her background in dentistry, improv comedy, and grassroots entrepreneurship research, Simone champions resourceful problem solving and the democratization of innovation.
Is This Episode for You?
This episode is for you if:
✅ You want to move beyond “innovation theater” into real, measurable change
✅ You’re looking for practical tools to foster innovation in your team or firm
✅ You believe constraints can be a catalyst for creativity
✅ You want to make problem solving a shared discipline across your organization
What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.
📍 Show Links:
- Connect with Simone on LinkedIn
- Visit Simone’s Website
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How can architecture firms move beyond the traditional consultant model to foster truly deep, interdisciplinary collaboration?
This week, we welcome Ximena Valle, founder of the Philadelphia-based architecture firm FIFTEEN, and one of her longtime collaborators, Mikael Avery. Ximena founded FIFTEEN to address the gaps she observed in the profession, from talent leaving the industry to a disconnect between designers and end-users. Inspired by her experience on a multi-disciplinary archaeological dig where geologists, mythologists, and chemists worked together to solve a complex problem, she built her firm around a "Collaborator Network."
This intentional shift in language, from "consultant" to "collaborator", reflects a profound difference in process. Mikael Avery, whose background spans architecture, landscape architecture, and occupational therapy, is a prime example of the unique expertise FIFTEEN brings to the table. Collaborators are not just brought in for a "nugget of information"; they are integrated into the team from the earliest visioning sessions, contributing to a holistic process where the solution emerges from the group dynamic.
Ximena and Mikael share how this model has transformed projects, turning a public space design into a community incubator for startups and workforce development, and evolving a healthcare facility presentation into a fully experiential workshop co-designed with the client. They also discuss the practical challenges of this approach, from creating new financial models to educating clients on the value of a truly integrated team.
“The more voices we can get in the room that will misinterpret what we say, if you will, the more opportunities we have to have these ideas bubble up. That is the most exciting part about design… when it doesn’t come from one person, but it comes from the conversation around something. And then all of a sudden, wait, that’s actually the answer right there. It didn’t come from me. It didn’t come from you. It came from the process.” - Mikael Avery
This episode concludes with a reminder that meaningful innovation in architecture doesn’t come from sticking to traditional roles, it comes from rethinking the process entirely. Ximena and Mikael leave us with a clear call to action: open the door, invite in new voices, and trust the collaborative process. Whether you’re leading a firm or just starting out, the future of design lies in embracing complexity together.
Guests:
Ximena Valle is the founder of Fifteen, a Philadelphia-based architecture firm that is redefining collaboration in practice. She founded the firm to address what she saw as critical gaps in the profession, building a new practice model centered on integrating diverse, interdisciplinary expertise into the core design process.
Mikael Avery is a designer, educator, and healthcare professional working at the intersection of architecture, product design, and health. He is a longtime collaborator with Fifteen, and also teaches at the University of Pennsylvania and brings a human-centered perspective to projects ranging from healthcare environments to medical device design.
Is This Episode for You?
This episode is for you if:
✅ You are interested in new, more inclusive models of collaboration in architecture.
✅ You are a firm leader looking for ways to integrate expertise from outside the traditional AEC industry.
✅ You want to learn how to better advocate for the value of a truly interdisciplinary design process with clients.
✅ You are a professional with a non-traditional background who wants to engage with architectural projects in a meaningful way.
✅ You want practical advice on how to foster a culture where the best ideas can come from anyone in the room.
What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.
📍 Show Links:
- Connect with Ximena on LinkedIn
- Connect with Mike LinkedIn
- Visit FIFTEEN’s Website
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What does it look like when advocacy is embedded into the DNA of how one practices?
In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee is joined by Pascale Sablan, architect, activist, and the 2023-2024 President of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA). As the founder and Executive Director of Beyond the Built Environment, Pascale has spent her career not only designing spaces, but designing platforms for visibility, equity, and justice in architecture.
Together, they explore Pascale’s path into the profession, from being one of the few Black women in her architecture school cohort to becoming a nationally recognized leader in advocacy-driven practice. She shares the origin story behind Beyond the Built, her reflections on the labor of representation, and the importance of documenting and uplifting the voices of BIPOC designers across time and space.
The conversation also delves into the systems that uphold exclusion in architecture, and how Pascale works to dismantle them through action: challenging AIA policies, creating traveling exhibitions, and supporting youth pipeline initiatives. Her message is clear: architecture must move beyond statements and toward systems of accountability.
"To advocate is not just to speak! It’s to act, It’s to move, to challenge, to build. Advocacy is a verb." - Pascale Sablan
This episode concludes with a reflection on legacy, lineage, and the responsibility of naming, and remembering those who have been historically erased. It’s a call to not just imagine a more equitable profession, but to build it.
Guest:Pascale Sablan, FAIA, NOMAC, LEED AP is the 2023–2024 President of the National Organization of Minority Architects and the Founder & Executive Director of Beyond the Built Environment. A Principal at Adjaye Associates, Pascale is an award-winning architect, advocate, and historian whose work challenges systemic injustice and promotes visibility for marginalized designers. She is the 315th living Black woman licensed to practice architecture in the United States.
Is This Episode for You?This episode is for you if:
✅ You want to integrate advocacy into your design practice
✅ You’re looking for models of leadership grounded in justice
✅ You’re committed to making the profession more inclusive
✅ You believe in honoring history while building a more equitable future
What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.
📍 Show Links:
- Connect with Pascale on LinkedIn
- Visit Pascale’s Website
- Visit NOMA’s Website
- Learn more about Beyond The Built
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What does it mean to be an architect today, and is the traditional path still the most valuable one?
To kick off Season 11, we welcome the three hosts of the Most Podern Podcast: Alex Yuen, Minkoo Kang, and Libo Li. They are three friends who, since their architectural education, have forged distinct, non-traditional careers that challenge the conventional definition of practice. The episode delves into their journeys as an architect-developer, an OMA designer turned developer and MIT instructor, and a self-proclaimed "career job changer" now working as a data engineer at Meta.
The conversation starts by exploring the complex relationship between title and identity. How do you introduce yourself when your work spans architecture, development, academia, and big tech? This question opens up a candid discussion about the profession's insecurities, the value of an architectural education versus its real-world blind spots (like economics and finance), and the constant struggle to define and advocate for the value architects provide.
The hosts debate whether people like them, who have stepped outside the traditional lines, make it harder to define that value, or if they are simply responding to a profession in need of new models. They tackle the "rule books" architects often ignore, the ones written by capitalism and market forces, and question the cultural mindset that often prevents practitioners from adapting.
"The hypothesis should be - design is not valuable and you should try to disprove that, which is a totally different way of looking at the problem." - Libo Li
This episode is packed with invaluable advice for both aspiring architects and fed-up mid-career professionals. From questioning your professors to getting comfortable with discomfort and learning to code, the hosts share actionable steps for anyone looking to make a change. Finally, they look to the future, discussing the end of the "Starkitect" era, the potential for AI to create single-person powerhouse firms, and why finding a support network is critical to making any leap.
Guests:
Alex Yuen is a licensed architect, educator, and co-founder of Co, a California-based design and development firm focused on affordable housing. He also teaches urban design at the Harvard Graduate School of Design.
Minkoo Kang is an architect-turned-developer and an instructor at MIT's Center for Real Estate. A former designer at OMA, his work now focuses on understanding the financial forces that shape the built environment. He is the co-author of the newly released book, Value of Design.
Libo Li is a data engineer at Meta and the author of the newsletter Building Probable, which explores data and the built environment. A self-described "career job changer," his path has taken him from architecture to data engineering, startups, and now big tech, driven by a desire to learn from different industries.
Is This Episode for You?
This episode is for you if:
✅ You are navigating a non-traditional career with an architecture degree.
✅ You question the traditional definition of architectural value.
✅ You are a student considering a career in architecture and want a realistic perspective.
✅ You are a mid-career professional feeling "fed up" and contemplating a change.
✅ You are curious about how economics, tech, and AI are reshaping the future of practice.
What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.
📍 Show Links:
- Connect with Alex Yuen on LinkedIn
- Connect with Minkoo Kang on LinkedIn
- Connect with Libo Li on LinkedIn
- Listen to the Most Podern Podcast
- Connect with Most Podern on LinkedIn
- Subscribe to Most Podern on Youtube
- Visit Most Podern Website
- Get Minkoo's book Value of Design
- Read Libo's newsletter Building Probable
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Episode 055: Architecture, And: MBAWhat is the value of an MBA paired with an education in architecture?
This week’s episode is a group discussion between our co-hosts and two fellow MBAs in the profession. Each participant has a foundation in architecture education and training, and is at a different stage in the process of pursuing an MBA. Three of our guests are licensed architects, with the last guest through IDP. Together they’ll demystify the MBA and discuss how they pursued and use their business education in their careers. Learn from these personal experiences to better understand what they’ve gained, what they wish they knew, and their recommendations to others who are considering going to school for business. We also discuss how architects can leverage the talents of someone with an MBA to improve their business operations and performance.
Guests:
Korey White is driven by her zest for the built environment, bringing open-mindedness and creativity to her role as an architect and urban planner. She applies her dual master’s degrees in architecture and urban and regional planning to an interdisciplinary approach that creates impactful outcomes for her clients and the community. Korey currently works for DLR Group in the Chicago office, focused primarily on educational facility master planning for K-12 school districts.
Korey is recognized for her leadership within architecture by her recent election to the AIA Strategic Council as 2022 Moderator-elect and has been awarded the AIA Young Architects Award, the BD+C 40 under 40 and the AIA Colorado Leadership Award. She is currently enrolled at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the iMBA program. She is a Forte Fellow and will graduate with her MBA in Fall 2022.
Keith Kato is an architect and MBA based in Honolulu, Hawai’i. He’s worked on a variety of project types including small & large custom homes, K-12, and higher education. Keith is interested in how business innovations can expand the market for architecture and how our communities can grow stronger by unleashing hidden potential. While in school, he was fortunate to participate and then lead the AIAS club Freedom by Design that delivered projects that served seniors and houseless individuals. Keith is currently participating in the great resignation and exploring possibilities aligned with his values.
Show Links:
📍 For more information on University of Illinois’ iMBA program, visit: https://onlinemba.illinois.edu/get-info/
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Episode 043: Architecture, And: Nonprofit Design EducationHow are individuals using their training in architecture to explore diverse career paths?
This week, we revisit the world of social impact design and the work of a rising, mission-driven entrepreneur. Maya Bird-Murphy joins us to share her story of designing and growing her nonprofit, Chicago Mobile Makers. The organization is on a mission to make design education accessible to everybody through youth design-thinking and problem-solving workshops across the greater Chicago community.
According to the 2020 NCARB by the Numbers report, 83% of newly licensed architects were white, and 65% were male. Those who are currently not represented need support and guidance for a clearer path to careers in design. Chicago Mobile Makers seek to expand the variety of people entering the field of architecture to create more diverse workplaces, leading to more equitable decision-making and design.
After converting a former USPS van into a mobile classroom, the Mobile Makerspace allows Maya’s team to bring the design studio directly into diverse communities, inspiring and lifting the next generation of design talent.
Guest:
Maya Bird-Murphy is an architectural designer, educator, and maker from Oak Park, Illinois. She is also the founder and Executive Director of Chicago Mobile Makers, an award-winning nonprofit organization bringing design-focused skill-building workshops to underrepresented communities. Maya believes that architecture should not be a privilege and must expand to accommodate more people through teaching and community engagement. She loves Chicago and hopes to make her mark by making it a more equitable place to live. In her free time, she can be found outside in nature with her two dogs.
Show Links:
Check out Chicago Mobile Makers
Support their work!
Featured on Dwell ‘A Delivery Van-Turned-Mobile Classroom for Kids Hits the Streets of Chicago’ by Duncan Nielsen / Photos by Tom Harris
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Episode 036: Architecture, And: RoboticsHow are individuals using their training in architecture to explore diverse career paths?
Continuing our on-going series “Architecture, And”, we invite Brian Ringley onto the show to discuss his role as a construction technologist at Boston Dynamics. Brian is part of the team developing Spot, an agile mobile robot that navigates terrain with unprecedented mobility. In this episode we’ll learn more about Spot, Boston Dynamics, and how Brian’s passion for technology and architecture led him to this innovative company.
Guest:
Brian Ringley is a construction technologist at Boston Dynamics where he promotes new value-add autonomous capabilities for construction project delivery and works to expand the construction application ecosystem with the Spot SDK. Prior to Boston Dynamics, he was a Senior Construction Automation Researcher at WeWork where he managed the construction robotics research program and contributed to initiatives in design automation, unitized prefabrication, and construction site progress monitoring. He has also taught architecture courses for many years, most recently at Pratt GAUD where he led seminars in computational fabrication and industrial robotic automation for industrialized construction.
Show Links:
Boston Dynamics
Boston Dynamics, 'Do You Love Me?'
Meet Spot
‘Beyond the Master Builder: How Robots Can Really Transform the Role of the Architect’ by Brian Ringley, published in Architect
‘Boston Dynamics: Inside the workshop where robots of the future are being built’, 60 Minutes
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Episode 019: Architecture, And: FilmHow are individuals using their training in architecture to explore diverse career paths?Guest:
Rebekah Bukhbinder
Rebekah Bukbinder is an Art Director working in film and television. She has collaborated on notable productions including The Mandalorian, Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker, and The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. A graduate of SciArc with a Master of Architecture, Rebekah’s background in architecture and fascination with the ephemeral has led her into the world of filmmaking and ultimately has informed a career in set design and world building. Her work in television and film transports audiences into imaginary worlds for people to experience. She believes her career has been a balance of taking risks, and serendipitous moments that led her to where she was meant to be.
You can see more of Rebekah’s work on October 30 when Season 2 of The Mandalorian airs.
Show Links:
https://tinyurl.com/disneyplusTheMandalorian
https://tinyurl.com/disneyplusTheRiseofSkywalker
https://tinyurl.com/netflixTheDarkCrystal
How can a deeper understanding of materials and a closer collaboration with builders reshape the way we design?
In this special episode of Practice Disrupted, we spotlight a hidden gem for architects: the Architecture Center at the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC). While AISC has long been a technical hub for engineers, the Architecture Center is working to change that perception, offering architects the tools, knowledge, and support to innovate with steel.
Evelyn is joined by Nima Balasubramanian, Director of Architecture at the AISC Architecture Center, and Parke MacDowell, an Associate Principal and the Director of Fabrication at Payette Architects. Nima details the Center's mission to be a resource "for architects, by architects," bridging the gap between design and fabrication by making technical information more accessible and fostering connections with the fabrication industry.
Parke offers a compelling perspective from the world of practice, sharing how Payette's in-house fabrication group uses physical models and prototypes to foster shared agency, accelerate decision-making, and expand the role of the architect. He argues that embedding fabrication into a firm's process starts not with expensive tools, but with a cultural shift and by building direct relationships with specialty trade fabricators.
"For me the architecture center is all about forging connections, and that’s connections between the designer and the builders who execute their ideas. It’s about establishing a common language and a common knowledge base. It’s that shared territory which accelerates innovation." - Parke MacDowell
The conversation also touches on practical concerns, including steel supply chains and project costs, and explores the future of the profession. Nima shares the Architecture Center's upcoming initiatives, such as hands-on welding workshops and steel mill tours, designed to give architects tangible experience with the material they specify. Parke concludes with a powerful call for architects to recognize the agency they have to shape a more equitable built environment for everyone.
Guests:
Nima Balasubramanian is the Director of Architecture at the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), where she leads the Architecture Center. A former practicing architect, she is now focused on building out the center's mission to provide architects with the resources, knowledge, and support they need to work more effectively and efficiently with structural steel, bridging the gap between design and fabrication.
Parke MacDowell is an Associate Principal and the Director of Fabrication at Payette Architects in Boston. As both a licensed architect and a fabricator with a background in welding, his work sits at the intersection of craft and community. He uses fabrication to drive design excellence, foster shared agency among project teams, and broaden the role of the architect in the building process.
Is This Episode for You?
This episode is for you if:
✅ You want to learn about the resources the AISC Architecture Center provides for architects.
✅ You are interested in how to better integrate fabrication and making into your design process.
✅ You are a small firm owner wondering how to collaborate more effectively with builders and fabricators.
✅ You are curious about hybrid steel-timber structural systems.
✅ You believe architects have a responsibility to broaden their agency and reclaim territory in the building process.
What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.
📍 Show Links:
- Learn more about AISC Architecture Center
- Connect with Parke on LinkedIn
- Follow Parke on Instagram
- Connect with Nima on LinkedIn
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What happens when the disruptors pause to reflect on the disruption?
For the 200th episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee welcomes back a very special guest: her original co-creator and former co-host, Je’Nen Chastain. Five years after they launched the podcast to challenge the conventions of architectural practice, they reunite for a milestone conversation about how their paths have evolved, the inflection points facing the profession, and why the work of changing the industry is more urgent than ever.
Since stepping away from the microphone, Je’Nen has been building Apostrophe Consulting, a practice dedicated to helping AEC firms implement the real, substantial change they often only talk about. She shares how her work focuses on treating firm evolution as a design problem, addressing critical challenges like leadership transition, knowledge transfer, and the immense pressure on the "stretched thin" middle managers holding the gap between senior leaders and emerging staff.
The conversation goes deep into the core issues plaguing the profession, from the "hollowing out" of the talent pipeline due to multiple recessions to the ongoing debate about where business education fits into an architect's training. Je’Nen and Evelyn also get personal, sharing candid reflections on identity, belonging, and the emotional toll of diverging from the traditional career path, and why they are each tackling the industry's problems from their unique perspectives.
“Essentially at the core of it, what I'm really trying to change is the culture of how we develop and cultivate architecture firms. One of the things we argued on this podcast over and over again was that the business model was outdated. And I think the reason it's outdated is because culture was never taken into consideration as a design variable in building it." - Je’Nen Chastain
The episode concludes with a look at how Evelyn is leveraging AI as a "teammate" to streamline operations, and a heartfelt congratulations on 200 episodes of creating a platform for the voices shaping the future of practice.
Guest:
Je’Nen Chastain is the original co-creator and former co-host of the Practice Disrupted podcast. She is the founder of Apostrophe Consulting, where she works with AEC firms to navigate complex challenges including leadership transitions, organizational design, knowledge transfer, and culture change. With a background in architecture and an MBA, Je’Nen combines design thinking with business strategy to help leaders implement meaningful and lasting transformation within their practices. Her mission is to help firms build healthier, more resilient business models where people can thrive.
Is This Episode for You?
This episode is for you if:
✅ You're a long-time listener curious about the origins of the podcast
✅ You are navigating a non-traditional career path in architecture
✅ You are a firm leader or middle manager dealing with talent gaps and knowledge transfer
✅ You believe firm culture is a critical component of a healthy business model
✅ You are wrestling with your own sense of identity and belonging within the profession
What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.
📍 Show Links:
- Connect with Je’Nen on LinkedIn
- Learn more about Apostrophe Consulting
- Follow Apostrophe Consulting on Instagram
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How can architects build more equitable, accessible, and tech-forward tools for the profession?This week on Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Niknaz Aftahi, architect, technologist, and founder of AEC+Tech, to explore how design and technology intersect, and how a background in architecture can lead to reimagining the future of AEC innovation. From early experiences with educational inequality in Iran to launching a platform that connects professionals with emerging tools and workflows, Niknaz shares a career defined by persistence, creativity, and service.
Niknaz reflects on the formative role of her underground architectural education in Iran, where she was denied access to public universities due to her religious beliefs. After pursuing graduate studies at UC Berkeley, she worked in Bay Area firms and became increasingly interested in the inefficiencies she saw in traditional design practice. That curiosity led her to create AEC+Tech, a community-centered innovation platform built to democratize access to AEC tools, surface real-world case studies, and connect isolated parts of the industry.
Evelyn and Niknaz discuss how small firms can navigate emerging technologies, why inclusive innovation matters, and how AEC+Tech has evolved from a simple database into a growing network of architects, engineers, and builders who are ready to experiment. They also touch on mentorship, knowledge sharing, and why Niknaz believes firm culture, and ultimately, the industry, can be transformed through collective learning.
“Once you have a vision and you believe in a project or a goal, you don’t need to know what the final product is going to be. But with perseverance, consistency, and belief, you will make it work.”
- Niknaz Aftahi
The episode concludes with a reflection on rethinking career paths in architecture and the power of showing up with intention, even when the route ahead is uncertain.
Guest: Niknaz Aftahi is the CEO and founder of AEC+Tech, an innovation platform that helps connect AEC professionals with emerging tools and technologies. Trained as an architect, she previously led design and technology initiatives at ELS Architecture and Urban Design and co-founded their internal Design Technology Committee. She currently serves on AIA San Francisco’s Design Technology Committee and teaches online architecture courses to Baha’i students in Iran through the Bahá’í Institute for Higher Education. Her work centers equity, access, and knowledge sharing in the built environment.
Is This Episode for You?This episode is for you if:
✅ You’re curious about the intersection of architecture and technology
✅ You want to explore alternative career paths beyond firm life
✅ You’re passionate about building community and sharing knowledge
✅ You’re navigating how to introduce innovation inside (or outside) traditional systems
What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.
📍 Show Links:
- Connect with Niknaz on LinkedIn
- Follow Niknaz on Instagram
- Learn more about AEC+Tech
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How can architects build creative careers in the creator economy?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee speaks with Henry Gao, architect turned digital creator, educator, and founder of Draw With Gao, a platform that teaches architects and designers how to leverage iPad sketching as both a creative outlet and a new revenue stream. Henry’s path offers a rare glimpse into how an architectural background can evolve beyond the profession into entrepreneurship, storytelling, and scalable creative business.
Henry shares his journey from sketching historical buildings as a child in China to navigating a traditional architecture education in Canada and the U.S., and eventually stepping away from firm life after realizing it didn’t align with his values. Along the way, he experimented with freelance renderings, ran an Etsy shop, studied architectural photography, and slowly built an ecosystem of content that now supports a global audience of designers.
Together, Evelyn and Henry explore the challenges of leaving the traditional architecture path, the role of mentors and paid coaching, and what it takes to build a sustainable business around content, courses, and community. They also discuss Henry’s evolution from side hustles to a full-time educational platform, the power of standard operating procedures (SOPs), and why he believes teaching is a form of service that architects are well-equipped to offer.
“When I stopped trying to fit into traditional architecture roles, I started to see all the ways my training could serve people. Teaching, drawing, storytelling, those are still architectural skills. But now I use them to empower others, and in doing so, I’ve built a business that’s both creative and sustainable.”
- Henry Gao
The episode concludes with a reflection on ikigai - the Japanese concept of purpose, and how Henry’s work sits at the intersection of what he loves, what he’s good at, what people need, and what can be monetized. It’s a conversation about reimagining the future of architecture as something broader than buildings - something designed to fit the life you want to live.
Guest: Henry Gao is a designer, educator, and the founder of Draw With Gao, an online platform offering courses, tools, and coaching for architects and creatives interested in mastering digital hand drawing. Trained in architecture at Carleton University and Cornell, Henry transitioned from working in design firms to building a business rooted in teaching and storytelling. His work focuses on helping creatives turn their skills into impactful, scalable offerings in the creator economy.
Is This Episode for You?This episode is for you if:
✅ You’re an architect curious about alternative career paths
✅ You want to learn how to monetize creative skills beyond the billable hour
✅ You’ve considered launching an online course, product, or content platform
✅ You’re exploring ways to build freedom and sustainability into your design career
What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.
📍 Show Links:
- Connect with Henry on LinkedIn
- Follow Henry on Instagram
- Learn more about Draw with Gao
- Subscribe to Henry’s Youtube Channel
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How can virtual architecture expand the role of the architect?
In this week’s episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee talks with Ryan Scavnicky, better known as Scav, about the future of architectural education, immersive digital environments, and redefining what it means to design space. As the Assistant Professor at Marywood University and creator of its new Bachelor of Virtual Architecture (BVA) program, Scav is imagining an architectural education rooted in video games, virtual reality, live streaming, and spatial storytelling.
Dubbed the “Godfather of Architecture Memes” by Architectural Digest, Scav’s journey is anything but traditional. After training at the University of Cincinnati and working internationally at firms like Coop Himmelb(l)au, he pivoted to academia and new media, exploring how digital space can be as meaningful and architectural as physical buildings. He shares how Twitch streaming, immersive crit sessions, and real-time collaboration have reshaped his understanding of design and pedagogy.
Evelyn and Scav explore the implications of this new degree program and what it means for the future of practice. They discuss how architecture has historically overlooked virtual space, how the profession might embrace new tools without losing its critical rigor, and how graduates of this program might expand into careers in game design, XR, storytelling, and tech, while still thinking like architects. The episode also examines the deeper cultural implications of space in games and film, and how architects can reclaim authorship in those expanding frontiers.
“To me, this is still just architecture. We’re reaching a new medium of space, one that lives on screens, through headsets, inside games - and we have the tools to shape that with the same intentionality and care we bring to buildings.” - Ryan Scavnicky
The episode concludes with a reflection on accessibility, immersion, and how virtual environments can be both technically and emotionally meaningful. Scav offers insight into how the profession can evolve, starting in the studio, and why it’s time to take digital spatial design seriously as a legitimate architectural practice.
Guest:Ryan Scavnicky (Scav) is a designer, educator, content creator, and Assistant Professor at Marywood University, where he leads the newly launched Bachelor of Virtual Architecture program. With a background spanning traditional architecture, theory, memes, and digital media, Scav is known for translating architectural thinking into new formats, including Twitch, TikTok, and game engines. His work reclaims virtual environments as spaces for critical design, connection, and immersive storytelling.
Is This Episode for You?This episode is for you if:
✅ You’re curious about the intersection of architecture and video games
✅ You’re an educator thinking about how to evolve studio culture
✅ You’re wondering what the future of licensure, pedagogy, or spatial experience might look like
✅ You believe architecture should expand beyond buildings and engage new mediums
What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.
📍 Show Links:
- Connect with Scav on LinkedIn
- Follow Scav on Instagram
- Learn more about Marywood’s Virtual Architecture Program
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How can architects redefine experience through storytelling and space?This week on Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee talks with Kate Aoki, architect, educator, and founding partner of Golden Egg Creative, to explore how designers can blend architecture, storytelling, and community to create immersive, intentional experiences. With a career path that’s taken her through fine arts, museum design, architecture firms, and now entrepreneurship, Kate shares what it means to craft spaces not just for use, but for memory, meaning, and delight.
Kate opens up about her nonlinear journey, starting with a degree in textile design, before eventually returning to her lifelong goal of becoming an architect. Along the way, she worked in galleries, lived abroad, and built a foundation in public and nonprofit spaces. Her deep love for fine art and interpretive design led her back to the Dallas Museum of Art as Head of Exhibition Design, fulfilling a long-held dream. But after four years, she realized the bureaucracy of nonprofit work wasn’t a long-term fit. What came next was a leap into co-founding Golden Egg, a firm focused on designing transformative experiences rooted in cultural storytelling and visitor connection.
Evelyn and Kate discuss what it takes to launch a niche practice, how to build authentic partnerships with architects and civic institutions, and why experience design is growing in relevance across sectors. Whether developing mobile exhibits for aerospace education or reimagining museum installations, Kate brings a holistic and thoughtful approach to every detail, from lighting and circulation to the words on the wall.
“This felt like putting on a pair of shoes that fit perfectly. It’s the kind of work I’ve always been meant to do - blending fine art, architecture, and storytelling into experiences that connect people to something larger than themselves.”
– Kate Aoki
The episode concludes with reflections on growth, creative courage, and how designers can prototype career pivots by following their curiosity and leaning into interdisciplinary collaboration.
Guest:Kate Aoki, AIA, NOMA, is an architect and founding partner at Golden Egg Creative, a design firm specializing in exhibition and experience design. With a background in fine arts, architecture, and interpretive planning, Kate’s work bridges storytelling, culture, and space. She previously served as Head of Exhibition Design at the Dallas Museum of Art and has over a decade of experience working across firms and institutions. Her practice centers on community engagement, accessible design, and building memorable experiences for public audiences.
Is This Episode for You?This episode is for you if:
✅ You’re a designer interested in museum, exhibition, or experience design
✅ You’re navigating a nonlinear or interdisciplinary career path
✅ You want to integrate storytelling and interpretation into your design work
✅ You’re thinking about starting a small practice aligned with your values
What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.
📍 Show Links:
- Connect with Kate on LinkedIn
- Learn more about Golden Egg
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How does a personal passion project become the world's largest archive for modernist residential design?
In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with George Smart, founder and CEO of USModernist, to explore how a personal interest blossomed into a vital national resource for architecture enthusiasts and professionals alike. George's journey takes us from a late-night internet search inspired by his own house hunt to leading a nonprofit that documents, preserves, and promotes modernist homes across America—and along the way, he offers insights into the importance of architectural heritage and community building.
George opens up about the origins of US Modernist, starting 18 years ago as a local website cataloging houses in North Carolina's Triangle area after rediscovering childhood memories linked to his architect father. He details the organization's organic growth to national prominence and the pivotal moment a realtor's call about magazines in a wet basement led to the creation of a massive, freely accessible digital library of over 5 million pages. George discusses US Modernist's unique approach of archiving by architect, the critical role documentation plays in saving homes often dismissed as "that weird house down the street," and shares compelling stories of preservation successes, including moving an entire house to prevent its demolition.
He and Evelyn discuss the surprising makeup of the modernist fan base (mostly non-architects!), the challenges realtors face with these unique properties, and how architects can better connect with potential clients by engaging with the communities that celebrate this architectural style.
"The vibe in these homes is wonderful for living. It's more relaxed, it's more open, with light and air. The improvements in glass and steel and insulation and technology have made these great houses from the 50s even better now when they're remodeled." - George Smart
The episode concludes with George's advice for architects looking to connect with this passionate audience and his thoughts on the future stewardship of USModernist.
Guest:
George Smart, HAIA, is the Founder and CEO of USModernist, the world's largest nonprofit archive dedicated to documenting, preserving, and promoting modernist residential design. What started as a personal project cataloging local houses has grown into a major national resource under his leadership. He is also the host of the popular US Modernist Radio podcast. Driven by a lifelong passion for modernism, partly inspired by his architect father, George has applied his background in strategic planning to build a dedicated community and extensive digital archive ensuring these unique homes are recognized and saved. He himself built and lives in a modernist home.
Is This Episode for You?
This episode is for you if:
✅ You're an architect or designer interested in modernism, preservation, or connecting with passionate potential clients
✅ You're a fan of modernist architecture and history
✅ You work in historic preservation, architectural history, or archives
✅ You're curious about how nonprofit organizations focused on architecture are built and sustained
✅ You own or aspire to own a modernist home
What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.
📍 Show Links:
- Connect with George on LinkedIn
- Follow George on Instagram
- Learn more about USModernist
- Listen to UsModernistRadio
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How can architects build better relationships with materials - and each other?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Nima Balasubramanian, Director of Architecture at the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), to explore how architects can deepen their material knowledge, challenge industry norms, and find joy in alternative career paths. Nima’s story takes us from long nights at overworked firms to welding workshops and global entrepreneurship, and along the way, she invites us to imagine a better way of practicing architecture.
Nima opens up about her early days in traditional firms where overwork was rewarded, not questioned. She speaks candidly about the toll it took on her health, family, and sense of purpose, and how two pregnancy losses ultimately pushed her to reexamine her future in the profession. After launching her own practice in the Netherlands and experiencing a radically different approach to work-life balance, Nima returned to the U.S. with a new perspective -and an openness to roles that extended beyond conventional practice.
Today, she leads AISC’s Architecture Center, where she works to bridge the gap between architects and the steel industry. Through hands-on learning experiences like job site tours and welding workshops, Nima is helping architects reconnect with material craft and access information in ways that are practical, visual, and engaging. She and Evelyn discuss what it means to build collaborative cultures, the power of small shifts in firm leadership, and how designers can advocate for healthier, more sustainable ways of working.
“When we give architects the chance to pick up a welding torch, to walk a steel mill, to actually feel the material - that’s when real learning happens. It’s not about memorizing data sheets. It’s about creating experiences that stay with you and inform your design choices.”- Nima Balasubramanian
The episode concludes with encouragement for anyone exploring nontraditional paths: your architecture education is not wasted, it’s a foundation. Nima shares how skills like communication, empathy, and project management translate far beyond firm life, and offers advice for others navigating career transitions, burnout, or culture misalignment in their current roles.
Guest: Nima Balasubramanian is the Director of Architecture at the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), where she leads the Architecture Center in creating tools, events, and resources that connect architects more deeply with the steel industry. Trained as an architect in India and the U.S., Nima has worked across three continents, founded her own practice, and held leadership roles in both design and operations. Her mission today is to champion hands-on, human-centered approaches to material education and professional development.
Is This Episode for You?This episode is for you if:
✅ You’re an architect curious about career paths outside of traditional practice
✅ You’re burned out and wondering what else is possible
✅ You want to reconnect with materials and craft in your work
✅ You’re thinking about how firm culture affects health, happiness, and retention
What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.
📍 Show Links:
- Connect with Nima on LinkedIn
- Learn more about the AISC Architecture Center
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How can architecture build dignity, belonging, and home?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Rochelle Mills, President and CEO of Innovative Housing Opportunities (IHO), to explore how architecture and development intersect with justice, memory, and transformation. Rochelle’s story weaves together the worlds of design, cultural tourism, housing equity, and personal grit. From running a groundbreaking architecture tour company to leading one of California’s most creative nonprofit housing developers, her career is a masterclass in reinvention—with purpose.
Trained as an architect, Rochelle brings a design-first mindset to affordable housing. But her journey to leadership has been anything but linear. She shares how she and her husband co-founded Mills Studio, launched their cultural tourism company ArchiTours, and weathered the instability of early professional life—all while raising a family and fighting to stay connected to the work that inspired her most.
Together, Evelyn and Rochelle unpack what it means to build communities that truly support people. They talk about the emotional power of architecture, the harm of neglectful design, and how seemingly small spatial choices—like the width of a hallway or placement of a window—can dramatically impact lives. Rochelle also reflects candidly on her personal and professional path, the guilt she once felt around licensure, and the many ways architects can lead—even outside of traditional roles.
“There’s this misconception that affordable housing should feel temporary or ‘less than.’ But what if we designed spaces that said, ‘You belong here. You’re valued.’ That’s the standard we should be holding ourselves to.” – Rochelle Mills
The episode concludes with a look at what it means to lead with empathy and vision in a mission-driven business, and why Rochelle believes architects are uniquely suited to solve the complex challenges of housing today.
Guest: Rochelle Mills is the President and CEO of Innovative Housing Opportunities, a California-based nonprofit developer focused on creating high-quality, affordable housing. With a background in architecture and deep experience in cultural tourism, she brings a design-driven, equity-minded approach to development. Rochelle is a tireless advocate for beauty, dignity, and belonging in the built environment, and her leadership is reshaping what affordable housing looks and feels like.
Is This Episode for You?This episode is for you if:
✅ You care about housing justice and community impact
✅ You’re exploring career paths beyond traditional architecture
✅ You want to understand how design shapes lives, not just spaces
✅ You’re a mission-driven leader seeking new ways to serve
What have you done to take action lately? Share your thoughts with us on social media and join the conversation.
📍 Show Links:
- Connect with Rochelle Mills on LinkedIn
- Learn more about Innovative Housing Opportunities
- Explore ArchiTours
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How can radical transparency redefine leadership in architecture?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee reconnects with Robert Yuen, CEO and co-founder of Monograph, to explore what he calls radical transparency - a bold leadership approach that challenges firm owners to rethink how they share information, build trust, and lead with clarity. Drawing on his experience building a tech company tailored for architecture firms, Robert brings a refreshingly candid perspective on money, management, and culture in practice.
The conversation dives into why many firm leaders are hesitant to talk about financial performance, pay, and project metrics—and how that fear contributes to stress, misalignment, and missed opportunities. Robert makes the case that leaders can (and should) develop cultures of openness, where accountability is shared, and trust becomes a competitive advantage. From pay equity to overtime, profit sharing to performance metrics, he explains why transparency isn’t just good ethics—it’s good business.
Together, Evelyn and Robert also explore what defines effective leadership today. They contrast outdated models centered on authority and control with modern approaches rooted in empathy, delegation, and adaptability. Robert shares how Monograph is using AI to reduce time spent on repetitive tasks and empower architects to better manage their work—and their businesses.
“I believe that if you’re not transparent about how the business is doing, you’re putting all the pressure on yourself as a leader—and you’re missing the opportunity to engage your team in solving problems with you. When people understand how their work affects the bottom line, they show up differently. They become invested.” – Robert Yuen
The episode concludes with reflections on mentorship, emotional intelligence, and building teams for life, not just for business. Robert offers advice for young professionals seeking growth in firms that align with their values, and challenges current leaders to examine whether their culture fosters retention, or simply clings to control.
Guest: Robert Yuen is the CEO and co-founder of Monograph, a project management and practice operations platform built specifically for architects. Trained as an architect himself, Robert has become a leading voice in the profession for bringing data, transparency, and business strategy into practice. His work at Monograph empowers firms to better understand their performance, improve workflows, and embrace the tools and mindsets needed for long-term success.
Is This Episode for You?This episode is for you if:
✅ You’re a firm leader rethinking how you run your practice
✅ You’re tired of running projects and teams on “gut feel” alone
✅ You’re interested in building a more open, financially literate culture
✅ You want to explore how AI and data can support better leadership
What have you done to take action lately? Share your thoughts with us on social media and join the conversation.
📍 Show Links:
- Check out Monograph’s Website
- Check out Robert’s Website
- Connect with Robert on LinkedIn
- Follow Robert on Instagram
- Follow Robert on Facebook
- Monograph Benchmark Report Download
- Listen to the past Practice Disrupted episode with Robert
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How can mid-career architects redesign their lives around joy and curiosity?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee talks with Clarence Kwan, an architect-turned-entrepreneur who spent three decades building a career in architecture and tech before pivoting to launch his own lifestyle concierge business, CK Curated. Together, they explore Clarence’s transition from corporate life to creative independence, and what it means to embrace reinvention with intention.
Clarence shares his personal journey from growing up in Hong Kong and the UK to building a professional foundation in architecture, design, and real estate. After decades of working at firms like NBBJ, MG2, Meta and Amazon, Clarence realized that success in traditional practice wasn’t aligned with the life he wanted to design for himself. His pivot toward food, travel, hospitality, and storytelling has opened up new pathways for joy—and redefined what a creative practice can be.
Throughout the episode, Evelyn and Clarence discuss the challenges of walking away from prestige and security, how identity evolves over time, and the value of reconnecting with your core passions. Clarence offers a behind-the-scenes look at building a solo business, developing a brand, and continuing to learn and grow after “retirement” from corporate life.
“Architecture was my foundation, but I had outgrown the way I was practicing it. I wanted to be in spaces where I could move freely, follow my curiosity, and create with intention. CK Curated is that space—it’s where I get to design not just buildings, but lives, moments, and meaning.”– Clarence Kwan
The episode concludes with reflections on how design thinking applies to life beyond architecture, and how mid-career architects can give themselves permission to explore the unfamiliar. Clarence shares advice for anyone considering a creative career reset—emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, curiosity, and trusting the process of becoming.
Guest: Clarence Kwan is a lifestyle concierge and founder of CK Curated, a solo business that helps clients design experiences through food, travel, and thoughtful living. Born and raised in Hong Kong, then the UK, Clarence received his bachelor’s degrees in Architecture and Architectural History and Master of Architecture from the University of Washington’s Seattle and Rome campuses. Prior to launching his business, Clarence worked for over 30 years in architecture, corporate real estate, and tech, leading workplace strategy and design teams. He’s now blending his love for hospitality, architecture, and storytelling into a new creative chapter—one built on joy, relationships, and intentional living.
Is This Episode for You?This episode is for you if:
- You’re a mid-career architect wondering what’s next
- You’re feeling stuck in your current role and ready for a creative pivot
- You want to explore entrepreneurship rooted in passion and purpose
- You’re curious about building a life that aligns with your values
What have you done to take action lately? Share your thoughts with us on social media and join the conversation.
📍 Show Links:
- Check out CKcurated’s Website
- Connect with Clarence on LinkedIn
- Follow CKcurated on Facebook
- Follo CKcurated on Instagram
- Subscribe to CKcurated’s Newsletter
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What does it truly mean to run a regenerative business, not just design regenerative buildings?
In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Matthew Broderick, President and CEO of Ashley McGraw Architects, Susanne Angarano, Principal at Ashley McGraw and Founder of Vaysen Studio, and Josie Plaut, Associate Director of the Institute for the Built Environment at Colorado State University. They delve into the concept of building an architectural practice that is itself alive, evolving, and contributing to a greater good, moving beyond conventional business models.
The conversation explores the crucial distinction between regenerative design and regenerative business, highlighting that regenerative business principles, rooted in living systems, developmental psychology, and transformative education, can apply to any organization. The guests discuss their journey implementing these practices at Ashley McGraw, the mindset shifts required—such as moving from a "culture fit" to an "essence contribution" approach, fostering agency throughout the firm, and reorienting client relationships towards true partnership. They challenge common assumptions and the tendency to think "we already do that," emphasizing the conscious effort needed to develop people as intentionally as projects and create genuine organizational vitality.
"Fundamentally, regenerative business differs from conventional or progressive business practices. It's based on the science and workings of living systems. That's how the world actually works rather than these human impositions that we place on it." - Josie Plaut
The episode concludes by touching on the deep, sometimes challenging, but ultimately rewarding work involved in transforming how a firm operates and develops its people.
Guests:
Matthew Broderick, AIA, is a President and CEO of Ashley McGraw Architects. Matthew has been instrumental in guiding the firm's growth over three decades, expanding from 10 people to 85 across offices in Syracuse, Boston, and DC. While experienced in designing significant higher education and sustainable projects, he considers the evolution and development of the firm itself to be his greatest design project, reflecting his deep commitment to organizational health and regenerative principles.
Susanne Angarano, CID, IIDA, Assoc. AIA, is a Principal at Ashley McGraw Architects and the Founder of Vaysen Studio, Susanne brings a rich background in educational planning, interior design, and effective stakeholder engagement. She focuses on creating architectural spaces deeply rooted in their specific culture, context, and sustainability goals. Her training as an interior designer provides a unique lens through which she approaches regenerative practice and organizational development within the firm.
Josie Plaut: Serving as the Associate Director of the Institute for the Built Environment at Colorado State University, Josie specializes in guiding organizations toward regenerative practices. Her work focuses on helping businesses align their core strategies with broader social and ecological well-being, drawing on the theory and application of regenerative business principles derived from living systems thinking and developmental psychology.
This episode is for you if:
- You lead or work in an architecture firm (especially mid-sized) and feel restless with traditional business models.
- You're interested in organizational development and fostering a culture where everyone's creativity and initiative can thrive.
- You want to understand the difference between regenerative design and regenerative business practices.
- You are curious about practical ways to shift towards a more developmental, value-adding approach with both staff and clients.
- You seek to build a practice that is resilient, adaptive, and contributes positively beyond individual projects
What have you done to take action lately? Share your thoughts with us on social media and join the conversation!
📍 Show Links:
- Connect with Matthew Broderick on LinkedIn
- Connect with Susanne Angarano on LinkedIn
- Connect with Josie Plaut on LinkedIn
- Learn more about Ashley McGraw Architects
- Learn more about Vaysen Studio
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How can architects shape cities through public service?
In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Rico Quirindongo, Director of the Office of Planning and Community Development for the City of Seattle. After spending 27 years in architectural practice, Rico transitioned into civic leadership, where he now influences urban policy and planning at a citywide scale. His journey highlights the vital role architects can play in shaping more equitable and resilient communities.
The conversation begins with Rico’s path from traditional practice to public service, including his early career at Donald King Architects, his work at DLR Group, and his passion for community-driven design. He shares how his architecture background informs his leadership in city planning and the ways design thinking can create meaningful policy change.
Evelyn and Rico explore the intersection of architecture, urban planning, and policy, discussing how architects can expand their impact beyond buildings to address systemic issues like housing, transportation, and equity. They also talk about the need for more architects in public leadership roles and how professionals can position themselves for opportunities in government.
"Most people don’t realize how much design impacts their daily lives. Architects have the skills to shape policy, influence communities, and build a more just future—we just need to step up and do it." – Rico Quirindongo
The episode concludes with a call to action for architects to get involved in civic leadership, from volunteering on committees to pursuing roles in public service, and the importance of storytelling in demonstrating the value of design in policymaking.
Guest:Rico Quirindongo AIA, is the Director of the Office of Planning and Community Development for the City of Seattle, where he leads citywide planning initiatives and equitable development strategies. Before transitioning to public service, he spent 27 years in architectural practice, including leadership roles at Donald King Architects and DLR Group. He is a passionate advocate for community-focused design and increasing the presence of architects in civic leadership.
This episode is for you if:
- You’re an architect interested in making a larger impact beyond traditional practice.
- You’re curious about how architects can influence urban planning and policy.
- You want to explore opportunities in civic leadership and public service.
What have you done to take action lately? Share your thoughts with us on social media and join the conversation!
📍 Show Links:
- Connect with Rico Quirindongo on LinkedIn
- Follow Rico Quirindongo on Instagram
- Follow Rico Quirindongo on X
- Follow Rico Quirindongo on Bluesky
- Learn more about SeattleOPCD on Facebook
- Connect with SeattleOPCD on LinkedIn
- Learn more about SeattleOPCD on Instagram
- Learn more about SeattleOPCD on X
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How can storytelling empower women in architecture?
In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee talks with Jadyn Anderson about the power of storytelling and advocacy in architecture. As a Master of Architecture student at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and junior designer at Zimmerman Architectural Studios, Jadyn is deeply invested in fostering community and representation within the profession. She is the creator of When in Doubt, a self-published zine that brings visibility to women’s experiences in architecture through interviews, artwork, and personal narratives. As President of Women in Design Students at UWM and a recipient of the 2023 AIAS Advocacy and Impact Honor Award, she is committed to creating spaces where young designers feel supported and empowered.
The conversation begins with Jadyn’s inspiration for When in Doubt, which stemmed from a personal experience that made her question her place in the profession. Instead of letting doubt hold her back, she transformed it into action, using design as a tool for advocacy and connection. She shares how the zine weaves together stories from established women architects with artwork from young girls just beginning to imagine their futures in design.
Evelyn and Jadyn discuss the impact When in Doubt has had on students and professionals alike, as well as the importance of creating spaces for women in architecture to feel supported and empowered. They explore the process of bringing the zine to life, the craft behind its production, and the growing movement it has sparked.
"If you’re in doubt, don’t let it push you out of architecture—let it fuel you to take action." – Jadyn Anderson
The episode concludes with insights on the next steps for When in Doubt, including plans for a second volume, expanding its reach, and how architects at all levels can contribute to a more inclusive profession.
Guest: Jadyn Anderson is a Master of Architecture student at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and junior designer at Zimmerman Architectural Studios. She is the creator of When in Doubt, a zine amplifying women's experiences in architecture through storytelling and art. As president of Women in Design Students at UWM, she is dedicated to fostering community and advocacy within the profession. In 2023, she was recognized with the AIAS Advocacy and Impact Honor Award for her contributions to advancing equity in architecture.
📍 Show Links:
- Connect with Jadyn Anderson on LinkedIn
- Follow Jadyn Anderson on Instagram
- Explore When in Doubt zine
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How a non-technical founder built a tech solution to transform material selection for architects.
In the latest episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Vardhan Mehta, co-founder of AceLab, an AI-powered platform transforming how architects research and specify building materials. Vardhan shares his journey from practicing architect to tech entrepreneur, the inefficiencies he saw in traditional material selection, and how AceLab is helping firms make faster, data-driven product decisions.
The conversation begins with Vardhan’s early career working on complex building envelopes for U.S. embassies and high-profile projects at MIT and Yale. He describes how his experiences in traditional architecture firms highlighted the challenges architects face when balancing sustainability, cost, performance, and aesthetics in material selection. Recognizing the need for a better solution, he co-founded AceLab with the mission of streamlining the process through AI-driven insights.
Evelyn and Vardhan explore the intersection of architecture, entrepreneurship, and technology, discussing what it means to be a non-technical founder in a tech-driven space. They also discuss the role of AI in democratizing access to high-quality material data, making informed decisions easier for firms of all sizes.
"If architects want to retain control over project outcomes, we need better tools to navigate the complexity of material selection." – Vardhan Mehta
The episode concludes with insights into venture funding, industry adoption, and advice for architects interested in launching their own startups or integrating AI into their workflows.
Guest:Vardhan Mehta, AIA, CSI is a non-technical co-founder of AceLab, an AI-powered platform revolutionizing material research and selection for architects. Before launching AceLab, he worked on complex building envelopes for U.S. embassies and led material innovation projects at MIT and Yale. Recognized on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for manufacturing and industry, Vardhan is passionate about bridging the gap between architecture and technology to improve design decision-making.
📍 Show Links:
- Connect with Vardhan Mehta on LinkedIn
- Follow AceLab on LinkedIn
- Learn more about AceLab
- Follow AceLab on Instagram
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How can AI transform knowledge sharing and efficiency in architecture?In the latest episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping workflows in architecture firms. She is joined by Emily Lotterer, National Marketing Operations Leader at CannonDesign, and Joel Yow, Director of Digital Products, to discuss the firm’s AI-powered tool, Billie. Designed as an internal AI companion, Billie helps streamline knowledge sharing, improve efficiency, and enhance collaboration across the firm.
The conversation begins with the origins of Billie, which started as an AI hackathon project before evolving into a firm-wide tool. Emily and Joel share insights on how CannonDesign built and implemented Billy, balancing automation with human expertise to ensure security, accuracy, and practical value. They discuss how the tool is used across different departments, from marketing and HR to project teams searching for critical design data.
Evelyn and her guests also explore the broader implications of AI in architecture, from ethical considerations to the evolving role of architects in a technology-driven workplace. They discuss the importance of data quality, adoption strategies, and how AI can free up time for architects to focus on high-value, creative work.
"AI isn’t here to replace architects—it’s here to help us focus on what we do best." – Joel Yow
The episode concludes with reflections on the future of AI in architecture and advice for firms looking to integrate AI tools into their workflows.
Guests:Emily Lotterer is the National Marketing Operations Leader at CanonDesign, where she specializes in optimizing marketing systems, streamlining workflows, and integrating technology into business development strategies. She played a key role in shaping Billie, ensuring that AI supports—rather than replaces—human creativity and collaboration.
Joel Yow is the Director of Digital Products at CanonDesign, where he leads AI and technology initiatives that enhance design processes and firm-wide efficiency. With a background in design, entrepreneurship, and data strategy, he previously founded Linear A, a firm focused on integrating data-driven insights into architecture and design.
📍 Show Links:
- Connect with Emily Lotterer on LinkedIn
- Connect with Joel Yow on LinkedIn
- Learn more about CanonDesign
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How can hip hop and architecture create a more inclusive future?
In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Michael Ford, architect, entrepreneur, and founder of the Hip Hop Architecture Camp. Known as "The Hip Hop Architect," Michael has dedicated his career to increasing diversity in architecture by using hip-hop as a tool for education, storytelling, and activism.
The conversation begins with Michael’s journey into architecture and the origins of the Hip Hop Architecture Camp. This nationwide initiative introduces underrepresented youth to design through the lens of hip-hop culture. He shares how the camp has evolved over the past nine years, leading to scholarships, mentorship programs, and even international collaborations.
Evelyn and Michael also explore his work beyond education, including his role in designing the Universal Hip Hop Museum in the Bronx, set to open in 2026. They discuss how hip hop serves as an unfiltered critique of urban spaces, and why architects should pay attention to the stories embedded in lyrics.
"If you don’t like what hip hop is saying about the built environment, start designing better cities." – Michael Ford
The episode wraps with a discussion of Michael’s entrepreneurial ventures, including his collaborations with brands like Herman Miller and Shaw Contract and the launch of his firm, BrandNu Design Studio. He shares insights on navigating alternative revenue streams, balancing mission-driven work with business sustainability, and advice for young designers forging their own paths in the industry.
Guest: Michael Ford is an architect, educator, and entrepreneur known for his pioneering work at the intersection of hip hop and architecture. He is the founder of the Hip Hop Architecture Camp, an award-winning program that introduces youth to architecture through music and storytelling. As the principal of BrandNu Design Studio, Michael leads projects that focus on cultural representation, including the design of the Universal Hip Hop Museum. His collaborations with brands like Herman Miller and Shaw Contract have expanded the conversation around diversity, design, and social impact.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Michael Ford on LinkedIn
Follow Michael Ford on Instagram
Learn more about BrandNu Design Studio
📚 Design, and Social impact:
Learn more about Hip Hop Architecture Camp
Learn more about Michael’s collaboration with Herman Miller
Learn more about the Michael’s role in Universal Hip Hop Museum
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How can firms rethink leadership to create more equitable career paths?
In this episode of Practice Disrupted, we explore a new approach to leadership development in architecture with the team from FIFTEEN Architecture & Design. Firm founders and team members share how they’ve challenged traditional hierarchies by implementing a flexible, inclusive leadership model that prioritizes mentorship, career growth, and impact-driven design.
The conversation begins with Ximena Valle, AIA, LEED AP, founding principal of FIFTEEN, as she reflects on the motivation behind launching the firm. She discusses how traditional career structures often limit opportunities for growth, leading talented professionals to leave the industry. To combat this, FIFTEEN has developed a lattice-based leadership model that moves away from rigid hierarchies, creating space for emerging leaders to shape the future of the firm.
Sharrod Parker, AIA, and Ramune Bartuskaite, AIA share their experiences navigating alternative career paths within FIFTEEN, where team members are encouraged to pursue individual strengths and leadership opportunities beyond traditional job titles. Together, they explore how architects can redefine leadership, increase representation in decision-making, and cultivate a culture where everyone can thrive.
"Instead of a pyramid where everyone fights for one position at the top, we’ve created a lattice where every team member has the space to grow into leadership." – Ximena Valle
The episode concludes with insights on scaling this leadership model, the impact of mentorship, and advice for firms looking to create more equitable and dynamic workplaces.
Guests: Ximena Valle, AIA, LEED AP is the founding principal of FIFTEEN Architecture & Design. She started the firm with the vision of rethinking leadership, creating an inclusive practice, and using architecture as a tool for impact. With experience across large, mid-size, and small firms, she launched FIFTEEN to address the barriers preventing talented architects from advancing in traditional firms. She is passionate about mentorship, firm culture, and fostering new models of professional growth.
Ramune Bartuskaite, AIA, LEED GA, WELL AP is an Associate at FIFTEEN, where she leads marketing and communications in addition to practicing architecture. Passionate about advocacy, she has worked on initiatives to support women in the profession and previously co-edited a book focused on women in architecture. At FIFTEEN, she plays a key role in shaping the firm’s leadership culture and internal development.
Sharrod Parker, AIA is a registered architect and educator focused on innovative approaches to design and practice. At FIFTEEN, he works on refining project delivery processes, integrating technology, and fostering a more inclusive approach to professional development. A former student of Ximena’s, he brings a deep commitment to mentorship and leadership evolution in architecture.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Ximena Valle on LinkedIn
Connect with Ramune Bartuskaite on LinkedIn
Connect with Sharrod Parker on LinkedIn
Learn more about FIFTEEN Architecture & Design
FIFTEEN Lattice Model Sketch
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How does an architectural background shape a career in creative direction?
Architecture teaches more than just how to design buildings—it shapes the way we see, think, and create. In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Obiekwe "Obi" Okolo, a Nigerian-American photographer, multimedia artist, and creative director at Bittersweet Creative, to explore how his design education continues to influence his work in storytelling, strategy, and cultural advocacy.Together, they explore how an architectural background can open doors to unexpected and impactful career paths.
The conversation begins with Obi’s transition from architecture to creative direction, highlighting how his design education continues to shape his work. Evelyn and Obi discuss the intersection of architecture, storytelling, and strategy—how architects are trained to think at different scales and how that skill translates into creative industries. They also explore broader themes, including entrepreneurship, navigating alternative career paths, and the future of creative professions in the age of AI.
"I would never trade my architecture education for anything. But I would have really loved to know earlier all that it could have afforded me." – Obiekwe "Obi" Okolo
The episode wraps with reflections on redefining success, embracing nontraditional career moves, and advice for those considering their own transition beyond architecture.
Guest: Obiekwe "Obi" Okolo is a creative director, multimedia artist, and cultural strategist. Currently serving as the creative director at Bittersweet Creative, he leads projects that fuse storytelling, design, and social impact. His background in architecture informs his work in photography, documentary, and narrative-driven design. As the arts and culture editor for Bittersweet Monthly, Obi explores the power of visual storytelling to drive meaningful conversations. His career spans exhibitions, publications, and community-driven initiatives, all focused on the intersection of design, identity, and culture.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Obi on LinkedIn
Follow Obi on Instagram
Explore on Obi’s Website
Explore on Tast Coffee's Website
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How can small architecture firms innovate for a sustainable future?
In this episode of Practice Disrupted, we sit down with Carina Coel, Founder and Principal Architect of Restructure Studio, and Alexandra Chaves, Project Manager at the firm. Together, they share how their firm balances custom and pre-designed home offerings, embraces flexible work models, and fosters leadership in architecture.
We explore Carina’s journey in launching Restructure Studio, a firm recognized for sustainable residential design and workplace flexibility. To make sustainable design more accessible, she founded Arbor Plans, a platform offering pre-designed, high-efficiency home plans for homeowners and developers.
Next, we discuss Restructure Studio’s innovative firm structure, allowing architects to work part-time while maintaining high design standards. Alexandra shares her experience as the firm’s first full-time employee, her advocacy for mentorship, and her leadership in Women in Architecture Austin.
Carina and Alexandra also reflect on balancing work, family, and leadership, emphasizing mentorship, inclusivity, and alternative business models for the future of architecture.
“We have to rethink how architecture firms support their teams—not just in design, but in how we structure our workplaces.” – Carina Coel
Guests:
Carina Coel is the Founder and Principal Architect of Restructure Studio, an Austin-based firm specializing in sustainable residential architecture. She is also the creator of Arbor Plans, an initiative aimed at making sustainable home design more accessible. Carina is a dedicated advocate for workplace flexibility and an active leader in AIA Austin’s JEDI Committee.
Alexandra Chaves is a Project Manager at Restructure Studio and Chair of Women in Architecture Austin. With experience in residential architecture and a passion for mentorship, Alexandra is committed to supporting women in the profession and expanding access to sustainable design solutions.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Carina Coel on LinkedIn
Connect with Alexandra Chaves on LinkedIn
Learn more about Restructure Studio
Explore Arbor Plans
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Reflections on podcasting, leadership, and the future of the profession.
Season 10 of Practice Disrupted begins with a twist as host Evelyn Lee shares the microphone with special guest Michele Grace Hottel, architect, advocate, and host of I’ve Never Met a Woman Architect Before. Together, they reflect on the growth of their podcasts, the evolving profession, and the personal stories that shaped their careers.
In this candid discussion, Evelyn and Michele discuss their respective journeys into podcasting, highlighting key lessons learned from over 200 interviews and the inspiration behind their shows. The conversation dives into pivotal career decisions, the challenges of balancing work and family life, and the shifts happening in architecture due to technology and generational change.
“We have to rethink architecture—not just the design process but the way we build our careers and support each other.” – Evelyn Lee
This episode also explores pressing topics, such as how architects can redefine their roles in a changing industry and the importance of mentorship, flexibility, and work-life balance in achieving long-term success.
Guest:
Michele Grace Hottel is an architect, advocate, and the host of I’ve Never Met a Woman Architect Before, a podcast celebrating diverse voices in architecture. With decades of experience, Michele has dedicated her career to advancing attainable housing, leadership in design, and equity within the profession.
📍 Show Links:
- Connect with Michele Grace Hottel on LinkedIn
- Listen to I’ve Never Met a Woman Architect Before
- Follow Michele’s work
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How do you rethink a career in architecture to get unstuck?
Guest:
Laura Weiss Founder at Design Diplomacy
As a professional coach, facilitator, mediator, and consultant, Laura Weiss helps creative leaders engage in powerful conversations that drive change.
A former licensed architect, Laura spent a decade with the global design firm IDEO as a Practice Director and Associate Partner. An expert in service design, she subsequently assumed leadership roles inside a variety of enterprises seeking to build their own capacity for innovation. Today she leads her own practice Design Diplomacy LLC and is an Adjunct Professor at the California College of the Arts.
Laura holds a B.Arch. with honors from Cornell University, an M.Arch. from Yale University, and an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management. A lifelong learner, Laura has also earned a Professional Certificate in Mediation and Applied Conflict Studies from Champlain College in Burlington, VT, her CPCC (Certified Professional Co-Active Coach) credential through the Coactive Training Institute and is an ACC (Associate Certified Coach) with The International Coach Federation.
How do you rethink a career in architecture to get unstuck?
Guest:
Laura Weiss Founder at Design Diplomacy
As a professional coach, facilitator, mediator, and consultant, Laura Weiss helps creative leaders engage in powerful conversations that drive change.
A former licensed architect, Laura spent a decade with the global design firm IDEO as a Practice Director and Associate Partner. An expert in service design, she subsequently assumed leadership roles inside a variety of enterprises seeking to build their own capacity for innovation. Today she leads her own practice Design Diplomacy LLC and is an Adjunct Professor at the California College of the Arts.
Laura holds a B.Arch. with honors from Cornell University, an M.Arch. from Yale University, and an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management. A lifelong learner, Laura has also earned a Professional Certificate in Mediation and Applied Conflict Studies from Champlain College in Burlington, VT, her CPCC (Certified Professional Co-Active Coach) credential through the Coactive Training Institute and is an ACC (Associate Certified Coach) with The International Coach Federation.
📍 Show Links:
Evelyn Lee’s Linkedin
Je'Nen Chastain Linkedin
https://lauraweiss.net/
Create Your Own Path Forward - and Perhaps Away from Architecture (Architect Magazine)
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In this episode of Practice Disrupted, we begin to explore technology as a disruptor to the industry of architectural practice.
Guest:
Nels Long, Co-Founding Director of RotoLab
Nels Long (SCI-Arc ’14) is a designer, strategist and educator with a passion for projects that seek to improve the world through a relationship between technology and the built environment. As an Associate Principal at RoTo Architects, Nels has worked on projects at numerous scales from single family homes and commercial spaces, to large civic projects and masterplans. His approach to practice is the basis for founding RoTo Architects’ innovation studio, RotoLab. Through RotoLab Nels has cofounded companies that each focus on a different relationship between architecture, technology, and neuroscience, specifically focusing on learning through virtual experiences, virtual tooling, and social and competitive spaces for virtual experiences and games.
📍 Show Links:
RoTo Architects -- Our curated team of professionals have worked for corporations, government agencies, and individuals on a wide array of projects. We have learned the value of working collaboratively and the benefit of listening with open minds, heightened curiosity, and a sense of great purpose. https://www.rotoark.com/
RotoLab - An innovation studio for cross sector innovation in Architecture & Real Estate.
http://rotolab.la/
Second Studio is an open source collaboration software for architects and designers looking for an immersive VR solution for creating free form models using intuitive virtual tools.
https://github.com/SecondStudio/Second-Studio
Affinity Space is a grassroots organization in support of resilient futures through the sharing of information, cross-sector collaboration, and online mentoring. It is an online space where life’s challenges are to be presented in a spirit of compassion and domain experts present solutions in support of affected communities. It is a knowledge web in support of learning new skills, making new friends, and creating a better world. https://affinity-space.com/
RIOS (formerly Rios Clementi Hale Studio) https://www.rios.com/
Read more about RIOS product design: https://www.rios.com/news/#filter=.all-posts.all-brands.products
notNeutral was born out of the idea that architecture is more than just a building; it is everything in the designed environment. As the design-child of Rios Clementi Hale Studios, notNeutral was a way for our award-winning transdisciplinary design firm to expand its horizons. https://www.notneutral.com/
Evelyn Lee’s Linkedin
Je'Nen Chastain Linkedin
Visit https://jambcollective.com/ to apply to become a Jamb Groundbreaker
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How are architects thinking outside of the box of the traditional practice model? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, we explore lessons from the Practice Innovation Lab and meet a team of architect entrepreneurs who are building a business.
Guests:
Christian Jordan, Co-Founder of Jamb Collective
Abi Brown, Co-Founder Jamb Collective
Christian Jordan is an architect practicing in Philadelphia, PA. As a principal at PJA Architecture, founded by his father, Phillip, he continues to be a tireless advocate for emerging architects and the profession. Having graduated from Jefferson University with a B.Arch in 2005, he has been an adjunct at the university’s College of Architecture since 2006. He is currently teaching a course on innovation and professional practice. He was awarded the AIA Pennsylvania’s Emerging Professional award in 2017. In 2018, he ended a three-year term as the AIA Young Architect Regional Director for Pennsylvania, during which time he established the Firms Fostering Emerging Professional recognition award for firms in Pennsylvania. In 2017, he co-founded the JAMB Collective with five colleagues during the AIA’s Practice Innovation Lab. As a managing partner, Christian continues to further JAMB's mission to help small firms stay small, act big, and do good.
Abigail R. Brown, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, is an architect at Hickok Cole in Washington, DC, where she works on urban multifamily residential projects at a variety of scales. Abi is the 2020 Vice Chair and the 2018-2019 Community Director for AIA National’s Young Architects Forum where she uses her passion for building networks and resource sharing to better connect emerging professionals groups around the country. She is a licensed architect in the state of Illinois, a 2020 winner of the AIA Young Architects Award, and a 2016 winner of the AIA|DC Emerging Architect Award.In 2017, she participated in the AIA Practice Innovation Lab where her team started JAMB Collective, a network that helps small and medium-sized architecture firms better compete with larger firms. Abi’s experience leading in her office and professional organizations helps to shape JAMB’s approach to member outreach and culture.
JAMB Collective utilizes technology and a decentralized network to connect, support, and open new doors for small to mid-size architecture firms. From its conception at the AIA’s Practice Innovation Lab in October of 2017 to today, the JAMB Collective has grown from an idea to an ecosystem of 16 architectural firms across 8 states and D.C. The firms range from sole proprietors to 40+ person firms and include expertise in resiliency, historic preservation/adaptive reuse, and remote practice. In 2018, JAMB won the Charette Venture Group's Architectural Business Plan Competition for its proposal to democratize networks and resources for small firms. JAMB is currently part of Trimble's ZeroSixty Accelerator 2019-2020 cohort.
📍 Show Links:
Evelyn Lee’s Linkedin
Je'Nen Chastain Linkedin
Visit https://jambcollective.com/ to apply to become a Jamb Groundbreaker
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How does organizational design support an innovative firm culture?
Guest:
Andrew Cronin, Principal at KieranTimberlake
In over 15 years as an architect, Andrew has focused on a variety of project types including award winning renovations for university clients, an addition and renovation at a local religious institution, a private home in rural Northern California, and an innovative new education center at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Andrew is currently working on a student residential planning study for a liberal arts college in New England and a precinct planning study for a university in Washington D.C.
Andrew takes a holistic approach to design practice. As a Principal at KieranTimberlake, he remains deeply connected to digital design, prototyping, and systems integration and engages project teams across the office by co-leading KieranTimberlake's BIM Practices group and works to spread lessons across the firm through KT’s regular weekly knowledge sharing forums. Andrew supports KieranTimberlake’s pursuit of the 2030 Challenge in his role in the Beyond 2030 working group and leads KieranTimberlake’s internal mentorship program. He is also a jury critic and adjunct faculty member at the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design at Drexel University.
📍 Show Links:
Evelyn Lee’s Linkedin
Je'Nen Chastain Linkedin
https://kierantimberlake.com/
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Welcome to the launch of Practice Disrupted! Meet hosts Evelyn Lee and Je’Nen Chastain who will begin to discuss the changing nature of architectural practice.
Hosts:
Evelyn Lee, Founder of Practice of Architecture & Senior Experience Designer for Slack Technologies
Je’Nen Chastain, Founder of Apostrophe Consulting
Evelyn M. Lee, AIA, MBA, MPA is a licensed architect in the state of California, with over 15 years of experience working with individuals and companies that are looking to reshape their future. She has been a featured keynote speaker, panelist, and moderator at national conferences and symposiums. Her topics focus on developing knowledge leadership, organizational change management, capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and strategic approaches to put design thinking to work in life and in practice. She also serves on the advisory council to ZeroSixty, an accelerator for the AEC Industry and is the first female Treasurer to AIA National‘s Board of Directors. When not working on the Practice of Architecture, Evelyn works as the first-ever Senior Experience Designer at Slack Technologies.
Je’Nen M. Chastain, MBA, Assoc. AIA is a business strategy consultant trained in architecture and business management with expertise in marketing, communications, and leadership development. She founded Apostrophe Consulting with the goal of helping architecture firms win more work, build a culture of leadership and trust within the design studio, and create a pipeline for emerging leaders to grow in our industry. A recipient of the 2017 AIA Associates Award, Je'Nen holds both a B.Arch. and an MBA. She previously spent nearly a decade in the San Francisco Bay Area, collaborating with award-winning architecture firms on design, marketing, and business development efforts. She has spoken across the country on leadership development, career advancement, emerging professionals, mentorship, and women in architecture.
📍 Show Links:
Evelyn Lee’s Linkedin
Je'Nen Chastain Linkedin
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How Can Architects Redefine Leadership and Success in a Changing Profession?
In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee takes the guest chair as Caitlin Brady, AIA, flips the script for a reflective and thought-provoking season finale. Caitlin, a Project Architect, inclusion advocate, and host of the podcast Architectette, leads this candid discussion about the evolution of career paths in architecture. Together, they explore lessons in leadership, generational dynamics in the workplace, and balancing personal and professional identities.
The conversation begins with Evelyn’s reflections on pivotal career moments, including her transition out of traditional practice and into tech, and her current journey as an entrepreneur. Caitlin and Evelyn discuss how architecture professionals can adapt to generational shifts, navigate hybrid work models, and challenge traditional definitions of success. They also delve into the value architects bring to their clients beyond design and explore how innovation can redefine the profession’s future.
"We have to rethink how architects approach their clients’ needs, not just for new buildings but in the spaces in between." – Evelyn Lee
The episode wraps with Evelyn’s outlook on 2025, including her hopes for architects to embrace flexibility, mentorship, and entrepreneurship as tools for success in an evolving industry.
Guest: Caitlin Brady, AIA, LEED BD+C
Caitlin Brady is a Project Architect and Associate at Ayers Saint Gross, where she specializes in higher education architecture. With over a decade of experience, she champions inclusion in the profession as an ACE Mentor, AIA volunteer, and host of Architectette, a podcast amplifying women’s voices in AEC. In 2023, Caitlin received the AIA|DC Emerging Architect Award for her contributions to the industry.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Caitlin Brady on LinkedIn
Listen to the Architectette Podcast: Architectette
Follow Architectette on Instagram: @Architectette
Connect with Architectette on LinkedIn
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How Can Architects Use Data and Technology to Build Sustainably?
In this episode of Practice Disrupted, we sit down with Sandeep Ahuja, Co-Founder & CEO of CoveTool and co-author of Build Like It’s the End of the World. Known for her innovative contributions to the architecture and sustainability space, Sandeep shares her journey from licensed architect to tech entrepreneur. Together, we explore how data, AI, and a shift in business models are reshaping the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry.
We begin by diving into Sandeep’s newly released book, Build Like It’s the End of the World. She discusses the inspiration behind the book, which provides a comprehensive guide to building sustainably in today’s climate. From financial implications to actionable strategies, the book is designed to empower everyone in the AEC industry—from students to seasoned professionals.
Next, we discuss CoveTool’s evolution from Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) to Value-as-a-Service (VAS), a shift that reflects the growing complexity of architecture projects. By combining AI-powered tools with consulting services, CoveTool enables firms to tackle challenges ranging from early-stage design to compliance and beyond.
Sandeep also shares her vision for how architects can reclaim their role as design leaders, leveraging technology to focus on creativity and problem-solving rather than repetitive tasks. Her insights underscore the importance of collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and embracing innovation to drive meaningful change in the industry.
If we want to solve climate change, we need to make data accessible, easy to understand, and actionable. That’s how architects, owners, and the planet win. – Sandeep Ahuja
To conclude, Sandeep reflects on her journey as a CEO and shares advice for the next generation of architects. Her story is a testament to the power of passion and resilience in driving innovation and positive impact.
Guest: Sandeep Ahuja
Sandeep Ahuja is the Co-Founder and CEO of CoveTool, an award-winning software platform that helps architects and engineers optimize their designs for sustainability. She is also the co-author of Build Like It’s the End of the World, a comprehensive guide to sustainable building practices. With a background in architecture, Sandeep is a passionate advocate for climate action and innovation in the built environment.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Sandeep on LinkedIn
Learn more about CoveTool
Build Like It’s the End of the World
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How can architects use their skills to pivot into tech design and UX strategy successfully?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we chat with Emily Privot McNamara, a design strategist and researcher at Amazon’s Device Design Group. From designing buildings to designing tech products at Amazon, Emily demonstrates how architects can successfully transition into non-traditional roles. In our conversation, she shares how her architectural background has shaped her approach to the tech world and her vision for the evolving relationship between architecture and technology.
First, Emily discusses her path into architecture, her pivot to tech product design, and how the principles of architectural thinking translate to UX strategy. She also highlights her passion for health tech, where her work impacts millions globally.
Then, Emily offers a look at working for Amazon, including how she developed her portfolio and balances business goals with customer needs in such a large company. She highlights the value of architectural problem-solving skills and relationship management in tech, offering insights for professionals thinking about similar career moves.
The advice is really just to have that confidence and don't be intimidated by these artificial barriers of noncommon denominators. You think that if you are transitioning from architecture to product design, it's a whole new world. And yes, there are different terms and jargon, but ultimately, you are able to apply skills to solve other people's problems. You are able to address the needs of a company through the skills and tools you already have in your toolbox. - Emily Privot McNamara
To wrap up the conversation, Emily shares advice for architects looking to pivot to tech or other non-traditional roles. She also touches on architecture's intersection with technology and reflects on how this convergence will continue to shape the future of both industries.
Tune in next week for an episode with one of the Cove Tool founders to discuss new business models and a new book.
Guest:
Emily Privot McNamara
Emily moved from DC to San Francisco in the early aughts to join the budding community of sustainable architects and began her career as an architectural designer working on a range of projects from high-end retail environments to local non-profit urban streetscape improvements. After some years in architecture, she pivoted into design strategy to create different things on different timelines. She has worked in Bay Area consultancies and in-house as both a (UX/ID) researcher and design strategist and remains inordinately passionate about biology, only now through a lens of health tech, specifically for women. In a future chapter of her career, she hopes to serve as a death doula for end-of-life caregiving.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Emily on LinkedIn
📚Continue Learning:
Eames Design Diagram
📚 Past Episodes Referenced:
PD #29: Taking the Leap from Architecture into Tech
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How can architecture firms successfully transition to a hybrid work model that balances flexibility, connection, and structure?
In this episode of Practice Disrupted, we explore hybrid work models in architecture firms, using the firm Shepley Bulfinch as an example. We’re joined by three leaders from Shepley Bulfinch: Jenn Zagarella, Vice President of Administration; Jim Martin, Vice President and CIO; and Jim Chambers, Vice President of Practice Management. Together, they discuss how architecture firms can navigate the challenges of staying connected in today’s evolving workplace through hybrid models.
First, the panel provides an overview of Shepley’s pre-pandemic work environment, focusing on the strong foundations the firm established and how these prepared them for a smooth transition to hybrid work. Jenn, Jim, and Jim share the strategies, tools, and technologies Shepley uses to build a cohesive, flexible work environment.
Then, we explore how Shepley’s hybrid model supports effective communication, continuous learning, location-based needs, and a sense of community. They also discuss the tech required to support their model and highlight the importance of defining what hybrid work means for your specific firm.
Our hybrid model has helped to really reinforce, and in some ways, formally articulate the flexibility and the trust that we place into our people. It's helped us to be able to hire people that don't happen to be close to one of our studios. It's actually, in a few cases, allowed us to bring people back that we were sad to lose. Now that we're capable and comfortable working in a different manner, we can, we can bring them back. - Jim Chamber
To wrap up the conversation, the group reflects on the impact of hybrid work on Shepley’s culture, trust, and connections. They also address common questions and concerns leaders may have when implementing a hybrid model in their practice.
Tune in next week for a conversation with an architect turned UX Strategist.
Guests:
Jenn Zagarella, Vice President, Administration
Leads a diverse administrative team focused on efficiency, innovation, and inclusion. She facilitates collaboration and empowers creativity across departments. Since 2014, Jenn has contributed to continuous improvement efforts, process mapping, and building empathy and consensus firmwide
Jim Martin, Vice President, CIO
Drawing on over 30 years of Information Technology experience, Jim leads the development of strategies for technology tools that support and advance design, delivery, and collaboration at Shepley Bulfinch. He focuses on new technologies and how they affect the design process. Jim is a Six Sigma Green Belt and holds a Bachelor's degree in Architecture from Roger Williams University.
Jim Chambers, Vice President, Practice Management
As the Vice President of Practice Management, Jim provides leadership for the overall performance of the design organization. In partnership with the business operations, Jim develops and directs processes and standards that improve all aspects of the design practice with a focus on the management and delivery of our product. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Carnegie Mellon University.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Jenn on LinkedIn
Connect with Jim Martin on LinkedIn
Connect with Jim Chambers on LinkedIn
Learn more about Shepley Bulfinch
📚Continue Learning:
Microsoft Teams
Miro
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How can architects maximize their impact on communities through the built environment by leveraging valuable relationships, evolving technology, and sustainability?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we sit down with Joshua A. Foster, an award-winning community builder, designer, educator, and speaker. As the Founder and CEO of JAF Creative Solutions – a consulting firm dedicated to maximizing community impact in the AEC and real estate industries – Joshua shares his insights on aligning with architecture firms to integrate community impact into the built environment and practice.
First, Joshua explains what motivated him to create JAF Creative Solutions. He also discusses how he nurtures strong relationships with clients, industry connections, and community leaders, working together to create meaningful and lasting change.
Then, Joshua dives into his approach to defining success and value for his firm with a look at his development strategies. We also explore the challenges of building community engagement services, and Joshua explains how JAF incorporates community feedback into projects while maintaining a sustainable business model.
Architecture, for me, has always been surprisingly so traditional, even though all of the people that I've met in it are really innovative... I think that, as a whole for the world, we're in a good place. As for the profession and people that are running architecture practices, I think we're pretty behind because we're not figuring out how to maximize on all these amazing talents, thoughts, and ideas. People in the industry feel like they have to completely leave it to be able to be innovative. As a profession, it's important for us to figure out – how do we capture these ideas and innovations into the traditional practice so that we don’t necessarily have to start a whole new company? – Joshua A. Foster
To wrap up the conversation, Joshua shares his thoughts on how technology is reshaping community engagement and highlights his vision for the future of architecture along with his personal goals.
Tune in next week for an episode about designing a successful hybrid practice.
Guest:
Joshua A. Foster
Joshua A. Foster is an award-winning community builder, architectural designer, educator, and speaker. He is the Founder and CEO of JAF — a community-impact-focused consulting firm empowering the AEC and real estate industry with the tools to maximize impact in the built environment. Joshua also serves on multiple local and national non-profit boards including, the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), the Long Beach Community Design Center, Architecture + Advocacy, and the USC Architectural Guild. A native of the Philadelphia area, Joshua is a graduate of both Columbia University and the University of Southern California.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn
Check out JAF Creative Solutions
Follow JAF Creative Solutions on Instagram
📚Continue Learning:
OGL Virtual Museum
ThinkWatts Foundation
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How can architects utilize their diverse skill sets outside of the practice to create meaningful, lasting social impact within communities and the built environment?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we welcome Wayne Mortensen, a leader whose career spans architecture, urban design, and social work. As Vice President of Excel Development Group and founder of Public Square Development Services, Wayne brings an interdisciplinary perspective to community development. In our conversation, we discuss Wayne’s passion for affordable housing and his commitment to creating lasting social impact through design.
First, he shares his journey, beginning with his academic pursuits in architecture, urban design, and social work. We touch on his transition from traditional consulting to social work to address the intersection between design and community needs.
Then, Wayne highlights his time as a Rose Fellow in Cleveland and the importance of trust-based relationships in community development. He talks about founding Public Square Development Services, his leadership role at Excel Development Group, his position at the University of Nebraska, and why working in multiple roles can increase social impact.
There's all sorts of ways that skills can be utilized in both conventional architectural practice and non-traditional practice. I want architecture school to be a lot more like my social work experience, where we are an accelerator and not a gatekeeper. Because if there's somebody that is an architecture school, it's because they have a passion and a fundamental belief in the built environment and its importance, and there's absolutely no reason that we can't find a role for them. - Wayne Mortensen
To wrap up the conversation, Wayne offers advice to emerging professionals, encouraging them to view architecture education as a tool for diverse career paths. He advocates for a more inclusive and collaborative approach to education as a means to drive meaningful change.
Tune in next week for an episode about community-impact consulting
Guest:
Wayne Mortensen, AIA, NASW
Wayne Mortensen is a developer, planner, and architect in Lincoln, Nebraska where he serves as Vice President of Excel Development Group and runs a nonprofit affordable housing consultancy, Public Square Development Services. After preparing for a traditional career in architecture at the University of Nebraska, his academic interests shifted to the emerging field of public interest design–a journey that took him to DC, St Louis, and Cleveland before returning home in 2020 to explore affordable housing solutions that transcend the urban/rural divide.
In DC, Wayne oversaw the launch of a national service initiative called Freedom by Design while serving as the 2003 President of the American Institute of Architecture Students. In 2010, he was awarded an Enterprise Rose Architectural Fellowship, which took him to Cleveland, Ohio. For nearly a decade, he helped facilitate citywide planning, housing, and redevelopment strategies as a pro bono consultant within Cleveland’s expansive community development ecosystem. This work culminated in 2020, the same year that Wayne was the recipient of an AIA Young Architect Award.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Wayne on LinkedIn
Check out Excel Development Group
Check out Public Square Development Services
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How can architecture firms develop strong and innovative company values, foster a supportive workplace culture, and continue to grow while making an impact?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we sit down with the founding team of Modellus Novus – Jonathan Garnett, Creative Director; Preeti Sriratana, Managing Director; and Steven Harper, Operating Director. In our conversation, they discuss the inspiration behind their firm, what sets them apart from others in the industry, and how they're actively challenging the status quo of the practice of architecture.
First, the team explains their shared vision for Modellus Novus, their leadership dynamic, and their commitment to building an innovative architecture firm that stays true to values. They provide examples of how their workplace culture and policies prioritize employees, reflecting the mission to create a team-first business.
Then, we dive into their approach to collaboration and the strategies the firm uses to continuously improve their work environment. The founders also discuss their response following the pandemic, their diverse project portfolio, and how they choose which clients to work with.
I'll share one of our admin values, which is – the team, the team, the team. Put your people first. They're the ones who are actually going to design and build the architecture. Support them and they'll deliver something incredible. And in turn, you will find clients that value that. - Jonathan Garnett
To wrap up the conversation, Jonathan, Preeti, and Steven share their exciting plans for growth while maintaining quality, culture, and impact. They offer valuable advice to young architects who want to make a difference in their communities and the world through the practice.
Tune in next week for an episode about affordable housing and community development.
Guest:
Jonathan Garnett
Jonathan Garnett is Creative Director and a founding partner at Modellus Novus, where he oversees creative direction for a range of the firm's architecture and design projects, as well as its external and internal initiatives. He is responsible for establishing, evolving, and tailoring the firm's design processes, priorities, and principles in coordination with business development, financial, and organizational strategies. Jonathan was fundamentally shaped by summers working with a non-profit design firm in Detroit that provided design-build services to underrepresented communities and community organizations invested in improving the quality of life in that city. A native of Oakland, California of Black and Japanese descent, he received his Bachelor of Arts (Magna Cum Laude) with Concentrations in Industrial Design and Graphic Design from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, studied at the Technical University at Delft in the Netherlands, and received his Master of Architecture from the Southern California Institute of Architecture in Los Angeles. Previously he worked at Detroit Collaborative Design Center in Detroit, George Yu Architects in Los Angeles, and Open Office in New York. After spending years overseeing the construction of projects he designed, while also making furnishings and objects with his hands, Jonathan learned what kind of creative leader he wanted to be. He imbues those values in his daily work with the project teams at MN.
Preeti Sriratana
Preeti Sriratana is Managing Director and a founding partner at Modellus Novus, where he provides strategic direction and manages growth. He is committed to shaping communities and creating access, from non-profit work to MN’s efforts to create spaces for the many in all of their projects. Beyond MN, he is board chair for Apex for Youth (for which he received an Official Commendation from the City of New York); co-founder and board member of national renovation marketplace Sweeten; member of the Entrepreneur Board of Venture for America, and the Advisory Board of Asian American Policy Review at the Harvard Kennedy School. He is also co-founder of Central Queens Academy Charter School, the highest-performing public middle school in Queens. Preeti’s career began in Paris working for Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, and he earned his Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a Master of Architecture from Columbia University, and a Master in Public Administration from Harvard University. Preeti is a first-generation Asian-American immigrant from central Illinois and the proud product of the public school system.
Steven Harper
Steven Harper is the Operating Director and a founding partner at Modellus Novus, where he oversees the operations and finances of the firm, as well as the execution of strategic priorities. He has extensive experience with a range of complex residential and commercial projects and is focused on providing clear planning and procedural oversight. Steven is also responsible for refining the firm’s professional practice to establish systems and operations to make the long process feel smooth for clients. He is LEED and NCARB certified, licensed in NY, NJ, CT, and FL, and is also on the advisory board of Plus Pool. Steven received his Bachelor of Architecture (Magna Cum Laude) from Virginia Polytechnic and State University (Virginia Tech) and previously worked at Kohn Pederson Fox in New York and Skidmore Owings & Merrill in Chicago. Hailing from rural North Carolina, Steven is the son of professional musicians and has always appreciated that both music and architecture are rooted in math and logic yet still able to elicit powerful emotional reactions.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn
Connect with Preeti on LinkedIn
Connect with Steven on LinkedIn
Check out Modellus Novus
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How can firms effectively leverage knowledge management to stay ahead of the evolving industry?
In this episode of Practice Disrupted, we explore the evolution of knowledge management in the AEC industry with Christopher Parsons, founder and CEO of Knowledge Architecture. Christopher’s work centers on developing ways to manage and share knowledge within AEC firms. Together, we discuss the future of knowledge management and how firms can stay ahead of industry shifts.
First, Christopher defines knowledge management as integrating people, processes, and technology to maximize a firm’s expertise. He breaks down the benefits for firms of all sizes and outlines the three key eras of knowledge management: tacit knowledge, social media, and AI.
Then, we discuss why Christopher believes AI will drive the next major shift in knowledge management. He touches on effectively leveraging AI to optimize its potential, the challenges and opportunities of implementing AI in AEC, and generational critical knowledge transfer.
I think there's this idea that our industry right now is in a permanent state of change that's only picking up speed… Part of knowledge management is learning what to unlearn… don't be too attached to the way we've done things or the knowledge that we've acquired, and be willing to continue to upgrade yourself and your company in terms of what you know and how you work – knowing that the half-life of knowledge is shrinking every year more and more. - Christopher Parsons
To wrap up the conversation, we highlight how knowledge management supports the development of soft skills and strong leadership within firms. Christopher shares practical tips for starting to integrate knowledge management into firms and personal routines. He also shares his perspective on the future trends for knowledge management.
Tune in next week for an episode about starting Modellus Novus.
Guest:
Christopher Parsons
As Founder and CEO of Knowledge Architecture, Christopher is responsible for product development, marketing, and organizational health. Christopher has been a technology leader in the AEC industry since 2002, including serving as the Chief Information Officer for Steinberg Architects and the Information Technology Director for SMWM (now Perkins+Will).
Christopher has a degree in History from Wake Forest University. He’s an avid reader, trail runner, birdwatcher, and cook.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Christopher on LinkedIn
Check out Knowledge Architecture
📚Continue Learning:
AEC Knowledge Management 101
Synthesis Overview
Synthesis AI Roadmap
Critical Knowledge Transfer Series at KA Connect
KA Connect Talk Archive
Deep Smarts by Dorothy Leonard and Walter C. Swap
Critical Knowledge Transfer by Dorothy Leonard-Barton, Walter C. Swap, and Gavin Barton
The Living Company by Arie De Geus
📚 Past Episodes Referenced:
PD # 24 Christopher Parsons on Managing Knowledge & Data for Continued Improvement
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How can leaders build and grow successful firms by integrating strong operational support, continuous learning, and adaptability into their leadership approach?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we continue to redefine traditional leadership in a conversation with Ellen Bensky, Principal, CEO, and CFO of Turner Fleischer. Ellen's background from psychology to business to architecture leadership has shaped her innovative approach to running a successful design firm. Under her leadership, Turner Fleischer has not only expanded its technological capabilities but also demonstrated the critical role that operational teams play in the success of any design practice.
First, Ellen shares her unique journey, the path that led her to her current leadership role, and the core values that have guided her career decisions. She explains how she built a financial and organizational foundation at Turner Fleischer and emphasizes embracing confidence and perseverance in achieving career goals.
Then, Ellen discusses the crucial role of an HR team and operational support in driving growth. She explains how she established the TF Academy to foster continuous learning, development, and a sense of community within the studio. We also explore how the pandemic reshaped their workflows and team structures.
We are not going to be successful by telling somebody you have to be 90% billable. We want to allow our studio members to have access to learning programs so they can develop their skills. We want a digital department that is adding operational efficiencies. That, to me, is the way you do it. When you have members of your studio who are learning and growing, excited by the work that they do, and want to be together doing it, they do great work without billable targets.- Ellen Bensky
To wrap up the conversation, Ellen reflects on her leadership journey and the importance of adapting to industry changes. She offers advice to young professionals on integrating her leadership principles into their own career journeys while also creating a meaningful and fulfilling work environment.
Tune in next week for an episode about how Knowledge Management is evolving in Architecture Firms.
Guest:
Ellen Bensky
Ellen Bensky is a transformative leader at Turner Fleischer, guiding the Toronto-based firm’s growth into a dynamic Studio specializing in Architecture, Interior Design, and Experiential Graphic Design. Her unique 34-year journey as a non-architect to becoming Principal, CEO, and CFO is a testament to her exceptional leadership and vision. She has strengthened the Studio’s technological capabilities by developing a Digital Practice team with deep expertise, integrating advanced tools and systems to digitize both the practice and their projects.
She is dedicated to driving social change, embedding a culture of community engagement within the studio. Weaving social impact into the fabric of the studio’s culture, she empowers Studio members to give back to the communities they live and build in, in meaningful ways. Ellen is deeply passionate about education and lifelong learning. She established TF Academy to support continuous growth and development for all studio members. Her unwavering dedication to sharing knowledge and lessons learned inspires her to speak globally and challenge the industry’s status quo.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Ellen on LinkedIn
Check out Turner Fleischer
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How can architects use their work and voice to drive social justice, create a positive impact on the community, and inspire the next generation of leaders?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we celebrate Douglas Ito, the 2024 recipient of the AIA Whitney M. Young Jr. Award. As a managing member of SMR Architects in Seattle, Douglas has been a driving force in the creation of over 2,800 affordable housing units, including 1,300 units dedicated to permanent supportive housing.
First, Douglas outlines his journey into architecture as an Asian American and how his career at SMR Architects has allowed him to find his voice and specialize in affordable housing. We explore his passion for social justice and housing advocacy and why receiving the Whitney Award can inspire architects to engage in social justice within and beyond the field.
Then, Douglas discusses the inherently political nature of architecture and highlights SMR Architects' commitment to fostering career growth and leadership development. He offers valuable advice for the next generation of architects who are eager to make a positive social impact.
I think the importance of the Whitney isn't that every architect should necessarily have to go into social justice work or affordable housing. It’s that even if you're doing work that isn't that – you have a voice. If you have a conscience that leads you to social justice, racial justice, or housing justice, you still have a voice and can make that known to people. I want to emphasize that outside of architecture, because it does no good to talk about it to other architects. - Douglas Ito
To wrap up the conversation, Douglas shares his favorite aspects of architecture and his insights for emerging professionals, encouraging them to seek out opportunities and build strong connections within the architecture community.
Tune in next week for an episode about
Guest:
Douglas Ito, FAIA
Douglas Ito, FAIA Is a managing member of SMR Architects in Seattle, Washington. He is the Past President of the AIA Washington Council and has served on numerous committees for both the AIA Washington Council and AIA Seattle. Douglas's commitment to design excellence is reflected in the accolades his projects have received. Honors include the 2020 AIA/HUD Secretary's Housing Accessibility - Alan J. Rothman Award for Plymouth on First Hill, the 2021 Urban Land Institute's Jack Kemp Excellence in Affordable and Workforce Housing Chairman's Award for Arlington Drive Youth Campus
Douglas is a dedicated advocate for affordable housing, working tirelessly at both the local and state levels with a successful history of working on affordable and supportive multi-family housing developments for individuals and families. Throughout his career, he has contributed to the creation of over 2,800 units of affordable housing, including more than 1,300 units specifically dedicated to permanent supportive housing.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Douglas on LinkedIn
Check out SMR Architects
📚Continue Learning:
Whitney M. Young Jr. Award 2024: Douglas Ito, FAIA
AIA24 Whitney M. Young, Jr. Award - Douglas Ito Acceptance Speech
Isan Bellevue
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How can architectural form inspire innovation in the fashion and product design industries?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we dive into the intersection of architecture, fashion, and technology with Duane McLemore and Katherine Voorhies, the creatives behind the jewelry brand Xover0. Duane, an architect passionate about digital fabrication, and Katherine, a self-taught graphic artist and fashion designer, discuss how they've blended their backgrounds to build their unique jewelry line.
First, Duane and Katherine share their design philosophy, foundational approach, and creative process for turning architectural form into beautiful jewelry with the help of machinery and 3D printing. We highlight the success and inspiration behind their Geoheart pendant, which was heavily featured in the Netflix film Uglies.
The Geoheart pendant was inspired by Art Deco architecture, and we designed it for Valentine's Day a few years ago. At that time, there wasn't really much of this geometric style – this kind of non-traditional, heart-shaped pendant. So we thought it was an appropriate creative challenge, and that's what we came up with. - Duane McLemore
Then, they open up about their creative and entrepreneurial challenges and how they overcame these obstacles. Duane and Katherine offer valuable advice for aspiring designers on growing a brand in the digital age, building connections, and pursuing their passions.
To wrap up the conversation, Duane and Katherine share the exciting future for Xover0, from collaborations with TV shows to projects that range from opera masks to car builds.
Tune in next week for an episode with Whitney Young Jr. Award Winner Douglas Ito FAIA.
Guests:
Duane McLemore, AIA
Duane McLemore, AIA is an architect licensed in the state of California. He is also a Professor of Architecture who specializes in the creation of digital tools for the application of sophisticated geometries for advanced fabrication. Among other things, Duane is the author of Horta, a component library for implementing the Space Groups in architectural computation, and Leafcutter, a component library for concrete 3d print pre-processing. He presents his research internationally. Duane is a graduate of the University of Southern California School of Architecture and the Bartlett School of Architecture at University College London.
Katherine Voorhies
Katherine Voorhies is a self-taught graphic designer and a fashion designer by training, working in the fashion industry in Paris prior to moving to Los Angeles. After serving as Director of Production for a high-profile gift and stationery company, Katherine founded Xover0 to explore the jewelry arts. She was educated at le Chambre Syndicale de Haute Couture and Parsons, graduating from their Paris program.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Duane on LinkedIn
Follow Xover0 on Instagram
📚Continue Learning:
Xover0's website
Uglies on Netflix
Scott Westerfeld
Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim & Renee Mauborgne
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How can knowledge management promote sustainability, equity, and overall architecture firm excellence?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we welcome Corey Squire, associate principal and sustainability director at Bora Architecture & Interiors, member of AIA's Strategic Council, and leader of the creation of the AIA Framework for Design Excellence. As a national lecturer on sustainability, Corey offers an expert perspective on using knowledge management to elevate a firm's performance and sustainability standards within the built environment.
First, Corey shares his journey into knowledge management and sustainability. He explains the process of implementing a knowledge management system at a firm, highlighting the challenges and benefits of using an intranet platform.
Then, we discuss his approach to building team trust by ensuring the system is valuable to all team members. Corey explains the key principles for effective knowledge management and expands on benefits like gathering information, meeting goals, maintaining equity, diversifying applications, and improving communication within the firm.
I always ask: How are your goals documented? Sometimes it's an external website, which is fine. Sometimes it's on a document in a server somewhere. But a goal is only so great as you have the resources and support to allow any individual in that organization to be empowered to act towards that goal. That's what the interlinking, updated information, and flow paths we're talking about within the internet allow for. - Corey Squire
To wrap up the conversation, Corey acknowledges the dual nature of knowledge management, balancing the initial time investment with long-term benefits. He shares his vision for the future of knowledge management in architecture and emphasizes the potential of a consistent framework throughout the practice.
Tune in next week for an episode about the intersection of fashion, design, and technology in the architecture field.
Guests:
Corey Squire, AIA
Corey Squire, AIA an Associate Principal and Sustainability Director at Bora Architecture & Interior in Portland Oregon, and a member of the AIA's Strategic Council. He lectures nationally on a range of sustainability-related topics and led the creation of the AIA Framework for Design Excellence and associated Toolkit, resources that are actively redefining excellence in the built environment. Corey is the author of the recently published book, People, Planet, Design: A Practical Guide to Realizing Architecture’s Potential.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Corey on LinkedIn
People Planet Design - Discount Code: PPD
📚Continue Learning:
KA Talk on Sustainability Knowledge Management
AIA Framework For Design Excellence
Bora Architecture & Interiors
Guru
Squarespace
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How can architects protect and monetize their creative work with the help of intellectual property (IP) laws?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we’re joined by Ana Juneja, an award-winning intellectual property (IP) attorney and founder of Ana Law® – the first law firm offering flat-fee, 100% guaranteed services for patents, trademarks, and copyrights. In our conversation, Ana explores the essential role of IP in the architecture field.
First, Ana breaks down the four main types of intellectual property: copyrights, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets. She explains how each type applies to architecture and protecting creative works within client relationships and employee contracts.
Then, we dive into the intersection of AI and IP rights. Ana shares advice on protecting your designs, tools, and software created with AI and outlines the steps to securing patents and trademarks for your work.
You're investing in your trademark in order to protect your name, your marketing, and your branding. If you're building up this brand, you're putting in so much time, money, energy, and effort into doing so – you wouldn't really want to lose it…Whereas copyrights and patents are things that, for architects in particular, are incredibly valuable avenues to monetize your brand. It is really protection for your own investments that you're making into your business. - Ana Juneja
To wrap up the conversation, Ana highlights common IP mistakes architects make and offers practical tips to avoid them. She emphasizes the importance of understanding IP laws, using strong contracts and NDAs, and taking proactive steps to safeguard your work.
Tune in next week for an episode about
Guests:
Ana Juneja
As an award-winning intellectual property attorney and the founder of Ana Law®, Ana Juneja helps celebrities, athletes, influencers, start-ups, entrepreneurs, and corporations secure + monetize their brands and ideas in the US and abroad. Ana Law® is the first and only law firm that offers flat-fee, 100% guaranteed patent, trademark, and copyright services. Ana has a 100% success rate and often speaks on important topics such as emerging legal issues surrounding security, AI, and social media.
Additionally, Ana has extensive experience with social media intellectual property infringement issues. Ana’s insider connections with premier media agencies allow her to have direct access to key social media platforms, such as Meta (Facebook/Instagram), TikTok, and Twitter. These essential services are an important component of brand protection strategy for Ana’s celebrity, athlete, & influencer clients.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Ana on LinkedIn
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How can diverse leadership, perspectives, and ideas drive innovation and meaningful change in the AEC industry?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we have a fascinating conversation with Rolf Provan, the unconventional CEO of Luckett and Farley, an architecture, engineering, and interior design firm. Rolf's unique marketing background in well-known household brands, informs our discussion on innovation, leadership, and opportunities for meaningful change in the AEC industry.
First, we explore Rolf's background and how it shaped his love for design. He shares his journey to becoming CEO at Luckett and Farley and his approach to bridging communication between employees and leadership. We discuss industry challenges, Rolf's strategies to address these issues, and the mindset he's adopted in his role.
Then, Rolf outlines the firm's approach to sustainability and their method for setting environmental change goals. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration and diverse perspectives, and how to effectively cultivate ideas and implement change.
I can't innovate if I'm not willing to look at what somebody in a different profession or with a different background or with different beliefs or a different culture is doing…Celebrating differences and bringing different perspectives from different places, to me, is perhaps the most valuable thing that we can do. Architecture can't get better if we keep using the same tool set against the same thing over and over. - Rolf Provan
To wrap up the conversation, we touch on the self-limiting beliefs in architecture that have held the industry back. Rolf offers advice for those aspiring to enter careers where they have little experience and shares his perspective on ways to make an impact in the future of architecture and design.
Tune in next week for an episode about intellectual property and the future of practice.
Guests:
Rolf Provan
Rolf has driven client-focused innovation and change for some of the worlds biggest brands and businesses, including Shell, Coca-Cola, Volvo, BAT and Anthem. A creative at heart and a "dot-connector," Provan is dialed in with the design community and understands the innovative power of an inter-disciplinary design approach for the clients in each of the market sectors Luckett & Farley serves.
Since he joined Luckett & Farley he has helped define the company's purpose and vision and has advocated for the central role that design must play in our community and in our region. His vision is to leverage Luckett & Farley's inter-disciplinary approach to improve the quality of life, enhance workforce development, and enable the regional economy through impactful design harnessing the power of design for good.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Rolf on LinkedIn
📚Continue Learning:
Hidden Potential by Adam Grant
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How can we leverage a background in architecture with soft skills to successfully transition from architecture to product management?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we chat with Liz Fibleuil, who made an inspiring transition from architecture to product management. With a Master's in Architecture and Sustainable Design and over 10 years of experience, Liz leverages her architectural background with her soft skills to deliver digital solutions at Tanooki Labs. In our conversation, we explore Liz's transition from architecture to tech and her perspective on changing career paths.
First, Liz opens up about her architectural background, why she drifted away from the field, and how she ended up in her current role as a project manager. She offers advice on recognizing when it's time to step away from a career, overcoming fear to make that transition, and positioning yourself in a new industry even without prior experience.
Then, Liz offers strategies for self-teaching tech skills and dives into the details of her role as a product manager at Tanooki Labs. We discuss her current responsibilities, challenges during the transition, and how she learned from each setback.
The moment that you're starting to question if this is the right path for you, whether you are 5 years in or 35, don't ignore that…Why don't I love it? Is it a fundamental reason why I don't love it? Is it a financial reason? Is it because I don't love my boss? What are the real reasons that you are discontent at any stage in your career? Once you define that, then start to analyze if you can find it somewhere else, and really go through that personal exploration. - Liz Fibleuil
To wrap up the conversation, Liz reflects on what she misses most about architecture while emphasizing the importance of empathy in both fields. She expresses her optimism about the future of the tech industry and shares her long-term goals.
Tune in next week for an episode with Rolf Provan, CEO of Luckett & Farley, on how his diverse experiences have shaped his leadership style and where he sees the biggest opportunities for our industry to drive meaningful change.
Guests:
Liz Fibleuil
Liz Fibleuil, a Panama-born architect with over 10 years of experience, has successfully transitioned into a Product Manager role, leveraging her soft skills to excel. With a Masters in Architecture and Sustainable Design, Liz's passion lies in creating user-centric experiences. As a Product Manager, she manages various web and mobile application projects, empathizing with users and stakeholders. Alongside her professional endeavors, Liz finds inspiration in literature as a habit reader and expresses her creativity through painting. With over three years of experience in product management, Liz combines her architectural expertise with her empathetic nature to deliver exceptional digital solutions.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Liz on LinkedIn
📚Continue Learning:
Tanooki Labs
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How can AI, automation, and technology democratize custom home design and improve the home building process for both buyers and architects?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we welcome Marc Minor and Michael Bergin, the co-founders of Higharc. With Marc's passion for combining design and technology and Michael's dedication to improving the built environment through design automation, they created Higharc. Higharc provides software tools to make custom home design more accessible, enabling users to design, estimate, sell, and build their ideal homes. Our discussion is focused on their vision for democratizing custom home design.
First, Marc and Michael discuss the origins of Higharc, their relationship as co-founders, and their goal to bring design automation to the industry. They highlight the ways tech can address housing shortages, improve affordability, and enhance the home-building process.
Then, we dive into efficient customization in home design and how Higharc empowers architects to engage with the industry on a larger scale. They share strategies for optimizing the home-buying experience for both buyers and architects, working with the industry's supply and demand, and managing the current housing market.
What really is going to make it so that houses are more affordable is addressing the supply problem. Higharc as a business is also very pointed at this soft cycle supply problem making it faster to build homes so that we have more homes for people to move into. There's an ecosystem here, and if we could take that knowledge and have systems that enable professionals to engage with this process, this industry at greater scale, we all stand to benefit. - Michael Bergin
To wrap up the conversation, Marc and Michael look to the future and share their vision for bridging the gap between architects and buyers, with the goal to create more diverse, automated, and connected communities.
Tune in next week for an episode with Tanooki Labs Product Manager, Liz Fibleuil.
Guests:
Marc Minor:
Marc started Higharc with the goal of making good home design accessible to more people. He’s passionate about pairing design with technology and guiding teams to bring those technologies to market. Prior to starting Higharc, Marc launched two 3D printing companies — Desktop Metal and Carbon3D — out of stealth to become industry leaders, and held management roles for some of the world’s most beloved brands and creative consultancies.
Michael Bergin:
Michael is VP of Product and Co-Founder of Higharc. Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to improving the built environment through design automation. Early in his architecture training, he became dissatisfied with the slow pace and limited accessibility of custom home design. Frustrated, he returned to graduate school and explored the potential to improve these conditions through research into mass-customization of homes. He applied these concepts in practice as a Research Lead at Autodesk, creating a product enabling design automation for the automotive and aerospace industries. His work leading the product design effort culminated in the release of Autodesk Generative Design.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Marc on LinkedIn
Connect with Michael on LinkedIn
Follow Higharc on LinkedIn
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Architechie
Contact Higharc
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How can architects think broadly about their career options and the various ways they can contribute to and grow within the built environment?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we're joined by Laura Wake-Ramos, a business development manager at Mortenson. As an architect and real estate developer with experience in design-build construction, she brings a unique perspective to the intersection of architecture and construction. In our conversation, Laura shares her journey in the field, insights on alternative career paths outside of traditional practice, and thoughts on the future of architecture.
First, Laura shares her background of getting into architecture and what a business development manager does at Mortenson. She provides insight into business development in architecture, explaining how she balances creativity with construction logistics.
Then, Laura dives into alternative career paths in architecture, emphasizing the importance of building support networks and diversifying your skills. She offers advice on following your curiosity and taking career development risks while highlighting the benefit of continuing education.
In simplest terms, I think of real estate development as a Shark Tank of architecture – where you have this concept, you have this design, you have this idea, and you need to talk about how you're going to get it funded. That's where I think the bridge between architecture and development lies. The development world has connections to private equity and to the debt partners to get buildings funded. - Laura Wake-Ramos
To wrap up the conversation, we discuss gaps in the architecture profession. Laura identifies areas for improvement in architectural education, such as the need for more business knowledge in capital markets and market analytics. She shares her aspirations to elevate alternative career perspectives in architecture and break down barriers between architecture and allied professions.
Tune in next week for an episode about the future of housing with the co-founders of Higharc.
Guests:
Laura Wake-Ramos
Laura is a leader in project delivery through strategy, leading teams, and technology integration. As a Business Development Manager with Mortenson, Laura is responsible for cultivating real estate development opportunities in the Washington DC metro region, leading with the strategy of integrated developer-builder. Laura’s career encompasses construction management, design-build management, and virtual design & construction integration.
One notable project Laura led as the Design Phase Manager was a historic renovation project in Washington DC that won a National Design-Build Award in 2023. Laura serves as the 2023-2024 Chair of the AIA Project Delivery Knowledge Community, and serves as 2024-2026 At-Large Representative for AIA Strategic Council. Laura is passionate about volunteering and giving back her experience to the community. Laura has volunteered with the ACE Mentorship Program of America, Greater Washington Affiliate Board Member, Arquitina, Design-Build Institute of America, Mid-Atlantic Board Secretary, and DBIA student chapter liaison.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Laura on LinkedIn
Mortenson
📚Continue Learning:
ACE Mentor Program of America
Design-Build Institute of America
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How can architecture firms grow alongside the future of the practice by exploring other business models and embracing opportunities for innovation?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we’re excited to introduce Lawrence Fabbroni as our new Chief Innovation Officer at The Practice of Architecture. Larry is an architect with over twenty years of experience and has been involved in many major development projects in the US. Currently, he works as a consultant focusing on strategic pre-development services. Today, Larry talks about his architecture and business career and his plans to enhance innovation within our company.
First, Larry discusses his career background and his role in The AIA Practice Innovation Lab. As an MBA candidate at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, Larry shares key takeaways he learned that can benefit our approach to innovation in architecture.
Then, we dive into the challenges that firms encounter in managing growth and sustainability alongside the evolution of architecture and AI. Larry highlights what we're currently working on and our goals, how our consulting service differs from others in the AEC space, and the exciting opportunities to merge the expertise of Larry's network with The Practice of Architecture network.
In the world of innovation, we separate what we define as invention and innovation. There's multiple types of innovation that can happen, and the most common is to innovate iteratively on what you already do, right? I think architects are really inclined to want to be really creative and kind of develop something brand new all the time. That's how you cause major disruption, maybe, but that's not the majority of innovation that's happening in this other space. - Larry Fabbroni
To wrap up the conversation, we explore the importance of mindset shifts for fostering innovation in the industry's future, the role of mid-sized companies, the potential for creativity, and the influence of workplace culture on driving innovation within firms.
Tune in next week for an episode where we continue our "Architecture, and" series with a guest who’s making a significant impact beyond traditional practice—Laura Wake-Ramos.
Guests:
Lawerence J. Fabbroni, AIA, LEED AP
Larry is an architect with over two decades in practice. He formerly led master planning projects at Ehrenkrantz Eckstut & Kuhn Architects and Strada Architecture. He has worked on some of the largest development projects in the US, and currently works as an consultant focused on strategic pre-development services. Currently, Larry is an MBA candidate at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business where he focuses on entrepreneurship and strategy.
Larry has received the AIA Pennsylvania Emerging Professional of the Year award, as well as the AIA’s national Young Architect Award. He is formerly a national president of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), a national Chair of the AIA’s Young Architects’ Forum (YAF), and a national board member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). He has been a leader in many other local and regional organizations.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Larry on LinkedIn
📚Continue Learning:
The Practice of Architecture Website
Practice Innovation Lab
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How is Quinn Evans embracing sustainability, historic preservation, and equity in their practice to positively impact the future of architecture, environments, and communities?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we're joined by the next generation of leaders from Quinn Evans, the 2025 AIA Firm of the Year Winner: Julia Siple, Principal and Director of Sustainability, and Senior Associates Nakita Reed and Charles Sparkman. We discuss Quinn Evans' focus on sustainable architecture, their workplace environment, and how this award will shape the firm's future.
First, our guests share their paths to becoming architects, joining Quinn Evans, and what it means to the firm to win the award. Because the award also involves creating a positive work culture, the panel explains how the firm fosters an enjoyable work environment, embraces diversity, and supports employee development through mentorship and engagement groups.
Then, we discuss the firm’s inspired approach to professional and leadership development. They also reflect on ways they’ve continued to collaborate within the hybrid remote work model.
As architects, we should be designing things that we want a preservationist to want to preserve in 50 years. As preservationists, we're not just trying to preserve things in amber. It's about how we sensibly manage change and understand how to see things from multiple viewpoints. The sustainability impacts, the cultural impacts, the neighborhood impacts, and all of the ways that existing places really matter are what we strive for and we thrive in at Quinn Evans. Winning the firm of the year...it's great to finally see preservation, adaptive reuse, sustainability, and stewardship shine. - Nakita Reed
To wrap up the conversation, we touch on Quinn Evans' commitment to learning, curiosity, and industry evolution. They express their hopes for the future of the firm with the role of technology and AI in historic preservation.
Tune in next week for an episode with Practice of Architecture’s New CIO, Larry Fabbroni.
Guests:
Julia Siple, AIA, LEED AP BD+C | Principal, Director of Sustainability
Julia is an architect and advocate for design that positively impacts people, ecosystems, and climate. As Quinn Evans’ director of sustainability, she leads efforts to empower teams and projects to achieve sustainable and high-performing outcomes.
Nakita Reed, AIA, CPHC, LEED AP BD+C, NOMA | Senior Associate
Nakita's career focuses on the intersection of historic preservation, sustainable design, and equity. She is skilled in both restoration and adaptive use of historic buildings and serves on multiple boards, including the Zero Net Carbon Collaboration for Existing and Historic Buildings (ZNCC).
Charles Sparkman, AIA, LEED AP BD+C | Senior Associate
Charles's integrated design approach synthesizes art, building science, and research into architecture that is rich in meaning and beautiful in craft. He is adept in complex historic preservation projects and new construction that elevates campuses and communities.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Julia on LinkedIn
Connect with Nakita on LinkedIn
Connect with Charles on LinkedIn
Connect with Quinn Evans on LinkedIn
Follow Quinn Evans on Facebook
Follow Quinn Evans on Instagram
Julia’s QE Website Profile
Nakita’s QE Website Profile
Charles’ QE Website Profile
Tangible Remnants Podcast
📚Continue Learning:
Quinn Evans Website
Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program
📚 Past Episodes Referenced:
PD #15: Training the Next Generation of Leaders
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How can architects thrive within the future of architecture by embracing the professional business development aspects of the practice?
Welcome to Season 9 of Practice Disrupted! In this episode, we are joined by Aya Shlachter, the CEO and owner of MGS Global Group and the host of the "Architect My Business" podcast, where she provides valuable insights for small businesses in the architecture industry. Today, our conversation is focused on various business-related issues within architecture firms and strategies for addressing these effectively so architects can thrive and develop stronger management practices for the future of architecture.
First, Aya and Evelyn dive into the role of education in the future of architecture and how schools can equip new architects with necessary skills. Evelyn explains why firms should adapt their business models to support the nuanced teachings in schools. We touch on the need for schools to provide more resources to students to support the growing influence of delivering beyond the buildings.
Then, we discuss integrating freelancers into firms and the recent shift to the gig economy within the workforce, expanding on aspects such as healthcare, freelancers versus fractional employees, and how this trend allows for more flexibility within the industry. Evelyn also shares potential solutions for the lack of professional development in business for architects outside of firms.
Architects are aware of their weaknesses in business management. Despite this awareness, there's still a gap in addressing issues effectively. So, for architects to thrive, they need to develop stronger business strategies and management practices. I always say architects were taught how to master their craft but not taught how to run or grow a business. - Aya Shlachter
To wrap up the conversation, Aya and Evelyn address AI's impact on the future of architecture. Evelyn also opens up about her decision to become a full-time business owner and reflects on the growth of the Practice Disrupted community.
Tune in next week for an episode about the future leaders of AIA’s Firm of the Year Award Winner, Quinn Evans.
Guest:
Aya Shlachter
Aya is the CEO and owner of MGS Global Group, a female minority-owned business providing full-service architecture support to the AEC industry. She has impressively expanded the company from a solo operation to a thriving firm with 50 plus employees , serving hundreds of clients, including publicly traded and Fortune 500 companies.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Aya on Linkedin
Architect My Business Podcast
MGS Global Group
Architect My Business on YouTube
📚Continue Learning:
Evelyn Lee’s Linkedin
The AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI)
MAICON Cleveland 2024 Conference in Ohio
Harvard Business Review: Highly Skilled Professionals Want Your Work But Not Your Job
Almost Technical
Practice Community + Lab
The Ultimate Health Insurance Guide for Self-employed Creators
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How do we expand mental health support to professionals across the industry of architecture?
Peter Exley, FAIA, RIBA, NOMA, a former AIA National President, Gregg A. Garmisa, J.D., Principal and General Counsel at Studio Gang, and Korey D. White, AIA, NCARB, Senior Associate at DLR Group and a member of the AIA Strategic Council join us to address the growing concerns related to the mental health and well-being of individuals working in the profession of architecture.
“As the industry continues to transform and grapple with inequities, workforce diversity, labor challenges and climate change, among other current issues, we challenge our colleagues to join in a collective and inclusive commitment to expand mental health support throughout our profession.”
– Peter Exley, Gregg Garmisa, and Korey White, “We Need a Safe Place to Address Our Mental Health,” Chicago Architect, Summer 2022.
In this episode, we’ll discuss the problem we’re facing related to mental health in the profession of architecture and steps we can take to start to address this challenge.
This episode is dedicated to anyone who is currently or has previously struggled with burnout, mental health, addiction, substance abuse, or related mental health challenges. You are not alone. There is a community of allies who seek to destigmatize, raise awareness, build acceptance, and build better overall well-being practices within our profession.
Guests:
Peter Exley’s career is committed to an equitable and inclusive built environment for children, families, and communities.
As co-founder of Architecture Is Fun, he uses the power of design to build places and spaces that reflect the values, ambitions, and purpose of every stakeholder on myriad civic, cultural, private, and not-for-profit agencies.
As a teacher, he is nurturing future architects as the primary and credible resource with the explicit training and qualification to lead the creation of healthy and equitable net-zero place-making.
As the 97th President of the American Institute of Architects, he led AIA’s delegation to COP26 in Glasgow, and advanced the AIA Headquarters renewal project embodying the urgent need for climate action alongside a dramatic transformation for workplace, member, and community experience.
Gregg Garmisa is Principal and General Counsel at Studio Gang, based in the Studio’s Chicago office. Gregg interacts with clients, consultants, and our design teams on all projects to establish and maintain productive and collegial professional relationships.
Immediately prior to joining the Studio, Gregg was Vice President and General Counsel at a national engineering and sustainability consulting firm, where he became one of Studio Gang’s earliest collaborators. Before that, he practiced law and provided public policy guidance to clients in Washington, DC, and Chicago, and served as a legislative advisor to a US senator on Capitol Hill.
Gregg is an invited member of the Society of Illinois Construction Attorneys, a former board member of the American Institute of Architects Chicago, and a former trustee of the Chicago Architecture Center. He is an experienced lecturer on current topics at the intersection of the design profession and the law, which he has delivered at undergraduate- and graduate-level architecture programs as well as conferences across the US and abroad.
In 2019, he accepted an academic appointment as a Lecturer in Architecture at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. Since then, he co-teaches each Fall semester “Foundations of Practice”, a required course for M.Arch I degree candidates that examines models and issues that define the modern architectural profession.
Gregg earned his J.D. from Georgetown University, where he was a law review associate editor and his undergraduate degree from Stanford University.
Korey White is driven by her zest for the built environment, bringing open-mindedness and creativity to her role as an architect and urban planner. She applies her dual master’s degrees in architecture and urban and regional planning to an interdisciplinary approach that creates impactful outcomes for her clients and the community. Korey currently works for DLR Group in the Chicago office, focused primarily on educational facility master planning for K-12 school districts and leading the planning discipline.
Korey is recognized for her leadership within architecture by her recent election the AIA Board of Directors as an At-Large Director for 2023-2025. She has most recently served as the AIA Strategic Council 2022 Moderator and was awarded the 2018 AIA Young Architects Award, the 2017 BD+C 40 under 40 and the 2016 AIA Colorado Leadership Award. She is currently enrolled at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the iMBA program. She is a Forte Fellow and will graduate with her MBA in Fall 2022.
📍 Show Links:
Peter Exley, Gregg Garmisa, and Korey White, “We Need a Safe Place to Address Our Mental Health,” Chicago Architect, Summer 2022.
Reposted on LinkedIn
Program Referenced: Lawyers’ Assistance Program
📚 Continue Learning:
Katherine Flynn, “The Burnout Problem in Architecture,” Architect magazine, April 01, 2022.
Sean Joyner, “Debunking Architecture’s Mythological Work Culture,” Archinect, April 04, 2022.
Ian Volner, “Paradigm, Interrupted,” Architect magazine, April 14, 2022.
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What should architects understand about the influence of computational design in practice?
Technology has prompted a massive change in the way we practice architecture. This week we’ve invited Andrew Heumann to the show to help us take a deep dive into the world of computational design and coding. This episode aims to bridge the gap between those new to the niche of computational design and those embedded in the community. Andrew will share his perspective on the evolution of the digital tools that help architects create, the role of coding in architectural design, his work at Hypar, and trends in computational design.
Hypar:
Building technology visionaries have spent 70 years telling us we could generate building designs, but instead, the software industry helped us draw walls. It's time for AEC to do what the software industry has done for 40 years — capture and share its expertise to accelerate the improvement of an entire sector, not just individual projects.
With Hypar, anyone can generate, visualize and analyze buildings to make better decisions faster. You can easily add your own processes and expertise so you don’t start from square one with each new project.
Guest:
Andrew Heumann is a software developer at Hypar, with a passion for building the next generation of software tools for designers. He has previously worked as an automation researcher at WeWork, and before that as an architectural designer at Woods Bagot and NBBJ architects. He has written more than 20 plug-ins for 3D modeling software like Rhino and Revit, including the popular "Human" and "Human UI" plugins for Grasshopper. Outside of his professional work, Andrew is a generative artist, working with data, algorithms, geometry, and machines to create rich visual abstractions that engage and challenge the limits and affordances of digital media. Andrew has studied both architecture and computer science and has lectured and taught seminars at Columbia GSAPP, Yale University, Princeton University, and the California College of the Arts. His work has been published in Wallpaper* magazine, the International Journal of Architectural Computing, CLOG journal, and presented at conferences including ACADIA, SIMAUD, Autodesk University, the Design Modelling Symposium, and the AEC Technology Symposium.
📍 Show Links:
Andrew Heumann
Hypar
Andrew on Twitter @andrewheumann
📚 Continue Learning:
TRXL 014: 'A DEGREE OF NUCLEAR', WITH ANDREW HEUMANN
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👉 Monograph is the cloud-based practice operations solution built for architects by architects. It is easy to use, beautifully designed, and helped firms streamline operations by empowering them to see project and firm-wide financial health in a single tool. Plan your projects with schedules, budgets, roles, and team members. Track a project’s financial health with their unique MoneyGantt which takes timesheet data and makes it simple to see whether you are on track or not. Use firm-wide revenue forecasts to make strategic decisions. With Monograph, you never have to make a decision in the dark again. 👉 Visit Monograph now.
👉 ArchIT:
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Why is everyone talking about Monograph?
Founded in 2018 by Robert Yuen, Alex Dixon, and Moe Amaya, the initial agency called Dixon & Moe has grown into a 50-person team, now known as Monograph.
In their search to build tools and websites for startups and architecture firms, they noticed a recurring challenge—architects and project managers kept complaining about their existing and non-existent project management software. Even more prevalent, there was a disconnect between how projects were managed, budgets were forecast, and time was tracked. Often they would hear that existing solutions are “cumbersome” or “tedious”. Why wasn’t there a solution that could help architects manage their firms more effectively, with more transparency?
This week we interview Robert Yuen, the CEO and Co-Founder of Monograph to learn about the company’s growth, pursuit in solving the challenges of the industry, and vision for the future. Let’s just say that their plans are much bigger than project management.
Guest:
Robert Yuen, Assoc. AIA, is the CEO and Co-Founder of Monograph, a software company revolutionizing the future in how architectural projects are managed. Having worked as an architectural designer in his hometown Chicago and ultimately setting his roots down in San Francisco, Yuen discovered his passion for designing software solutions for the AEC industry. A serial entrepreneur, a trained architect, and zealously productive, Robert is an active member and avid public speaker within the architecture, design, and engineering industries.
His experience in working with some of the industry’s most renowned firms and designers, including SOM, Holabird & Root, and BluHomes, led him to discover a void for a simple cloud-based project management application that was tailored to the industry. As such, Yuen co-founded Monograph alongside his co-founders Alex Dixon and Moe Amaya, to help architects and engineers oversee projects in an integrated, user-friendly, and ever-evolving interface. Robert graduated with a Masters in Architecture and a Masters in Science in Digital Technologies from the University of Michigan.
📍 Show Links:
Monograph
💻 Learn about our podcast partners:👉 Monograph is the cloud-based practice operations solution built for architects by architects. It is easy to use, beautifully designed, and helped firms streamline operations by empowering them to see projects and firm-wide financial health in a single tool. Plan your projects with schedules, budgets, roles, and team members. Track a project’s financial health with their unique MoneyGantt which takes timesheet data and makes it simple to see whether you are on track or not. Use firm-wide revenue forecasts to make strategic decisions. With Monograph, you never have to make a decision in the dark again. 👉 Visit Monograph now.
👉 ArchIT:
Tired of dealing with generic IT providers? ArchIT offers Complete IT Solutions for Architecture, Design, and Engineering firms, including helping architects fight back against ransomware and cybersecurity attacks. Visit http://getarchit.com/pd to set up your free 15-min Cyber Security Assessment, or custom solutions for your design firm.
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Who is the Architectural Workers United?
The Architectural Workers United is organizing towards making architecture more equitable, the profession more just, and our built environment more resilient. Join us as we interview Andrew Daley and Jess Myers to learn more about the architectural labor movement, unions, and the history of labor practices in architecture. What are the biggest misconceptions? What is the benefit? What are the most common questions people ask? We’ll discover all of this and more as we discuss why there is a growing group of advocates standing behind AWU.
Guests:
Andrew Daley is an organizer, activist, and licensed architect living and working in Brooklyn. He is currently working with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) on organizing efforts within the architecture industry. He has 12 years of experience working for a number of offices in multiple states, most recently for 7 years at SHoP Architects as a Project Director working on US embassies worldwide.
Jess Myers is an assistant professor in Rhode Island School for Design’s architecture department. Her podcast Here There Be Dragons offers an in-depth look into the intersection of identity politics and security policy in public space through the eyes of New Yorkers, Parisians and Stockholmers. Her work can be found in The Architect’s Newspaper, The Funambulist Magazine, Failed Architecture, Dwell and l’Architecture d’Aujourd’hui. (Read more about Jess on Madame Architect.)
📍 Show Links:
AWU Website
AWU FAQ Page
AWU How to Unionize
AWU Instagram
AWU Twitter
AWU Contact: architectural.workers.united@gmail.com
📚 Continue Learning:
Labor Resources
DPE Data Sheet
EPI Productivity-Pay Gap
EPI Union Density-Top 10% Income
DOL Employee Rights
NLRB Website
National Labor Relations Act
NYC Central Labor Council
Architecture Labor Resources
The Architecture Lobby Union Pamphlet (downloadable pamphlet)
Architecture and Anti-Trust Article
Why Don’t Architects Have Unions? (by Jess Myers)
Architecture and Labor (review of book by Peggy Deamer)
NCARB Demographics
AIA Bias Report
FAECT Article (by Mardges Bacon)
Press about AWU (selected)
New York Times Article
Curbed Article
New York Review of Architecture Article
Architectural Record Article
Architect’s Newspaper Article
Press about Overwork/Burnout/Stress
Harvard Business Review Article (about long hours)
Salon Article (about 40 hour work week)
Gallup Union Support Poll
CNBC Article (about long hours)
Wall Street Journal Article (about overtime)
World Economic Forum (about employees leaving)
National Bureau of Economic Research (union job satisfaction study)
Recent Professional Unions (Non-Exhaustive, there are 6,000,000 professional union members)
VICE Media Union (est. 2017) - WGA East
VOX Media Union (est. 2018) - WGA East
The New Yorker Union (est. 2018) - News Guild
New York Magazine Union (est. 2018) - News Guild
Wirecutter Union - (est. 2019) - News Guild
New Museum Union - (est. 2019) - UAW
Whitney Museum Union - (est. 2020) - UAW
Guggenheim Union - (est. 2021) - UAW
ACLU Lawyers - (est. 2021) - IFTPE
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Episode 160: Practice Disrupted and the Practice of ArchitectureWhat’s next for Evelyn, Je’Nen & Practice Disrupted?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we welcome Je'Nen M. Chastain back as we wrap up season 8 of the show! If you don’t already know her, Je’Nen is a business strategy consultant, entrepreneur, and podcaster who helps leaders transform their teams and companies. In our conversation, Je'Nen shares what she has been doing during her podcast hiatus while Evelyn opens up about her journey with her various projects, emphasizing the innovation and exploration that come with stepping into a new chapter of a career.
First, Evelyn talks about her journey into architecture, starting in business school, which informed her perspective on the architecture field. She explains why firms should embrace innovation and the necessity for a firm-wide cultural desire for evolution.
Next, Evelyn explains how she managed the shift away from her job at Slack and why this transition gave her the freedom to nurture the Practice Disrupted Community + Lab. She shares her current projects and passions and explains the need for architects to pay attention to market changes and trends to promote evolution. Plus, Evelyn talks about creating her own chatbot and using AI to analyze business operations, marketing, and communication.
I've been on the consulting side of workplace strategy for a very long time…My vision is that in order for the architecture industry to survive, it needs to undergo some systemic change. And I can't do that helping or working one firm at a time. I would rather find like-minded people that are interested in similar things and give them the tools to do it themselves. I just also think that it scales so much better…we continue to scale, and we can continue to make an impact. That’s what I want to be able to do as an entrepreneur, and I don't feel like I could do that as a consultant. - Evelyn Lee
To wrap up the conversation, Je'Nen and Evelyn share the ups and downs of entrepreneurial journeys, touching on the isolation of building a business and the importance of consistent commitments like this podcast. Evelyn highlights why she moved away from consulting and discusses her goals for the future.
You will also hear a sneak peek into what is to come next season!
Guest:
Je’Nen M. Chastain
Je’Nen M. Chastain is a business strategy consultant, entrepreneur, and podcaster who helps leaders transform their teams and companies. Combining her architectural education and training with an MBA in entrepreneurship, Je’Nen built Apostrophe Consulting, a growing business management consulting practice.
📍 Show Links:
Practice Community + Lab
Practice of Architecture
Canoa
Gumption
Women Defining AI
Almost Technical
Shepley Bulfinch
AceLab
📚Past Related Episodes:
PD #67: Architecture And: The Future of Workplace
PD #92: /slantis, Enabling Technology in Practice
PD #157: The Skills Required for a Technology Driven Future
PD #150: Women Defining AI for Architects
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Episode 159: Architecture, And: Senior Product Manager at HigharcHow can technology, software, and product management roles transform and expand the traditional architecture practice?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we sit down with Abe Drechsler, a licensed architect and current product manager at Higharc, to explore the intersection of the architecture practice and evolving technology. Throughout our conversation, Abe explains his role as a product manager, where he leverages digital tools to automate and streamline design processes and compares the traditional architecture practice to one that prioritizes tech.
First, Abe shares why he transitioned from traditional architecture practice to product management and highlights the potential of tech-oriented roles within architectural firms. We touch on the workplace culture at Higharc and the pros and cons of the architecture industry-wide call back to working in person in the office.
Then, Abe discusses the impact of technology on automating tasks, allowing architects to focus on design and other human-centric aspects of the practice. He also notes the differences between architecture and product management, including the physical nature of architecture as opposed to the digital divide and flexibility of tech.
In architecture, there's a clear understanding of what you're trying to build and what the client wants, at the end of the day. It's very obvious that if a client wants a hospital, chances are they're going to expect the hospital four years later. But in tech, there's a whole lot more exploration because you are not really sure what the final solution is going to be when you start off. You have to have the conversations and you can build something wildly different depending on how the initial conversations go. - Abe Drechsler
To wrap up the conversation, Abe offers his advice to recent architectural graduates who are considering non-traditional career paths. He emphasizes the influence of alternative practices on the future of built environments and outlines the opportunities they present in the field.
Tune in next week for an episode where I'm going in the interview seat and we have a special guest back on the podcast.
Guest:
Abe Drechsler, AIA
Abe is a Product Manager and Licensed Architect with a passion for design and digital technologies. As a product manager at Higharc, he develops methods for systematizing and automating the design and documentation of homes. Previously as an Architect at KieranTimberlake and Ballinger he has worked on a variety of project types and scales. Throughout his career he’s focused on expanding the value of architecture and making design more accessible.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Abe on Linkedin
Check out Higharc
Within Formal Cities Trailer
Architechie Slack Workspace
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Episode 158: Architecture, And: Director of Product at Intelligent CityHow can architects leverage the evolution of technology and the role of architects to enhance sustainability and innovation within the built environment?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we are joined by Kristin Slavin, an architect, developer, and product manager who has helped drive national building code changes and an industry-wide shift to more sustainable building practices. Throughout our chat, we focus on the evolving roles of architects in sustainable practices. Kristin currently serves as Director of Product at Intelligent City, a company working to lead a sustainable future using mass timber technology and set new standards in affordable, carbon-neutral, urban living.
First, Kristin shares her background in architecture and her exploration of various career paths, eventually transitioning into production design and management. She also discusses the limitations the founders of Intelligent City saw with traditional architectural methods and how that translated into the company's conception.
Then, Kristin discusses the evolution of Intelligent City, explains the construction technologies they use, and emphasizes the design and quality of their solutions. She also highlights their internal culture and professional development, the benefits of diverse teams and remote work, and the intersection of architecture and construction industries.
I think small teams can be really efficient. Often in the traditional practice of architecture, we may underestimate people's capabilities, and try to hold things more tightly than we need to sometimes. If you can give people the freedom to explore and grow within their role or even outside of their role, people will surprise you. So I think there's a lot of power in that. - Kristin Slavin
To wrap up the conversation, Kristin encourages new architects to seek innovative firms and opportunities, emphasizing confidence, decisiveness, and the acceptance of their mistakes. She also explains her vision for the future, where architects embrace new technologies and materials for sustainable solutions and work with AI companies to create efficient, market-responsive designs.
Tune in next week for an episode about a different take on Product Management.
Guest:
Kristin Slavin
Kristin Slavin is Director of Product/Architect, bringing her expertise and thought leadership in mass timber construction and low carbon building design to the team. Her extensive experience as an architect, developer, and product manager of mass timber buildings and prefabricated building products has helped drive national building code changes and an industry wide shift to more sustainable building practices. Her built work includes Carbon12, the tallest CLT building in the US at completion.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Kristin on Linkedin
Check out Intelligent City
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Episode 157: The Skills Required for a Technology Driven FutureWhat skills do architects need to succeed in a technology-driven future?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we've invited Andy Robert and Mercedes Carriquiry back on the show to talk about the skills architects need to succeed in a technology-driven future. Andy and Mercedes are the co-founders of slantis, where they partner with architecture firms to provide services such as architecture & production coordination, high-end visualization, workflow automation, and architecture for the metaverse to support teams and empower them to incorporate smart tech into their projects.
First, Andy and Mercedes discuss slantis' mission and why they felt the need to create this company as licensed architects to transform the industry. They touch on how they've shifted their offerings in the era of AI to align with the significant changes they see within the industry.
Then, we explore the importance of a collaborative culture within architecture firms to foster innovation, highlighting the importance of a strong culture and employees willing to tackle tech-driven challenges. They explain how the offerings at slantis help to solve these issues within firms, keeping them up to date with technological advances, communicating effectively, and enhancing team and client collaboration and interactions.
We've experienced firsthand how technology can really improve the quality of life of architects, impact the buildings we are designing, and the people that are using and operating those buildings. So if we can figure out how technology can speed it up and make architects happier, then I think we kind of checked the box. Technology is a huge game changer and biggest enabler. We want to accomplish a better quality of life for our profession which can translate into designing better buildings in the end - Andy Robert
To wrap up the conversation, Andy and Mercedes share their vision for the future of slantis, advice on connecting with people from various industries to stay ahead of the technology, and tips for young leaders who have the desire for change within their firms.
Tune in next week for an episode about the expanding roles of architects within the built environment.
Guests:
Andy Robert
Andy Robert is a professional architect from ORT University in Uruguay. She lived in Germany and pursued graduate studies in Dessau, where the former Bauhaus was located. Today she is CEO of /slantis, co-founded in 2016 with her lifelong friend Mercedes Carriquiry, and willing to disrupt the way architecture Very energetic, curious, and entrepreneurial, she is actively involved in events that advocate for women as leaders.She’s Beltrán and Jaime’s mum, a vegan and a life-long learner.
Mercedes Carriquiry
Mercedes Carriquiry is a licensed architect and entrepreneur specializing in innovation and technology. She received her degree from the Faculty of Architecture UDELAR in Uruguay and also studied at the ENSAG in Grenoble, France. Additionally, she graduated in digital fabrication from MIT Fabacademy. After working at Jean Nouvel's studio in Paris and leading multiple developments in Montevideo, she co-founded /slantis in 2016 with her lifelong friend Andy, where leads innovation, operations and strategy. When she's not working, she enjoys art, skating, and spending time with her family.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Andy on Linkedin
Connect with Mercedes on Linkedin
Check out slantis
📚Continue Learning:
The Fall of the Human Intellect by A. Parthasarathy
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
Jack: Straight from the Gut by Jack Welch
📚Past Related Episodes:
PD #92: /slantis, Enabling Technology in Practice
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Episode 156: Architecture, And: The Anti-Racist HotdogHow can innovative initiatives in the architecture design field and social entrepreneurship foster racial equity, inclusion, and all-encompassing systemic change?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we chat with Wandile Mthyiyane, an architect known for his work in social entrepreneurship and his innovative initiatives to promote equity, diversity, and inclusive practices that drive meaningful change within the field and beyond. Wandile is an Obama Leader and TEDx Fellow, the founder and CEO of Ubuntu Design Group (UDG), The Anti-Racist Hotdog, and the creator of the new peer-to-peer inclusion rating platform, GrindTea.com.
First, Wandile discusses his architectural design background and his motivation to become an architect. He views the practice as an opportunity to address social issues, challenge the conventional view of architecture, and use it as a tool for a better future for everyone. Wandile also shares an in-depth explanation of his various initiatives rooted in justice and equality.
I didn't choose to be an architect so that I could be a chair or do skyscrapers and stuff, I could care less. I chose to do architecture because I see it as a vehicle to solve a very real problem that I grew up with – the lack of dignified housing because of racial injustice systems. - Wandile Mthiyane
Then, Wandile shares his personal experiences with racism and how those specifically inspired his work. He highlights his passion for food, music, and constructive dialogue and explains how each of these mediums can bridge cultural divides and promote inclusion. Plus, we unpack his perspective on using AI in the architecture space and how these tools can make architecture more accessible to a broader group of people.
To wrap up the conversation, Wandile offers advice and wisdom to young architects who aspire to be voices of change in their workplaces and aim to promote inclusive and equitable practices in a wide array of industries, even beyond architecture.
Tune in next week for an episode about the skills required for a technology-driven future.
Guest:
Wandile Mthiyane
Wandile Mthiyane is an Obama Leader, TedxFellow, architectural designer, social entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Ubuntu Design Group (UDG) and The Anti-Racist Hotdog. He is proud to introduce The Tea, a peer-to-peer inclusion rating platform.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Wandile on Linkedin
Check out Ubuntu Design Group
Check out grindtea.com
Check out The Anti-racist Hot Dog
📚Continue Learning:
Wandile is the founder of Anti-Racist Hot Dog and GrindTea.com
Reject or Reclaim: Untangling the Tension Between Classical Architecture and Black Identity
Spill The Tea: How Architects Can Transform Workplace Culture and Call Out Toxic Office Environments
📚Past Related Episodes:
PD #151: Built Environment Futures Council
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Episode 155: The Evolution of Architecture Education at the Boston Architectural College How can architectural education evolve to better prepare students and non-licensed professionals for the challenges and opportunities of the profession?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we have an insightful conversation with Beth Lundell Garver, AIA, NOMA Dean and Founding Director of Gateway Office (GO), a community-based design center at the Boston Architectural College (BAC). Today, we discuss the future of architectural education, the need to bridge the gap between academia and the real-world application of architecture, and how BAC is working towards positive change in the field.
First, Beth reflects on balancing work and motherhood and advocates for recognizing women's unique challenges in the profession. She then explains her concept of "architectural advocates," that highlights the crucial role of non-licensed professionals in advancing design and social justice in the architectural field.
Then, we dive into the importance of empowering architectural advocates to broaden the definition of architecture beyond building design and into relationships and community engagement. Beth touches on the landscape of architectural education and emphasizes the need for more hands-on experience and career support for students.
Empower people to support and recommend policies that inform the built environment and acknowledge the critical nature of that. Architecture cannot just be about new construction anymore…really urgently has to start being more about redesigning spaces, taking pieces apart, and reusing them in ways that are different. Architectural advocates can help us a lot with that. - Beth Lundell Garver
To wrap up the conversation, Beth addresses the everyday stresses on young architects, such as design studio culture, the state of helplessness, and the lack of salary data. She shares how we can work towards change in these areas by prioritizing diversity and inclusion and fostering a sense of connection within the field to help pave the way for the future.
Tune in next week for an episode with returning guest Wandlie Mithiyane to learn more about his two most recent endeavors, The Anti-Racist Hotdog and The Tea.
Guest:
Beth Lundell Garver, AIA, NOMA
Bethany Lundell Garver, AIA, NOMA, is Dean and Faculty of Practice and Founding Director of Gateway Office (GO), the community-based design uncenter at the Boston Architectural College. She leads college-wide efforts to connect education with practice through distinguished reflective assessment and experiential learning initiatives. Her research and teaching focus on community engagement, professional practice, construction administration, and urban design.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Beth on Linkedin
📚Continue Learning:
Gateway Office
Boston Architectural College
American Institute of Architecture Students
Higher education linked to greater wellbeing, job fit and societal progress, Lumina-Gallup study finds
Building a High-Development Culture Through Your Employee Engagement Strategy
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Episode 154: Being an ArchtivistHow can architects embrace activism, innovation, and collaboration to create more inclusive, sustainable, and empathetic environments?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, Nyasha Harper-Michon, an architect, strategist, and advocate for sustainability and inclusion, joins us to discuss the intersection of architecture, activism, and innovation. Nyasha is an 'Archtivist’. This is a term she created for architects and built environment professionals who lead environmental, social, and economic reform to foster positive societal changes.
First, Nyasha explains the relationship between activism and architecture, which challenges the traditional practice and promotes innovation. She shares her strategies for implementing collaboration and integrated solutions into the practice to work towards more inclusive designs.
Then, Nyasha critiques the ‘Reference Man’ of design, explains why designers need to consider various perspectives and identities in their planning, and shares her advice for fostering a more diverse built environment. Plus, she shares how her nomadic childhood shaped her perspective on empathy and cultural awareness in the architectural practice.
I think one tangible thing that we can all do is to dismantle and challenge the idea of, of ‘Reference Man’ being the center of all that we do. I think if we do that, it will really influence our environmental work, our social work, and all of the work that we do...‘Reference Man’ is very exclusive. It doesn't represent anyone. I think that when we design for this guy, or when we think about this guy, we are creating something that is just not going to be able to address the challenges that we face today. - Nyasha Harper-Michon
To wrap up the conversation, Nyasha reflects on the transformative experience of being a new mother to twins, which deepened her commitment to creating a better future through her practice. She relates her process of training the twins to sleep through the night to how architects can be active participants in built environment issues by changing their mindset and using their agency despite feeling powerless at times.
Tune in next week for an episode about the history and enduring legacy of the Boston Architectural College.
Guest:
Nyasha Harper-Michon
Nyasha Harper-Michon is a purpose-driven architect, built environment expert, business strategist and inclusion & sustainability advocate who thrives at the intersection of cities, design, inclusion, sustainability, and technology. She is a self-proclaimed 'Archtivist'—a term she coined for architecture and built environment professionals and enthusiasts driving environmental, social, and economic reform to foster positive changes in society and within the built environment sector.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Nyasha on Linkedin
Follow Nyasha on Instagram
Check out Nyasha’s Website
📚Continue Learning:
Archtivists Essay
Madame Architect Interview
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Episode 153: AI and Ethics in ArchitectureHow can architects responsibly use AI image-generation tools in their practice while considering the ethics and concerns?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we discuss all things AI in architecture and explore the responsible use of AI image generation for design. Joining this conversation is Damon Leverett, an architect, artist, and educator at the University of Arizona. His seminar on AI has been accepted as a workshop at the AIA24 National Conference on Architecture in Washington, DC. Today, Damon shares his expert insights on how architects can leverage AI capabilities with the risks that come with it.
First, Damon addresses the common question of whether AI will replace architects or enhance their efficiency. He explains why he believes AI tools will streamline tasks and give architects more time for creativity. Damon also highlights the practical applications of AI for image creation in design as well as its limitations.
Then, we talk about the concerns and anxieties surrounding the use of AI in architecture, daily life, and literature. Damon suggests that architects should actively engage in the development of AI to ensure that their voices are heard and that it serves the field most efficiently.
I think the uniqueness of AI that sets it apart is that AI is an imagination machine. It has, sort of, this infinite potential. So, if you look at a tool, say, for creating database drafting, there are so many limitations that may seem fairly large. But in my view, the limits of AI in the context of designers and architects are infinite. There are so many things that can be created. -Damon Leverett
To wrap up the episode, Damon offers advice to young architects on integrating new tools into their practice and stresses the importance of resilience in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of architecture and technology. He also shares his vision for the future of this technology, where the demands of rapid population growth and the need for more city infrastructure can be met efficiently with the help of AI.
Tune in next week for an episode with Nyasha Harper-Michon about being an archtivist, a term she coined for architecture and built environment professionals and enthusiasts driving environmental, social, and economic reform to foster positive changes in society and within the built environment sector.
Guest:
Damon Leverett, AIA, NOMA
Damon is an architect, artist, and educator based in the southwest region of the United States. He is a former senior lecturer at the School of Architecture and a current adjunct lecturer at the College of Information at the University of Arizona, where he teaches architecture design, building technologies, installation design, and computing in the arts. Damon is also a co-lead for the University of Arizona’s Artificial Intelligence Industry Working Group, which focuses on the university’s interaction in AI education, training, and collaborative activities.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Damon on LinkedIn
Follow Damon on Instagram
Leverett Arts
📚Continue Learning:
Artificial Intelligence Presents New Possibilities, Considerations and Challenges for Architecture and Construction
DALL-E
Stable Diffusion
ChatGPT
Leonardo
Google Gemini
Microsoft Copilot
Midjourney
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Episode 152: Architecture, And: Using Research to Tell The Story of ArchitectureHow can architects use research to advance diversity, equity, and cultural competency within the field while articulating its value to the general public?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, Kendall A. Nicholson, a licensed educator, architectural designer, and Senior Director of Research, Equity, and Education at the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), joins us to discuss equity, research, and social justice in architecture. Throughout, he emphasizes the need for diversity and cultural competency in the field and highlights the value of architecture to the world.
First, Kendall opens up about his career journey, which began with studying architecture, then moving on to teaching, real estate development, and eventually back to architecture. He shares his belief that architecture and design should be viewed as a combination of art and science.
Then, he stresses the importance of cultural research and representation in the field. Kendall talks about his "Where My People?'' series, which brings attention to the challenges faced by different racial groups in the architecture industry. We also dive into ACSA's efforts to advance equity in architecture, including fellowship programs and accessible resources.
Social and ecological justice is for the betterment of everyone. When I talk about diversity, cultural competency, or implicit bias, I'm talking about the byproducts of shifting the way we understand and interact as a culture. We often describe architects as world makers or world builders. If we're literally building the world to be a permanent thing, we need to make sure that we've accounted for everyone – the systems that are in play, currently and historically, have not done that. - Kendall A. Nicholson
To wrap up the conversation, we discuss how things like climate change, artificial intelligence, racism, and sexism affect how architects understand and perform their role now and in the future. He also shares his advice for architects looking to further utilize research in their institutions and explains how we can continue to be more inclusive as designers moving forward.
Tune in next week for an episode about AI and ethics in architecture.
Guest:
Kendall A. Nicholson
Kendall A. Nicholson is a licensed educator, trained architectural designer, and an avid researcher. He works as the Senior Director of Research, Equity, and Education at the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA). He is a graduate of the School of Architecture at the University of Virginia and the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University, winning the M.Des Publics award for outstanding research. His design work, Critical Architectural Practice is focused on the confluence of race, architecture, and education. He has presented research internationally and his research interests surround plantation landscapes, racialized epistemologies, as well as education and curriculum within the discipline of architecture.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Kendall on LinkedIn
Check out ACSA
📚Continue Learning:
ACSA Social Justice Shift
Where Are My People? Black in Architecture
ACSA Faculty Fellowship to Advance Equity in Architecture
Maybe I'll be an Architect by Tenille Bettenhausen
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Episode 151: The Built Environment Futures CouncilHow can we thoughtfully integrate AI into the architecture practice and collaboratively shape a sustainable and innovative future for all?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we explore the work of the Built Environment Futures Council (BEFC) and its mission to thoughtfully integrate artificial intelligence into architecture and infrastructure. We are joined by key members of the BEFC – co-founders Randy Deutsch and Matthew Krissel, along with committee member Amanda Nicole Bridges. Today, they discuss the power and potential of AI in architecture, its impact on industry practices, and the ethics of integrating it into the daily workflow.
First, Randy and Matthew share how BEFC started and explain how their vision attracted diverse experts from various backgrounds to form a national council.
Then, the panel discusses how architects can embrace AI as a tool for positive change while learning from past trends and highlights the value of diverse perspectives for the future of architecture and design. We also touch on the ever-evolving role of architects, share advice on efficiently using the extra time freed by AI, and present ways to promote collaboration across industries.
If some of what architects currently do can be done through technology, I don't see that as a full job replacement. To me, it's really exciting to think about more people having access to architects. If we don't have as large of a scope of work on every project, and our role is really specifically targeted towards helping clients ask the right questions, then it actually frees us up to work with more clients. It could lower the bar of entry to something that's more affordable and readily available for more people. I don't see how that is a hindrance. I see that as a great aspect that could lead us to live in a better design world. - Amanda Nicole Bridges
To wrap up the conversation, the group shares what the future holds for BEFC, such as exploring various funding streams and unique engagement strategies. They also encourage you to get further involved with the expansion of AI in the field and explain how you could work with BEFC in the future.
Tune in next week for an episode about using research to tell the story of architecture.
Guests:
Matthew Krissel FAIA
Matthew is a fellow of the American Institute of Architects and founder and director of Creative Lab 3, design-driven architecture practice working to bring exceptional design to more people and places, inspire change, and transform our collective future.
Amanda Nicole Bridges, AIA, NOMA, LEED AP
Amanda N Bridges is a licensed architect and educator in San Francisco. She is currently a Senior Architect at Siol Studios, an integrated architecture, interiors, and landscape design practice, and an Adjunct Lecturer at Stanford University and the University of California Berkeley teaching architecture studio.
Randy Deutsch FAIA
For over thirty years, Randy Deutsch FAIA has been an architect and educator, and in recent years, an author, international keynote speaker, and AI researcher. As a licensed architect, Randy designed over 100 large, complex sustainable projects for which he received the AIA Young Architect Award Chicago.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Matthew on LinkedIn
Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn
Connect with Randy on LinkedIn
Follow BEFC on Linkedin
Built Environment Futures Council
Siol Studios
Creative Lab 3
More about Randy
📚Continue Learning:
Convergence: The Redesign of Design by Randy Deutsch
Think Like An Architect: How to develop critical, creative and collaborative problem-solving skills by Randy Deutsch
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Episode 150: Women Defining AI for ArchitectsHow can we bridge the gender technology gap and ensure ethical development of AI while empowering women and non-binary individuals in STEAM fields?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn welcomes Helen Lee Kupp and Nichole Sterling, the co-founders of the Women Defining AI community, to the show. Helen and Nichole are dedicated to bridging the gender technology gap and advocating for ethical AI development by merging their tech expertise. They are on a mission to empower women and reshape the narrative around AI to promote an inclusive technological future.
First, we dive into the beginning of Women Defining AI, which sprouted from their shared passion for accessible AI knowledge. They highlight how their work extends beyond online platforms through a successful in-person event emphasizing the importance of fostering community. Helen and Nichole explore the gender tech gap, especially in STEAM industries, and why women need to be involved in the development of AI. They discuss the importance of understanding the language of AI for the workplace and in daily life and experimenting with its applications.
Then, they share tips for optimizing AI models, like asking follow-up questions and training them to perform exactly how you want. They also touch on data privacy concerns behind AI, regulatory protocols, the emergence of new job roles in the future of the AI era, and how to leverage human jobs with AI jobs.
It's important that women stay close to AI. When following the developments, we're starting to see different behaviors from workplaces. More workplaces are looking for AI fluency and AI skills. So, there's already a gender gap, right? Just from a STEM perspective. But if now workforces are and workplaces are looking for AI fluency and their skill sets, women are just going to continue to fall behind. - Nichole Sterling
To wrap up the conversation, Helen and Nichole share their perspective on the often hostile mindset architects have surrounding AI and the undeniable fundamental changes AI has on the industry paradigm. They also emphasize the importance of learning and absorbing the model despite initial resistance.
Tune in next week for a special panel discussion on the Built Environment Futures Council and the integration of artificial intelligence into architecture and construction.
Guests:
Helen Lee Kupp
Helen Lee Kupp is the co-founder and creator of Women Defining AI, a community of female leaders tackling the biggest topics of understanding today’s generative AI widespread adoption through experimentation, support, and community learning. She takes a practical approach towards helping leaders navigate the biggest changes in work — both from AI/technology, and the flexible/hybrid work revolution. She is the co-author of WSJ Bestselling book “How The Future Works: Leading Flexible Teams to Do the Best Work of Their Lives”. She believes in closing the gender technology gap - starting with women at work - to create a future of work that looks and feels fundamentally different for her two kids and the women she mentors. We can & should do better.
Nichole Sterling
Nichole Sterling, co-founder of Women Defining AI, has always been a utility leader blending strategy, marketing, HR, and finance in tech industries. Her impact on company success ranges from returning $4M YOY to field operations teams through corporate learning initiatives, increasing sales pipeline activities by 10 - 30x by establishing a RevOps philosophy, and even driving innovation within local municipal government. Nichole's current focus is on developing AI technologies, leading a stealth company specializing in digital twins and AI agents. A fervent advocate for women in tech, Nichole combines her passion for AI with a commitment to ethical and inclusive technology. Beyond her professional pursuits, Nichole loves growing her vertical gardens, avoiding the moose in her backyard, and hanging out with her three boys and husband.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Helen on LinkedIn
Connect with Nichole on LinkedIn
Women Defining AI
📚Continue Learning:
Women Defining AI community perspective papers
Community classes
Memberships
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Episode 149: Using Data to Create a Better Employee ExperienceHow can organizations use data to enhance the employee experience and drive positive cultural change within their workplace?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, Dr. Serena Huang, a data analytics executive in Fintech, joins us to discuss how organizations can optimize the employee experience by leveraging data and communication strategies in the workplace. As a data analytics executive, Dr. Huang is passionate about leading change, building high-performance teams, and helping business leaders see data as an asset in large organizations.
First, Dr. Huang defines the employee experience as various aspects of work, from physical environments to manager interactions and digital work capabilities. She emphasizes the importance of measuring employee experience beyond physical space and attendance and suggests surveys and feedback tools to gauge workplace culture and gather recommendations.
Then, we explore the challenges and apprehensions that can arise when introducing survey data to the workplace, including concerns about legal action and the fear of uncovering uncomfortable truths. For architects, we address the common fear about not being able to afford an immediate solution for desires such as taking time off. Dr. Huang shares advice for effectively communicating with architecture leaders who are reluctant to engage in surveys due to these fears, yet recognize their need for growth. She believes leadership needs timely action, collaborative problem-solving, and transparency to drive change.
It comes down to communication. Fundamentally, as humans, we all need to be heard, whether at home, in a relationship, or at work. For employees to feel heard, instead of ignoring the elephant in the room, why don't we ask about it and then come up with some solutions? It may not be the perfect solution, but I think the leadership team should come from a place of genuine care, communicate that back to the employees and say, "We heard you." - Dr. Serena Huang
To wrap up the conversation, Dr. Huang shares her perspective on employees and leaders navigating their career alongside their mental health management. She advocates for leadership therapy and coaching sessions to enhance self-awareness and emotional well-being.
Tune in next week for an episode about women defining AI for architects.
Guest:
Dr. Serena Huang
Dr. Serena Huang is an accomplished thought leader and professional keynote speaker with 150+ speaking engagements covering topics including people analytics, AI, future of work, personal branding, and data storytelling. She regularly guest-lectures at top MBA programs including Kellogg, Wharton, and Haas. Dr. Huang's unique ability to speak to audiences of different cultures and backgrounds, along with her experience in both F100 and startups make her an in-demand speaker. Her 2024 focus is helping organizations realize the full potential of AI through creating a new workforce strategy and improving internal talent mobility.
Prior to founding Data With Serena, Dr. Huang led sizable analytics teams at prominent organizations including PayPal, Kraft Heinz, GE, and Koch Industries. She pioneered the applications of machine learning algorithms to predict absenteeism and turnover and led corporate councils for Ethical AI in these global organizations. Dr. Huang holds a Ph.D. in Economics with specializations in Econometrics and Labor Economics.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Dr. Huang on LinkedIn
LinkedIn Learning: The Data Analytics of Diversity, Inclusion, and Well-being
LinkedIn Learning: Building a Data-Driven Skills-First Workforce Strategy
LinkedIn Learning: The Data Science of Using People Analytics
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Episode 148: The Future of Tech within AECHow can technology, innovation, and sustainable practices transform the architecture, engineering, and construction industry?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, I chat with Dave Lemont, the past CEO of Revit and the Executive Chairman of Acelab with over 30 years of experience in high-tech startup companies. In our conversation, Dave shares his invaluable insights on scaling software companies, revolutionizing the architecture industry, and the massive potential in the future of digital tools.
First, Dave discusses how his passion for photography and architecture influenced his career path. He also highlights how his entrepreneurial mindset and desire to innovate the industry immensely helped him grow and lead his companies. Dave's expertise lies in identifying product-market fit and creating solutions that address broader market needs rather than niche segments.
As the executive chairman of Acelab, Dave is dedicated to revolutionizing material management in the AEC space, allowing architects to access sustainable building materials efficiently. He touches on the potential of these digital tools in architecture and explains why architects need to be engaged in the evolution of AI.
Architecture is an opportunity to do something for people in the world. Not all the software that I've managed or sold in my life had that potential impact. How this room feels affects me all day. Where you go to school, the efficiency of that building, and how our museums look or how we feel when we walk in – all of those things affect our lives. It's a privilege to be involved in technology that can make that more efficient. - Dave Lemont
To wrap up the episode, Dave shares his recommendations on building your pipeline and adjusting workflow to keep your business afloat amidst the ever-changing and often confusing landscape architects operate within. Dave also shares his perspective on bridging the gap between traditional architectural practices and digital innovation while advising young architects to use a grassroots approach to incorporate new technology into their companies.
Tune in next week for an episode about using people analytics to improve employee engagement.
Guest:
David Lemont
David Lemont is an accomplished business leader, go-to-market strategist, and advisor with over 30 years of experience in high-tech startup companies. David has extensive experience in SaaS business applications with keen expertise in construction tech. Helped five companies to successful exits to high-tech leaders such as Autodesk, Trimble, HP, Oracle, etc.
He is best known for his role as CEO of Revit; the predominant way buildings are designed in 3D today. Dave is currently the Executive Chairman of Acelab.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Dave on LinkedIn
Explore Acelab’s free specification workflow tools
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Episode 147: The Power of Copywriting for ArchitectsHow can architects use copywriting techniques to communicate their value, connect with their ideal clients, and improve their marketing?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, I'm excited to share my very special conversation with Nikita Morell, an expert copywriter who specializes in working with architects. She is also the founder of Architects WordShop: an online shop dedicated to helping architects with their words. In this episode, Nikita discusses the importance of effectively communicating our ideas and embracing our humanity as architects and shares advice for crafting copy to help you market your value as an architect.
First, Nikita explains the science and art behind copywriting and emphasizes the need for intentional, research-based writing tailored to your ideal client. She also shares tips on making architecture copy more accessible to a broader audience by replacing heavy jargon with conversational words and phrases.
Then, Nikita highlights her approach to copywriting, focusing on tone of voice and audience connection. She also encourages architects to work collaboratively with the copywriting community and learn exactly how to prompt AI tools and use them as a starting point for specific copy.
A good way just to start is to really take a step back and just make your copy a little bit more conversational. Try and remove some of that jargon. A lot of architects, when they don't really know what they're trying to say, sometimes hide behind a little bit of jargon that makes them sound smart. - Nikita Morell
To wrap up the episode, Nikita offers you an opportunity to work with her in person and gives a sneak peek at her proven framework for gathering, utilizing, and optimizing a client testimonial.
Tune in next week for an episode about the future of technology within the architecture, engineering, and construction industry.
Guest:
Nikita Morell
Nikita Morell is a copywriter for only architects. She is also the founder of Architects WordShop: an online shop dedicated to helping architects with their words.
Nikita specializes in making architecture websites sound more human, less robot—so architects can get a steady stream of ridiculously good projects. Nikita analyzed 663 architecture websites, you can see the results on her website.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Nikita on LinkedIn
Learn more about Nikita
Check out Nikita’s Architects WordShop
Check out Nikita’s resources
📚Continue Learning:
Learn more about the 2024 AIA Conference on Architecture and Design in Washington D.C.
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Episode 146: Architecture, And: Design Crises, Past and FutureAs architects, how can we adapt to technological advancements like AI and be proactive in the face of disasters and climate change?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, renowned designer, educator, writer, and post-disaster expert Eric J. Cesal discusses being an architecture optimist within the current landscape, how technology is evolving, where the opportunities lie, and what architects need to focus on going forward. Eric is recognized for leading reconstruction efforts after major disasters like the Haiti earthquake and Superstorm Sandy.
First, Eric highlights his journey to becoming a disaster architecture expert. He talks about completing his degrees amidst Hurricane Katrina and the 2008 recession, which deepened his appreciation for design.
Then, we shift the conversation to the impact of automation on architecture and the disruptive potential of AI. Eric shares where he is already seeing the impact of AI and offers perspectives on how we can get proactive in using it. He suggests that architects should be involved with the evolution of AI from the beginning so that our voice is included in the process.
Half of the world's cities are going to be underwater by 2100. We're gonna have to redesign or relocate most of the world's major cities. It’s going to be horrible, but it’s a really exciting design challenge. The more proactively we engage that opportunity, the more architects put themselves out in front, and the better the outcomes for everybody else. I think that it's central to my optimism that behind every crisis is an ability to build something better than what existed before. - Eric J. Cesal
To wrap up the episode, Eric shares advice for young architects looking to design for an AI-first future. He encourages designers to "design themselves," diversify their knowledge, be proactive, and stick to their values.
Tune in next week for an episode about the power of copywriting for architects.
Guest:
Eric J. Cesal
Eric J. Cesal is a renowned designer, educator, writer, and post-disaster expert, recognized for leading reconstruction efforts after major disasters like the Haiti earthquake and Superstorm Sandy. Trained as an architect, he possesses expertise in international development, economics, and design futurism. Cesal, often referred to as “Architecture’s First Responder,” headed Architecture for Humanity’s post-disaster programs (2010-2014) and is a prominent voice in discussions on disaster resilience, having contributed to multiple leading publications.
Cesal has lectured across the world, and has taught at top design schools worldwide, including UC Berkeley and Harvard, focusing on disaster reconstruction, resilience, and sustainable design. Cesal authored “Down Detour Road, An Architect in Search of Practice” and hosted the groundbreaking podcast Social Design Insights for the Curry Stone Foundation. He co-founded Design for Adaptation and is involved in projects at the nexus of design, climate change, and AI. He holds a B.A. in Architectural Studies from Brown University and advanced degrees in Architecture, Construction Management, and an M.B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Eric on LinkedIn
Follow Eric on Twitter/X
Learn more about Eric
Check out Eric’s Substack Life as a Disaster
📚Continue Learning:
Down Detour Road: An Architect in Search of Practice Book
Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life Book
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Episode 145: The Psychology of ArchitectureHow can we use architecture and design to address loneliness, promote well-being, and foster inclusive and supportive work environments in the field?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, I am joined by Erin Peavey, an architect with a background in psychology, to explore the importance of connection, the power of healing, and the role of mental health in the culture of architecture workspaces. Erin is the Health & Well-being Design Leader at HKS and believes in incorporating research on health, well-being, and community engagement into design initiatives.
First, Erin shares her journey from studying social work to architecture and highlights key takeaways from her HKS report on loneliness, titled “Connecting in Strange Times: The Antidote to Loneliness.” Erin advocates for inclusivity and diversity in the field of architecture and addresses the lack of consideration for diverse perspectives in design while providing practical solutions.
Then, Erin touches on the forgotten aspects of designing for people with disabilities and discusses how to prevent burnout and overwork in the field. Erin shares her hopes for a shift towards prioritizing well-being and support for co-workers over consistent productivity.
I hope that in architecture, we recognize that because we are creating spaces for people outside of the norm, we need to embody those people in the profession. When you think about who is drawn to architecture, there are heavy feelers, sensors, and people with heightened perception. We need all of the variety to bring in those perspectives and that value. - Erin Peavey
To wrap up the episode, Erin suggests that firm leaders need to encourage their teams to create healthy spaces. She also emphasizes the value of giving hype and praise to our co-workers. Plus, Erin invites you always to seek areas for self-improvement while giving grace for imperfection and failure.
Tune in next week for an episode about design crises, past and future.
Guest:
Erin Peavey
Erin Peavey is an Architect and a Health & Well-being Design Leader at HKS. Erin’s passion for
creating environments that support health, happiness, and well-being drives her evidence-based, user-centered approach to design. In her leadership role at HKS, she helps integrate research and practice to advance design for health, combat loneliness, and foster resilience across the globe.
Erin is dedicated to giving back to the design for health community as a Cornell Industry Scholar, an editorial board member of the Health Environments Research and Design Journal, a Fellow with the Centre for Conscious Design, and co-lead of the Foundation for Social Connection’s taskforce on the built environment.
Erin was named Best Under 40 in Architecture for Health by the American Institute for Architects (2015), 40 Under 40 by Building Design and Construction (2020), a Top Young Professional by Engineering News Record (2021), and a Rising Star by Healthcare Design Magazine (2019).
She delights in sharing knowledge and makes insights accessible to a wide audience. Erin uses her platform and network to advance understanding of how to design places and lives that catalyze mental well-being and belonging. Erin’s work focusing on the power of place to help us live happier, healthier, more connected lives is featured on BBC, NBC-Texas Today, Psychology Today, TEDx, SXSW, Metropolis, NPR/KERA, Architect Magazine, Healthline, her own podcast, Shared Space.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Erin on LinkedIn
Learn more about HKS, Inc.
Erin’s Psychology Today Blog
📚Continue Learning:
Shared Space Podcast
Divergent Mind Book
The Good Life Book
Esther Sternberg Books
Connecting in Strange Times: The Antidote to Loneliness Report
Erin’s Rest Checklist
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Episode 144: Power of Podcasting in ArchitectureHow can architects effectively leverage podcasting as a platform for storytelling, personal branding, and connecting with their clients?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, I am excited to share my conversation with Lauren Popish, founder of The Wave Podcasting, Project Manager at Google, and former Design Strategist at Gensler. Today, Lauren shares her valuable insights into the intersection of storytelling, podcasting, and architecture, offering inspiration and practical advice for both new and experienced podcasters.
First, Lauren opens up about her past challenges with public speaking and how podcasting helped her overcome them and build confidence. This inspired her to found The Wave Podcasting to help others find their voice. She also highlights the value of diverse skills and experiences in finding the perfect role for you.
Then, we discuss the importance of storytelling and individuality in podcasting. Lauren emphasizes how podcasting offers a unique opportunity to build personal connections with your audience and guests, especially in the architecture industry, where it can showcase an architect's personality and work process.
A common reason people don't start podcasts is because they believe that it is saturated or that someone is already out there doing the thing they want to be doing…it's not about creating a podcast concept that is totally different from anything else that exists. It's about bringing a perspective that no one else has. You as an individual have lived a life that no one else has lived. - Lauren Popish
To wrap up the episode, Lauren encourages aspiring podcasters to start without waiting for perfect equipment or timing. She suggests focusing on the "why" behind your podcast and embracing your unique perspective. Lauren also shares her expert advice for anyone who wants to grow their podcast and how her company can assist.
Tune in next week for an episode about the psychology of architecture.
Guest:
Lauren Popish
Lauren Popish is the founder of The Wave Podcasting, a company that helps women start and grow podcasts through online educational resources, affordable podcast editing services, and digital community. The Wave launched The Wave Editing, the first podcast editing service for women by women in 2021. The Wave Editing pairs female audio engineers with female podcasters so they can grow their shows by outsourcing the tedious tasks that prevent many podcast hosts from building their audience. Learn more at thewavepodcasting.com.
The Wave is an award-winning podcast company and was founded in 2019 with the goal of helping women share their stories through podcasting. What started as a real estate company providing highly-stylized podcast studio space for women has since become a major online educational hub. The Wave offers free educational resources including over 100 blog posts, YouTube videos, and a weekly newsletter that has amassed a cult following.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn
Learn more about The Wave Podcasting
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Episode 143: Architecture And AI & Head of Digital MarketingHow can architecture and design professionals embrace technological advancements such as AI, bridge the gap between physical and digital, and stay relevant in a rapidly changing field?
On this Practice Disrupted episode, I talked with Ricardo J Rodriguez, the chief marketing officer for Master Builder Solutions, to discuss his career journey from traditional architecture practice to embracing AI and education in the industry. His path highlights the importance of a willingness to consistently learn, adapt, and seek unconventional opportunities in the rapidly changing field.
First, Ricardo shares his background in architecture, including various challenges such as layoffs and industry shifts in DC that reflect some of the broader struggles within the field. He highlights the crucial need for digital implementation opportunities.
Then, we also explore Ricardo's initial fascination and commitment to staying at the forefront of industry trends with AI and its visual applications within architecture. He talks about his journey into digital art, particularly in response to personal trauma experienced during Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. He explains how AI art is part of the evolution of art as a whole, how he gained recognition as a digital artist, and the details of his exhibition, Present Futures.
I decided if I wanted to continue supporting, and speaking with folks in the construction industry about emerging transformation – I should do a deep dive into one of the trends that I knew least about, and take myself to the pieces of learning that I was uncomfortable with. - Ricardo J Rodriguez
To wrap up the episode, we discuss Ricardo's passion for bridging the gap between AI and creativity in his efforts to develop a curriculum for architects and designers on image generation in AI. He shares his advice for emerging architects in an evolving field, his perspective on how AI impacts the future of the practice, and why he believes we should embrace these tech advancements.
Tune in next week for an episode about the power of podcasting in architecture.
Guests:
Ricardo J Rodriguez
Fascinated by the intersection between "bytes & mortar," Ricardo is a versatile leader with 15+ years of experience turning innovative ideas into tangible solutions. Passionate about driving digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and tackling challenges within the construction and real estate industries, Ricardo is adept at securing strategic partnerships and assessing the potential value of opportunities that bridge the gap between physical & digital.
Ricardo has worked with Gensler, NIKA Solutions, and WDG Architecture business leaders. After practicing corporate architecture for 12+ years, managing and designing over 2M sqft of real estate worldwide, Ricardo transitioned to a global enterprise role at BASF. Upon Master Builder Solution's divestiture from BASF, Ricardo's industry expertise served the organization globally. Firstly, working within the Virtual Design & Construction team, managed digital innovation pilots, and sourced con-tech startups as part of the Digital Excellence team. In 2022, Ricardo transitioned into a Global Digital Transformation Evangelist role within the Corporate Development department. In 2023, he was named Global Head of Digital Marketing Excellence.
Given his commitment to the construction industry, he's received AIA | DC's Emerging Architect of the Year award and Young Architect of the Year Award from the DC Council of Engineering and Architectural Societies. Ricardo has been a frequent speaker, presenting at over 40 international events over the past several years. In 2018, he was honored by BuiltWorlds, naming him one of the Nation's Top 50 Adoption Leaders. Ricardo's leadership and advocacy resulted in AIA appointing him to the National Strategic Council as an At-Large Representative in a board advisory role, which developed a framework to accelerate Digital Transformation. Ricardo supported launching a leadership development program in his native Puerto Rico. In June 2023, he was a guest panelist at the BuiltWorlds Summit in Paris, France. In his spare time, he obsesses with AI-generated digital art on @bytesandmortar, launching his first solo show, “Present Futures,” at the District Architecture Center in Washington, DC, which opened in September 2023. His artworks were also chosen by the government of Puerto Rico’s Institute of Culture to be exhibited in 2024 at their “Poli/Gráfica de Puerto Rico: América Latina y el Caribe” (est. 1970). Ricardo is also an educator, mentoring four startups and developing graduate/executive courses on “AI Basics for Architects and Designers” for the University of Pennsylvania’s Weitzman School of Design Center.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Ricardo on LinkedIn
Connect with Master Builders Solutions on LinkedIn
Follow Ricardo/Bytes and Mortar on Instagram
Learn more about Practice Innovation Lab
Learn more about the Present Futures Show
📚Continue Learning:
AI Basics for Architects and Designers Weitzman Course
📚 Past Episodes Referenced:
PD # 140 Season 7 Finale, Behind the Scenes of Practice Disrupted
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Episode 142: Digital Transformation in PracticeHow can we change the way we use data and digital tools to help improve our clients' business, internal collaboration, and design development?
In this episode of Practice Disrupted, I sit down with Tim Dufault, Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of ConcertVDC, and Stefnee Trzpuc, the Director of Operations for BWBR to discuss the opportunities of digital transformation in practice, which refers to integrating digital tools and processes for design development and client collaboration.
First, Tim and Stefnee define digital transformation, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning to keep up with industry trends and effectively manage the digital ecosystem. They also discuss how this technology can transform the architect-client relationship and improve overall business performance.
Then, they dive into the challenges architectural firms face, mainly smaller ones, in adopting these new technologies. Plus, Tim shares examples from ConcertVDC that demonstrate the benefits of sharing digital information to reduce misunderstandings between architects and clients. Stefnee also shares examples of BWBR's entire client project process with the specific digital tools, technologies, and strategies they use as well as where they have seen the most success.
There's this ongoing interaction between the building owner and the architect about what's working and what's not. How do we use that building better? How do we make that building effective for 1000 years, not 100 years? I hope that architects are looking at digital transformation as the mechanism to not just simply do something more "wow factor" as a way that we can actually change the world. - Tim Dufault
To wrap up the episode, Tim and Stefnee share their vision of the future, where digital transformation allows architects to create buildings that evolve through ongoing feedback, a focus on community, and an optimized collaboration with clients.
Tune in next week for an episode about architecture and AI.
Guests:
Tim Dufault, FAIA
Tim Dufault is a founder and the Chief Revenue Officer for ConcertVDC, a Blockchain-based platform for registering and sharing digital design information in the AEC industry. Concert solves the problem of data ownership and the secure sharing of digital information during the design and construction process. The company was established in 2019 and attracted investment from major international architecture and engineering firms. Concert is leading the transformation to a true digital ecosystem in architecture and construction. Before joining Concert, Tim served for 15 years as the CEO of Cuningham, an award-winning Minnesota-based architecture and design firm.
Stefnee Trzpuc, CID, EDAC, LEED AP
Stefnee Trzpuc serves as the Director of Operations for BWBR and actively seeks opportunities for complex problem solving by applying strategic systems thinking through a lens of people, processes, and technology. Stefnee leads strategy and teams for technology systems, knowledge management, data, legal and risk management, and administrative services and works closely with all areas of the organization to identify solutions and improvement strategies for an evolving and thriving practice. Current focus areas include studying impacts and opportunities on business and creative processes with hybrid work models, artificial intelligence and automation, data and knowledge strategy, digital transformation, and organizational effectiveness.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Tim on LinkedIn
Connect with ConcertVDC on LinkedIn
Connect with Stefnee on LinkedIn
Learn more about ConcertVDC
Learn more about BWBR
📚Continue Learning:
Redesigning Work: How to Transform You Organization and Make Hybrid Work for Everyone
Working Knowledge
The Art of Gathering
Momentum: Creating Effective, Engaging, and Enjoyable Meetings
📚 Past Episodes Referenced:
PD # 23 Finding a New Value Proposition Through Tech
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Episode 141: Season 8, Coffee Sketch PodcastHow will the architectural profession adapt and evolve to meet the ever-changing demands of the field?
Host Evelyn Lee is back for Season 8 of Practice Disrupted! In this episode, fellow podcasters of the Coffee Sketch Podcast, Kurt Neiswender and Jamie Crawley, join her for a conversation on the current state of architectural practice and their vision for its future. Jamie currently serves as the Design Lead for the Texas Historical Commission, while Kurt is an Assistant Professor of Practice at Lawrence Technological University and owner of Urban Colab Architecture.
First, we reflect on the Young Architects Forum (YAF), where Evelyn and Kurt initially connected, and the significance of organizations like the National Associates Committee (NAC) in fostering professional growth, innovation, and collaboration within the field.
Then, we discuss the evolving role of technology in design, the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration, and Jamie's viewpoint on preserving historical architecture alongside changing landscapes. Kurt also shares his experience of starting his own practice and the impact of diversifying his income.
How many studio projects in a typical architecture curriculum actually start out with the name system building as the prompt? Most schools don't have that. That's a reality that a lot of students moving into practice will have to face. I think it's important for them to be challenged by it to a certain degree. If it means education needs to up its game and teach in a different kind of way – I think it's really important. - Jamie Crawley
To wrap up the episode, Kurt and Jamie share their advice for studying young architects and their thoughts and goals as they move into 2024.
Tune in next week for an episode about digital transformation in practice.
Guests:
Jamie Crawley, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, NCARB
Jamie is a naturalized Texan originally from Montreal, Quebec Canada who currently serves as the Texas Main Street Architect and Design Lead having joined the Texas Historical Commission in 2019. In 2018, he was named one of 18 National Young Architect of the Year honorees by the American Institute of Architects. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University's College of Architecture, a registered Architect in the State of Texas and servant leader in his home through the Austin Soccer Foundation. As an artist, Jamie is cohost of the Coffee Sketch Podcast now in its sixth year and was featured as one of six commissioned installations during Waterloo Greenway (formerly Waller Creek Conservancy) Annual Creek Show in 2017. Most recently his sculpture, “fotan fable redux” was displayed at the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum in Austin. He has also taught in several Architecture programs, Texas A&M University, University of Texas at Arlington and as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Prairie View A&M University. As a citizen Architect Jamie has served in a variety of capacities to the profession notably serving as Co-Chair to the 2016 AIA Leadership Institute a program of AIA National Center for Civic Leadership as well as the Vice Chair of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards Experience Advisory Committee in 2017-18. Presently he is a member of the Association of Preservation Technology's Main Street Committee focused on code and development recommendations to the International Code Council (ICC), the National Main Street Disaster Preparedness and Resilience Advisory Committee and the AIA National Historic Resources Committee Preservation Standards Task Force.
Kurt Neiswender, AIA
With Urban Colab Architecture it is "people first, profit second". Kurt provides design services that are focused on low-to-no energy consumption. He also extends this focus to developing the site and landscape design that equally serves to reduce environmental impact. As Assistant Professor of Practice, Kurt focuses on Building Systems, Sustainability, and Energy Modeling in his lecture courses. He aims to broaden the understanding of integrating building systems within architectural design solutions. Kurt is also a founder and cohost of The Coffee Sketch Podcast, an audio and visual podcast about sketching, architecture, and of course, coffee!
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Kurt on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Follow Kurt on Instagram
Follow Jamie on Instagram
Learn more about Urban Colab Architecture
Learn more about Texas Historical Commission
📚Continue Learning:
Coffee Sketch Podcast
📚 Past Episodes Referenced:
PD # 140 Season 7 Finale, Behind the Scenes of Practice Disrupted
📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:
Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter
Check out our past episodes
Be a part of our community — join the conversation!
Episode 108: Attracting and Retaining Midcareer WomenWhy are leadership-track women in architecture leaving their firms?
Throughout 100+ episodes of Practice Disrupted, we’ve touched on the missing middle, burnt-out architects, and the challenges in navigating career growth in practice. We wanted to dedicate an entire episode to exploring and understanding why midcareer and even senior-level women are considering leaving their firms. We'll look also discuss the core issues driving retention in the field.
We invited career and executive coach Maya Sharfi on the show to discuss her new whitepaper titled, 'Attracting and Retaining Leadership-Track Women in Architecture & Planning.' Maya has been working extensively with women across practice on training and career development. In this episode, she shares her insight and provides recommendations.
Guest:
Maya Sharfi is a career and executive coach and the founder of Build Yourself. She helps women in design, tech, and innovation advance their careers on their own terms and helps companies grow and promote their rising women leaders through coaching, training, and consulting.
Companies Maya has worked with have seen a 3x increase in the rate of women promoted, and 18% of women are more likely to recommend their companies to other women. They’ve seen more women owning and leading initiatives and setting boundaries that make projects more effective and grow junior staff. Maya's individual clients achieve results like moving into senior director roles, launching new, innovative programs, and achieving $25,000 raises.
Maya has trained national industry groups, like Women in Innovation and the American Institute of Architects, and works with leadership and staff at global design and innovation companies such as Stantec, Gensler, and HOK, and she helps women become principals and partners at their firms.
📍 Show Links:
Learn more about Build Yourself
📚 Continue Learning:
Attracting and Retaining Leadership-Track Women in Architecture & Planning
Apply for Partner & Principal One-on-One Coaching
📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:
Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter
Episode 080: Season 4 Finale with Madame ArchitectWhy is visibility of female leadership important in the profession of architecture?
While the seeming lack of women in architecture has been well-documented, women are, and have been, making waves in all levels of the field. Madame Architect is an online magazine celebrating the extraordinary women that shape our world, a magazine designed to break the architect’s mold and show young women entering the industry the myriad choices they have in crafting a dynamic, meaningful, and interesting career.
In this week’s season 4 finale, we’ve invited senior editor Amy Stone to join us in an interview.
Moderator:
Amy Stone is an architect, a mom of three, and is currently pursuing an MBA at Georgia Tech's Scheller College of Business. Amy is a design manager at Gensler and is dedicated to creating sustainable and equitable environments. Her professional work experience includes a variety of building types, including housing, mixed-use, adaptive-reuse, offices, higher education, and deep-green sustainable projects including the largest Living Building in the Southeast.
Amy is a contributing interviewer and editor and is dedicated to elevating the voice and visibility of women in architecture and design. She studied architecture for her Bachelors's and Masters's at Georgia Tech. She is based in Atlanta. Follow Amy at @_amystone.
Co-Hosts:
Evelyn M. Lee, FAIA, MBA, MPA is a licensed architect in the state of California, with over 15 years of experience working with individuals and companies that are looking to reshape their future. She is the founder of Practice of Architecture, the first-ever Senior Experience Designer at Slack Technologies, and the first female Treasurer to AIA National‘s Board of Directors.
She is widely published, wrote a monthly column for Contract magazine for over 3 years, and now is a frequent contributor to Architect Magazine. Evelyn has received numerous industry awards including the 2016 40 Under 40 award for Building Design + Construction and the 2014 AIA National Young Architects Award. She currently is a candidate for AIA National First VP 23/President 24 and most recently served as the first-ever female Treasurer to the AIA National Board in 2020-2021.
Evelyn has been a featured Keynote Speaker, Invited Guest, Panelist, and Moderator at national design and architecture conferences including AIA National Convention, Dwell on Design, and Women in Green. Her topics focus on developing knowledge leadership, organizational change management, capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and strategic approaches to put design thinking into practice.
Evelyn has nearly 20 years working with individuals, organizations, and companies who are interested in applying design thinking to their decision-making process.
Je’Nen M. Chastain, MBA, Assoc. AIA (prounced Je-NEEN) is the founder of Apostrophe Consulting, a purpose-driven, woman-owned management consulting practice dedicated to helping architects transform their companies.
In addition to consulting with firm leaders on practice management issues, she mentors architects on career development, leadership, and strategy. She specializes in facilitating conversations that engage multi-generational teams and has designed, developed, and presented dozens of training programs that inspire next-gen leaders. She is currently working on several in-house training solutions with award-winning firms that provide support to their teams on leadership development, mentorship, and communication.
Je'Nen earned her MBA and BArch and has trained in architecture. She practiced in a traditional firm setting and has completed her NCARB hours. She has received several awards for her leadership in the profession, including the 2017 AIA Associates Award.
Throughout her career, she's helped advance strategic conversations with firm owners and rising industry leaders. She has facilitated retreat planning and nationally recognized conferences, with expertise in leadership development. She co-created the AIA Leadership Institute and has contributed to dozens of professional development programs that support architects and emerging professionals. Her consulting work blends strategic planning, firm management, marketing, and team development.
📍 Show Links:
Madame Architect
Follow us at @madamearchitect.
📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:
Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter
Episode 010: Organizational Design, Process, and InnovationHow does organizational design support an innovative firm culture?
Guest:
Andrew Cronin, Principal at KieranTimberlake
In over 15 years as an architect, Andrew has focused on a variety of project types including award winning renovations for university clients, an addition and renovation at a local religious institution, a private home in rural Northern California, and an innovative new education center at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Andrew is currently working on a student residential planning study for a liberal arts college in New England and a precinct planning study for a university in Washington D.C.
Andrew takes a holistic approach to design practice. As a Principal at KieranTimberlake, he remains deeply connected to digital design, prototyping, and systems integration and engages project teams across the office by co-leading KieranTimberlake's BIM Practices group and works to spread lessons across the firm through KT’s regular weekly knowledge sharing forums. Andrew supports KieranTimberlake’s pursuit of the 2030 Challenge in his role in the Beyond 2030 working group and leads KieranTimberlake’s internal mentorship program. He is also a jury critic and adjunct faculty member at the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design at Drexel University.
Show Links:
https://kierantimberlake.com/
Episode 086: A Large Firm Perspective on Innovation & Transformation: CannonDesign
How do large firms think about innovation and transformation within the industry, and where are they investing next?
Within the last four years, CannonDesign:
- grew their consulting practice through the strategic acquisition of Blue Cottage Consulting
- brought new software tools to market, and
- launched a pre-fab design and fabrication facility in the middle of a pandemic
In turn, growing their market share and the value they continue to deliver to their clients.
In this episode, we sit down with CEO Bradley A Lukanic, AIA, to talk about the evolution of architecture practice, where he believes architects need to be focused, and the opportunities that technology and innovation are playing in decisions that Cannon is making about the growth of their operations and business.
Guest:
With a never-ending drive and passion for design and built experiences, Bradley A. Lukanic, AIA, LEED AP embraces situational change disrupters that transform the industry’s future – and he’s leading CannonDesign’s charge to get there. As CEO, Brad seeks partners that are curious to accelerate, command and propel design’s influences on environments with goals resolving cross-disciplinary thinking and engagement. He leads CannonDesign with a sincere approach of listening to employee and client challenges to guide a discovery of “what if” opportunities, instead of progressing in a silo. Parallel to his practical design experience, Brad’s thought leadership is shared within and beyond architecture audiences.
📍 Show Links:
CannonDesign
📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:
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Episode 067: Architecture And: The Future of WorkplaceHow can technology simplify workflows for both clients and designers?
As CEO of CANOA, Federico Negro is building the first end-to-end platform for designing, procuring, and managing low-carbon, reconfigurable interiors in the workplace. What does that mean in simple terms? Clients and designers can design, purchase, and completely furnish the office space without touching CAD or going through a dealer.
Even though CANOA is a technology platform, they are reimagining the supply chain and procurement process for everything that, “falls out of a building when you turn it upside down.” And did we mention they are doing so in the most climate-friendly way possible?
CANOA is on its way to being certified as a B Corp and is not the first company that Federico Negro founded. We talked with him about everything from building company culture, launching a workplace-focused company just before the pandemic, and building a business from the ground up, having learned from his first successful company, Case (which was acquired by WeWork).
Guest:
Federico Negro is the founder and CEO of CANOA, a new workplace design tool with an embedded marketplace of furniture, prefabricated and modular structures, and more. CANOA’s mission is to decarbonize commercial real estate and they're doing so by reinventing the way businesses shop for the office. Learn more at https://www.canoa.supply
📍 Show Links:
Canoa Supply
Join us @ Section Cut 2022!
💻 Learn about our podcast partner Monograph:
March 8th - 10th, Monograph is hosting Section Cut, a virtual conference and career fair dedicated to firm owners and operation leaders. Hear from leaders at Cottage, Krueck Sexton, Verdant Studio, and more! Register today to reserve a seat by visiting https://sectioncut.com/
💻 Learn about our podcast partner ArchIT:
Tired of dealing with generic IT providers? ArchIT offers Complete IT Solutions for Architecture, Design, and Engineering firms, including helping architects fight back against ransomware and cybersecurity attacks. Visit http://getarchit.com/pd to set up your free 15-min Cyber Security Assessment, or custom solutions for your design firm.
📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter
Welcome to the launch of Practice Disrupted! Meet hosts Evelyn Lee and Je’Nen Chastain who will begin to discuss the changing nature of architectural practice.
Hosts:
Evelyn Lee, Founder of Practice of Architecture & Senior Experience Designer for Slack Technologies
Je’Nen Chastain, Founder of Apostrophe Consulting
Evelyn M. Lee, AIA, MBA, MPA is a licensed architect in the state of California, with over 15 years of experience working with individuals and companies that are looking to reshape their future. She has been a featured keynote speaker, panelist, and moderator at national conferences and symposiums. Her topics focus on developing knowledge leadership, organizational change management, capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and strategic approaches to put design thinking to work in life and in practice. She also serves on the advisory council to ZeroSixty, an accelerator for the AEC Industry and is the first female Treasurer to AIA National‘s Board of Directors. When not working on the Practice of Architecture, Evelyn works as the first-ever Senior Experience Designer at Slack Technologies.
Je’Nen M. Chastain, MBA, Assoc. AIA is a business strategy consultant trained in architecture and business management with expertise in marketing, communications, and leadership development. She founded Apostrophe Consulting with the goal of helping architecture firms win more work, build a culture of leadership and trust within the design studio, and create a pipeline for emerging leaders to grow in our industry. A recipient of the 2017 AIA Associates Award, Je'Nen holds both a B.Arch. and an MBA. She previously spent nearly a decade in the San Francisco Bay Area, collaborating with award-winning architecture firms on design, marketing, and business development efforts. She has spoken across the country on leadership development, career advancement, emerging professionals, mentorship, and women in architecture.
Show Links:
practicedisrupted.com
http://practiceofarchitecture.com/
https://apostrophe.consulting/
Follow us on social media: @practiceofarch
Episode 140: Season 7 Finale, Behind the Scenes of Practice DisruptedHow has Practice Disrupted grown and evolved since launching in 2020?
On the Season 7 Finale of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn and Je’Nen reflect on the podcast’s evolution over the last four years, and share a behind the scenes conversation on the creation of the show. They discuss lessons about the complexities of change within the industry, and some of their favorite conversations along the way. Stay until the end of the episode for a special announcement!
First, Je’Nen shares the intentions behind launching Practice Disrupted and her desire to lean into the narrative-building storytelling element of audio. We hear about changes during the podcast’s four years and how it felt to recognize its growing impact and reach.
From there, Je’Nen and Evelyn reflect on the challenges, successes, and lessons from producing 140 podcast episodes. Je’Nen shares some of her favorite moments as a co-host and interviewer, and they both illustrate how they’ve grown through the podcast and solidified their place within the industry.
“This podcast has been a great exploration of our shared desire to move the profession in a new direction. I hope through the process of having all these conversations, people have discovered new ideas or figured out new solutions that they can integrate into the way they're running their businesses.” - Je’Nen Chastain
To wrap up the episode, Je’Nen shares three takeaways she hopes listeners will gain from the show, and Evelyn drops a few teasers for exciting upcoming conversations.
Tune in early 2024 for Practice Disrupted’s Season 8 kickoff. Happy New Year!
Guests:
Je’Nen Chastain, MBA, Assoc. AIA, is the founder and owner of Apostrophe Consulting, a business management consulting practice dedicated to helping architects and next-gen leaders strengthen their teams and businesses. After studying and practicing architecture and later earning her MBA, Je’Nen launched her business to help AEC leaders across the US. She partners with growth-minded teams who share her desire to transform the practice of architecture and advance industry change. Je’Nen has received several industry leadership awards, including the 2017 AIA Associates Award and Presidential Citations from AIA California & North Carolina. She has 15+ years of leadership experience with the AIA, including writing the business plan for the AIA Leadership Institute. Je’Nen served on the AIA national board of directors in 2010 and is a Upjohn Fellow of the Institute.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Je’Nen on LinkedIn
Learn more about Apostrophe Consulting
Follow Apostrophe Consulting on Instagram
📚Continue Learning:
Architects FORA’s Scholarship + Internship Program
📚Past Related Episodes:
PD #1: Practice Shifts
PD #9: Voices from the Future of the Profession
PD #10: Organizational Design, Process, and Innovation
PD #16: Voices from the Future of the Profession (LGBTQIA+)
PD #62: 2022 AIA Gold Medal Winners: Brooks + Scarpa
PD #68: 2022 AIA Whitney M. Young Jr. Honor Award Winners: RIDING THE VORTEX
PD #69: A Case Study on Leadership: Expanding Established Design Practices to New Locations
PD #80: Season 4 Finale with Madame Architect
PD #85: A Case Study for Practice: Latent Design
PD #89: Entrepreneurship in Practice: Taking Risks To Create Value
PD #95: Voices of Mothers in Practice
PD #113: 2023 AIA Gold Medal Award Winner Carol Ross Barney
PD #118: 2023 AIA Architecture Firm Award Winner, Mithun
PD #122: Entrepreneurship in Architecture, Apostrophe Consulting
PD #125: Building a Feminist Architecture Firm
PD #127: NCARB Scholars of Professional Practice
PD #133: 2023 Whitney M. Young, Jr. Award Honoree Robert L Easter, FAIA, NOMAC
PD #137: MASS Design Group Business Evolution
📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:
Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter
Check out our past episodes
Be a part of our community — join the conversation!
Episode 139: Bridging the Gap to Diversify Leadership in the AEC IndustryHow do you bring accomplished leaders and diverse AEC professionals together to increase the diversity of leadership in the AEC industry?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we sit down with the team at LeaderFlow: Executive Director Janiece Williams, and John Gavan, CEO of KPFF Consulting Engineers, to discuss their leadership development program and the vision they have to bridge the gap between leadership and professionals of color in the AEC industry.
First, John shares how he collaborated with the Southern California Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (SoCal NOMA). We learn that Janiece was part of LeaderFlow’s 2021 pilot program and how stepping into her current role as Executive Director was in response to navigating her path in, and then out, and now alongside the architecture industry.
From there, we delve into the details of LeaderFlow’s program, an opportunity for professionals of color to coach and mentor each other about lived and shared experiences. Janiece and John also share how creating connections can help individuals navigate the challenges of growing in a career — which is why LeaderFlow invites industry leaders to facilitate curriculum to underrepresented communities as a way to find empathy and be inspired to future possibilities.
“This isn't about expecting anything from non-people of color to solve humanity's issues. This is about inviting them to the table to be just as vulnerable — if not more — to engage in this conversation, to show up, and to be a part of this experience with them. This is about having human connection and sharing lived experiences and challenges that we all face, and maybe can relate to, in life.” - Janiece Williams
To wrap up the episode, Janiece and John each share how LeaderFlow has impacted their growth from both a leadership and personal development perspective and how firms can become supporters and allies of LeaderFlow’s work.
Tune in next week for Practice Disrupted’s Season 7 Finale!
Guests:
Janiece Williams, Executive Director of LeaderFlow is a trained architectural designer and one of the original cohort participants from the 2021 pilot program. With over 10 years of architecture experience, she developed a strong desire to help developing professionals as they navigate the architecture industry. This passion led her to commit more of her time to justice, diversity, equity, & inclusion-related causes and initiatives. The impact of the pilot program led her to co-launch LeaderFlow to encourage others, especially Professionals of color, to invest time in their own personal growth and development, and empower them to become great leaders.
John Gavan, CEO of KPFF Consulting Engineers is driven by the heightened social unrest in the country and he wanted to find an impactful and tangible way to effect meaningful change in the AEC industry. In 2021, John had the idea to introduce the framework of a leadership development program that he started within KPFF’s organization to the Southern California Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (SoCal NOMA). The first annual program was open to SoCal NOMA members at various stages in their careers and consisted of interactive training sessions facilitated by top industry professionals and leaders.
📍 Show Links:
Learn more about LeaderFlow
Connect with LeaderFlow on LinkedIn
📚Continue Learning:
Check out SoCal NOMA
Check out Rooted Consulting Group
📚Past Related Episodes:
PD #138: New Realities: Employee Wellness and Organizational Culture in Design Firms
📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:
Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter
Check out our past episodes
Be a part of our community — join the conversation!
Episode 138: New Realities: Employee Wellness and Organizational Culture in Design FirmsHow do organizational dynamics tie to social and emotional well-being at work?
We sit down with Cameron MacAllister Group thought leaders, Saskia Dennis-van Dijl and Annelise Pitts, who are actively advancing Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) inside of AEC firms and across the industry at large. On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we dive into the results and observations from their co-published report, “New Realities: Employee Wellness and Organizational Culture in Design Firms.”
First, Saskia and Annelise share how the project was born from post-pandemic concerns about employee mental health and productivity. We learn about the research’s Competing Values framework used to understand how organizations define effectiveness across two axis points.. From there, we discuss specific data points within the report around burnout, engagement, well-being, and connection to colleagues — and the specific impact those results have on the industry, resulting in increased stress and more responsibility. Saskia and Annelise also point us to what firms are doing well and ways for managers and leaders to maintain sight of the bigger purpose.
“We think that culture is driven by the work rather than all the other behaviors that happen around doing the work. We have to consider the wellness of the people who work for us at every scale. What are we doing to support individual wellness?” - Saskia Dennis-van Dijl
To wrap up the episode, we discuss how systemic issues hinder workplace wellness. We also talk about the need for creativity when designing and leading AEC practices — to create an action plan that aligns firm and team culture, organizational strategy, and work-life policy and practices.
Tune in next week for an episode about LeaderFlow.
Guests:
Saskia Dennis-van Dijl, Principal Consultant at Cameron MacAllister Group advises clients in the areas of marketing, practice management, leadership development, and strategic planning. She counsels in-house marketing principals and senior marketing staff on best practices, marketing trends, and prospective clients and also leads training workshops for architects, engineers, and related professionals throughout the United States. Saskia was a founding member of the 2014 Equity by Design research project sponsored by AIA San Francisco and now works with companies around the nation on culture and policy development to achieve goals of diversity and inclusion in all aspects.
Annelise Pitts, AIA, Associate at Shepley Bulfinch is a passionate designer, facilitator, and advocate for justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in the built environment. As an architect and associate with Shepley Bulfinch, she works with clients nationally, focused primarily on higher education. In her role as a design strategist with LENS, a design strategy, research, and innovation practice group within Shepley Bulfinch, Annelise offers participatory visioning and planning, change management, and organizational development services, collaborating with clients to develop holistic responses to purpose-aligned issues at the heart of the design experience — sustainability & resilience, health and wellness, and justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
📍 Show Links:
Learn more about Cameron MacAllister Group
Read Cameron MacAllister Group’s Employee Wellness and Organizational Culture Report
Learn more about Shepley Bulfinch
Learn more about LENS Strategy Consultancy Agency
📚Continue Learning:
Read the AIA Guides for Equitable Practice
Read Diagnosing and Changing Organizational Culture
📚Past Related Episodes:
PD #22: Reimagining Work in the New Digital-First Workplace
PD #91: How the Future Works
PD #136: Redesigning the Future of Work
📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:
Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter
Check out our past episodes
Be a part of our community — join the conversation!
Bonus Episode: Autodesk AIHow is AI reshaping the way architects design, collaborate, and innovate?
On this bonus episode of Practice Disrupted, we sit down with Amy Bunszel, the Executive Vice President of Architecture, Engineering and Construction Design Solutions at Autodesk, and Ryan McNulty, Principal of MBH Architects, to dive into the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as it relates to architectural practice — including The Phoenix, one of Ryan’s recent projects recently showcased at AU 2023.
First, Amy describes the positive impact of AI and how the technology can help the built world — and its customers — improve the sustainability of projects. She explains the role Autodesk AI plays in delivering more innovative projects to clients in a way that will transform both the industry and individual practice.
AI can help with three things: automation, augmentation, and vast data analysis. The sustainability challenges in the world are also accelerating the need for change. The built environment is responsible for 42% of annual global CO2 emissions. Now is the time to leverage all the great technology we can to drive towards some of these important goals. - Amy Bunszel
From there, Ryan illustrates why and how AI can be useful for architecture from a project standpoint. He shares how AI helps to diminish architectural administrative tasks and focus on architectural decisions — one example being The Phoenix, a West Oakland affordable housing project created in collaboration with Autodesk. We also learn Ryan and Amy’s future plans for integrating AI into different projects and tools in support of the changing profession.
To wrap up the episode, Ryan and Amy provide tips for architecture students integrating AI into their practice and share their individual aspirations for how AI can positively impact and shape their environments.
Tune in next week for an episode about employee wellness and organizational culture in design firms.
Guests:
Amy Bunszel, EVP AEC Design at Autodesk manages product strategy and execution for Autodesk’s 3D design portfolio including the Autodesk Architecture, Engineering and Construction Collection, AutoCAD family, Autodesk Revit, and more.
With more than 20 years’ of experience innovating software products across the architecture, engineering, and construction, manufacturing and media and entertainment industries, Amy inspires innovative strategy while driving large-scale agile software development around the globe. Amy combines her roots as a start-up co-founder with deep product management knowledge and large-scale product execution expertise to build high performing teams focused on delivering value to their customers.
Ryan McNulty, Principal MBH Architects has an innate ability to unify project stakeholders to create successful projects with meaning and respect to local context. Ryan is known for his keen thirty-thousand-foot view of projects while closely managing every detail. This holistic design approach informs the decision-making process and allows effective communication at every stage, making him an asset to MBH’s broad array of project types — from workspace and labs, to multi-family and hospitality projects.
Ryan brings deep experience with complex structures, managing client goals, community hearings, and stakeholder coordination. He is currently principal-in-charge of a a large commercial project in Los Angeles, as well as a confidential residential development in New York City.
📍 Show Links:
Learn more about Autodesk AI
Evolve your AEC toolbox with Autodesk AI
📚 Continue Learning:
Check out Autodesk X The Phoenix
Watch Autodesk Forma X Arco – Embracing the promise of data
Learn more about AU
📚 Past Episodes Referenced:
PD #103: Enhancing Workflow with Artificial Intelligence
📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:
Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter
Check out our past episodes
Be a part of our community — join the conversation!
Episode 137: MASS Design Group Business Evolution Why do we need a non-profit architecture business model?
A Model of Architecture for Society (MASS) Design Group was founded in 2008 as a non-profit organization with the mission to research, design, build, and advocate for architecture that promotes justice and human dignity. On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we sit down with Patricia Gruits, AIA, Co-Executive Director and Ashley Marsh, Senior Director to learn about how MASS has experienced and moved towards growth in recent years.
Patricia and Ashley share why MASS is a nonprofit architecture firm and how their specific business model challenges others to think differently.
“Being a nonprofit allows us to challenge policymakers, challenge developers, challenge communities to think more radically, more equitably, more sustainably, about what the potential of the built environment is. That space for failure and learning is something nonprofits are very, very interested in.” - Ashley Marsh
To wrap up the episode, Patricia notes the ways the MASS continues to evolve and adapt through challenges. Plus, Patricia and Ashley share their perspective about the reality and reward of the profession — including the significant impact relationships have on each individual’s experience at work.
Tune in next week for an episode on a new report titled “New Realities: Employee Wellness and Organizational Culture in Design Firms.”
Guests:
Patricia Gruits, AIA, the Co-Executive Director of MASS Design Group believes that design is a tool to envision a better world — one that is just and beautiful for all people and our shared planet. Patricia also supports the strategy, development, operations and design practice across the North America studios. She works in concert with studio principals, lab leaders and designers, to navigate how architecture can address critical issues of Public Memory, Disability Justice, Food Systems, Native Communities, Climate Resilience, and Restorative Justice.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to architecture, Patricia received the 2020 Flansburgh Young Designer Award by the Boston Society for Architecture. Patricia also frequently speaks at national and local AIA events, including the AIA 2022 National Convention where MASS received the Architecture Firm Award.
Ashley Marsh, RA, is a Senior Director of MASS Design Group and is responsible for securing strategically-aligned partners, supports, and funding to advance the mission and secure the long-term health of the organization. She guides the stewardship of existing relationships as well as the identification, qualification and cultivation of new ones. Ashley serves the North American studios by developing and driving earned income strategy and tactics, and has been with MASS Design Group since 2018.
Ashley’s early career specialized in consulting on the upstream stages of project and owner readiness, advising a spectrum of education, technology, creative and nonprofit organizations in design, strategy and change management capacities. She helped a public school in Oakland, California win a $10 million XQ Super School grant, was named ‘40 under 40’ by the San Francisco Business Times, and was part of the team that wrote The Third Teacher–one of Fast Company’s best design books of 2010. Ashley is a recipient of the Design Futures Council Emerging Leader award and serves on the Advisory Board of the Boston Architectural College.
📍 Show Links:
Learn more about MASS Design Group
Read the 2022 AIA statement honoring MASS Design Group
📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:
Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter
Check out our past episodes
Be a part of our community — join the conversation!
Episode 136: Redesigning the Future of WorkHow do you build a people-first workplace environment that is both innovative and supportive?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we sit down with Brian Elliott, a leading expert on workplace flexibility and co-author of How the Future Works: Leading Flexible Teams to Do the Best Work of Their Lives who spent two decades building companies and leading teams as a startup CEO and leader at Google and Slack. Brian co-founded Future Forum to help decision-makers tackle real-world challenges, including hybrid work and building for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
First, we hear about Future Forum as an extension of and in support of Slack, which changed the way we work together. Since Future Forum has ended, Brian shares where to look for insight and data about the workplace to keep topics top of mind and weighs in on the debate between office and work-from-home culture and the opinions about different generations’ approaches to work. Brian also illustrates the need for intentionality if/when people come together and the effect it specifically has on marginalized communities.
At the end of the day, people are people. And what we're talking about here is actually a really core element, which is, ‘How do you drive engagement of employees in the mission and purpose of your business?’ That engagement is what gets them to go the extra mile to try harder to work harder for your customers. It shows up in things like trust and transparency, and how that actually impacts people's work ethic, much more so than anything else. - Brian Elliott
Then, Brian illustrates the overarching element of a flexible, innovative workplace: emphasizing a people-first approach. We learn of a few companies implementing innovative strategies and tactics to their support teams, and Brian provides recommendations for starting those conversations, including creating boundaries for the communication tools put into place.
To wrap up the episode, Brian gives his perspective on whether architecture should pivot its business model in regard to output, quality, and productivity and gives recommendations for leaders to implement change within their organization. Plus, we learn what the changing economy can mean for the future of workplace culture, and Brian shares how the next steps in his career are still in support of making work life better for people.
Tune in two weeks from now for an episode with MASS Design about how and why structuring an award-winning architecture as a nonprofit maximizes industry reach.
Guests:
Brian Elliott is a leading expert on workplace flexibility. After two decades building companies and leading teams as a startup CEO at Google and Slack, Brian co-founded Future Forum, a leading think-tank on the future of work. He’s also the co-author of “How the Future Works: Leading Flexible Teams to Do the Best Work of Their Lives.” Brian has shared his insights and best practices on how to create more effective, connected, and diverse organizations in various publications and media outlets including Axios, Bloomberg, the Economist, Fast Company, Forbes, Fortune, Harvard Business Review, the New York Times, Time and the Wall Street Journal.
His mission is to build a future of work that's better for everyone and believe that in doing so, we can dramatically improve organizational outcomes. Brian is also a proud father, happy spouse, and frequent dog walker.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Brian on LinkedIn
Learn more about Future Forum
Access Future Forum Pulse
Read How the Future Works
📚 Past Episodes Referenced:PD #91: How the Future Works
PD #22: Reimaging Work in the New Digital-First Workplace
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Episode 135: Architecture, And: Melodie Yashar, Space ArchitectHow can you merge architecture with space robotics to create a new design language?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we sit down with Melodie Yashar, a space architect, technologist, researcher, and Vice President of Building Design and Performance at ICON, a construction technologies company focused on large-scale additive manufacturing. First, Melodie illustrates the niche discipline of space architecture and the types of backgrounds and perspectives that lead people into the field. We learn about Melodie’s serendipitous entrance into space architecture after submitting to a NASA 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge, and why the merge of design and technology is an inspiration for her work.
3D printing was an area that felt like it was advancing my knowledge in technology and taking it beyond the scope of creating an architectural model. Tackling the most challenging scientific and technological problem of space, you merge architecture with a specific idea or opinion of space robotics. That was the thing that really compelled me at the time. And it still does, frankly. - Melodie Yashar
Then, we dive into ICON: The five main areas they contribute to, their different building and design teams, and one of the company’s newer additions, 3D-printing house design. We learn why 3D printing became a solution for challenges space architecture faces, and how ICON’s teams plan for unforeseen events when working with emerging technology like 3D printing. Melodie also details projects ICON’s working on alongside NASA to reimagine aspects of space.
To wrap up the episode, Melodie speaks to the rapid growth of the space architecture field, plus ways to collaborate with ICON and help reimagine 3D printing as a new design language.
Tune in next week for an episode about redesigning the future of work.
Guests:
Melodie Yashar, is a space architect, technologist, and researcher. She is the vice president of building design and performance at ICON, a construction technologies company focused on large-scale additive manufacturing. Melodie oversees the architectural direction of ICON’s built work as well as the performance of ICON’s building systems to deliver optimally performing structures that shift the paradigm of homebuilding on Earth and in space. Melodie is a professor at ArtCenter College of Design. In previous roles, Melodie was a research associate at NASA Ames as well as a co-founder of Space Exploration Architecture, a research group developing human supporting design concepts for space exploration. Her background is in industrial design, architecture, and human-computer interaction with an emphasis in robotics.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Melodie on LinkedIn
Learn more about ICON
Join ICON’s Initiative 99 Competition
Watch Melodie’s TED Talk
📚 Continue Learning:Learn more about AIA’s Women’s Leadership Summit
Check out NASA’s 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge
Take a peek at House Zero
📚 Past Episodes Referenced:PD #25: Architecture, And: Tech
PD #66: Architecture, And: Technology
PD # 102: Architecture, And: An Evolving Career in Tech
PD #134: Architecture, And: Growing a Tech Start-up out of an Architecture Firm
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Episode 134: Architecture, And: Growing a Tech Start-up out of an Architecture FirmHow does architecture support a CEO stepping out and into a specialized tech start-up space?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we sit down with Zach Soflin, AIA, the Founder and CEO of Layer, the first and only flexible and mobile-friendly building management software. First, we learn how the company was created in response to the Nebraska State Capitol Building where Zach and his previous firm, BVH, were looking to connect field data to their designs. Zach built his own solution, which would become the prototype for Layer. Zach shares what he’s learned about being a CEO and how an architecture background (and mindset) shows up in day-to-day operations.
“Critical thinking and skills I learned in architecture have helped immensely in building this business, particularly around designing product and user experience. Those skills have definitely translated and given us an opportunity to provide a different software experience than what architects might be used to working with.” - Zach Soflin
Then, we dive into Layer: its focus on design as an entry point toward its target market, and Zach shares how customers utilize the software to link different parts of their projects together. We also ask Zach about hiring prioritization in a highly technical field and his process for navigating the talent pool outside of Silicon Valley.
To wrap up the episode, Zach shares the biggest obstacle for architecture to overcome, and the role technology plays in shaping the future of the practice. With potential entrepreneurs in mind, he illustrates a step system to understand if creating a product is, in fact, the best solution for a problem at hand.
Tune in next week for another episode in our Architecture, And series with Melodie Yashar, Space Architect.
Guests:
Zach Soflin, AIA, is the Founder and CEO of Layer, where he leads company operations and product development. With a decade of experience practicing and leading computational design and innovation initiatives, Zach’s passion for improving the building lifecycle drives the vision and energy behind Layer — a multi-platform app and Revit add-in that makes it easy for architects and engineers to connect rich building data to BIM. Zach speaks regularly about BIM and complex building data, including at the APT International Conferences, AEC Tech Symposium, AIA National Conference on Architecture and BILT Digital Week.
📍 Show Links:
Learn more about Layer
See what Layer is up to on LinkedIn
Read The Next Normal in Construction McKinsey Report
📚 Past Episodes Referenced:PD #25: Architecture, And: Tech
PD #29: Taking the Leap from Architecture into Tech
PD #32: Designing a Technology-First Architecture Practice
PD #66: Architecture, And: Technology
PD #102: Architecture, And: An Evolving Career in Tech
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Episode 133: 2023 Whitney M. Young, Jr. Award Honoree Robert L. Easter, FAIA, NOMACHow does a desire to make a difference bring visibility to underserved and marginalized students, and future practitioners?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we’re incredibly honored to be in conversation with Robert L. Easter, FAIA NOMAC, an AIA National Award winner, recipient of the 2023 Whitney M. Young Jr. Award, whose work broadens diversity, equity, and inclusion within the profession. Robert is the founding Principal of Kelso & Easter, Inc. (KEi) Architects, an award-winning full-service architecture firm passionate about the built environment and how it influences the world in which we live.
We begin the conversation by learning about Robert’s hope for the architectural industry. He shares where he believes there’s room for evolution, and the role his parents played in his determination to fight for, support, and uplift diverse communities.
From there, we learn about Robert’s response to winning the 2023 Whitney M. Young Jr. Award, and Robert’s path to becoming the 15th president of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA). He describes his hand in its evolution, particularly in building relationships with students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Robert also describes the difference between “being rewarded” and “being rewarding” and illustrates some of his most meaningful takeaways and moments from his vast portfolio of work.
“Things are starting to change because you get involved in the fight. And you learn that you've got more allies than you think you do. And that there are people who want to help you achieve some of the goals that are important to you. There are a lot of biases I had when I was a young person that have gone away because of this endeavor.” - Robert L. Easter
To wrap up the episode, Robert shares why having empathy and compassion for the “most important social and cultural issues of our time” allow us to become better problem solvers in our personal and professional lives.
Tune in next week for the next episode in our Architecture, And series.
Guests:
Robert L. Easter, FAIA NOMAC is an AIA National Award winner, and the recipient of the 2023 Whitney M. Young Jr. Award. Robert began practicing in Baltimore, Maryland where he served as a Project Architect and designer for Ford & Associates, Inc. In 1992, Robert was elected as the fifteenth president of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), as a vigorous advocate for increased minority participation in the public and private sector building industry.
In 2017, Robert was invited to participate in the Dean’s Forum of the AIA’s Large Firm Round Table where he helped create partnerships between firms and the seven historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to advance the hiring and licensing process. In 2020, Robert was elevated to the AIA’s College of Fellows. Robert was also a member of the AIA Virginia Board of Directors and in 2022 was elected as the first African American to serve as the components president.
Robert recently retired as the chair of the Hampton University Department of Architecture after 15 years, where he adopted the Integrated Path to Architectural Licensing program. His work, both civic and professional, has been recognized in national print media, including NOMANews, the New York Times, Metropolitan Magazine, the Richmond Times Dispatch, the Richmond Free Press, Progressive Architecture Magazine, and Inform Magazine.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Robert on LinkedIn
Read AIA’s article about Robert
Learn more about NOMA
See Robert’s work at KEi
📚 Past Episodes Referenced:PD #09 Voices from the Future of the Profession
PD #68 AIA Whitney M. Young Jr. Honor Award Winners: RIDING THE VORTEX
PD #79 Increasing Black Women in Architecture
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Episode 132: Architecture, And: Ownership, Mergers, and Tech StartupsHow do you utilize technology to make good design efficient and accessible for everyone?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we sit down with Alma Lopez, Head of Creative at CANOA, and Elizabeth (Liz) Wert, Head of Brand at CANOA, an AI-assisted collaborative online tool for designers, to learn about their journey from business owners to company mergers, how a tech startup forces efficiency, and the ways CANOA serves as an inspiration point for both its users and an evolving industry.
First, we hear how Alma and Liz decided to start their business, ADITIONS, together in 2021 from a human-centric approach to leverage community as a way to locally source design pieces. They illustrate how the merger with CANOA gave them an opportunity to use technology to make good design accessible to everyone.
“Do we stay and go the traditional route and scale our studio, and keep working with the 1% that can actually afford our services? Or do we go and build software with an amazing team that actually helps the interior design industry do better through technology? It was kind of like a no-brainer. We got to help everyone.” - Liz Wert
Then, we dive into CANOA: its impact in the design and tech startup world, how it challenges the industry to be more efficient, and why it serves as a reminder that design is never done alone. We ask Alma and Liz to share their specific roles and the ways that their background and skill sets overlap to support each other and the business. Plus, we learn about CANOA’s current user base and the possibility of international reach.
To wrap up the episode, Alma and Liz share why their love for problem-solving is essential for building and growing a startup, and how diversity in the profession will support the future of CANOA (and the architecture and design industry) as a place for discovery, education, building community, and promoting sustainability.
Tune in next week for a conversation with AIA National Award winner and recipient of the 2023 Whitney M. Young Jr. Award, Robert L Easter, FAIA NOMAC.
Guests:
Alma Lopez is Head of Creative at CANOA. Originally hailing from Texas, Alma landed in the Bay Area studying Interior Architecture and Design at Academy of Art University. Alma co-founded experience design studio, ADITIONS, in 2021, which merged with CANOA in 2022. There, she is focused on bringing to market a diverse curation of brands, products, and ready-to-use design templates that bias sustainable solutions and share carbon data. By doing so, she aims to create better access to healthier solutions for people and our planet. Alma’s work has been recognized in Architectural Digest, Wallpaper, The New York Times, Interior Design Magazine, Inc. World’s Coolest Offices, Fast Company, and won the Good Design Award in furniture.
Elizabeth (Liz) Wert is Head of Brand at CANOA. Liz spent 14 years in the interior design industry having a diverse range of roles and commercial interior design and branding and marketing. She has worked with major furniture manufacturers and global furniture dealerships, and co-founded her own design and strategy studio, ADITIONS, with Alma in 2021. At CANOA, Liz focuses on brand design and development and go-to-market strategies to grow CANOA’s interior design user base. Liz has been featured at Milan Design Week, the New York Times Architectural Digest and Sight Unseen, to name a few.
📍 Show Links:
Learn more about CANOA
📚 Past Episodes Referenced:PD #67: Architecture, And: The Future of Workplace
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Episode 131: Five Topics on Mental Health for Architects & DesignersWhat are specific strategies architects and designers can implement to support their mental health?
For this week’s episode, we’ve selected five mental health topics that commonly relate to the practice of architecture: identity, perfectionism, stress + anxiety, burnout, and coping strategies. Allison Grubbs, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist, and Certified Clinical Supervisor, joins us to discuss these in-depth. Allison is actively working with the North Carolina State University College of Design to integrate mental health into the curriculum. She’ll share her insight on supporting design students and practitioners alike.
We begin the conversation by addressing the identity of becoming an architect. We learn whether perfectionism is externally or internally motivated (or both!). We also hear Allison’s perspective on why boundaries are the key to leading with vulnerability. We discover the power of explicitly acknowledging big emotions or moments and how stress impacts the mind and body. Allison also illustrates how she defines burnout, and provides differentiation for certain feelings, such as belonging and fitting in, and feeling stressed and overwhelmed.
“We will always have ruptures, we will always have issues that come up. A big piece of parenting, work, partnership, any kind of family work, is about repair. And if leaders can get really good at repair, it really helps the whole culture.” - Allison Grubbs
To wrap up the episode, Allison shares ways leaders can use curiosity and self-awareness to better understand their humanness and perception. Her advice: gestures of curiosity and kindness toward ourselves and others are the gateway to making a big difference in support of what we consider most important, mental health included.
Tune in next week for a conversation with Canoa's Head of Design and Head of Brand, as they talk about a new Firm Ownership, Mergers, and the transition to working in tech.
Guests:
Allison Grubbs is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist, Certified Clinical Supervisor, and is Certified in the work of Dr. Brené Brown. She was trained in 2013 by Brené Brown and has been facilitating her work in both clinical and professional settings ever since. She has been practicing as a therapist for about 16 years and maintains a private practice in downtown Raleigh. Allison also works with leaders and organizations to help them practice and grow in emotionally healthy ways. You can connect with Allison on her website.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Allison Online
Thank you to Claire Craven and Matt Fornaro for their contributions to this episode.
📚 Past Episodes Referenced:
PD #96 Addressing Mental Health in Architecture
PD #124 Architecture, And: Mental Health in the Profession
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Episode 130: Designing for Inclusion with Olivia AsuncionHow do architectural design decisions create physical symbols that tear down social barriers and inequities?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we sit down with Olivia Asuncion, AIA, a Project Architect at Quattrocchi Kwok Architects and advocate for individuals with disabilities. Even further, as a Fulbright Scholar, Olivia was recently appointed by President Biden to the U.S. architectural and transportation barriers compliance Access Board. We learn about Olivia's disability and how accessibility and inclusive design helped her both find her voice in the field, and navigate barriers and challenges faced along the way. Then, Olivia shares how workplace culture needs to shift in order to accommodate its (in)visibly disabled employees, and provides suggestions for navigating constructive conversations.
“The biggest and most powerful thing that a person in an architecture office can and should learn, is to listen and to believe the needs of the people who are working there. We need to shift our understanding that what's ‘needed to function well at a job’ differs between people.” - Olivia Asuncion
To wrap up the episode, Olivia shares the impact of her appointment to the U.S. Access Board and the types of future opportunities it can lead to in support of the future of accessible and universal, inclusive design.
Tune in next week for an open conversation about mental health with Allison Grubbs, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist, and Certified Clinical Supervisor.
Guests:
Olivia Asuncion, AIA Olivia has oriented her career path towards advocating for inclusive design. She received her undergraduate degree in Architecture at the University of California Berkeley, then began her professional career at Equity Community Builders helping non-profit organizations with their construction management needs. This includes assisting in the construction management of the Ed Roberts Campus, a universally-designed building in Berkeley, CA. After receiving her Master of Architecture degree from University of Oregon, she served as an architect at Shah Kawasaki Architects in Oakland, CA, working on public safety buildings and office spaces for public sector clients. Currently, Olivia is a Project Architect at Quattrocchi Kwok Architects, working on K-12 educational facilities.
📍 Show Links:
MeetQKA Firm
Connect with Olivia on LinkedIn
Check out Olivia’s Faculty Bio
Follow Olivia on Instagram
📚 Past Episodes Referenced:
PD #57 Southeast Asian American Architects
📚 Continue Learning:
White House statement appointing Olivia to U.S. Access Board
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Episode 129: Architecture, And: Waterfront DesignHow do you transform interests into a specialized niche and trailblaze a non-linear path?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we sit down with Dena Prastos AIA, a waterfront architect with a background in civil engineering and Founder and CEO of Indigo River, a women-owned transdisciplinary design firm focused on progressive waterfront architecture, resiliency, and climate adaptation. We learn about Dena’s upbringing in Alaska and how access to nature influenced the trajectory of her professional path. She also shares how her unique education and experience in both engineering and architecture have informed the creation of her company.
“My experience was a unique niche through the engineering lens. Wearing my architecture hat, I saw the opportunity to both be the generalist to gather all the specialists in the room, but also be the specialist that can speak the same language. I leaned into this opportunity to have this larger vision — my relationship with nature, and appreciating both the built fabric as well as what is natural and wild.” - Dena Prastos
We also learn about civil engineering, both in relation to architecture and as an industry of its own, and Dena shares what architects should know about climate adaptation, resiliency, and the waterfront.
To wrap up the episode, Dena shares advice for anyone in search of the impact they can make in the world while building a career within a specialized niche. This episode offers a unique perspective of the non-linear career path, and the power of approaching areas of growth as another relationship to strengthen.
Tune in next week for a conversation with Olivia Asuncion, a Project Architect and advocate for individuals with disabilities.
Guests:
Dena Prastos, AIA, is the first "waterfront architect," trailblazing a new category in the industry. Indigo River is a women-owned transdisciplinary design firm focused on progressive waterfront architecture, resiliency, and climate adaptation. A leading authority in New York Harbor and beyond, the firm specializes in climate adaptation through waterfront solutions that seamlessly transcend boundaries — guiding and executing projects from ideation through final construction and operations. Indigo River is a certified Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) committed to helping society evolve together with our environment.
📍 Show Links:
Indigo River Design Firm
Follow Indigo River on Instagram
Follow Dena on Instagram
Connect with Dena on LinkedIn
Follow Dena on Twitter
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Episode 128: CO Architects, Leading the Way Through ChangeHow do you shape the next chapter of an established firm, while leading a “practice into perpetuity”?
Tune in for a conversation with Jenna Knudsen, Managing Principal at CO Architects, who we had the pleasure of connecting with at this year’s American Institute of Architects Conference on Architecture (A’23). In this episode, we learn about Jenna’s transition into the role of Managing Principal, the challenge of stepping into a new role during COVID, and how continual improvement shows up in the 160 person practice.
“Practice into perpetuity. It means that the current partners are really the caretakers of the firm. The goal is to continue to care for this practice for the next generation of leaders. The culture is really about this idea of continual improvement, continually learning and really thinking about growing everyone in the practice.” - Jenna Knudsen
To wrap up the episode, Jenna shares what career transition challenges taught her about herself, and explains why it’s so important that the future of the practice is more diverse.
Tune in next week for a new episode in our Architecture, And series.
Guests:
Jenna Knudsen, the managing principal of CO Architects, has led award-winning, large-scale academic, laboratory and healthcare projects on university and healthcare campuses across the country. Her groundbreaking projects demonstrate innovation in design, sustainability and project delivery — including early use of BIM and integrated delivery, for which she has been nationally recognized. In addition to her leadership role in the wide adoption of BIM, she has continued to push for the use of tools such as computational design, virtual and augmented reality, and custom applications to advance the work. Within both the practice and the profession, Jenna has been a long-time advocate for equal representation, spearheading initiatives to support and encourage women in architecture. Jenna received a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Southern California and a Master of Science in Architecture and Urban Design at Columbia University.
📍 Show Links:
https://coarchitects.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/co-architects/
https://vimeo.com/user73627226
https://www.instagram.com/coarchitects/
https://www.facebook.com/COArchitects
https://twitter.com/COArchitectsLA
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Episode 127: NCARB Scholars of Professional PracticeWhat is the NCARB Scholars of Professional Practice?
In this episode, we meet some of the individuals who gathered for the fifth annual NCARB Scholars in Professional Practice at Ball State University CAP:INDY. This event is one of the, if not only, places where professors gather to discuss the struggles and opportunities of teaching this course inside the architecture curriculum. We hear participants’ biggest takeaways from the program and explore a range of perspectives from educators, NCARB staff, facilitators, and more.
“My first challenge as a teacher is to give my students confidence about what their professional futures look like. To generate excitement about it, to empower them, to say, ‘All of these topics are part of the equation that creates great design, and don't see these as an outlier to the design process.’ Approach this as another set of muscles that you need to develop in order to be the kind of architect you want to be.” - David Hinson, Associate Dean at Auburn University
Lastly, Evelyn and Je’Nen discuss the “future of practice,” followed by a look at NCARB’s Futures Collaborative. We’ll learn about ways NCARB has started exploring the future of practice — and the role advanced technologies play in benefiting and strengthening the professional model.
Tune in next week for a conversation with Jenna Knudsen, the Managing Principal of CO Architects.
📍 Show Links:
National Council of Architecture Registration Boards
NCARB Scholars in Professional Practice
📚 Continue Learning:NCARB Scholars: Going Further for Architectural Education
NCARB Article on Trends Shaping the Future of Architecture
ArchPaper Article on Practicing Practice
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Episode 126: Redesigning Professional PracticeHow are Professional Practice professors redesigning their coursework to support architecture students entering an industry in transition?
Tune in as we kick off a NEW! podcast series centered on Professional Practice. Karen Williams from the University of Oregon School of Architecture & Environment and Nilou Vakil from the University of Kansas School of Architecture and Design join us to discuss their experiences teaching Professional Practice and the potential for this course to evolve and expand.
We’ll introduce the 2022 NCARB Scholars in Professional Practice program — an annual, multi-day professional development intensive dedicated to ensuring that Professional Practice educators have the resources for students to succeed. Karen and Nilou share their thoughts on expanding education to support future architects, illustrate their individual successes in curriculum approach, and detail what questions students should ask of professors to gain further knowledge.
“How can we talk about the ethics of what we do within the framework of cultural competencies? That is what gets us jobs or brings repeated clients back. People start to trust you to design something for them that serves them, instead of being sort of an egoistic process. I think that part of it is missing from the conversation of business and Professional Practice.” - Nilou Vakil
Tune in next week for a recap of the 2023 NCARB Scholars of Professional Practice.
Guests:
Nilou Vakil, AIA, LEED AP BD+C is the principal at in situ DESIGN and an Associate Professor of Architecture at KU School of Architecture and Design. Nilou has a personal connection to community involvement in shaping the built environment — she witnessed neighborhood destruction in the Middle East during an eight-year war. With over two decades of experience in the field, she is an expert in community-based architecture, housing, and urban design. As an associate professor, Nilou leads design studios, Ethics and Leadership in Professional Practice, and research seminars focusing on community-based partnerships and service learning. Her contributions to academia and architecture have earned her recognition as one of the top 25 most admired architecture professors by Design Intelligence in 2018, and she received the Faculty Fellow award in the KU Honors Program in 2020.
Karen Williams, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP is a Project Manager at PIVOT Architecture in Eugene, OR. She is consistently working to educate people about the inner benefits of the architecture community and working toward a more equitable practice. She is a Career Instructor at the University of Oregon where she teaches Professional Practice and Practicum. As a means to be a professional example, Karen reviews architecture programs with NAAB, serves as a member of the Eugene River Guides Board, is a member of the Editorial Committee for ProPEL, and serves as a member of the research and writing team for the AIA Equitable Practice Guides: Justice and Education.
📍 Show Links: 2022 NCARB Scholars in Professional Practice
https://www.acsa-arch.org/resource/propel/
https://arcd.ku.edu/people/nilou-vakil
https://www.isdarchitecture.com/
https://pivotarchitecture.com/
📚 Continue Learning:
Building Design Podcast #14 Diversity and Equity in Architecture feat. Nilou Vakil
💻 Learn about our podcast partner:
👉 This episode is sponsored by the American Institute of Steel Construction
Interested in using your design training to prompt change in our industry? The AISC is looking for creative architects to help shape how our profession approaches structural steel. They’re building a program to bring industry leaders together to harness structural steel innovations. Learn more at aisc.org/architecture.
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Episode 125: Building a Feminist Architecture FirmHow do you redefine what a 21st-century architecture firm looks like and how it operates?
This week Leah Alissa Bayer, Sarah Vaccaro, and Kate Conley discuss their practice, Architects FORA, a 100% woman-owned design firm. This episode explores the ownership transition of this 40-year-old practice, how they operate the fully virtual practice, and the values that shape the feminist practice. They detail specific changes they’ve made in their hiring processes to support diversity and inclusion in a remote environment, and how remote working bolsters ongoing communication, collaboration, and 1:1 mentorship.
“If you give people the appropriate space so that they can do their work in the environment that they're comfortable in, and then create this very transparent platform that people can receive communication when they can digest it — or go back if they've forgotten, or if something comes up on a project — that's way more valuable than just a passing conversation that just happened because you're looking over somebody's shoulder. It's intentional, it's documented, it's recorded, it's scalable. It's better in every way.” - Architects FORA
Guests:
Sarah Vaccaro AIA, LEED AP is Principal at Architects FORA. Her passion for design and serving communities drives the commitment to the quality and purpose behind FORA's work. She respects the responsibility of designing places people will call home and is deeply committed to FORA’s collaborative approach and restorative process. In pursuit of a new experience working to address one of the greatest challenges facing the Bay Area, Sarah joined OJK Architecture + Planning (now Architects FORA) to work on affordable multi-family housing. In 2021, Jerry King, founder of OJK, entrusted his firm of 40 years to Sarah, Leah and Kate to continue designing beautiful, resilient, and equitable housing in partnership with their non-profit housing developer partners. Today, Architects FORA is focused on creating vibrant homes for all that empower and enrich our communities.
Leah Alissa Bayer, AIA, NOMA, LEED GA, NCARB, is an award-winning Architect licensed in California, Hawaii, and Washington with an endless curiosity, forward-focus, and passion for improving quality of life. Leah graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.), a Minor in Fine Arts, and four years of Structural Engineering (B.S.) from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. She founded EVIA Studio, a highly collaborative, women-led, and virtual architecture practice that in 2021, merged with OJK, and subsequently became Architects FORA.
Kate Conley AIA, NOMA, LEED AP, is a Principal at Architects FORA. She is a licensed architect in California, Colorado, and Washington State. Kate leads Building Excellence initiatives at FORA, employing her strong technical and design expertise gained from a career studded with award-winning built work and from her world-class mentors in architecture and construction. Improving equity and justice in the design and engineering professions and advocating for housing abundance in our communities are areas of emphasis throughout her work.
📍 Show Links:
https://architectsfora.com/
https://architectsfora.com/perspectives/thefeministpractice
📚...
Episode 124: Architecture, And: Mental Health in the ProfessionHow can we better support the mental health of architects and designers?
Co-hosts Evelyn Lee and Je’Nen Chastain sit down with the moderator of Practice Disrupted’s Season 7 kickoff, Joann Lui, licensed architect turned-marketer and founder of the Women Architects Collective, to discuss how she transitioned from architecture into marketing for tech startups, and why this decision was in support of her passions and her mental health.
Joann shares her newest project, the Mental Health Summit, which she created in response to a statistic stating that 97% of architects experience burnout. Joann curated the entire run of show to help attendees find and apply real, actionable strategies to managing their mental health and burnout. Session topics include people-pleasing, journaling, and building a practice that promotes mental health.
“I was so unhealthy. I was constantly getting sick and not taking care of my own health. And I just want a profession where while we're building great buildings, and designing for other people, that we take care of ourselves, and we can be happier and just healthier individuals in general.”
Joann further discusses her work as an entrepreneur and illustrates how she has helped architects build their personal digital brands during the pandemic and, in turn, was inspired to create multiple businesses as a way to support the community — ranging from coaching to an online matcha shop.
Tune in next week to hear a conversation with Evelyn and Je’Nen with Architects FORA discussing the Feminist Practice Model.
Guest:
Joann Lui, AIA is an architect, speaker, and the Founder of Women Architects Collective, a digital space where she provides community, conferences and coaching for 4,700+ members. To spread the voice of the community, she hosts annual events such as the Women Architects Festival and the Mental Health in Architecture Summit. Joann developed her professional experience at Gensler NY and transitioned into a Content Marketer role at AEC tech startups such as Monograph and TestFit. You can find her on her website, watch her YouTube channel, and follow her on Instagram or LinkedIn.
📍 Show Links:
https://www.joannlui.com
Women Architects Collective
Sign up for the MentalHealthSummit.co
📚 Past Episodes Referenced:PD #96 Addressing Mental Health in Architecture
Leah Bayer:
PD #52 Managing
How has the MIT School of Architecture and Planning driven innovation and influenced alternative career paths for students in the field?
In response to their listeners’ curiosity on bridging pathways into alternative careers, co-hosts Evelyn Lee and Je’Nen Chastain interview Nicholas De Monchaux, Professor and Head of Architecture at MIT, to discuss the evolution of curriculum at the oldest architecture program in the US. They’ll discuss potential career paths students can take and how Nick created a career that blends architecture, teaching, writing — and even installation work.
Learn about the history of MIT and how its architectural program is immersed in both research and entrepreneurial culture, as well as how the history and culture of MIT has influenced graduating students’ ideas of architecture in the world. In this conversation, Nick illustrates how MIT enhances its students’ experience, the types of students MIT attracts, and how moving through unexpected spaces allowed Nick to redefine the possibilities of his career and carve a path of his own.
To wrap up the episode, Nick shares advice to students about fusing curiosity and passion into new career pathways as faculty strive to expand the profession, its impact, and who has access to it — all in an effort to find other ways to speak with and to the world.
“The architecture of our world is much bigger than bricks, although bricks are very, very important. I'm interested in that largest meaning of architecture, both as a sense of what we describe architecture as being — which extends far beyond buildings both bigger than them and much smaller than them — and also extends far beyond the traditional notion of practice as well.”
Tune in next week to hear a conversation with Evelyn and Je’Nen as they discuss the upcoming Mental Health in Architecture Summit.
Guest:
Nicholas De Monchaux is Professor and Head of Architecture at MIT, as well as a partner in the architecture practice modem. He is the author of Spacesuit: Fashioning Apollo (MIT Press, 2011), an architectural and urban history of the Apollo Spacesuit, winner of the Eugene Emme award from the American Astronautical Society and shortlisted for the Art Book Prize, as well as Local Code: 3,659 Proposals about Data, Design, and the Nature of Cities (Princeton Architectural Press, Fall 2016). His design work has been exhibited widely, including at the Biennial of the Americas, the Venice Architecture Biennale, The Lisbon Architecture Triennial, SFMOMA, the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, the Storefront for Art and Architecture and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago. He is a Fellow of the American Academy in Rome. Until 2019, he was Craigslist Distinguished Professor of New Media and Professor of Architecture and Urban Design at UC Berkeley.
📍 Show Links:
MIT School of Architecture + Planning
MIT Department of Architecture
📚 Continue Learning:modem
Local Code
Spacesuit
📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:
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What does it take to build a purpose-driven architecture management consulting business?
Co-hosts Evelyn Lee and Je’Nen Chastain are back on the mic — except this time, Evelyn is guiding the conversation and interviewing Je’Nen! On this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn and Je’Nen share how they first connected in the architectural design world, and Je’Nen talks about how her entrepreneurial spirit and non-linear career path gave her a unique perspective in her business, Apostrophe Consulting.
Apostrophe Consulting is a purpose-driven, woman-owned management consulting practice dedicated to helping architects transform their companies. With expertise in talent development, change management, and business strategy, Je’Nen helps her clients navigate growth in a changing world.
To wrap up the episode, Evelyn asks Je’Nen what her hope and vision is for the future of both the field of architecture and Apostrophe Consulting. Stay until the end to hear what Je’Nen has to say, as well as her advice for anyone looking to step into entrepreneurship.
“The number one is finance. And the number two is mental health. Those are the two things that I think most entrepreneurs need to be ready to navigate. I don't think you have to have it all figured out at the start — you can transition into this and still be successful. And there's nothing wrong with that.”
Tune in next week to hear a conversation with Evelyn and Je’Nen about the MIT School of Architecture and Planning and how the program has driven innovation.
Guest:
Je’Nen Chastain, MBA, Assoc. AIA is the Founder of Apostrophe Consulting, a practice focused on helping architects and next-gen leaders strengthen their teams and businesses. In addition to consulting with firm leaders on practice management issues, she co-hosts Practice Disrupted, a podcast with a growing audience of over 30k unique listeners. She earned her MBA from Mills College and BArch from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She has received several industry leadership awards, including the 2017 AIA Associates Award and Presidential Citations from AIA California & North Carolina. She wrote the business plan for the AIA Leadership Institute 2015-2020 and served on the AIA national board of directors in 2010.
📍 Show Links: Apostrophe Consulting
📚 Related Past Episodes:PD #119 Architecture, And: YouTube, Entrepreneurship, & ArchitecturePD #89 Entrepreneurship in Practice: Taking Risks to Create Value
PD #75 Growing an AEC Startup, The Evolution of a Company
PD #56 Leading with Finance & Entrepreneurship
PD #26 Climate Action Through Entrepreneurship
💻 Learn about our podcast partner:
👉 This episode is sponsored by the American Institute...
What questions do the Women Architects Collective have for Practice Disrupted?
Co-hosts Evelyn Lee and Je’Nen Chastain celebrate Season 7 (happy 3rd birthday, Practice Disrupted!) with an AMA, Ask Me Anything. The conversation is guided by Joann Lui, a friend to the podcast, licensed architect-turned marketer, and founder of the Women Architects Collective.
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn and Je’Nen answer questions relating to the podcast and their careers. Topics include: Evelyn and Je’Nen’s paths to earn an MBA, how to get involved with the American Institute of Architects (AIA), what architects can learn from other industries, and advice to Evelyn and Je’Nen’s younger selves.
To wrap up the episode, Evelyn and Je’Nen share how Disrupted Practice has evolved over seven seasons. They also explain why their approach to the podcast has shifted, and how their favorite types of podcasts serve as inspiration for future episodes.
“Intention is important to us. People are really looking for substantial content, so in Season 7 our hope is to bring on interesting people who can deliver on that energy to help us answer how we can really change and evolve practice going forward.”
Tune in next week to hear a conversation with Evelyn and Je’Nen about change in the profession, and the work Je’Nen is doing through her company Apostrophe Consulting to support architects with adopting change in their practices.
Special Guest:
Joann Lui, AIA is an architect, speaker, and the Founder of Women Architects Collective, a digital space where she provides community, conferences and coaching for 4,700+ members. To spread the voice of the community, she hosts annual events such as the Women Architects Festival and the Mental Health in Architecture Summit. Joann developed her professional experience at Gensler NY and transitioned into a Content Marketer role at AEC tech startups such as Monograph and TestFit. You can find her on her website, watch her YouTube channel, and follow her on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Co-Hosts:
Evelyn Lee, FAIA, NOMA is the Global Head of Workplace Strategy and Innovation at Slack Technologies, and Founder of the Practice of Architecture. She integrates her business and architecture background with a qualitative and quantitative focus to build better experiences for the organization’s employees, clients, and guests. She is widely published, wrote a monthly column for Contract magazine for over three years, and is now a frequent contributor to Architect Magazine. Evelyn has received numerous industry awards, including 2016 40 Under 40 award for Building Design + Construction and the 2014 AIA National Young Architects Award. She served as the first-ever female Treasurer to the AIA National Board in 2020-2021 and will serve as the 101st AIA National President in 2025.
Je’Nen Chastain, MBA, Assoc. AIA is the Founder of Apostrophe Consulting, a practice focused on helping architects and next-gen leaders strengthen their teams and businesses. In addition to consulting with firm leaders on practice management...
Replay: Voices of Mothers in Practice What can architecture firms do to support mothers who are working in practice?
Leaders of the profession share diverse perspectives on their identity between practice and motherhood. This discussion aims to explore the experiences of working mothers in diverse career stages who are raising children of different ages.
Practice Disrupted is committed to elevating conversations on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion to teach, empower, and build greater awareness across the industry.
Guests:
Christina Cho Yoo, AIA, PE, LEED AP BD+C is co-founder of Atelier Cho Thompson. She received a BS & MS in civil & structural engineering and construction management at Stanford University and received a masters in architecture at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. She was a structural engineer at the international engineering company Arup, where she was the Structural Sustainability Champion for the Americas & worked on projects such as the LEED-Double Platinum California Academy of Sciences, Contemporary Jewish Museum, Kaiser hospitals, Schroder Overcrossing, and various other projects. She went onto work at architecture firms internationally including Kao Design Group on Richard Branson's Eco-Island, SHoP Architects on the Google HQ, Neri & Hu in Shanghai, Mass Studies in Seoul, and Bohlin Cywinski Jackson on Apple stores, the Apple iAd office, and the Square HQ. Christina is a licensed architect and engineer in California and has been LEED accredited since 2003.
Her work has spanned typologies from single-family to multifamily residences, hospitals, labs, museums, innovative workplaces, hospitality and food service, to retail, exhibits, furniture, and graphics for various organizations. Before architecture school, she staged at Tartine Bakery while taking courses at the California Culinary Academy. She has lectured on Green R&D at Harvard and served as a critic at Parsons, Stanford, Harvard, & the California College of the Arts (CCA). She is an Adjunct Professor at the CCA, having taught advanced urban studio on the Post-Retail City and Integrated Building Systems. She served as Design & Innovation Chair of the Stanford Club of SF and currently is on the Board of Directors at Pacific Primary School.
Jennifer T. Matthews, Associate AIA, is a full-time remote Architectural Designer at SS&A Design Collective based in Montgomery, Alabama. With eight years of healthcare design experience, Jennifer has worked on architectural projects for multiple healthcare providers and...
Replay: Latina Voices in Practice“Why is it that the largest community of color within the US still makes up such a small percentage of the profession?” ~ACSA Hispanic & Latinx in Architecture
Four leaders in the profession share their diverse perspectives on race, equity, and architecture.
Practice Disrupted is committed to elevating conversations on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion to teach, empower, and build greater awareness across the industry. Building from prior diversity conversations, this week we learn about Hispanic & Latinx in Architecture.
Guest:
Venesa Alicea-Chuqui, AIA, NOMA, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, an Architect, Educator and Advocate, is Founding Principal of NYVARCH Architecture, a NYC based collaborative Architectural Practice focused on building community and equity through design. With over 15 years of experience designing multi-family sustainable affordable, and supportive housing developments and civic projects, she is committed to working with local communities to develop good design, both sustainable and socially conscious. She’s the Vice Chair of Outreach to the AIA Small Firm Exchange and President of the Architecture Alumni Group of the Alumni Association of the City College of New York, her alma mater (B.Arch ‘05), where she has also taught the Coop Internship and Professional Practice classes. Committed to design justice in the built environment, she’s an active contributor to Dark Matter University, Design as Protest, and a former co-chair to the AIANY Diversity & Inclusion and Emerging New York Architects committees. She is past chair of the AIANY Puerto Rico Resiliency task force, an active member of the AIANY Planning and Urban Design Committee, and a 2019 Fellow of the Association for Community Design.
Siboney Diaz-Sánchez is an affordable housing advocate and the community engagement administrator for the City of San Antonio's Neighborhood and Housing Services Department. She serves as a NOMA Empowerment Committee Co-Chair, organizes with Design As Protest Planning and Policy Committee, and is proud to teach Community Practice at The Boston Architectural College. In 2021 she joined the Association for Community Design board of directors. Prior to returning to San Antonio Siboney was an Enterprise Rose Fellow and project/design manager at Opportunities Communities in the Boston area working for two non-profit community development corporations, The Neighborhood Developers and Nuestra Comunidad. While in Boston she developed design standards for affordable housing, helped secure funding for a low income housing tax credit housing development,...
Replay: 2022 AIA Whitney M. Young Jr. Honor Award RIDING THE VORTEXWhat lessons on architecture, practice, and change can we learn from AIA Whitney M. Young Jr. Honor Award Recipients Kathryn Prigmore, Kathy Dixon, Katherine Williams, and Melissa Daniel?
Named for civil rights leader Whitney M. Young Jr., the AIA Whitney M. Young Jr. Honor Award distinguishes an architect or architectural organization that embodies social responsibility and actively addresses a relevant issue, such as affordable housing, inclusiveness, or universal access. Architects and design leaders Kathryn Tyler Prigmore, FAIA; Kathy Denise Dixon, FAIA; Katherine Williams, AIA; and Melissa R. Daniel, Assoc. AIA are the winners of this year’s award for their leadership in advancing educational programming to support and increase the number of people of color licensed to practice architecture in the U.S.
According to the American Institute of Architects, “The number of practicing African-American architects had been a stagnant 2% in recent decades. In the early 1990s, there were just 1,800 licensed African-American architects in the country, and only 30 of them were women. As of the summer of 2021, those numbers have grown to 2,435 and 533, respectively, and VORTEX has been a major catalyst in the 254% growth in African-American women architects.”
This episode includes the stories of the VORTEX collaborators, as well as a candid discussion about their careers, what inspires them, and their work to build this program.
Guests:
Kathryn Prigmore, FAIA, NOMAC, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, CDT is an architect, educator, and design practice leader with an inimitable understanding of the dynamics that impact the management of firms from the perspective of an architect, academic, and regulator. She has over 40 years of design and management experience for award-winning architectural projects of a wide range of sizes, types and delivery methods executed for private and public clients within diverse practice environments. Her academic leadership includes teaching experience in sustainable design. As an award-winning strategic thinker and planner, she is also a leader in regulatory issues and professional ethics. Kathryn is skilled at growing staff into leaders.
Kathy Denise Dixon was born in Baltimore and grew up in Harford County, Maryland. She is a graduate of Howard University School of Architecture and attended UCLA matriculating with a Master's degree in Urban Planning in 1993. Kathy has been a licensed architect since 1998 and started the firm K Dixon Architecture, PLLC in 2003. She acquired legacy firm Walton Madden Cooper Robinson Poness in 2016. Kathy is a past president of the National Organization of Minority Architects and was elevated to Fellow in the American Institute of Architects in 2017. She is also the co-author of the book titled “The Business of Architecture: Your Guide to a Financially Successful Firm” published in December 2017.
Katherine Williams, AIA, NOMA, LEED AP is a licensed architect in Northern Virginia and currently a Senior Project Manager at a DC university. Her career path includes work in traditional architecture firms, community development, and managing commercial construction for a general contractor. Katherine has written extensively about the architecture profession, diversity in the industry, and community development. She has served as editor for multiple publications and was the NOMA magazine editor from 2009-2014. She writes at katherinerw.com and is publisher/editor for
Replay: Southeast Asian American ArchitectsLeaders of the profession share diverse perspectives on race, equity, and architecture.
Practice Disrupted is committed to elevating conversations on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion to teach, empower, and build greater awareness across the industry. Building from prior diversity conversations, this week we learn about Southeast Asian Architects.
Guests:
Meghana Joshi, AIA, NOMA is a strong proponent of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Justice in the architecture profession. At SoCal NOMA, she is a Director of Outreach and Recruitment for Project Pipeline and works towards increasing minority representation in architecture through summer camps for middle and high school students. She founded AIA Orange County’s Women in Architecture Committee in 2015 to give a platform for Orange County firms to meaningfully contribute towards the improvement of professional conditions for women in architecture. She joined AIA Orange County’s Board of Directors in 2019 and founded EDI+J Committee to increase minority representation through mentorship in leadership. She founded “Project Amplify” to amplify voices and works of minority architects in the AEC industry. She is an active member of ULI-OC/IE’s Office and Commercial Product Council. She is currently engaged in bringing ULI’s Urban Plan program to educate underrepresented demographics and communities. She is also an active member and advocate for “Belong at Little” – Little’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Task Force.
Suyama Bodhinayake, Assoc. AIA diverse experience in architecture spans three continents, shaping his commitment to design excellence, sustainability and service. He currently resides and works in Southern California.
Throughout his career, Suyama appreciates the opportunities to contribute to international and national award-winning projects, as well as the opportunities to serve the profession through a variety of leadership roles within the AIA. Since 2018, he has been a member of the AIA Orange County (AIA OC) Committee on the Environment (COTE) and a founding member of the COTE Southern California Coalition in 2019. In 2020, he joined the AIA OC’s Board of Directors and has since served as the chapter’s Director of Sustainability and the Chair of COTE, leading a multi-faceted approach to promoting sustainability. As a member of the AIA California COTE Advocacy Task Force, he advocates for building decarbonization policies at a local and state level. Suyama is committed to sustainability as part of design excellence. As a member of AIA OC’s Design Awards committee, he guided the process of how every AIA OC design awards submission must now comply with the AIA’s Framework for Design Excellence. Additionally, Suyama advocates for architects to be recognized as stewards of the built environment. He was nominated, and currently serves as AIA Orange County’s first Director of Advocacy. He has advanced AIA’s role as a leader in sustainability within communities around Orange County, California. He has been supporting education in architecture since 2016, serving on the Advisory Board for the Architectural Technology Program at Orange Coast College.
As a champion of causes that impact our future, Suyama firmly believe in the Native American saying, “we do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”
Farah Naz Ahmad is an Architect and LEED Accredited Professional based in New York City, specializing in building sustainability and green building standards. Her public sector experience in city government agencies includes sustainable design review of projects, assessment and development of technical standards and energy code compliance. Additionally, Farah is engaged in green building journalism, spreading awareness on environmental policy and...
Replay: Architecture, And: EDI+JWhat is the role of a firm leader focused on equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice?
As we continue to expand our exploration of diversity in practice, we’ve invited Yiselle Santos Rivera back to the podcast so she can share what she’s learned after two years of serving HKS as their Director of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, & Justice.
What does it mean to position someone in a firmwide leadership role dedicated to increasing diversity within an architecture studio? What lessons can firms learn from the adoption of a leadership position of this scale? And what are some of the challenges in driving change in this capacity? Yiselle will help us explore this conversation in depth with personal stories from her leadership experience, as well as lessons learned along the way.
Guest:
Yiselle Santos Rivera, AIA, NOMA, LLSSYB, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP is a medical planner and Global Director of Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion at HKS. With national and international experience on a broad range of healthcare, sports, residential, institutional, and commercial/mixed-use projects, she thrives on designing for inclusive communities, building belonging through equitable practices, and empowering the next generation of leaders in the architecture, design, and construction industry.
Yiselle is a published author, national speaker, has been featured on various podcasts, and is the founder of “We Inspiring Emerging Leaders in Design” (WIELD), recipient of the 2019 AIA Diversity Program Recognition Award. She is a storyteller, a 2015 Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program Scholar, and a recipient of the 2018 AIA Associate Award.
Show Links:
📍 HKS
📍 AIADC WIELD
📚 Continue Learning:
AIA Guides for Equitable Practice
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Episode 120: Season 6 Finale, a Moment for ChangeWhat does it mean to be elected the 101st President of AIA National, the largest design organization globally?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, co-host Je’Nen Chatain interviews fellow co-host Evelyn Lee in her first interview after being elected the 101st President of AIA National in 2025 and why they see this election as a moment of change within the profession.
Evelyn answers all the questions that individuals asked during the campaign, opens up about what it takes to run a campaign for AIA National, and talks about what she hopes to accomplish during her one-year term.
While it is the end of a race, it is just the beginning of the work that the industry has ahead of it, and it will take a community to continue the momentum that this election has started.
Co-Hosts:
Evelyn Lee is the Global Head of Workplace Strategy and Innovation at Slack Technologies, and Founder of the Practice of Architecture. She integrates her business and architecture background with a qualitative and quantitative focus to build better experiences for the organization’s employees, clients, and guests. She is widely published, wrote a monthly column for Contract magazine for over three years, and is now a frequent contributor to Architect Magazine. Evelyn has received numerous industry awards, including 2016 40 Under 40 award for Building Design + Construction and the 2014 AIA National Young Architects Award. She served as the first-ever female Treasurer to the AIA National Board in 2020-2021.
Je’Nen Chastain, is the founder of Apostrophe Consulting, a practice focused on helping architects and next-gen leaders strengthen their teams and businesses. In addition to consulting with firm leaders on practice management issues, she mentors architects on career development, leadership, and strategy. She specializes in facilitating conversations that engage multi-generational teams and has designed, developed, and presented dozens of training programs that inspire next-gen leaders. Je’Nen received the 2017 AIA National Associates Award, an Associates Award from AIA California in 2012, and an Emerging Professionals Award from AIA San Francisco in 2017. She served on the AIA National Board in 2010.
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Episode 119: Architecture, And: YouTube, Entrepreneurship, & ArchitectureWhat is the role of visual storytelling in architecture, and how can it help architects gain clients?
On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we interview Dami Lee, a multi-hyphenate architect that launched her firm off of the success of her self-titled YouTube Channel.
We talk about the next generation of architects, how they seek more meaning in their work, and finding different outlets of content creation to tell the stories they are most interested in.
We also center on Dami’s journey from freelance photographer to YouTube sensation and have an honest conversation about how the channel enables her to do architecture and how her architecture practice creates content for the channel. The conversation looks at the lack of scalability within the traditional business model and the importance of scalability when it comes to growing a business and enjoying life while doing so.
Overall, the episode offers a fascinating look into the architecture industry's unique challenges and the innovative ways that young architects are creating new paths for themselves.
Guests:
Dami Lee is a successful YouTube entrepreneur with over 765,000 subscribers and the founder of Nolli Studio. A licensed Architect in Vancouver, BC, Dami has led various small projects and renovations, typically working with tight budgets, fast timelines, and complex existing conditions. Her desire to explore different typologies and work on larger projects led her to Faulknerbrowns Architects before starting her firm.
She is inspired by students and others in the field and believes the current environment is ripe for a happier, healthier, and more connected generation of architects.
📍 Show Links:
https://damilee.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@DamiLeeArch
https://nollimedia.com/
https://www.instagram.com/damileearch/
https://www.instagram.com/nollistudio/
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Episode 118: 2023 AIA Architecture Firm Award Winner, MithunWhat can we learn from the 2022 AIA Architecture Firm Awards Winner, Mithun?
Mithun is an integrated design firm dedicated to creating positive change in people’s lives. The firm’s team of architects, landscape architects, interior designers, urban designers and planners work in a wide range of typologies and scales — with a focus on urban environments and places where people live, work and learn. Mithun is an internationally recognized leader in sustainability, combining exemplary design with a focus on building and site performance, human health and social equity.
Guests:
Greg Catron is an Architect and Senior Associate who has been with Mithun for almost 9 years. He has a passion for complex technically challenging design with diverse experience in residential highrise, mixed use development, educational facilities, cultural centers, and office design. He is a member of Mithun’s sustainability committee with expertise in healthy materials research and implementation. Greg also balances his career in architecture with his practice as a felt textile artist.
Katie Stege, AIA, is a Senior Associate at Mithun who is passionate about pursuing interdisciplinary solutions to complex land use challenges. Katie co-leads Mithun’s R+D efforts, supports strategic climate resilience initiatives, and works on design teams at the district, neighborhood, and building scale. Her dual architectural and environmental background lend a data-driven approach to designs that address rural conservation, outdoor education, and resilient and equitable planning. She co-chairs AIA Seattle’s Adaptation and Resilience committee, nerds out about linking GIS tools to visualization workflows, and appreciates multi-day mountain adventures in any season.
Michael Bryant, AIA, LEED AP BD+C is an Architect and Senior Associate at Mithun. He has a passion for exploring the intersection of design and Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI). He works toward finding synergies in JEDI and design through professional work experience on multi-family residential, education, and master planning projects. In addition to professional work, Michael is also part of the JEDI Committee at Mithun and past board member of National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) Northwest Chapter, where he was a key contributor and co-chair facilitator of the Call-to-Action pledge.
📍 Show Links:
https://mithun.com/
Press Release: https://www.aia.org/press-releases/6574742-mithun-receives-2023-aia-architecture-firm
Award Summary: https://www.aia.org/showcases/6572178-mithun
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Episode 117: Towards an Equitable and Inclusive Future: LGBTQIA+ ArchitectsWhat would an equitable future for LGBTQIA+ people look like? What’s the role of architecture in designing an equitable future?
Expanding our equity, diversity, and inclusion series, episode 117 explores the perspectives of LGBTQIA+ architects and designers working to create a more equitable future for all. One of the earliest episodes in our series, “Voices from the Future of the Profession” episode 016, was recorded in 2020. Since that recording date a number of anti-LGBTQIA+ bills and legislation has been passed across the United States - providing protections against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. As architects and designers we believe there is much more we can do to create safe and inclusive through the built environment and within our communities. We’ve invited a group of leaders to share their lived experiences and discuss what matters most in this moment of change.
Guest Moderator:
Dedicated to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and visibility of LGBTQIA+ architects, architecture adjacent, and design professionals, Sarah Nelson-Woynicz, AIA, is the Founder of Pride by Design. As a Project Architect with HKS, Inc in Atlanta, Georgia, Sarah’s professional practice focuses on commercial, mixed-use, and multi-family markets, while also amplifying and engaging in HKS’ justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion work. Sarah has served on the AIA Atlanta Board of Directors and currently serves at the AIA Young Architects Forum Advisory Committee, Community Director.
Guests:
Rajas is a Project Architect with over 20 years of varied project experience in urban design, transportation, commercial and residential buildings.
Raj grew up in India, where he was surrounded by a family of artists. As a child, he spent many days in his father's architecture office and felt it was his destiny to follow in his footsteps. He attended the Academy of Architecture in Mumbai, his father's alma mater, before moving to the United States to pursue his Master of Architecture at Texas A&M University. Raj believes a strong team drives a successful project. It's a combination of personality and communication, but mostly it's about respect. Architecture is one of the few professions where you are literally learning new every day—from different building parameters, to changing client needs and goals, and new consultant teams. He feels that you have to form personal relationships and learn from everyone, so treating everyone equally and with respect is most important.
Rajas is also the co-founder and Past President of Build Out Alliance, a non-profit organization that promotes and advocates for the LGBTQ+ community within the building design and construction industry. Through this group he helps create visibility for Out LGBTQ professionals and create a safe environment for them to celebrate who they are.
Beau Frail is a poet, artist, and architect. Beau is passionate about community-engaged design and advancing equity and justice, including within the LGBTQIA+ community. Beau has served on the Texas Society of Architects (TxA) Board of Directors, where he helped launch the EDI Committee, and on the AIA National Associates Committee. He helped start LGBTQIA+ Alliances at AIA Austin and AIA New York. Beau was honored with the 2020 TxA Presidential Citation and the 2018 AIA Austin Honor Award for Community Service. Beau was selected as a Next City Vanguard, an AIA Design Justice Fellow, and an Association for Community Design Fellow. While his poetry manuscript has been rejected by publishers many times, he remains steadfast and had the honor of being one of Rupi Kaur’s opening acts last year during her poetry world tour. He is a Project Architect at Fox Fox Studio and has his own consulting firm, Activate Architecture. He currently lives/works between Brooklyn, NY and Austin, TX.
K Kaczmarek is an interior designer who designs spaces by first considering the people who will interact with and use them. K works collaboratively with architects and built environment teams to create beautiful, barrier-free, inclusive spaces. As a member of the transgender and disabled communities, K is passionate about equitable design. They have a unique perspective on why spaces work well and which spaces could be improved to serve all potential users. K is particularly inspired by bold, vibrant interiors that promote thinking outside the box. Their recent project work has centered around designing with neurodiverse communities for inclusive workplaces, and conducting research about belongingness at work. Their proudest work is found in their research project, Designing Beyond the Binary, a critical study on the relationship between gender and the built environment. K works at Mithun, located in Seattle, WA.
📍 Show Links:
Learn more about Pride by Design
Learn more about Build Out Alliance
Learn more about AIA Austin's LGBTQIA Alliance
Related Links:
Active Architecture
Fox Fox Studio
Gay Poet
Follow Beau on Instagram
Follow Sarah on Instagram
Follow K on Instagram
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Episode 116: Visualizing the Future: Mission 2130What will the world look like in 100 years, and what is the architect's role within it?
On August 25 to 27, 2022, the American Institute of Architects invited 50 architects, designers, and affiliated professionals to YAF Summit 30: Mission 2130, the 30th-anniversary summit of the Young Architects Forum (YAF). These individuals were asked to imagine the world 100 years into the future and to develop a roadmap to a better society. The goal was to orient attendees beyond the immediately accessible into a truly future-forward mindset.
We sit down with the Past Chair, Current Chair, and Vice Chair of the Young Architects Forum to talk about the event and how they used its findings to shape the strategic plan for the next five years of the committee’s work.
Finally, we explore:
- What’s the role of the next generation of architects in the industry's future?
- What are the greatest challenges and opportunities that the industry faces? AND
- How can you get involved with the Young Architects Forum?
Guests:
Jessica O’Donnell, AIA is a Project Architect in Collingswood, New Jersey, specializing in multifamily and affordable housing. She was the 2022 Chair of the Young Architects Forum, recognized as a BD+C Networks 40 under 40 honoree, and is a 2022 AIA Young Architects Award recipient.
Matt Toddy, AIA is a Partner at Astra Studios in Columbus, Ohio. Toddy is the 2023 Chair of the AIA Young Architects Forum, the 2022 President of AIA Columbus, and a 2021 recipient of the AIA Young Architect Award.
Jason Takeuchi, AIA, NCARB, NOMA is a project architect at Ferraro Choi And Associates in Honolulu, HI. Recognized with the 2018 AIA Associates Award and 2023 AIA Young Architect Architect Award, Jason is currently the Vice Chair of the AIA Young Architects Forum and will chair the committee in 2024.
📍 Show Links: YAF Summit 30: Mission 2130
Mission 2130 Post-Event Report
📚 Continue Learning:AIA YAF Connection 21.01 - Mission 2130
Lakisha Woods’ welcome remarks for AIA’s Mission 2130 Code Red Charrettes
Mission 2130 Code Red Charrette Toolkit
Volunteer at the AIA: Get Involved
💻 Learn about our podcast partner:
👉 This episode is sponsored by Autodesk.
Autodesk has been part of the design conversation since 1982, providing the tools that help architects around the globe imagine and create beautifully designed, memorable buildings that people love and admire.
Autodesk is honored to support the work of Practice Disrupted, bringing the architecture community together, sparking curiosity, and leading vibrant and necessary conversations with the industry’s visionaries and thought leaders.
📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:
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Episode 115: Leading a Culture of MentorshipHow do you apply mentorship in project work and team collaboration?
Mentorship is a term frequently used in the field of architecture. But what exactly is mentorship? Many architects struggle to mentor because they’re unsure what mentorship looks like and when to apply it. To help retain, attract, and develop the next generation of architects, the concept of mentorship is a necessary leadership tool needed inside the architecture firm to support a healthy culture of feedback and guidance. By considering mentorship as an integral part of a talent development strategy, architects can introduce mentorship conversations at the project level of their day-to-day operations. To help us discuss applied mentorship within project settings and teams, we’ve invited Ben Kasdan to join us. Ben is a Principal and Design Leader at KTGY in Washington, DC. He’ll share some of the ways he’s thought about mentorship in the context of managing his projects and people.
Guest:
Ben Kasdan, AIA, is a Principal and Design Leader at KTGY in Washington, DC. He is a frequent speaker and published writer about the value of design, mentorship, advocacy, sustainable architecture, resilience, student housing, multifamily housing, and mixed-use communities. He has held leadership positions with AIAS at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, AIA Orange County, AIA California, and AIA National, including serving as the 2019 President of AIA California.
📍 Show Links:
Learn more bout KTGY
Read the book "Multipliers"
📚 Continue Learning:
Listen to PD 051 Designing a Culture of Mentorship
💻 Learn about our podcast partner:
👉 This episode is sponsored by Autodesk.
Autodesk has been part of the design conversation since 1982, providing the tools that help architects around the globe imagine and create beautifully designed, memorable buildings that people love and admire.
Autodesk is honored to support the work of Practice Disrupted, bringing the architecture community together, sparking curiosity, and leading vibrant and necessary conversations with the industry’s visionaries and thought leaders.
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Episode 114: The Architecture of Motherhood What lessons can you learn from an immigrant architect about starting a firm in the US while becoming a mother?
In celebration of Mother's Day this weekend, we welcome back Gloria Kloter, the founder and CEO of Glow Architects and a best-selling author. Less than a year ago, she released her book, "The Architecture of Motherhood," which shares her journey to building a business while becoming a new mom. In this episode, we revisit Kloter's story and book to see what additional lessons she has learned since its publication. Now a mom of two little ones, Kloter shares how motherhood has continued to shape her perspective on architecture and design.
Through "The Architecture of Motherhood," Kloter offers a unique perspective on both motherhood and architecture. Her book is a testament to the power of personal experience and how it can shape one's professional life. Join us as we dive deeper into Kloter's story and learn more about her journey as an immigrant architect, business owner, and mother.
Guest:
Gloria Kloter, AIA, NCARB, CODIA, is an award-winning architect, founder and CEO of Glow Architects, a keynote speaker, and a bestselling author. Gloria has been a practicing architect both in her home country (Dominican Republic) and in the United States since 2004. She is an advocate for immigrant architects, women in architecture, and motherhood.
In her book, The Architecture of Motherhood, she shares her incredible journey to becoming a worldwide renowned architect and business owner while being a new mom. Through this book, the reader can learn how women in any industry can find a balance between their professional life and motherhood without having to compromise either role. Gloria is also a co-author of the bestselling book “City Shapers: Stories of Immigrant Designers”, a compilation of the journey of 24 successful professionals from all over the world who are making a positive impact and paving the way in the USA as architects and leaders in our industry.
Kloter has dedicated a huge chunk of her career to helping other young architects grow. As a leader in the architecture community, she is the founder of the Foreign Architects, a private online community where she mentors young and aspiring immigrant architects on how to obtain their architect license in the United States.
As a testament to her influence and impact, Gloria Kloter currently serves as the Architect Licensing Advisor of the State of Florida through AIA Florida. She is a part of the Board of Directors of the AIA Tampa Bay where she is the founder and chairperson of the Women in Architecture (WIA) committee.
Among her awards and recognitions, Gloria is a recipient of the Outstanding Leadership Award 2022 by Realty 2.0 and the AIA Tampa Bay 2020 Kelley Emerging Professional Award, She was also honored with the 2019 Sho-Ping Ching Women’s Leadership Summit Scholarship, a recognition to mid-career women architects who are advancing toward leadership roles and are making a positive impact within their communities.
Gloria has been a keynote speaker and panelist on several occasions at the Young Architect conference, YASS, YAWS, NCARB's Architect Licensing Advisor Summit, AIA National Conference on Architecture, Women Architects Festival, World Creativity and Innovation Conference, AIA Western Mountain Region Vision 2020, and Realty 2.0, among other events.
Gloria Kloter and Glow Architects have been featured by major architectural and global publications like Architizer, Young Architect Podcast, Context & Clarity Podcast, Practice Disrupted Podcast, EntreArchitect, Arquitexto, NCARB, YAF Connection, South Tampa Magazine, Thrive Global, Tech Times, Influencive, and others, regarding her experience in the field of Architecture, Interior Design and her journey as a foreign architect in the USA.
📍 Show Links: Immigrant Architects
📚 Continue Learning:The Architecture of Motherhood
City Shapers: Stories of Immigrant Designers
💻 Learn about our podcast partner:
👉 This episode is sponsored by Autodesk.
Autodesk has been part of the design conversation since 1982, providing the tools that help architects around the globe imagine and create beautifully designed, memorable buildings that people love and admire.
Autodesk is honored to support the work of Practice Disrupted, bringing the architecture community together, sparking curiosity, and leading vibrant and necessary conversations with the industry’s visionaries and thought leaders.
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Episode 113: 2023 AIA Gold Medal Award Winner Carol Ross BarneyWhat can we learn from 2023 AIA Gold Medal Award Winner Carol Ross Barney?
Join us this week as we speak with Carol Ross Barney, the 2023 AIA Gold Medal winner. Ryan Gann, a former employee of Carol's and one of her students, will be our facilitator. Get ready to be inspired by a unique conversation that only happens between two individuals who have a great deal of respect for each other and have worked together for many years.
Ryan and Carol's conversation is a fascinating exploration of the intersection between architecture and social justice. They discuss the importance of Equity + Representation in architecture, and how Carol has been a trailblazer in this area throughout her career. She shares stories about the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field, and how she overcame them with the help of other women who inspired and supported her along the way.
The conversation also touches on Purpose Driven Architecture, which is an approach that prioritizes the needs of people and communities over aesthetics or ego. Carol explains how this philosophy has guided her work, particularly in projects that serve marginalized communities. Finally, Ryan and Carol go beyond architecture to discuss how design can be used as a tool for social change.
They talk about the role of architects in addressing issues like climate change, affordable housing, and racial inequality, and how Carol's work has been driven by a desire to impact society positively. Overall, this conversation is a powerful reminder of the potential for architecture to be a force for good in the world, and of the importance of diversity and inclusion in the field.
It was a great privilege to sit back and listen to these two individuals. We hope that you will enjoy the change-up in the format of this episode and find it as insightful as we did.
Guests:
Carol Ross Barney, FAIA, HASLA has been in the vanguard of civic space design since founding Ross Barney Architects in 1981. With a career that spans nearly 50 years, Carol has made significant contributions to the built environment, the profession, and architectural education. From the early days in the United States Peace Corps planning National Parks in Costa Rica to recent collaborations with City Governments, Carol has relentlessly advocated that excellent design is a right, not a privilege. At the forefront for equity in the architectural profession, Carol has long sought to move beyond her gender as a contributing factor or hindrance to success. But it’s not enough just to blaze the trail, Carol continually teaches, mentors, and empowers young architects to contribute their ideas and designs to progress the profession.
Ryan Gann, AIA, NOMA an Architect and Design Strategist; helps clients become better versions of themselves through design, culture, and prosperity. This work expands beyond architecture and often sits at the intersection of engagement and facilitation, elevating community-centered voices through the built environment. Ryan is the recipient of the AIA Associates Award, Schiff Foundation Fellowship from the Art Institute of Chicago, was the inaugural Architect-in-Residence at the Hyde Park Art Center, and recently co-curated an exhibition with Carol at the Chicago Architecture Center titled ReCovered: Chicago's Urban Tree Canopy."
📍 Show Links:
Learn more about Ross Barney Architects
Meet Ryan Gann
📚 Continue Learning:
Learn about AIA Gold Medal Winner Carol Ross Barney
💻 Learn about our podcast partner:
👉 This episode is sponsored by Autodesk.
Autodesk has been part of the design conversation since 1982, providing the tools that help architects around the globe imagine and create beautifully designed, memorable buildings that people love and admire.
Autodesk is honored to support the work of Practice Disrupted, bringing the architecture community together, sparking curiosity, and leading vibrant and necessary conversations with the industry’s visionaries and thought leaders.
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Episode 112: Leading Climate Action Through Adaptation & MitigationHow can architects support their communities before a disaster happens?
This week we speak with Illya Azaroff, an internationally recognized leader in disaster mitigation, adaption, regenerative design, and resilient planning strategies. Following Superstorm Sandy, Illya frequently consulted New York City and other public entities on issues of resilience, policy, and sustainability. His work has continued to expand beyond New York into wide-reaching US and international communities. Illya is using his training in architecture to help communities access funding, implement climate-focused strategies, and design regenerative solutions. We discuss projects he's currently working on, and strategies architects can take in their own firms. Illya explains the difference between adaptation and mitigation, and why architects must become leaders in designing a resilient future.
Guest:
Illya Azaroff, FAIA, is an Architect, Geographer, and professor at New York City College of Technology (CUNY). He is the founding director of +LAB Architect, whose mission is to build resilient capacity and advance goals for a sustainable, regenerative future while giving underserved communities greater voice and visibility. Illya serves on the AIA National Board (2023-25). He served as a COP-27 delegate and is leading the COP-28 delegation for the AIA this year. Currently, Illya serves as a technical expert on the New York Climate Impact Assessment.
📍 Show Links:
https://www.pluslabglobal.com/
https://illyaazaroff.com/
📚 Continue Learning:
Listen to PD Episode 004 - Purpose Driven Practice
COP
https://www.aia.org/articles/6571631-aia-delegates-at-cop27-provide-key-takeawa
https://www.aia.org/resources/6077668-framework-for-design-excellence
Adaption
https://www.undrr.org/publication/sendai-framework-disaster-risk-reduction-2015-2030
https://climatechampions.unfccc.int/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SeS-Adaptation-Agenda_Complete-Report-COP27_FINAL-1.pdf
Performance Based Codes
http://media.iccsafe.org/downloads/CodesPlus/Performance-Based-Building-Design-Concepts-Chapter2.pdf
2030 Commitment
https://www.aia.org/pages/6464938-the-aia-2030-commitment
💻 Learn about our podcast partner:
👉 This episode is sponsored by Autodesk.
Autodesk has been part of the design conversation since 1982, providing the tools that help architects around the globe imagine and create beautifully designed, memorable buildings that people love and admire.
Autodesk is honored to support the work of Practice Disrupted, bringing the architecture community together, sparking curiosity, and leading vibrant and necessary conversations with the industry’s visionaries and thought leaders.
📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:
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Episode 111: Practice with Purpose - A Guide to Mission Driven DesignHow can architects address some of society’s most urent challenges?
Written by LEDDY MAYTUM STACY Architects, “Practice with Purpose: A Guide to Mission Driven Design” is about designing buildings beyond their property lines to address some of society’s most urgent challenges: the climate emergency, racial and ethnic injustice, chronic homelessness, educational crises, and the preservation of the embodied carbon and culture of existing buildings. These are not discrete phenomena - they are inextricably linked in an ecological and societal emergency that demands creative, integrated design responses. Architects and designers have a historic opportunity to help lead our communities toward an equitable, climate-positive future for all.
This week we sit down with Founding Principal William Leddy and Senior Associate Gwen Fuertes of LMSA to learn more about the firm’s model for practice, their new book, their projects, and net zero carbon architecture.
Guests:
William Leddy, FAIA, is a Founding Principal of San Francisco-based LEDDY MAYTUM STACY Architects, the 2017 recipient of the AIA Firm Award. For over 30 years, he has been a national leader in the design of environments that celebrate our place in the natural world. LMSA has received more than 175 design awards and is one of only three firms to have received eleven or more national AIA Committee on the Environment Top Ten Green Project awards. A past chair of the national AIA COTE, he currently serves as the AIA California Vice President for Climate Action, helping to advance the rapid decarbonization of the built environment in California and beyond. He is the co-author of his firm’s new book – “Practice with Purpose: A Guide to Mission Driven Design”, published in late 2022.
Gwen Fuertes, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, has two decades of work in design, research, and analysis of high-performing buildings. She began her career at the US Green Building Council in Washington, DC. She then worked at the Center for the Built Environment (CBE) as a graduate student researcher, acquiring a depth of expertise in building science and post-occupancy analysis. Gwen has worked at LEDDY MAYTUM STACY Architects for over nine years, designing low-carbon, mission-driven projects in Northern California.
Gwen was a member and former co-chair of the AIA 2030 Commitment working group, most recently leading the pivot of the program towards a carbon-focused metric. She was also a member of the LEED Technical Committee. She has taught at California College of the Arts and UC Berkeley as an adjunct lecturer, focusing on energy efficiency, resilience and resource cycles, and considers teaching a passion. She has spoken at numerous national conferences on integrating low-carbon design in practice.
📍 Show Links:
- Learn more about LEDDY MAYTUM STACY Architects
- Purchase Practice with Purpose: A Guide to Mission Driven Design
📚 Continue Learning:
- Ed Roberts Campus
- Edwin M. Lee Apartments
- UC Davis Walker Hall
- AIA California Climate Action Learning Resources
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Episode 110: Architecture, And: CeramicsHow do you balance a career in architecture while exploring a passion for art?
This week we’re joined by Betty Chung, a registered architect, designer and ceramic artist, currently working as an architect by day and as a ceramic artist by night. Her ceramic work is a synthesis of art and architecture, exploring forms by their materiality and texture through 2 & 3 dimensions expressing form and the creation of sculptural yet usable objects. In this interview we explore how Betty has successfully built parallel careers in architecture and an artist. She has continued to practice while also building her ceramic business from the ground up. She discusses her work in the built environment, in clay, and raising her new daughter.
Guest:
Betty Chung began her interest in ceramic in 2008 through involvement at the Auckland Potters Studio, working alongside with some world-class Ceramic Artists. From this early work she recognised the importance of expressing her Asian heritage, fused with her up-bringing within Western culture. It is from this bi-cultural aspect that characterises her ceramic and architectural work.
Betty has exhibited her work both in Australia and New Zealand. Betty’s work are now found about the world from a unique commission for an exclusive dinner set for a 60m luxury super yacht, Athos, to commission in restaurants, to sales at the Te Uru Gallery, Tauranga Gallery and other local retails, cafes and restaurants.
📍 Show Links:
Learn more about Betty Chung Ceramics
Learn more about Isthmus Group
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Episode 109: Architecture is Political CrossoverHow is architecture political?
This week we are joined by Melissa R. Daniel, a fellow podcaster and creator of Architecture is Political, a podcast where Black and Brown folks have a conversation about architecture. In launching and developing her podcast, Melissa shares her story of growing up in Tyler House, a low-income housing development in Washington, DC. Her experience inspired her to pursue a career in architecture. Through the creation of her podcast, Melissa is exploring her identity and the role architects can take in political activism and design. We'll discuss why architecture is political and how architects can stay engaged through their work.
Guest:
Melissa R. Daniel is a Facilities Project Manager in Maryland and is the creator/ host of the Architecture is Political (AIP) podcast, where Black and Brown folks discuss architecture. She received the 2022 AIA Whitney M Young Award and the 2018 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Associates Award. Melissa serves as Chair for AIA Housing and Community Development Knowledge Community and as a Steering Committee Member to the DC Legacy Project Barry Farm-Hillsdale.
📍 Show Links:
- Listen to Architecture is Political
- Follow @archispolly on Instagram
🎤 Related Podcast Episodes:
- Arch is Polly Tyler House Series
- TIKTOK, ARCHITECTURE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
- Legacy of Barry Farms and Hillsdale Community
- Tyler House & Gentrification w/ Rev. Chris Tobias
- Architects, Displacement and Housing
- 2022 AIA Whitney M. Young Jr. Honor Award Winners: RIDING THE VORTEX
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Episode 108: Attracting and Retaining Midcareer WomenWhy are leadership-track women in architecture leaving their firms?
Throughout 100+ episodes of Practice Disrupted, we’ve touched on the missing middle, burnt-out architects, and the challenges in navigating career growth in practice. We wanted to dedicate an entire episode to exploring and understanding why midcareer women consider leaving their firms and the core issues driving retention in the field.
We invited career and executive coach Maya Sharfi on the show to discuss her research and whitepaper. Maya has been working extensively with women across practice on training and career development. In this episode, she shares her insights and provides individuals and firm leaders with recommendations.
Guest:
Maya Sharfi is a career and executive coach and the founder of Build Yourself. She helps women in design, tech, and innovation advance their careers on their own terms and helps companies grow and promote their rising women leaders through coaching, training, and consulting.
Companies Maya has worked with have seen a 3x increase in the rate of women promoted, and 18% of women are more likely to recommend their companies to other women. They’ve seen more women owning and leading initiatives and setting boundaries that make projects more effective and grow junior staff. Maya's individual clients achieve results like moving into senior director roles, launching new, innovative programs, and achieving $25,000 raises.
Maya has trained national industry groups, like Women in Innovation and the American Institute of Architects, and works with leadership and staff at global design and innovation companies such as Stantec, Gensler, and HOK, and she helps women become principals and partners at their firms.
📍 Show Links:
Learn more about Build Yourself
📚 Continue Learning:
Attracting and Retaining Leadership-Track Women in Architecture & Planning
Apply for Partner & Principal One-on-One Coaching
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Episode 107: Architecture, And: Business DevelopmentHow do architects leverage their skillset to become better at sales?
This week on Practice Disrupted, we follow the career path of an architect turned architechie who landed in the business development side of a tech company, Monograph. If you are interested in learning more about other roles that architects can have in tech, this one is for you!
We take a deep dive with our guest, Tyler Suomala, on all things in architecture, the realities of burnout running your own practice, entrepreneurship, the search for an architecturally adjacent career, parenthood, and more.
The conversation also goes into different roles in sales, identifying the difference between sales development and account executive roles, how sales differ from his new role in marketing, how important ongoing talent development support has been for his career, and Monograph’s famous 4-day work week.
We also talk about his growth as a content creator on LinkedIn and how he has grown an audience of over 15,000 followers.
Guest:
Tyler Suomala is an architechie and business development professional at Monograph. He helps architects better communicate their unique value through his fun and popular weekly newsletter, Tyler Tactics.
📍 Show Links:
Join Tyler Tactics
Tyler on LinkedIn
Monograph
Other Episodes with individuals from Monograph:
075 - Growing an AEC Startup, The Evolution of a Company
034 - Investing in What’s Next, The Spatial Syndicate
013 - Architecture, And: Entrepreneurship
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Episode 106: Open Architecture Collaborative Pathways to EquityHow are designers centering equity and racial justice in architecture and design practices?
Open Architecture Collaborative is a global learning community mobilizing architects, designers, and a diverse range of professionals who shape the built environment with technical skills to build capacity with communities experiencing systemic racism and marginalization.
Pathways to Equity is a design leadership experience for social equity. The program aims to create transformative learning experiences, shifting the field towards anti-racism and equitable outcomes. P2E introduces designers to methods for equity in practice, historical and systemic racism within the buit environment, self-reflective and community building practices, and strategies for community engagement.
Consider enrolling in Pathways to Equity for 2023! P2E Virtual is a 10-week online introductory course happening April 11th-June 13th, 2023. Community members, firm principals, and individual volunteers are encouraged to apply.
Guests:
Shalini Agrawal is trained in architecture and is founder of Public Design for Equity. She is director for Pathways to Equity, a leadership program of Open Architecture Collaborative that trains architects and designers in racial justice workshops. She works with interdisciplinary practitioners, firms and organizations to address equity in the workplace and community engagement. She is Associate Professor in Critical Ethnic Studies at California College of the Arts, teaching curricula that aims to decolonize design and architecture practices.
📍 Show Links:
Apply to Pathways to Equity
📚 Continue Learning:
Learn more about the Open Architecture Collaborative
Public Design for Equity
📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:
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Episode 105: Podcast Live: AIA|LA People, Processes, and Practice: Technology + The Business of DesignHow can technology elevate the business of design?
AIA Los Angeles invited Practice Disrupted Co-Hosts Evelyn Lee and Je’Nen Chastain to present the opening keynote at their annual technology conference in February.
More about the conference:
Digital transformation is revolutionizing the AECO industry, offering new ways to develop and construct the built environment. The use of cloud, data, and artificial intelligence is maximizing the creative potential of architects and engineers by augmenting their ability to rapidly create, analyze, and optimize designs while streamlining processes and revealing actionable project insights. However, this rapid advancement of technological trends sometimes creates more questions than answers.
How can we better engage with clients using technology? How can we best manage practices? How can we build better and more efficiently? This conference gathers the AECO community to discuss how technology is reshaping the industry and provides a platform for designers, architects, and built environment professionals to embrace the new possibilities of digital and explore innovative solutions for their clients.
A special thank you to: Brian Skowvron, Assoc. AIA, Nicole Buhles, Assoc. AIA, Lauren Coles, AIA, Will Wright, Hon. AIA|LA, & Carlo Caccavale, Hon. AIA|LA
Co-Hosts:
Evelyn Lee is the Global Head of Workplace Strategy and Innovation at Slack Technologies, and Founder of the Practice of Architecture. She integrates her business and architecture background with a qualitative and quantitative focus to build better experiences for the organization’s employees, clients, and guests. She is widely published, wrote a monthly column for Contract magazine for over three years, and is now a frequent contributor to Architect Magazine. Evelyn has received numerous industry awards, including 2016 40 Under 40 award for Building Design + Construction and the 2014 AIA National Young Architects Award. She recently served as the first-ever female Treasurer to the AIA National Board in 2020-2021.
Je’Nen Chastain is the founder of Apostrophe Consulting, a practice focused on helping architects and next-gen leaders strengthen their teams and businesses. In addition to consulting with firm leaders on practice management issues, she mentors architects on career development, leadership, and strategy. She specializes in facilitating conversations that engage multi-generational teams and has designed, developed, and presented dozens of training programs that inspire next-gen leaders. Je’Nen received the 2017 AIA National Associates Award, an Associates Award from AIA California in 2012, and an Emerging Professionals Award from AIA San Francisco in 2017. She served on the AIA National Board in 2010.
📍 Show Links:
More about the conference
PD Technology Playlist
📚 Continue Learning:
Future Forum
AIA Los Angeles
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Episode 104: Empowering Student Voices, Ideas, & ActionsWhat is the AIAS, and how are they advancing leadership, design, and service among architecture students?
The American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) is an independent, nonprofit, student-run organization dedicated to providing unmatched progressive programs, information, and resources on issues critical to architecture and the experience of education. This week we speak with the 2022-2023 National President and Vice President of the AIAS to learn more about their work and what is top mind for their members.
Guests:
Cooper Moore, AIAS, Assoc. AIA, NOMA, GRP, is the 66th President of the American Institute of Architecture Students. A graduate of Kent State University, Cooper previously served as the AIAS Midwest Quadrant Director and is currently the Student Representative on the AIA Board of Directors. Raised on the Great Lakes and an avid naturalist, he is passionate about sustainable design, and is a certified Green Roof Professional. Cooper lives and works in Washington, DC.
Nicole Bass is the 2022-2023 National Vice President of the American Institute of Architecture Students. She holds a Bachelor's degree in architecture from City College of New York. Born and raised in New York City, Nicole had an interest in the built environment inspired by traveling to different neighborhoods to visit family in her youth. In high school and college, she pursued internships and programming related to architecture, art, policy, and advocacy. At the Bernard and Ann Spitzer School of Architecture, Nicole held leadership positions in AIAS, NOMAS, FAME, and Student Government to better understand the world of academia, host impactful events, and advocate for the architecture student voice. She looks forward to continuing the good work of make the profession a better place.
📍 Show Links:
https://www.aias.org/
📚 Continue Learning:
March 2023 Quad Conferences
Sponsor an AIAS Member
Chapter Takeover
In Studio Blog
Chapter Leader of the Month
Freedom By Design
Ask An Architect
Model Learning Teaching Culture Policy
Partner with the AIAS
For intrested or questions on career expos, please email president@aias.org or vicepresident@aias.org
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Episode 103: Enhancing Workflow with Artificial IntelligenceHow can artificial intelligence help architects improve their productivity?
AI has recently emerged as a powerful tool for creating written text that is both accurate and informative. From automated news reports to automated customer support chatbots and beyond, AI has enabled the production of content that was unthinkable only a few years ago. This document is a direct example of this trend, as it has been created entirely by AI-powered text generation software. It is our hope that today’s episode will demonstrate the potential of AI and inspire listeners to explore the possibilities this technology presents.
This week we’ve invited Jason Kuperberg on the show to discuss AI, ChatGPT, and a powerful AI writing tool his company created called HyperWrite. Hyperwrite uses a combination of AI-driven analysis and human editing to create content that is both efficient and accurate. Hyperwrite's algorithms are able to quickly analyze a user's writing style and suggest edits that improve the overall clarity of the text.
Guest:
Jason Kuperberg is the co-founder of OthersideAI, an applied AI company that specializes in building writing and communication tools using advanced AI systems such as GPT-3. The company's flagship product, HyperWrite, is one of the first generative AI writing platforms and a leading Chrome extension known for its innovative use of AI technology and focus on user experience and interface.
📍 Show Links:
Try HyperWrite for free
Get the HyperWrite Chrome Extension
Use the discount code TRYHYPERWRITE to get 50% off your first month.
Connect with Jason on LinkedIn
Episode 102: Architecture, And: An Evolving Career in TechHow are individuals using their training in architecture to explore diverse career paths?
Our ongoing series “Architecture, And:” follows the careers of professionals using their education and training in architecture to expand their current role in practice or apply their skills in an entirely new field. These interviews help us understand how an architectural education prepares people for diverse career opportunities.
Past interviews include:
[073] - Architecture, And: Civic Leadership
[067] - Architecture, And: The Future of Workplace
[066] - Architecture, And: Technology
[055] – Architecture, And: MBA
[054] – Architecture, And: EDI+J
[045] – Architecture, And: Publishing
[043] – Architecture, And: Nonprofit Design Education
[039] – Architecture, And: Customer Success
[036] – Architecture, And: Robotics
[025] – Architecture, And: Tech
[019] – Architecture, And: Film
[015] – Architecture, And: Social Impact
[013] – Architecture, And: Entrepreneurship
Special Guest:
Nick Caravella, AIA, NCARB, NOMA is a registered architect who has transitioned from traditional practice to a focus on working on and with industry technology solutions that help improve the way we work and deliver better outcomes. Nick started his career in technology as he started to wonder how he could make a bigger impact on the profession by helping firms rather than within one. Since starting this journey, Nick has worked in a variety of Sales, Marketing, and Product roles that enabled him to leverage his experience as an architect paired with his training as one to create value for the profession. Today Nick works at Avicado Construction Technology Services and helps Owners with the creative technology solutions they need to better manage their program. In his off hours, you’ll find him contributing to Method Group as an Operations Specialist contributing to rethinking the way we deliver projects using the processes he’s picked up on while working in tech.
📍 Show Links:
Connect with Nick on LinkedIn
Learn more about Avicado
📚 Continue Learning:
The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
Business Model Generation by Alexander Osterwalder and Yves Pigneur
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Episode 101: Season 6 Launch with Getting Back Into PlaceWelcome back to season 6 of Practice Disrupted!
Co-hosts Evelyn Lee and Je’Nen Chastain sit down with writer and fellow podcaster Sean Joyner of Getting Back Into Place to kick off the first episode of 2023. The discussion includes highlights on what’s ahead for season 6, how the market dip has impacted the tech sector, recommendations for how individuals and firms can prepare for a Recession, and more. Sean shares more about his career path from architecture into writing, and his latest project in podcasting. We discuss his article published on Archinect in 2022, “Debunking Architecture’s Mythological Work Culture.”
Special Guest:
Sean Joyner is a writer and essayist based in Los Angeles. He formerly worked as a full-time Editor and Staff Writer at Archinect. His essays and articles typically explore themes spanning history, pop culture, and philosophy and how they connect to architectural discourse and the experience of architecture.
📍 Show Links:
Listen to Getting Back Into Place, Hosted by Sean Joyner
📚 Continue Learning:
“Debunking Architecture’s Mythological Work Culture” by Sean Joyner, Archinect
AIAU 2023 Economic Update 1
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Replay: Immigrant ArchitectsLeaders of the profession share diverse perspectives on equity and architecture.
Expanding our diversity series, this week we learn about the lived experiences of individuals who immigrated to the United States.
Guests:
Originally from Colombia, Graciela Carrillo, AIA, LEED AP, immigrated to the United States in 2003. She recently joined Nassau BOCES Facilities Services as a Senior Manager where she is managing school operational and capital projects. Graciela has committed a decade of volunteer leadership service to the AIA. Currently she is serving as the President 2020-2021 as well as the Chapter’s Women In Architecture Co-Founder and Co-Chair. Graciela was the past 2017-2018 NY Regional Director (YARD) for the Young Architects Forum (YAF). She is also the Co-Founder of the Immigrant Architects Coalition, a group committed to helping and providing resources for immigrant architects to achieve a prosperous career in the US. In 2019, Graciela was the recipient of the AIA NYS Young Architect Award.
Gloria Kloter, AIA, NCARB, CODIA, is founder and CEO of Glow Architects. A practicing architect both in her home country of the Dominican Republic and in the US, she has dedicated her career to helping other young architects grow. She is the founder of the Foreign Architects, a private community in Facebook where she mentors young and aspiring immigrant architects on how to obtain their architect license in the United States. Gloria also serves as the Architect Licensing Advisor of the State of Florida through AIA Florida. She is a part of the Board of Directors of the AIA Tampa Bay where she is the chairperson of the Women in Architecture committee. She was also honored for the 2019 Sho-Ping Ching Women’s Leadership Summit Scholarship, a recognition to mid-career women architects who are advancing toward leadership roles and are making a positive impact within their communities.
Shahad Sadeq, Assoc. AIA is an Iraqi immigrant architectural designer at Smithgroup. She is an active member of the AIA in her local chapter in Dallas, Texas. Shahad is passionate about amplifying diverse voices in the profession and developing sustainable workplace culture. She currently is co-leading the immigrant architect coalition and sits on the J.E.D.I. committee board of Smithgroup. She previously helped found an Equity in Architecture effort through the AIA Kansas City Chapter.
Yu-Ngok Lo, FAIA, CDT, LEED AP is the founding principal of YNL Architects, Inc. His work received numerous design awards such as the NAHB Best of American Living Awards, Gold Nugget Awards, Aurora Awards, American Residential Design Awards, and various AIA Design Awards. The projects of his firm have been published in ArchDaily, Hinge Magazine, CONDE, CommArch Magazine, and Hospitality-Interiors Magazine. Yu-Ngok is a past recipient of the AIBD Designer of the Year, AIA Presidential Citation, AIA National Young Architects Award, BD+C 40 Under 40, 2015 ENR 20 Under 40, and the AIACC Young Architect Award. He was elevated to the AIA College of Fellows in 2020.
Show Links:
📍 Immigrant Architects Coalition
📍 Foreign Architects
📍 Glow Architects
📍 Smithgroup
📍 YNL Architects, Inc.
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Replay: Architecture, Identity, & CultureHow are architects exploring identity and culture through practice?
An architect at Vines Architecture, Vershaé has dedicated her career to the exploration of culture in the built environment. A rising design leader in the southeast, Vershaé has contributed to major cultural projects including the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Motown Museum Renovation and Addition in Detroit, the Martin Luther King Jr. Central Branch Public Library in Washington, DC, the Gregg Museum of Art and Design Expansion at North Carolina State University, and leads both the Emily Krzyzewski Center Expansion in Durham, NC and Henrietta Lacks Building in Baltimore, MD.
Vershaé helps her clients navigate and design in response to cultural narrative. Through research, storytelling, service, and advocacy she is raising the visibility and representation of historically underrepresented voices. In addition to her project leadership, she contributes to advancing the profession through volunteer service with AIA and NOMA.
Guest:
Vershaé Hite, AIA, NOMA is a licensed architect and Associate at Vines Architecture. Since 2004, Vershaé’s academic and professional career have exposed her to a range of unique experiences throughout the United States, China, Israel and Palestine that have carefully constructed her crafted, compassionate perspectives on the relationship between design and the human condition. Her role as an architect and project leader is founded on her theoretical interests regarding the interconnectedness of culture, community, and art to architecture. For Vershaé, this emerges from a unique framework that she developed while obtaining her master's degree in London. The deeply rooted meanings in her work are extensions of well-crafted, honest stories - are a direct result of both her sensitivity to diverse social and cultural landscapes and an investigative process that looks to film, literature, and experimental art.
As such, her professional portfolio is characterized by complex cultural projects, historic renovations, libraries and higher education projects. As an Architect with award-winning firms like The Freelon Group, Perkins+Will, Andre Johnson Architect, and Vines Architecture, she is well versed in working with complex cultural matters through architectural design and execution.
Show Links:
Vines Architecture
National Museum of African American History & Culture
SAY IT LOUD - North Carolina
Beyond Black
Emily K Center
NCNOMA
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Replay: Asian American ArchitectsLeaders of the profession share diverse perspectives on race, equity, and architecture.
Against the backdrop of recent acts of hate and violence towards the Asian American community, we are amplifying five stories of Asian American Architects who are actively leading the profession of architecture forward. Practice Disrupted is committed to elevating conversations on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion to teach, empower, and build greater awareness across the industry.
Guests:
Evelyn M. Lee, FAIA, MBA, MPA is a licensed architect in the state of California, with over 15 years of experience working with individuals and companies that are looking to reshape their future. She is the founder of Practice of Architecture, a co-host on this podcast, Practice Disrupted, the first-ever Senior Experience Designer at Slack Technologies, and the first female Treasurer to AIA National‘s Board of Directors.
📍Follow Evelyn: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter
Susan Chin, FAIA, Hon. ASLA is a principal of DesignConnects and an accomplished architect, urbanist, and civic leader. She formed an independent consultancy on art, architecture, landscape, and urban design in 2020 and provides leadership and advises government, developers and non-profits on design, planning, and policy. Until 2019, she led the Design Trust for Public Space.
📍Follow Susan: LinkedIn
Annie Chu, FAIA, IIDA is an architect, interior designer, and educator with over 30 years of experience at a dozen architectural and design schools across the country and abroad. As a founding principal of Chu+Gooding Architects, Annie has worked extensively with world-renowned museums, cultural facilities, and arts-related institutions.
📍Follow Annie: Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter
Ming Thompson, AIA, NOMA is co-founder of Atelier Cho Thompson, a New Haven- and San Francisco-based multidisciplinary practice working between architecture, interiors, graphics, and strategy. Ming was a recipient of the AIA Young Architect Award in 2020. Her firm has been the recipient of numerous national and regional design honors, including the IIDA Foundation Visionary Award.
📍Follow Ming: Instagram | LinkedIn
Alvin Huang, AIA, NOMA is an award-winning architect, designer, and educator who explores the intersections between technology and culture to produce innovative design work that challenges convention and expresses universal values. He is the founder and principal of Synthesis Design + Architecture and an Associate Professor at the University of Southern California, where he is also the Director of Graduate and Post-professional Architecture.
📍Follow Alvin: Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter
Show Links:
Anti-Asian Violence Resources
Asian American Artists, Now Activists, Push Back Against Hate
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Replay: Voices from the Future of the ProfessionFuture leaders of the profession share diverse perspectives on architecture and the LGBTIQ+ community.
Guests:
Ryan Gann, Designer at Ross Barney Architects
A.L. Hu, Design Initiatives Manager at Ascendant Neighborhood Development
Lora Teagarden, Architect at RATIO
Yiselle Santos Rivera, Firmwide Director of Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion at HKS
Amy Rosen, Sociospatial Designer at PLASTARC
Ryan Gann, Assoc. AIA
Ryan Gann has blazed a trail founded on service, leadership, and design. From his time as an engaged student leader to his expanding contributions to the built environment, Ryan has managed to stay ambitious while having fun along the way.
As a designer at Ross Barney Architects he has worked on some of the studio’s most ambitious civic projects. These architectural and urban design investigations have allowed him to collaborate with communities across Chicago and the world, expressing the role public space plays in everyday life.
Ryan is the recipient of the 2018 AIA Associates Award, Schiff Foundation Fellowship from the Art Institute of Chicago, and was the inaugural Architect-in-Residence at the Hyde Park Art Center. Ryan previously served on the national boards of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), and the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
A.L. Hu, Assoc. AIA
A.L. Hu is a queer, trans, nonbinary Taiwanese-American architect, organizer, and facilitator who lives and works in New York City. Their practice synthesizes organizing for racial, class, and gender justice with world-building and design; rethinks the architect’s role in facilitating accessible spaces; and manifests in design, visual media, and collaborative cultural work. They are a 2019-2021 Enterprise Rose Architectural Fellow and Design Initiatives Manager at Ascendant Neighborhood Development in East Harlem. They shared their experiences on a panel of queer architects at the AIA National Conference on Architecture in 2019; was a Thought Leader at the AIASF Equity by Design Symposium in 2018; and received the 2018 AIANY Emerging New York Architects ARE Scholarship. They received a Master of Architecture from Columbia University GSAPP in 2017, and a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture with a minor in Sustainable Design from UC Berkeley in 2012.
Lora Teagarden, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Lora is an Architect at RATIO, headquartered in Indianapolis, and the founder of L² Design, LLC. A published author and creator of #AREsketches, her passion for the profession drives her to mentor young professionals and volunteer in her community. She is a 2017 Young Architect Award winner, the 2019 Chair of the Young Architects Forum, 2020 AIA Indianapolis President, and was recently elected as an At-Large Representative on the AIA National Strategic Council. Her website and blog offer unique insights into professional practice, together with inspiration and tips for young architects.
Yiselle Santos Rivera, AIA, NOMA, LSSYB, WELL AP, LEED AP
Yiselle Santos Rivera is a medical planner and the Firmwide Director of Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion at HKS, Inc. With national and international experience on a broad range of healthcare, institutional, and commercial/mixed-use projects, she thrives on building belonging and designing for inclusion.
Seeking to empower the next generation of leaders, she co-founded the Latin American Interior Designers, Engineers, and Architects (LA.IDEA) DC Committee and founded the “Women Inspiring Emerging Leaders in Design” (WIELD) event, recipient of the 2019 AIA Diversity Program Recognition Award.
Mrs. Santos currently serves on the AIA National Board, the AIA DC Chapter Board, and is Advisor to the DC NOMA Board. She is a member of the AIA Equity and the Future of Architecture Board Committee, the New Urban Agenda Taskforce, and the AIA COVID-19 Health Impact Taskforce.
Yiselle is an author, storyteller, and recipient of the 2018 AIA Associate Award.
Amy Rosen
Amelia ("Amy") Rosen recently served as the 2018-2019 National President of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) and the 2019 Student Director on the American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2019 National Board of Directors.
Amy is currently working as a Sociospatial Designer at PLASTARC in New York City and is a 2020-2021 At-Large Representative on the AIA Strategic Council, where they serve as a co-convener for the Mental Health and Architecture Incubator. They were born and raised in Los Angeles, and moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 2012, where they received a Bachelor of Architecture and a Master of Science in Sustainable Design from Carnegie Mellon University.
Amy applies integrated design methodologies to everything they do - seeking opportunities to tie architecture into systematic and fluid urban networks. Amy is an advocate for the power of design - to inspire, to unify, and to heal - and is especially passionate about queer space theory, efficient urban water management strategies, and innovative ways to blur the boundaries between the private and public realms. Using their architectural education as a backbone, Amy incorporates equity and social sustainability into their design process. Amy further leverages a passion for data, research, difference, and experimentation in order to unveil innovative design strategies that empower users and ensure a more resilient future.
Show Links:
http://www.r-barc.com/
https://www.enterprisecommunity.org/solutions-and-innovation/rose-fellowship
https://ascendant.nyc/
https://www.l-2-design.com/
https://www.ratiodesign.com/
https://www.hksinc.com/
https://www.aiadc.com/committee/laidea
https://www.aiadc.com/event/wield-women-inspiring-emerging-leaders-design
https://plastarc.com/
Replay: Voices from the Future of the ProfessionFuture leaders of the profession share diverse perspectives on race, equity, and architecture.
Guests:
Leslie Epps, NOMA Student Representative, AIAS & NOMAS Leader at The City College of New York
Sarah Curry, AIAS, Assoc. AIA, NOMA
Beresford Pratt, AIA, NOMA
Melanie Ray, AIA, NOMA, LEED Green Associate, NCARB, Fitwel Amb.
Kendall A. Nicholson, Ed.D, Assoc. AIA, NOMA, LEED GA
Leslie Epps, NOMA Student Representative, AIAS & NOMAS Leader at The City College of New York
Leslie Epps is an accomplished rising fifth year architecture student at the Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture. She has been passionate about architecture for half of her life and is eager to learn more and enact change moving forward in her career. Awarded NOMA Student Member of the Year 2019, Leslie Epps founded the CCNY NOMAS Chapter in 2018 and served as President until early 2020. Epps also received the title of NOMA Student Representative and serves on the NOMA Board of Directors for the role. In the future she aspires to combine architecture with urban planning in an effort to address social issues and ultimately better society.
Sarah Curry, AIAS, Assoc. AIA, NOMA
Sarah Curry just finished an exhilarating year of living and working in Washington, DC as the 2019-2020 President of the American Institute of Architecture Students. No matter what her next chapter of life holds, she intends to explore and practice her passions for evidence-based and equitable design while pursuing licensure. None of that work would feel fulfilling though, if she is unable to continue advocating for the underserved and supporting design students and others who are interested in designing responsibly for those who need it the most. Originally from outside of Atlanta, Sarah earned her B.Arch in 2018 from Auburn University and completed her Thesis Design-Build Project at Rural Studio the following year. Her very flexible life plans include going to graduate school, teaching, and eventually enjoying nontraditional practice in the vast field of architecture.
Beresford Pratt, AIA, NOMA
Beresford Pratt is a licensed architect and Associate at Ayers Saint Gross in Baltimore, MD where he has worked on a multitude of education/institutional projects. He is passionate about active learning environments and pipeline initiatives, and he enjoys this cross pollination with his professional work. He is currently serving his second year in the AIA as the Mid Atlantic Young Architects Regional Director in the Young Architects Forum (YAF), and he is currently an editor for the YAF’s publication Connection. Beresford is also a co-founder of Baltimore’s local chapter of The National Organization of Minority Architects (Bmore NOMA). Beresford sits on the board and is the Communications Chair/Director. Outside of the industry, if he is not playing soccer, he enjoys volunteering his time with the United Way Central Maryland, and he currently sits on the Emerging Leaders United Council.
Melanie Ray, AIA, NOMA, LEED Green Associate, NCARB, Fitwel Amb.
Melanie Ray is a licensed architect and Associate in the Housing/Mixed-Use studio at Hord Coplan Macht in Baltimore, MD. Since graduating from Penn State’s architecture program in 2015, she has worked on various mixed-use and affordable housing projects, as well as community development projects in Baltimore city and beyond. She is the 424th living black woman licensed in the US to practice architecture and seeks to be an active mentor to promote the goal of doubling the number of licensed black architects by 2030. She currently serves as the Vice President of the Baltimore Chapter of NOMA, Bmore NOMA, and the Northeast University Liaison for NOMA National. In addition to her work at HCM, Melanie is a regular volunteer for pro bono design projects through such organizations as The Neighborhood Design Center and Habitat for Humanity.
Kendall A. Nicholson, Ed.D, Assoc. AIA, NOMA, LEED GA
Kendall Nicholson is a licensed educator, trained architectural designer, and an avid researcher. He works as the Director of Research and Information at the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA). With degrees in architecture, real estate and education, his research explores the discipline of architecture through the lens of a social scientist. He has presented research internationally and his research interests surround equity, education, and curriculum within the discipline of architecture.
Nationally, his passion for equity and race relations manifests in his role as the lead researcher for the 2016 and 2018 Equity in Architecture Survey sponsored by AIA San Francisco and Equity by Design (EQxD). He also volunteers as a member of the AIA’s Equity and the Future of Architecture board committee and as an at-large director for the AIA National Associate Committee leading a work group on Mentorship and Equity.
Show Links:
https://www.noma.net/
https://ssa.ccny.cuny.edu/
http://www.aias.org/
https://asg-architects.com/
https://www.hcm2.com/
https://www.acsa-arch.org/
http://eqxdesign.com/equity-in-architecture-survey-2018
Sponsored Episode: NCARB and the Future of PracticeHow is NCARB addressing industry change and transformation?
In this bonus episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee and Je’Nen Chastain sit down with Patricia Ramallo and Jared N. Zurn, AIA, NCARB of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) to learn how NCARB is responding to wide-reaching industry change and transformation. We’ll discuss NCARB’s role in advancing equity in architecture, including the Baseline of Belonging Report, as well as the adoption of new policies intended to strengthen the pipeline of diverse talent into the profession. We’ll also discuss NCARB’s innovation team and the recent Analysis of Practice study. Learn how research studies like NCARB by the Numbers yield new insight into our industry, and how you can continue to share your ideas with NCARB to champion industry transformation.
Guests:
Patricia Ramallo started working at NCARB in 2015 as part of the Experience + Education team. In her current role as assistant vice president of innovation, she leads the design and implementation of innovative strategies throughout the Council and supports transformational initiatives such as strengthening international relations.
Before joining NCARB, Patricia dedicated 14 years to the architecture field, fulfilling various design, management, and construction administration functions. She worked in Michigan, Kentucky, and New York on projects nationwide ranging from residential and multifamily to religious, commercial, and mixed-use buildings. Patricia also serves as an adjunct faculty instructor at the Boston Architectural College, where she teaches two graduate courses in professional practice.
Patricia holds a Master of Architecture degree from Lawrence Technological University and is licensed to practice architecture in Argentina, Kentucky, and New Jersey. She is a member of the American Institute of Architects, holds LEED AP® Homes & BD+C credentials, and the NCARB Certificate for national reciprocity. In 2019 she obtained a Diversity and Inclusion Certificate from Cornell University, and in 2021 she earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation.
Jared N. Zurn, AIA, NCARB, Vice President, Examination joined the Council in 2008 as assistant director, ARE development. He has been involved with all aspects of the examination including development, operations, security, and implementation of ARE 5.0. Promoted to vice president in 2013, Zurn is an advocate for transparency into the examination with a focus on refining the efficiency of the process while maintaining high standards and measurement quality.
Before joining NCARB, Zurn operated a sole proprietorship in northwest Minnesota. He also served as faculty of the Architectural Technology program and division chair at Minnesota State Community and Technical College where he led the Architectural Technology program in the areas of curriculum development, course assessment, and program outcome assessment. Zurn earned his professional degree from North Dakota State University.
📍 Show Links:
Learn more about the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
📚 Continue Learning:
NCARB by the Numbers
NCARB’s Baseline on Belonging Reports
- Overview Report
- Baseline on Belonging: Experience Report
- Baseline on Belonging: Examination Report
- Baseline on Belonging: Education Report
- Baseline on Belonging: Firm Culture & Career Development Report
Episode 100: Best of Practice DisruptedHow has Practice Disrupted grown and evolved over 100 episodes?
Co-hosts Evelyn Lee and Je’Nen Chastain celebrate the 100th episode of Practice Disrupted by revisiting their favorite past episodes, some of the most popular episodes, and listener favorites. On this “best of” mixed tape, we’ll revisit re-occurring themes from the series related to: architectural practice, studio culture, technology, EDI+J, career pivots, and entrepreneurship.
While this episode won’t capture every single one of our favorite quotes across 100 episodes, we hope it captures what has made this series so special. For those who want to dive deeper into conversations featured in this episode, we pulled clips from the following episodes:
Practice
Episode 010: Organizational Design, Process, and Innovation
Episode 062: 2022 AIA Gold Medal Winners: Brooks + Scarpa
Episode 086: A Large Firm Perspective on Innovation & Transformation
Episode 087: Designing New Workplace Policies
Culture
Episode 042: Building a Great Place to Work
Episode 047: Talent Development in Practice
Episode 091: How the Future Works
Technology
Episode 018: Remote Practice
Episode 074: Exploring the Evolution of Computational Design
EDI+J
Episode 009: Voices from the Future of the Profession (Black Architects)
Episode 095: Voices of Mothers in Practice
Career Pivots
Episode 007: [Re] Creating Your Career in Architecture
Episode 080: Season 4 Finale with Madame Architect
Episode 029: Taking the Leap from Architecture to Tech
Episode 019: Architecture, And: Film
Entrepreneurship
Episode 067: Architecture And: The Future of Workplace
Episode 075: Growing an AEC Startup / The Evolution of a Company
If you’ve enjoyed the show please leave us a comment and review on your favorite podcasting platform. While we are on winter break, be sure to tune in for a special bonus episode 101, replays of some of our favorite past episodes. A brand new season is ahead in 2023! (PS, we are looking for sponsors!)
Visit our full Practice Disrupted archive over at: https://practiceofarchitecture.com/podcast/.
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Episode 099: Critiquing Architecture SchoolWhat is the present-day student perspective of architecture school?
In his docuseries, Critiquing Architecture School, Alvin Zhu captures what it's like being in architecture school one semester at a time. Along the way, he is also collecting the voices and experiences of his classmates who are all attending the University of New South Wales. Ultimately the series is about creating greater transparency around the educational system and the resulting culture that architecture studio creates.
In this episode, we interview Alvin and one of his producers Sana Tabbsum. Sana joined us on a previous episode and is based in London. She completed her Master's at the University of Greenwich. In the conversation, all four of us found shared experiences of what was happening in studio culture globally, and we collectively reflected on - what we would change about architecture education and what we would keep the same.
Guests:
Alvin Zhu is an aspiring filmmaker pursuing a Master of Architecture at the University of New South Wales. Shortly after graduating from undergrad in 2018, he founded a social media network for architecture students & graduates called “ProjectsbyPeople,” connecting a global community without being bound by physical limitations.
Alvin began volunteering for the Australian Institute of Architects, SONA student body, and created 2 video series catered towards helping the next generation of students.
In 2021, he was awarded the “Student Prize for the Advancement of Architecture” by the Australian Institute of Architects in recognition of his dedication to serving the wider community. This year, he also undertook the role of SONA Vice-President.
Sana Tabassum is a social entrepreneur, content creator, and final year MArch student at the University of Greenwich. She founded :scale (to-scale) in 2019, an architecture blog and platform for students and young designers, to create an inclusive and collaborative archi-community that champions a balance between well-being and productivity.
Since beginning her content-creating journey, Sana has led a team to self-publish an architecture magazine, curated the world’s first virtual architecture convention, and developed a cohort-based course to help architecture students build their skills during the summer.
📍 Show Links:
Critiquing Architecture School
Episode 1 - Getting Started | Critiquing Architecture School
Episode 2 - Transparency from the University? | Critiquing Architecture School
Critiquing Architecture School on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/critiquingarchischool
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What is the next RIBA President’s view on the future of architecture?
When Muiwa Oki steps into the RIBA presidency, he will be the first black architect to hold the position and the youngest. The path to his election is unique and a result of a careful and considered campaign with a clear vision for the future and a call to change how things have been done for a long time.
We speak to him to learn more about his vision for the RIBA and the impact he hopes to have on the architectural community.
Guest:
Muyiwa Oki, RIBA, The Millennial RIBA president-elect (president 2023-2025).
Elected on a campaign to speak up for the future. With the responsibility and privilege of raising the profile of the architect in the UK and globally, his ambitions are to advocate for his campaign priorities of equity, transparency, and innovation in architecture.
As an Architect at Mace Group, he focuses on technology and innovation, working on Modern Means of Construction projects.
During his time at Grimshaw Architects, he was the founder and Chair of the MEGA (Multi-Ethnic Group and Allies) network that drove global cultural change for colleagues.
Muyiwa is an ambassador, speaker and mentor for aspiring architects in programmes such as Mayor of London Design Challenge, Scale Rule, and the Grimshaw Foundation, which exists to encourage greater social mobility within the industry.
📍 Show Links:
‘Architect worker’ Muyiwa Oki wins RIBA presidential election, Architects’ Journal
Muyiwa Oki elected as the next president of RIBA, The Architect’s Newspaper
Muyiwa Oki elected first Black president of the RIBA, dezeen
Muyiwa Oki Elected as RIBA President, archdaily
📚 Continue Learning:
Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
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Episode 097: EntreArchitect Annual Meeting RecapWhat topics are important to small firm owners?
In November 2022, the EntreArchitect Community came together for the very first time in Austin, Texas. This active and growing online community launched in 2012, bringing together a global community of small firm entrepreneur architects. On any given day, you can jump into the EntreArchitecture Community Facebook group and see small firm owners sharing real-world advice, mentorship, and collaborating across time zones to support one another.
In this episode, we’ll document our experience participating in this first-of-its-kind event.
Featured guests:
Bolanle Williams-Olley, Mancini Duffy
Katelyn Parker, Bungalow Roots
Jennifer Kretschmer, J. Kretschmer Architect
Randy Wilburn, Zweig Group
Robert Yuen, Monograph
Mark R. LePage, EntreArchitect
A special thank you to the EntreArchitect musicians featured in this episode:
Dave Lockhart - Lead Guitar/Vocals
Teigen Eilertsen - Guitar/Vocals
Jennifer Kretschmer - Ukelele/Vocals
James Polk - Mandolin/Vocals (of Rough Draft Hattiesburg)
📍 Show Links:
The EntreArchitect Community Annual Meeting
Join the EntreArchitect Community on Facebook
📚 Continue Learning:
Participate in daily learning conversations with Context & Clarity
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Episode 096: Addressing Mental Health in ArchitectureHow do we expand mental health support to professionals across the industry of architecture?
Peter Exley, FAIA, RIBA, NOMA, a former AIA National President, Gregg A. Garmisa, J.D., Principal and General Counsel at Studio Gang, and Korey D. White, AIA, NCARB, Senior Associate at DLR Group and a member of the AIA Strategic Council join us to address the growing concerns related to the mental health and well-being of individuals working in the profession of architecture.
“As the industry continues to transform and grapple with inequities, workforce diversity, labor challenges and climate change, among other current issues, we challenge our colleagues to join in a collective and inclusive commitment to expand mental health support throughout our profession.”
– Peter Exley, Gregg Garmisa, and Korey White, “We Need a Safe Place to Address Our Mental Health,” Chicago Architect, Summer 2022.
In this episode, we’ll discuss the problem we’re facing related to mental health in the profession of architecture and steps we can take to start to address this challenge.
This episode is dedicated to anyone who is currently or has previously struggled with burnout, mental health, addiction, substance abuse, or related mental health challenges. You are not alone. There is a community of allies who seek to destigmatize, raise awareness, build acceptance, and build better overall well-being practices within our profession.
Guests:
Peter Exley’s career is committed to an equitable and inclusive built environment for children, families, and communities.
As co-founder of Architecture Is Fun, he uses the power of design to build places and spaces that reflect the values, ambitions, and purpose of every stakeholder on myriad civic, cultural, private, and not-for-profit agencies.
As a teacher, he is nurturing future architects as the primary and credible resource with the explicit training and qualification to lead the creation of healthy and equitable net-zero place-making.
As the 97th President of the American Institute of Architects, he led AIA’s delegation to COP26 in Glasgow, and advanced the AIA Headquarters renewal project embodying the urgent need for climate action alongside a dramatic transformation for workplace, member, and community experience.
Gregg Garmisa is Principal and General Counsel at Studio Gang, based in the Studio’s Chicago office. Gregg interacts with clients, consultants, and our design teams on all projects to establish and maintain productive and collegial professional relationships.
Immediately prior to joining the Studio, Gregg was Vice President and General Counsel at a national engineering and sustainability consulting firm, where he became one of Studio Gang’s earliest collaborators. Before that, he practiced law and provided public policy guidance to clients in Washington, DC, and Chicago, and served as a legislative advisor to a US senator on Capitol Hill.
Gregg is an invited member of the Society of Illinois Construction Attorneys, a former board member of the American Institute of Architects Chicago, and a former trustee of the Chicago Architecture Center. He is an experienced lecturer on current topics at the intersection of the design profession and the...
Episode 095: Voices of Mothers in Practice What can architecture firms do to support mothers who are working in practice? Leaders of the profession share diverse perspectives on their identity between practice and motherhood. This discussion aims to explore the experiences of working mothers in diverse career stages who are raising children of different ages. Practice Disrupted is committed to elevating conversations on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion to teach, empower, and build greater awareness across the industry. Guests: Christina Cho Yoo, AIA, PE, LEED AP BD+C is co-founder of Atelier Cho Thompson. She received a BS & MS inhttp://cee.stanford.edu/ ( civil & structural engineering and construction management) athttp://www.stanford.edu/ ( Stanford University) and received a masters in architecture at thehttp://www.gsd.harvard.edu/ ( Harvard Graduate School of Design). She was a structural engineer at the international engineering companyhttp://www.arup.com/ ( Arup), where she was the Structural Sustainability Champion for the Americas & worked on projects such as thehttp://www.holcimfoundation.org/Projects/new-sustainable-california-academy-of-sciences-usa ( LEED-Double Platinum)http://calacademy.org/ ( California Academy of Sciences), Contemporary Jewish Museum, Kaiser hospitals,http://www.arup.com/projects/robert_schroder_overcrossing ( Schroder Overcrossing), and various other projects. She went onto work at architecture firms internationally including Kao Design Group on Richard Branson's Eco-Island,http://shoparc.com/ ( SHoP Architects) on the Google HQ,http://enthepractice.neriandhu.com/ ( Neri & Hu) inhttp://www.archdaily.com/417308/design-republic-design-commune-neri-and-hu-design-and-research-office/ ( Shanghai),http://www.massstudies.com/ ( Mass Studies) in Seoul, andhttp://www.bcj.com/ ( Bohlin Cywinski Jackson) onhttp://www.apple.com/jp/retail/omotesando/ ( Apple stores), the Apple iAd office, and the Square HQ. Christina is a licensed architect and engineer in California and has been LEED accredited since 2003. Her work has spanned typologies from single-family to multifamily residences, hospitals, labs, museums, innovative workplaces, hospitality and food service, to retail, exhibits, furniture, and graphics for various organizations. Before architecture school, she staged at Tartine Bakery while taking courses at the California Culinary Academy. She has lectured on Green R&D at Harvard and served as a critic at Parsons, Stanford, Harvard, & the California College of the Arts (CCA). She is an Adjunct Professor at the CCA, having taught advanced urban studio on the Post-Retail City and Integrated Building Systems. She served as Design & Innovation Chair of the Stanford Club of SF and currently is on the Board of Directors at Pacific Primary School. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-matthews-4a253528/ (Jennifer T. Matthews, Associate AIA), is a full-time remote Architectural Designer at SS&A Design Collective based in Montgomery, Alabama. With eight years of healthcare design experience, Jennifer has worked on architectural projects for multiple healthcare providers and national government entities across the United States. She was awarded the 2018 Healthcare Design Magazine's Educator Honor Award for creating an annual event that introduces architecture students to healthcare design and careers within. Her recent outreach efforts include professional practice seminars and managing her professional development platform, https://www.creativesxp.com/ (Creative's XP). In 2013, Jennifer graduated from Tuskegee University with a Bachelor of Architecture. In 2020, she acquired a Master of Arts degree in Business Design and Arts Leadership from The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Jennifer served as the 2013-2014 National Vice President of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS). 📍 Show Links: ...
Episode 094: The Design for Freedom MovementHow can architects eliminate forced labor in building material supply chains to create a more equitable future? “Over the past few decades, substantive strides have been compounding to sustainably design and construct with less harm to nature; yet there is a startling blind spot in terms of the entropic brutality forced upon the workers who are critical to the production of the very materials we source. Their suffering should not be built into our construction” – Sharon Prince, CEO and Founder of Grace Farms Foundation The $12 trillion construction industry is the #1 industrial sector at risk of forced labor. Sharon joins us to discuss the new https://www.designforfreedom.org/home/design-for-freedom-toolkit/ (Design for Freedom Toolkit) and her work to help implement ethical, forced labor-free material sourcing strategies across the AEC industry. Guest: Sharon Prince is the CEO and Founder of https://gracefarms.org/ (Grace Farms Foundation) and commissioned SANAA to design Grace Farms in New Canaan, Connecticut. The Foundation’s interdisciplinary humanitarian mission is to pursue peace through nature, arts, justice, community, faith, and Design for Freedom, a new movement to eliminate forced labor from the building materials supply chain. The open, porous architecture of the River building at Grace Farms is embedded into 80 acres of natural landscape. The building, designed to break down barriers between people and sectors, invites all to pause and reflect, while also encouraging engagement with its initiatives, creating new outcomes. 📍 Show Links: https://gracefarms.org/ (https://gracefarms.org/) 📚 Continue Learning: Learn about the comprehensive resources for design and construction professionals to help ensure ethical material sourcing strategies: https://www.designforfreedom.org/ (https://www.designforfreedom.org/) https://www.fastcompany.com/90762815/sharon-prince-grace-farms-most-creative-people-2022 (https://www.fastcompany.com/90762815/sharon-prince-grace-farms-most-creative-people-2022) 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: https://www.facebook.com/PracticeofArchitecture/ (Facebook) | https://www.instagram.com/practiceofarch/ (Instagram) | https://www.linkedin.com/company/practiceofarchitecture/ (LinkedIn) | https://www.pinterest.com/practiceofarch/ (Pinterest) | https://twitter.com/PracticeofArch (Twitter)
With enhanced dependency on technology, what is an architecture firm’s responsibility in educating staff on various digital skills? Jeames Hanley and Christina Diego join us from https://www.graypuksand.com.au/ (Gray Puksand) to discuss how their growing team of 140+ is scaling their technology strategy. As the National Design Technology Manager at Gray Puksand, Jeames works across multiple locations, including Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, and Sydney to ensure his team can deliver the best possible outcomes for their clients and projects alike. Through this discussion, we’ll learn best practices for bridging conversations on technology, mentorship, and project delivery in support of a people-first culture. We'll do our best to address how to effectively design and support the technology demands of a busy architecture firm. Guests: As a Digital technologist and strategist in the AEC industry, Jeames Hanley leads digital transformation and champions cultural change within architectural practices in the face of a technological shift. He converts strategy into front-line behavior by supporting people first in an ever-changing technology-centric environment. Implementing workflows centered around automation, algorithm-based design, and data literacy Jeames also educates designers that these technologies and a tech-first mindset present huge opportunities and not threats to the design industry. Graduating in the middle of COVID, Christina Diego is a recent graduate of Billy Blue College of Design, where she earned her Bachelor of Interior Design. Christina joined the interior design team of Gray Puksand in October 2021 and has since been part of commercial, workplace, and education projects. She has a real interest in learning the technical side of design but also learning about the ever evolving side of design and sustainability.
📍 Show Links: https://www.graypuksand.com.au/ (Gray Puksand)
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Episode 092: /slantis, Enabling Technology in PracticeHow do you find time to implement the latest technology tools in your practice while still providing your clients with an amazing experience? No matter what size firm you are running, unless you have an in-house technology department (and sometimes even when you do), staying ahead of the technology curve becomes increasingly tricky. That’s where /slantis comes in as a partner to help your firm with everything from Architecture & Production Coordination, BIM Consulting, High-end Visualisation, and even bigger innovations, including workflow automation and architecture for the metaverse. They create offerings unique to your firm that support all project delivery phases. We sit down /slantis’ two incredibly passionate female founders, Andy Robert and Mercedes Carriquiry, to talk about their backgrounds in architecture, what drives them as entrepreneurs, and why Uruguay is not an unusual place to build out a technology-forward company. Guests: Andy Robert is a professional architect from ORT University in Uruguay. She lived in Germany and studied architecture in Dessau, where the former Bauhaus was located. Today she is CEO of /slantis, co-founded in 2016 with her life-long friend Mercedes Carriquiry. /slantis is a disruptive company that combines cutting-edge technology with architecture to provide production development and BIM consulting services for the United States. Very energetic, curious, and entrepreneurial, she is actively involved in events that advocate for women as leaders. She became an expert in management, marketing, and sales. Andy is also vegan and Beltran and Jaime's mum. Mercedes Carriquiry is a licensed Architect and entrepreneur specializing in innovation and technology. She holds a degree from the Faculty of Architecture UDELAR, Uruguay; and studied in the ENSAG of Grenoble, France. She also graduated in digital fabrication from MIT Fabacademy. After working at Jean Nouvel's studio in Paris and leading multiple developments in Montevideo, she co-founded /slantis in 2016 with her life-long friend Andy. /slantis is a disruptive company that combines cutting-edge technology with architecture to provide production development and BIM consulting services for the United States. Outside the rat race, she’s into art, skating, and above all spending time with her family. 📍 Show Links: https://slantis.com/ (/slantis ) 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: https://www.facebook.com/PracticeofArchitecture/ (Facebook) | https://www.instagram.com/practiceofarch/ (Instagram) | https://www.linkedin.com/company/practiceofarchitecture/ (LinkedIn) | https://www.pinterest.com/practiceofarch/ (Pinterest) | https://twitter.com/PracticeofArch (Twitter)
Episode 091: How the Future WorksHow do you attract and retain the best talent? We bring back leaders from the Future Forum to talk about tactics they are sharing with executives from organizations of all sizes and industries to win the battle for talent by building a future of work that is flexible, inclusive, and connected. The Future Forum is a consortium focused on building new ways of working that are flexible, inclusive, and connected. They research and convene executives to design a people-centered and digital-first workplace. In June 2020, Future Forum began surveying thousands of workers and managers globally quarterly, asking them questions about productivity, sense of belonging, and preferred ways of working. The Forum's new book, How the Future Works: Leading Flexible Teams to Do the Best Work of Their Lives, is a Wall Street Journal Bestseller and provides readers with a blueprint for empowering teams with the flexibility and choice they need to do their best work. Guest: Helen Kupp is Senior Director and co-founder of Future Forum. She has led many of Slack's largest cross-functional and growth initiatives, and is the creator of many of Future Forum's playbooks, tapping Future Forum's research and networks along with her experiences at Slack, Bain & Company, startups, and her MBA from Harvard Business School. She is also co-author of How The Future Works: Leading Flexible Teams to Do the Best Work of Their Lives. Helen is the lucky mom of two wonderful children. Chrissie Arnold is the Director of Advisory Services for the Future Forum, where she is focused on designing and leading executive workshops about the Future of Work. Chrissie provides Fortune 100 company executives with a blueprint to build high-functioning, engaged teams in the digital-first era. Prior to this role, Chrissie spent seven years at Slack in roles across Customer Experience, Customer Success, and Product, with a common thread of helping customers get more value out of Slack by driving transformation in their organizations. Before Slack, Chrissie worked in non-profit leadership and academia. Her work included women's legal advocacy, human rights education and transitional justice in post-war environments, and leading recreational therapy programs for children with cancer and HIV around the world. Chrissie has a BA in Human Geography and an MA in Educational Studies, both from the University of British Columbia. She's a Mom to a couple of feisty toddlers who keep her humble, and loves any excuse to get out in the mountains! 📍 Show Links: https://futureforum.com/ (Future Forum) Twitter: https://twitter.com/FutureForum (@FutureForum) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvibKKbD2Rwyn7fODmIKFaw (Future Forum by Slack) 📚 Continue Learning: https://futureforum.com/how-the-future-works/?utm_source=top_banner (How the Future Works) 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: https://www.facebook.com/PracticeofArchitecture/ (Facebook) | https://www.instagram.com/practiceofarch/ (Instagram) | https://www.linkedin.com/company/practiceofarchitecture/ (LinkedIn) | https://www.pinterest.com/practiceofarch/ (Pinterest) | https://twitter.com/PracticeofArch (Twitter)
Episode 090: Madame Architect: Work, Family, and Everything In BetweenWho are the leaders behind Madame Architect? In our season 4 finale, we invited senior editor Amy Stone to join us in an interview. This week we invite Amy back to learn more about her career, her MBA studies, and her work at Madame Architect. While the seeming lack of women in architecture has been well-documented, women are, and have been, making waves in all levels of the field. https://www.madamearchitect.org/ (Madame Architect) is an online magazine celebrating the extraordinary women that shape our world, a magazine designed to break the architect’s mold and show young women entering the industry the myriad choices they have in crafting a dynamic, meaningful, and interesting career. Guest: Amy Stone is an architect, a mom of three, and is currently pursuing an MBA at Georgia Tech'shttps://www.scheller.gatech.edu/index.html ( Scheller College of Business). Amy is a design manager athttps://www.gensler.com/offices/atlanta ( Gensler) and is dedicated to creating sustainable and equitable environments. Her professional work experience includes a variety of building types, including housing, mixed-use, adaptive-reuse, offices, higher education, and deep-green sustainable projects including the largesthttps://livingbuilding.gatech.edu/ ( Living Building in the Southeast). Amy is a contributing interviewer and editor and is dedicated to elevating the voice and visibility of women in architecture and design. She studied architecture for her Bachelors's and Masters's at Georgia Tech. She is based in Atlanta. 📍 Show Links: Follow Amy athttps://www.instagram.com/_amystone/ ( @_amystone) 📚 Continue Learning: https://www.madamearchitect.org/ (Madame Architect) Follow us athttps://www.instagram.com/madamearchitect/ ( @madamearchitect) 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: https://www.facebook.com/PracticeofArchitecture/ (Facebook) | https://www.instagram.com/practiceofarch/ (Instagram) | https://www.linkedin.com/company/practiceofarchitecture/ (LinkedIn) | https://www.pinterest.com/practiceofarch/ (Pinterest) | https://twitter.com/PracticeofArch (Twitter)
Episode 089: Entrepreneurship in Practice: Taking Risks to Create Value What does it take to launch, build, and grow an architecture firm? This week we interview the founding principal of https://brick-inc.com/ (brick.) Rob Zirkle and the managing director of business management, Lynn Chock. Founded in 2010, brick. has been on a trajectory of growth since its inception. A nimble team grounded in the belief that design, technology, and service are indelibly linked, we discuss the company’s growth from launch to the present day. “Friendly, unconventional, can-do architects”, Bricksters are guided by their mission to: outsmart convention. create value. design like you mean it.
Learn more about how they are redesigning the business model of architecture. Guests: Rob Zirkle founding principal at brick brings a strong record of successful and recognized design excellence to a wide variety of project types in both architecture, interiors, and urban design. Rob brings a sensitivity to the details of design that make memorable architecture transcend the everyday, but he is also laser focused on creating value for clients, the cities where he works and for the many stakeholders whose experiences are shaped by the firm’s designs. As managing director of business management, Lynn Chock knows that quality + efficiency + happiness = an awesome bottom line. She leverages her extensive experience in HR, accounting, and business management to help brick and its talented staff thrive. For Lynn, a successful firm maximizes value for its clients and the people who live, work, and learn in the buildings they design. Over the last nine years Lynn has worked with brick behind the scenes, constantly improving financial performance and business workflows; finding ways to increase overall productivity and boost the happiness quotient for brick’s most valuable asset: its people. 📍 Show Links: https://brick-inc.com/ (brick.) 👉 Follow brick. on social: https://www.instagram.com/brick.inc/?hl=en (IG: @brick.inc) https://www.linkedin.com/company/brick-llp/ (LinkedIn: brick.) https://twitter.com/brick_arch (Twitter: @brick_arch) 📚 Continue Learning: https://practiceofarchitecture.com/2022/03/10/069-a-case-study-on-leadership-expanding-established-design-practice-to-new-locations/ (PD 069: A Case Study on Leadership: Expanding Established Design Practices to New Locations) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaCKQFZ7kxg (brick: Redesigning The Studio Through Communication (w/ Lynn Chock, Je'Nen Chastain)) 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: https://www.facebook.com/PracticeofArchitecture/ (Facebook) | https://www.instagram.com/practiceofarch/ (Instagram) | https://www.linkedin.com/company/practiceofarchitecture/ (LinkedIn) | https://www.pinterest.com/practiceofarch/ (Pinterest) | https://twitter.com/PracticeofArch (Twitter)
Episode 088: Latina Voices in Practice “Why is it that the largest community of color within the US still makes up such a small percentage of the profession?” ~ACSA Hispanic & Latinx in Architecture Four leaders in the profession share their diverse perspectives on race, equity, and architecture. Practice Disrupted is committed to elevating conversations on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion to teach, empower, and build greater awareness across the industry. Building from prior diversity conversations, this week we learn about Hispanic & Latinx in Architecture. Guest: Venesa Alicea-Chuqui, AIA, NOMA, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, an Architect, Educator and Advocate, is Founding Principal of NYVARCH Architecture, a NYC based collaborative Architectural Practice focused on building community and equity through design. With over 15 years of experience designing multi-family sustainable affordable, and supportive housing developments and civic projects, she is committed to working with local communities to develop good design, both sustainable and socially conscious. She’s the Vice Chair of Outreach to the https://network.aia.org/communities/community-home?communitykey=5dccd29e-2089-48ae-8452-471d5068b76d&tab=groupdetails (AIA Small Firm Exchange) and President of the Architecture Alumni Group of the Alumni Association of the https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/ (City College of New York), her alma mater (B.Arch ‘05), where she has also taught the Coop Internship and Professional Practice classes. Committed to design justice in the built environment, she’s an active contributor to https://darkmatteruniversity.org/ (Dark Matter University), https://www.dapcollective.com/ (Design as Protest), and a former co-chair to the https://www.aiany.org/committees/diversity-inclusion-committee/ (AIANY Diversity & Inclusion) and https://www.aiany.org/committees/emerging-new-york-architects/ (Emerging New York Architects) committees. She is past chair of the AIANY Puerto Rico Resiliency task force, an active member of the AIANY Planning and Urban Design Committee, and a 2019 Fellow of the https://www.communitydesign.org/ (Association for Community Design). Siboney Diaz-Sánchez is an affordable housing advocate and the community engagement administrator for the City of San Antonio's Neighborhood and Housing Services Department. She serves as a https://www.noma.net/e3/ (NOMA) Empowerment Committee Co-Chair, organizes with https://www.dapcollective.com/ (Design As Protest) Planning and Policy Committee, and is proud to teach Community Practice at The Boston Architectural College. In 2021 she joined the https://www.communitydesign.org/about (Association for Community Design) board of directors. Prior to returning to San Antonio Siboney was an Enterprise Rose Fellow and project/design manager at https://www.oppcommunities.org/ (Opportunities Communities) in the Boston area working for two non-profit community development corporations, https://theneighborhooddevelopers.org/ (The Neighborhood Developers) and https://nuestracdc.org/ (Nuestra Comunidad). While in Boston she developed design standards for affordable housing, helped secure funding for a low income housing tax credit housing development, led a community engagement process for a public arts park and served on the https://www.architects.org/ (Boston Society of Architects) board of directors. Siboney insists creative fields are viable vehicles for social change and believes in just redistribution of systemic power through design. She is committed to prioritizing community voices in design processes. She is a licensed architect in the state of Texas and holds her Bachelor of Architecture from https://aap.cornell.edu/academics/architecture (Cornell University). Vanessa Smith Torres is a Puerto Rican born Architect based in Miami, FL. Vanessa received a Bachelors from https://camd.northeastern.edu/program/architecture-m-arch/ (Northeastern...
Episode 087: Designing New Workplace PoliciesIf you launched an architecture firm with the goal of designing workplace policies above and beyond the baseline, what would those policies look like? This week we discover how the desire to lead with better policies informed the creation of https://saam-arch.com/ (Saam Architecture), a mid-size practice based in Boston. President and CEO Dianna Nicklaus has led with the goal of reimaginging what is possible. The proof is in the numbers. Her practice is a place women want to work because the policies in place support their needs. The Saam studio is a place where collaboration is celebrated. Whether it is sitting together in their Boston office or working remotely, they maintain a high level of communication and trust, empowering their team to operate in spaces and places that improve the quality of service to their clients and the quality of their team’s lives. They are cyclists, sailors, runners, gardeners, singers, kayakers, hikers, yogis, and musicians. But above all, they are a team dedicated to a common goal: to enjoy delivering value to their clients. Guest: With over 20 years of experience, Dianna Nicklaus has practiced architecture in both the United States and Italy, with projects throughout the continental U.S. and Europe. Her portfolio includes high-profile, large-scale institutional projects, including those in the higher education, healthcare, cultural arts, and K-12 education sectors. As an advocate for women’s leadership and equitable practice, she has shared Saam’s strategies in numerous presentations and interviews, including Equity by Design and the AIA Women’s Leadership Summit. Diana was a founding co-chair of the Massachusetts Building Congress Women’s Network, the Founding President of Boston Professional Women in Construction, and is currently serving as the Secretary of the Board for the Boston Society of Architecture. 📍 Show Links: https://saam-arch.com/ (Saam Architecture) 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: https://www.facebook.com/PracticeofArchitecture/ (Facebook) | https://www.instagram.com/practiceofarch/ (Instagram) | https://www.linkedin.com/company/practiceofarchitecture/ (LinkedIn) | https://www.pinterest.com/practiceofarch/ (Pinterest) | https://twitter.com/PracticeofArch (Twitter)
Episode 086: A Large Firm Perspective on Innovation & Transformation: CannonDesign How do large firms think about innovation and transformation within the industry, and where are they investing next? Within the last four years, CannonDesign: grew their consulting practice through the strategic acquisition of Blue Cottage Consulting brought new software tools to market, and launched a pre-fab design and fabrication facility in the middle of a pandemic
In turn, growing their market share and the value they continue to deliver to their clients. In this episode, we sit down with CEO Bradley A Lukanic, AIA, to talk about the evolution of architecture practice, where he believes architects need to be focused, and the opportunities that technology and innovation are playing in decisions that Cannon is making about the growth of their operations and business. Guest: With a never-ending drive and passion for design and built experiences, Bradley A. Lukanic, AIA, LEED AP embraces situational change disrupters that transform the industry’s future – and he’s leading CannonDesign’s charge to get there. As CEO, Brad seeks partners that are curious to accelerate, command and propel design’s influences on environments with goals resolving cross-disciplinary thinking and engagement. He leads CannonDesign with a sincere approach of listening to employee and client challenges to guide a discovery of “what if” opportunities, instead of progressing in a silo. Parallel to his practical design experience, Brad’s thought leadership is shared within and beyond architecture audiences. 📍 Show Links: https://www.cannondesign.com/ (CannonDesign) 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: https://www.facebook.com/PracticeofArchitecture/ (Facebook) | https://www.instagram.com/practiceofarch/ (Instagram) | https://www.linkedin.com/company/practiceofarchitecture/ (LinkedIn) | https://www.pinterest.com/practiceofarch/ (Pinterest) | https://twitter.com/PracticeofArch (Twitter)
Episode 085: A Case Study for Practice: Latent Design How do you build an architecture practice that reaches beyond projects to further impact policy, culture, and community? http://www.latentdesign.net/ (Latent Design) is a progressive Chicago-based architecture firm working at the intersection of design and community development to create social, economic and environmental impact. They define the context surrounding a project before they design the content of architecture. They offer innovative design solutions to those in resource and budget limited environments through a participatory approach that leverages local assets to directly generate project opportunities. Their collaborations range from small-scale tactical interventions, new construction community buildings, adaptive reuse, neighborhood master plans, and design speculations. In this episode, we’ll learn from architect, founder, and entrepreneur Katherine Darnstadt. Darnstadt has been building her business from the ground up since 2010. In celebration of 12+ years of growth, she’s expanded her work to help launch the https://www.designtrustchicago.org/ (Design Trust Chicago). Guest: Katherine Darnstadt, AIA, NOMA, LEED AP is the founder of Latent Design, a progressive architecture and urbanism firm leveraging civic innovation and social impact to design more equitable spaces and systems. Since founding her practice in 2010, Katherine and her firm have prototyped new urban design systems to advance urban agriculture with Fresh Moves, support small business through Boombox, created spaces for youth makers, and developed public space frameworks through Design Trust Chicago. She and the firm have been published, exhibited, and featured widely, most notably at the International Venice Architecture Biennial, Architizer A+ Awards, Chicago Ideas Week, NPR, American Institute of Architects Young Architects Honor Award winner and Crain’s Chicago 40 Under 40. She previously taught at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Northwestern University. 📍 Show Links: http://www.latentdesign.net/ (Latent Design) https://www.designtrustchicago.org/ (Design Trust Chicago) 📚 Continue Learning: https://mappedchicago.org/ (Mapped!) https://chicagoinnovation.com/winners/boombox/ (Boombox Chicago Innovation Award video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMD8g5fD3Jg (Boombox SXSW Place by Design Award video) 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: https://www.facebook.com/PracticeofArchitecture/ (Facebook) | https://www.instagram.com/practiceofarch/ (Instagram) | https://www.linkedin.com/company/practiceofarchitecture/ (LinkedIn) | https://www.pinterest.com/practiceofarch/ (Pinterest) | https://twitter.com/PracticeofArch (Twitter)
Episode 084: Understanding the Architecture Labor Movement Who is the Architectural Workers United? The Architectural Workers United is organizing towards making architecture more equitable, the profession more just, and our built environment more resilient. Join us as we interview Andrew Daley and Jess Myers to learn more about the architectural labor movement, unions, and the history of labor practices in architecture. What are the biggest misconceptions? What is the benefit? What are the most common questions people ask? We’ll discover all of this and more as we discuss why there is a growing group of advocates standing behind AWU. Guests: Andrew Daley is an organizer, activist, and licensed architect living and working in Brooklyn. He is currently working with the https://www.goiam.org/ (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers )(IAMAW) on organizing efforts within the architecture industry. He has 12 years of experience working for a number of offices in multiple states, most recently for 7 years at SHoP Architects as a Project Director working on US embassies worldwide. Jess Myers is an assistant professor in https://www.risd.edu/academics/architecture (Rhode Island School for Design)’s architecture department. Her podcast https://www.htbdpodcast.com/ (Here There Be Dragons) offers an in-depth look into the intersection of identity politics and security policy in public space through the eyes of New Yorkers, Parisians and Stockholmers. Her work can be found in https://www.archpaper.com/ (The Architect’s Newspaper), https://thefunambulist.net/ (The Funambulist Magazine), https://failedarchitecture.com/ (Failed Architecture), https://www.dwell.com/ (Dwell) and https://www.larchitecturedaujourdhui.fr/ (l’Architecture d’Aujourd’hui). (Read more about Jess on https://www.madamearchitect.org/interviews/2018/3/26/enthusiasm-and-effort-jessica-myers-on-staying-critical-and-learning-on-the-fly (Madame Architect).) 📍 Show Links: https://www.architecturalworkersunited.org/ (AWU Website) https://www.architecturalworkersunited.org/faq (AWU FAQ Page) https://www.architecturalworkersunited.org/unionize (AWU How to Unionize) https://www.instagram.com/architectural.workers.united/ (AWU Instagram) https://twitter.com/arch_workers_u (AWU Twitter) AWU Contact: architectural.workers.united@gmail.com 📚 Continue Learning: Labor Resources https://www.dpeaflcio.org/factsheets/architectural-professionals-and-unions (DPE Data Sheet) https://www.epi.org/productivity-pay-gap/ (EPI Productivity-Pay Gap) https://www.epi.org/publication/labor-day-2019-collective-bargaining/ (EPI Union Density-Top 10% Income) https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/olms/regs/compliance/eo_posters/employeerightsposter11x17_2019final.pdf (DOL Employee Rights) https://www.nlrb.gov/ (NLRB Website) https://www.nlrb.gov/guidance/key-reference-materials/national-labor-relations-act (National Labor Relations Act) https://www.nycclc.org/ (NYC Central Labor Council) Architecture Labor Resources http://architecture-lobby.org/project/the-unionization-campaign/ (The Architecture Lobby Union Pamphlet) (downloadable pamphlet) https://www.averyreview.com/issues/36/sherman-antitrust-act (Architecture and Anti-Trust Article) https://www.archpaper.com/2019/10/why-dont-architects-have-unions/ (Why Don’t Architects Have Unions?) (by Jess Myers) https://www.archpaper.com/2021/01/architecture-and-labor-review/ (Architecture and Labor) (review of book by Peggy Deamer) https://www.ncarb.org/nbtn2021/demographics-licensure (NCARB Demographics) https://www.aia.org/pages/6435906-an-investigation-into-bias-in-the-architec (AIA Bias Report) https://online.ucpress.edu/jsah/article-abstract/76/4/454/61310/The-Federation-of-Architects-Engineers-Chemists (FAECT Article) (by Mardges Bacon) Press about AWU (selected) https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/21/business/architects-white-collar-union.html (New York Times Article)...
Episode 083: Lessons from Practice Disrupted on Navigating Change After four seasons of Practice Disrupted, what lessons on navigating change have we learned from past guests of the show? Practice Disrupted was launched during the pandemic as a niche podcast: leaders who believe architects can practice in new ways and some who are even willing to question the boundaries that define the practice. On the way to 100 episodes this season and over 19,500 listeners later, the podcast has grown beyond what we could imagine and has taught us many lessons as hosts. In this episode, we break down some themes that continue to surface throughout the podcast and share playlists for those interested in taking a deeper dive into the podcast. A special thank you to AIA Seattle Women in Design for hosting us in a July 2022 program that prompted us to explore this topic. Top 10 Episodes as of July 2022 (these stats change weekly) https://practiceofarchitecture.com/2020/06/26/001-practice-shifts/ (#1 - 001: Practice Shifts) https://practiceofarchitecture.com/2022/02/24/067-architecture-and-the-future-of-workplace/ (#2 - 067: Architecture And: The Future of Workplace) https://practiceofarchitecture.com/2022/03/03/068-2022-aia-whitney-m-young-jr-honor-award-winners-riding-the-vortex/ (#3 - 068: 2022 AIA Whitney M. Young Jr. Honor Award Winners: Riding the Vortex) https://practiceofarchitecture.com/2020/08/21/010-organizational-design-process-and-innovation/ (#4 - 010: Organizational Design, Process, and Innovation) https://practiceofarchitecture.com/2020/07/02/002-the-next-generation-practice/ (#5 - 002: The Next Generation of Practice) https://practiceofarchitecture.com/2022/02/10/065-training-confidence-in-technical-detailing/ (#6 - 065: Training Confidence in Technical Detailing) https://practiceofarchitecture.com/2021/08/19/047-talent-development-in-practice/ (#7 - 047: Talent Development in Practice) https://practiceofarchitecture.com/2021/03/18/029-taking-the-leap-from-architecture-to-tech/ (#8 - 029: Taking the Leap from Architecture into Tech) https://practiceofarchitecture.com/2021/11/04/058-a-case-study-practice-rios/ (#9 - 058: A Case Study for Practice: RIOS) https://practiceofarchitecture.com/2021/09/17/051-designing-a-culture-of-mentorship/ (#10 - 051: Designing a Culture of Mentorship) Changing: Studio Culture https://practiceofarchitecture.com/2021/09/17/051-designing-a-culture-of-mentorship/ (051: Designing a Culture of Mentorship) https://practiceofarchitecture.com/2021/08/19/047-talent-development-in-practice/ (047: Talent Development in Practice) https://practiceofarchitecture.com/2021/07/15/042-building-a-great-place-to-work/ (042: Building a Great Place to Work) https://practiceofarchitecture.com/2021/04/01/031-balancing-operations-management-firm-culture/ (031: Balancing Operations Management & Firm Culture) https://practiceofarchitecture.com/2021/03/04/027-techniques-for-effective-people-management/ (027: Techniques for Effective People Management) https://practiceofarchitecture.com/2021/01/28/022-reimagining-work-in-the-new-digital-first-workplace/ (022: Reimagining Work in the New Digital-First Workplace) https://practiceofarchitecture.com/2020/10/08/017-building-culture/ (017: Building Culture) https://practiceofarchitecture.com/2020/08/07/008-studio-culture/ (008: Studio Culture) Changing: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion https://practiceofarchitecture.com/2022/03/03/068-2022-aia-whitney-m-young-jr-honor-award-winners-riding-the-vortex/ (068: Riding the Vortex) https://practiceofarchitecture.com/2022/05/26/079-increasing-black-women-in-architecture/ (079: Increasing Black Women in Architecture) https://practiceofarchitecture.com/2022/03/17/070-shebuilds-crossover-in-three-acts/ (070: She Builds Crossover in Three Acts) https://practiceofarchitecture.com/2021/11/19/059-building-the-pipeline-through-k-12-education/ (059: Building the Pipeline Through K-12 Education)...
Episode 082: Career PivotsHow do you navigate a career that adapts to changing needs over time? In this week’s episode, we interview Tenille Bettenhausen, a Success Manager at Microdesk who has worn many different hats over time. Her path was not necessarily linear, but she has carved out a career that adapted to her changing priorities throughout life. Tenille started in a traditional firm and has taken quite a few intentional career pivots working on the ownership side, with developers, general contractors, a trade association, and more. Come with us on her journey to explore: Meaningful career transitions Identifying and following your strengths Understand where you are passionate The importance of mentorship and listening to others And how to continue to explore creativity in different mediums.
Did we mention Tenille is a fellow podcaster and host of Death by Architecture and a forthcoming children’s book author? We hope this episode inspires others to be intentional about their careers and understand that it’s about the journey, not a destination. Guest: Tenille Bettenhausen has been in the AEC industry for over 20 years. The first 15 of those years in project, in architecture firms and local offices as a designer and project manager. The last 6 years has been as a business developer and client relations strategist interfacing with clients. Tenille has a degree in Architecture from Arizona State University and is currently on the Board of Director for AIA Orange County and is co-chairing and mc-ing the 2023 Orange County Design Awards. She is the podcast host of Death by Architecture, a short storytelling podcast centered around true crime in the AEC industry and the author of the upcoming children's book, "Maybe I'll be an Architect" due out in this fall. Tenille is currently the Client Success Manager at Microdesk (a Autodesk software partner and technology strategy provider) where she truly believes that architecture and design lifts the human spirit and is a champion of goals that lead to knowledge diversification and consensus-building within our AEC firms. 📍 Show Links: https://deathbyarchitecturepod.com/ (Death by Architecture) http://tenillebwrites.com/ (Tenillebwrites.com) 📚 Continue Learning: 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: https://www.facebook.com/PracticeofArchitecture/ (Facebook) | https://www.instagram.com/practiceofarch/ (Instagram) | https://www.linkedin.com/company/practiceofarchitecture/ (LinkedIn) | https://www.pinterest.com/practiceofarch/ (Pinterest) | https://twitter.com/PracticeofArch (Twitter)
Episode 081: S5 Launch: AIA Conference on Architecture Recap Welcome back to season 5 of Practice Disrupted! Co-hosts Evelyn Lee and Je’Nen Chastain celebrate a new season and take you behind the scenes to the https://conferenceonarchitecture.com/ (AIA Conference on Architecture). Following two years of waiting for large-scale in-person events to resume, the https://www.aia.org/ (AIA) welcomed its membership back by hosting a premiere conference experience against the striking architectural skyline of Chicago. Join Practice Disrupted as they reconnect with new and familiar faces from across the country, and explore what the conference has to offer. Discover what attendees had to say about the June 2022 event, what the AIA prioritizes through new executive leadership, and why volunteer leaders stay involved in the AIA. Save the date for A’23 in San Francisco! 📍 Show Links: https://www.aia.org/ (aia.org) https://conferenceonarchitecture.com/ (conferenceonarchitecture.com) 📚 Continue Learning: https://www.aia.org/articles/6519628-aia-ceo-lakisha-woods-says-her-success-is- (AIA CEO Lakisha Woods says "her success is tied to their success" at A’22 kickoff) https://www.aia.org/articles/6517979-president-barack-obama-appears-at-the-aia- (President Barack Obama appears at the AIA Conference on Architecture 2022) https://www.aia.org/articles/6521396-a22-architects-exhibitors-and-a-former-us- (A’22: Architects, exhibitors and a former US president gather in Chicago to define a shared vision) 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: https://www.facebook.com/PracticeofArchitecture/ (Facebook) | https://www.instagram.com/practiceofarch/ (Instagram) | https://www.linkedin.com/company/practiceofarchitecture/ (LinkedIn) | https://www.pinterest.com/practiceofarch/ (Pinterest) | https://twitter.com/PracticeofArch (Twitter)
Episode 080: Season 4 Finale with Madame Architect Why is visibility of female leadership important in the profession of architecture? While the seeming lack of women in architecture has been well-documented, women are, and have been, making waves in all levels of the field. https://www.madamearchitect.org/ (Madame Architect) is an online magazine celebrating the extraordinary women that shape our world, a magazine designed to break the architect’s mold and show young women entering the industry the myriad choices they have in crafting a dynamic, meaningful, and interesting career. In this week’s season 4 finale, we’ve invited senior editor Amy Stone to join us in an interview. Moderator: Amy Stone is an architect, a mom of three, and is currently pursuing an MBA at Georgia Tech'shttps://www.scheller.gatech.edu/index.html ( Scheller College of Business). Amy is a design manager athttps://www.gensler.com/offices/atlanta ( Gensler) and is dedicated to creating sustainable and equitable environments. Her professional work experience includes a variety of building types, including housing, mixed-use, adaptive-reuse, offices, higher education, and deep-green sustainable projects including the largesthttps://livingbuilding.gatech.edu/ ( Living Building in the Southeast). Amy is a contributing interviewer and editor and is dedicated to elevating the voice and visibility of women in architecture and design. She studied architecture for her Bachelors's and Masters's at Georgia Tech. She is based in Atlanta. Follow Amy athttps://www.instagram.com/_amystone/ ( @_amystone). Co-Hosts: Evelyn M. Lee, FAIA, MBA, MPA is a licensed architect in the state of California, with over 15 years of experience working with individuals and companies that are looking to reshape their future. She is the founder of https://practiceofarchitecture.com/ (Practice of Architecture), the first-ever Senior Experience Designer at https://slack.com/ (Slack Technologies), and the first female Treasurer to https://www.aia.org/leadership (AIA National)‘s Board of Directors. She is widely published, wrote a monthly column for http://www.contractdesign.com/practice/business-practice.shtml (Contract) magazine for over 3 years, and now is a frequent contributor to https://www.architectmagazine.com/author/evelyn-lee (Architect Magazine). Evelyn has received numerous industry awards including the 2016 40 Under 40 award for https://www.bdcnetwork.com/meet-bdcs-40-under-40-class-2016 (Building Design + Construction) and the 2014 AIA National Young Architects Award. She currently is a candidate for https://aia.evelynlee.com/ (AIA National First VP 23/President 24) and most recently served as the first-ever female Treasurer to the AIA National Board in 2020-2021. Evelyn has been a featured Keynote Speaker, Invited Guest, Panelist, and Moderator at national design and architecture conferences including AIA National Convention, Dwell on Design, and Women in Green. Her topics focus on developing knowledge leadership, organizational change management, capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and strategic approaches to put design thinking into practice. Evelyn has nearly 20 years working with individuals, organizations, and companies who are interested in applying design thinking to their decision-making process. Je’Nen M. Chastain, MBA, Assoc. AIA (prounced Je-NEEN) is the founder of https://apostrophe.consulting/ (Apostrophe Consulting), a purpose-driven, woman-owned management consulting practice dedicated to helping architects transform their companies. In addition to consulting with firm leaders on practice management issues, she mentors architects on career development, leadership, and strategy. She specializes in facilitating conversations that engage multi-generational teams and has designed, developed, and presented dozens of training programs that inspire next-gen leaders. She is currently working on several in-house training solutions with...
Episode 079: Increasing Black Women in ArchitectureHow can we elevate and celebrate Black Women Architects? FIRST 500 was founded with this mission in mind. Founder Tiara Hughes set out with the goa of elevating and celebrating Black Women Architects to raise awareness about their distinction through an excellent central community. FIRST 500 inspires Black women and girls to infinitely increase our licensed representation in the industry to better reflect the environments we serve. Tiara is building a database to bring visibility and showcase Black Women Architects, collecting and designing resources to support rising talent who are exploring architecture. She is also speaking to leaders about how to expand awareness and support. Guest: A St. Louis native, based in Chicago, Tiara Hughes is a Senior Urban Designer at SOM, an adjunct professor at IIT, a Commissioner with the City of Chicago Landmarks Commission, and founder of FIRST 500, a global platform dedicated to elevating and celebrating Black Women Architects. She is a devoted activist, educator, and advocate for underrepresented communities and voices, and currently serves on the Board for NOMA and the Charnley-Persky House Board of Directors for the SAH. Tiara's personal experiences in the industry along with her passion for advocacy led her to establish FIRST 500 in 2018. As the founder and executive director of FIRST 500, Tiara raises awareness of the importance of Black Women Architects throughout history and their contribution to the built environment. As a designer, Tiara creates work that emphasizes greater socioeconomic equity and cultural awareness. She believes "Ultimately our efforts to positively impact communities of color will expand outward and evolve our institutions, our firms, our industry, and by extension, our communities." In 2021, Tiara received the prestigious AIA Associates Award. In 2022, she received Landmark Illinois’ Influencer award for her progressive and inclusive efforts to preserve the built environment and advance the design industry.
📍 Show Links: https://first500.org/ (First 500) https://first500.org/support/ (Show your support!)
📚 Continue Learning: https://first500.org/resources/ (Resources from First 500) https://www.instagram.com/_first500/?utm_medium=copy_link (IG: @_first500) https://twitter.com/_FIRST500 (Twitter: @_FIRST500)
📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: https://www.facebook.com/PracticeofArchitecture/ (Facebook) | https://www.instagram.com/practiceofarch/ (Instagram) | https://www.linkedin.com/company/practiceofarchitecture/ (LinkedIn) | https://www.pinterest.com/practiceofarch/ (Pinterest) | https://twitter.com/PracticeofArch (Twitter)
Episode 078: Leading on Climate Action for a Positive Future How can architects address the challenge of global warming? Planetary warming is one of the biggest disruptions of our time. In this special crossover episode focused on climate action, our friends from https://mailtrack.io/trace/link/e4e1c22f0bfec61d832b9e86311db6516333013a?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.designthefuturepodcast.com%2F&userId=6702384&signature=b20977236b9d237e (Design the Future podcast) will join us to discuss the evolution of the sustainable design movement and where it is heading. What can architects do to be part of the solution? The Design the Future podcast is hosted by Lindsay Baker and Kira Gould, two women working at the intersection of the built environment and climate change. Kira and Lindsay will share how they've seen architects leading on climate action, and where the opportunities exist for new leaders to join this work. Guests: Kira Gould is a writer, consultant, and convenor, working from multiple perspectives. As a writer and member of the design media, on staff at and as a consultant to firms, and as a volunteer leader at AIA, she has led the redefinition of design excellence as inclusive of climate action, health, and equity, and emphasized that human and leadership diversity is crucial to advancing all those goals. She is a member of the AIA Committee on the Environment's national Leadership Group. She is a Senior Fellow with https://architecture2030.org/ (Architecture 2030), and was https://www.aia.org/showcases/6450915-kira-gould (named an Honorary Member of the AIA in 2022). She co-authored Women in Green: Voices of Sustainable Design with Lance Hosey (Ecotone, 2007). As CEO of the https://living-future.org (International Living Future Institute), Lindsay Baker is the organization’s chief strategist, charged with delivering on its mission to lead the transformation toward a civilization that is socially just, culturally rich, and ecologically restorative. Lindsay is a climate entrepreneur, experienced in launching and growing innovative businesses. Her introduction to the green building movement began at the Southface Institute in Atlanta, where she interned before entering Oberlin College to earn a BA in Environmental Studies. She was one of the first 40 staff members at the https://www.usgbc.org/ (U.S. Green Building Council), working to develop consensus about what the LEED rating system would become. She then earned an MS from the University of California at Berkeley in Architecture, with a focus on Building Science, and spent five years as a building science researcher at the UC Berkeley Center for the Built Environment. Lindsay applied her experience around the study of heat, light, and human interactions in buildings to a role with Google’s Green Team, and later co-founded a smart buildings start-up called Comfy, which grew over five years to 75 employees and a global portfolio of clients. She was the first Global Head of Sustainability and Impact at WeWork, where she built the corporate sustainability team and programs from scratch. Lindsay is a Senior Fellow at the https://rmi.org/ (Rocky Mountain Institute), and a lecturer at UC Berkeley. She serves on several non-profit boards, and is an advisor and board member for numerous climate tech startups. 📍 Show Links: https://kiragould.com/ (Kira Gould Connect) https://living-future.org (International Living Future Institute) https://www.designthefuturepodcast.com/ (Listen to Design the Future Podcast) 📚 Continue Learning: https://architecture2030.org/ (Architecture 2030) https://www.aia.org/landing-pages/6423877-sustainability (AIA Sustainability) https://www.aia.org/pages/6464938-the-aia-2030-commitment (The 2030 Commitment) https://www.aia.org/pages/6351155-materials-pledge (Materials Pledge) https://www.aia.org/resources/205786-aia-resilience-and-adaptation-certificate-s (AIA Resilience and Adaptation Certification Series)...
Episode 077: Urban Intervention with Groundcycle What can we learn from a former architectural designer turned sustainable entrepreneur? At the peak of COVID-19 in New York City, farmers struggled to distribute their produce and the city had suspended all composting options. An architectural designer saw an opportunity to make a difference in her community. She began by picking up composting bins from friends and neighbors and has since grown her outreach into a fully operational business with over 300 customers. Vivian Lin made the jump from architecture into sustainable entrepreneurship and is dedicated to closing the loop between produce and compost with her Bin Swap and Compost Hub programs. Guest: Vivian Lin is a sustainability enthusiast born and raised in Midwood, Brooklyn. Being from lower Brooklyn, she has realized that many of NYC’s most valuable resources, including brown bins, Greenmarkets, and even Citi Bikes, don’t reach a majority of the city’s population. It’s important to her that these programs become accessible to all. Vivian is trained as an architect but recently left her design career to fill the massive composting gap in New York City. She is interested and curious about almost everything and is happiest when traveling, petting dogs, at an art museum, or simply being outside. Funny enough, for someone who started a delivery and pickup service, Vivian doesn’t even know how to drive but that doesn’t stop her. She is determined to make NYC a greener place to live.
📍 Show Links: https://groundcycle.org/ (Groundcycle) 📚 Continue Learning: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/09/nyregion/nyc-compost-recycling.html?referringSource=articleShare (Read the article published in New York Times) 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: https://www.facebook.com/PracticeofArchitecture/ (Facebook) | https://www.instagram.com/practiceofarch/ (Instagram) | https://www.linkedin.com/company/practiceofarchitecture/ (LinkedIn) | https://www.pinterest.com/practiceofarch/ (Pinterest) | https://twitter.com/PracticeofArch (Twitter)
Episode 076: Practice Applications Digital Architecture, Block Chain, and NFTS What are practice applications of digital architecture, block chain, and NFTs? This week on Practice Disrupted we are going deeper into technology talk about all the buzzwords around the metaverse, cyber currency, blockchain, and NFTs to talk expert Wendy W Fok on the potential implications these technologies have on practice and the fabric of our communities. This conversation delves deeper into: The Metaverse, is it truly something new or an extension of www 1 & 2, and what is the real opportunity there. Cyber and digital currency, worthwhile payment for services rendered and how different is it from a credit card transaction? Blockchain’s implication on data ownership, but also project team attributions and policy implications at the urban scale Looking beyond the marketplace that is NFTs, and its future ability to bring together digital communities within a physical space
Guest: Wendy W Fok (she/them), trained as an architect, is interested in design, technology, and creative solutions for the built environment. They have experience in Product Development and Program Management from Zero to Launch, Design-Build, Manufacturing, Hardware/Software, and Digital Fabrication. Proficient in 3D modelling, innovative material research, design-build, augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (XR) design, and other types of engagement that could promote a larger discussion of how consumers interact with products and delivery for architecture, real estate, retail, and innovative business development. Grantee of the New York City Corps Artist Grant (2021), Fellow at the MacDowell (2022), Urban Design Forum (since 2018), they were featured as Autodesk Remake’s Women in Reality Computing (2017), winner of the Autodesk AiR (2016), Digital Kluge Fellowship, Library of Congress (2014/15), ADC Young Guns 11 Award (2013), AIA Dallas Women in Architecture (2013), Perspective 40 under 40 (2011), and Hong Kong Young Design Talent Award (2009). Fok was the co-editor of AD Journal’s “Digital Property – Open Source Architecture”, published by Wiley. Their recent book chapter “Bio-Data Matter of New York City” is published by Routledge in “Data, Matter, Design – Strategies in Computational Design”, edited by Frank Melendez, Nancy Diniz, Marcella Del Signore. Fok is currently working on “http://digitalstructures.cc (digitalSTRUCTURES)” in issues of digital property and data infrastructures. Fok holds a Doctor of Design from Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD) partnering with the Harvard Law School, obtained her Master of Architecture and Certification of Urban Policy/Planning from Princeton University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture with a Concentration in Economics (Statistics) from Barnard College, Columbia University. 📍 Show Links: Digitalstructures.cc IG: @WendyWFok Twitter: @W_W_F Personal: http://wendyfok.com (http://wendyfok.com) 📚 Continue Learning: Fok is currently working on “http://digitalstructures.cc (digitalSTRUCTURES)” in issues of digital property and data infrastructures.
💻 Learn about our podcast partners: 👉 https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) is the cloud-based practice operations solution built for architects by architects. It is easy to use, beautifully designed, and helped firms streamline operations by empowering them to see project and firm-wide financial health in a single tool. Plan your projects with schedules, budgets, roles, and team members. Track a project’s financial health with their unique MoneyGantt which takes timesheet data and makes it simple to see whether you are on track or not. Use firm-wide revenue forecasts to make strategic decisions. With Monograph, you never have to make a decision in the dark again. 👉 Visit https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) now. 👉 https://getarchit.com/pd/ (ArchIT):...
Episode 075: Growing an AEC Startup / The Evolution of a Company Why is everyone talking about Monograph? Founded in 2018 by Robert Yuen, Alex Dixon, and Moe Amaya, the initial agency called Dixon & Moe has grown into a 50-person team, now known as Monograph. In their search to build tools and websites for startups and architecture firms, they noticed a recurring challenge—architects and project managers kept complaining about their existing and non-existent project management software. Even more prevalent, there was a disconnect between how projects were managed, budgets were forecast, and time was tracked. Often they would hear that existing solutions are “cumbersome” or “tedious”. Why wasn’t there a solution that could help architects manage their firms more effectively, with more transparency? This week we interview Robert Yuen, the CEO and Co-Founder of Monograph to learn about the company’s growth, pursuit in solving the challenges of the industry, and vision for the future. Let’s just say that their plans are much bigger than project management. Guest: Robert Yuen, Assoc. AIA, is the CEO and Co-Founder of Monograph, a software company revolutionizing the future in how architectural projects are managed. Having worked as an architectural designer in his hometown Chicago and ultimately setting his roots down in San Francisco, Yuen discovered his passion for designing software solutions for the AEC industry. A serial entrepreneur, a trained architect, and zealously productive, Robert is an active member and avid public speaker within the architecture, design, and engineering industries. His experience in working with some of the industry’s most renowned firms and designers, including SOM, Holabird & Root, and BluHomes, led him to discover a void for a simple cloud-based project management application that was tailored to the industry. As such, Yuen co-founded Monograph alongside his co-founders Alex Dixon and Moe Amaya, to help architects and engineers oversee projects in an integrated, user-friendly, and ever-evolving interface. Robert graduated with a Masters in Architecture and a Masters in Science in Digital Technologies from the University of Michigan. 📍 Show Links: https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph)
💻 Learn about our podcast partners: 👉 https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) is the cloud-based practice operations solution built for architects by architects. It is easy to use, beautifully designed, and helped firms streamline operations by empowering them to see projects and firm-wide financial health in a single tool. Plan your projects with schedules, budgets, roles, and team members. Track a project’s financial health with their unique MoneyGantt which takes timesheet data and makes it simple to see whether you are on track or not. Use firm-wide revenue forecasts to make strategic decisions. With Monograph, you never have to make a decision in the dark again. 👉 Visit https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) now.
👉 https://getarchit.com/pd/ (ArchIT): Tired of dealing with generic IT providers? ArchIT offers Complete IT Solutions for Architecture, Design, and Engineering firms, including helping architects fight back against ransomware and cybersecurity attacks. Visit http://getarchit.com/pd (http://getarchit.com/pd) to set up your free 15-min Cyber Security Assessment, or custom solutions for your design firm. 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: https://www.facebook.com/PracticeofArchitecture/ (Facebook) | https://www.instagram.com/practiceofarch/ (Instagram) | https://www.linkedin.com/company/practiceofarchitecture/ (LinkedIn) | https://www.pinterest.com/practiceofarch/ (Pinterest) | https://twitter.com/PracticeofArch (Twitter)
Episode 074: Exploring the Evolution of Computational Design
What should architects understand about the influence of computational design in practice?
Technology has prompted a massive change in the way we practice architecture. This week we’ve invited Andrew Heumann to the show to help us take a deep dive into the world of computational design and coding. This episode aims to bridge the gap between those new to the niche of computational design and those embedded in the community. Andrew will share his perspective on the evolution of the digital tools that help architects create, the role of coding in architectural design, his work at Hypar, and trends in computational design.
https://hypar.io/ (Hypar):
Building technology visionaries have spent 70 years telling us we could generate building designs, but instead, the software industry helped us draw walls. It's time for AEC to do what the software industry has done for 40 years — capture and share its expertise to accelerate the improvement of an entire sector, not just individual projects.
With Hypar, anyone can generate, visualize and analyze buildings to make better decisions faster. You can easily add your own processes and expertise so you don’t start from square one with each new project.
Guest:
Andrew Heumann is a software developer at Hypar, with a passion for building the next generation of software tools for designers. He has previously worked as an automation researcher at WeWork, and before that as an architectural designer at Woods Bagot and NBBJ architects. He has written more than 20 plug-ins for 3D modeling software like Rhino and Revit, including the popular "Human" and "Human UI" plugins for Grasshopper. Outside of his professional work, Andrew is a generative artist, working with data, algorithms, geometry, and machines to create rich visual abstractions that engage and challenge the limits and affordances of digital media. Andrew has studied both architecture and computer science and has lectured and taught seminars at Columbia GSAPP, Yale University, Princeton University, and the California College of the Arts. His work has been published in Wallpaper* magazine, the International Journal of Architectural Computing, CLOG journal, and presented at conferences including ACADIA, SIMAUD, Autodesk University, the Design Modelling Symposium, and the AEC Technology Symposium.
📍 Show Links:
http://andrewheumann.com/ (Andrew Heumann)
https://hypar.io/ (Hypar)
http://twitter.com/andrewheumann (Andrew on Twitter @andrewheumann)
📚 Continue Learning:
https://podcasts.apple.com/id/podcast/26-whats-all-the-hype-about-hypar-w-andrew-heumann/id1589288707?i=1000540287560 (
Episode 073: Architecture, And: Civic Leadership How are individuals using their training in architecture to explore diverse career paths in government and public service? The https://www.micd.org/ (Mayors’ Institute on City Design (MICD)) is a leadership initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the United States Conference of Mayors. Since 1986, the Mayors’ Institute has helped transform communities through design by preparing mayors to be the chief urban designers of their cities. MICD has hosted over 1,200 mayors representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. This week we’ll interview Trinity Simons, the Executive Director of the Mayors’ Institute on City Design, and Jake Day, the Mayor of Salisbury, Maryland. Trinity and Mayor Day both started their careers in architecture. We’ll interview them to learn more about their current leadership responsibilities, the path from architecture to civic leadership, and how their foundational education informs their work. Guests: Trinity Simons helps local leaders across the nation improve their communities, bringing together her advanced training in architecture and planning with a conviction about the importance of the built environment and respect for the democratic process. For the last decade, she has served as the executive director of the Mayors’ Institute on City Design (MICD). At MICD, she works with mayors across the country on the nation’s most pressing urban planning and design challenges. During her tenure, she has led the expansion of leadership development and learning opportunities for mayors, building off the successful MICD Institute model, to now include virtual seminars for mayors, advanced technical assistance, and the innovative MICD Just City Mayoral Fellowship. She speaks and writes frequently about the intersection of design and politics, and how design is a tool that can help mayors creatively address numerous challenges simultaneously, including equity, affordability, and sustainability. Under her leadership, in 2021, MICD was awarded the Landscape Architecture Foundation’s Founders’ Award, its highest honor for organizations. Trinity previously directed the Enterprise Rose Architectural Fellowship, a prestigious fellowship program for emerging architects and landscape architects to achieve design excellence in affordable housing through work with community development corporations. Trinity has a Bachelor of Architecture from the Fay Jones School at the University of Arkansas and a Master of City Planning with a focus on city design and real estate development from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Jake Day is the Mayor of Salisbury, Maryland. Born and raised in Salisbury, he was elected to the City Council at the age of 30 and unanimously elected President. First elected Mayor in 2015, he was reelected in 2019 with 86% of the vote. Under his leadership, Salisbury has established a Housing First program to reduce chronic homelessness, opened its first 2 youth community centers and recreation programs, borne witness to Maryland’s fastest declining rate of opioid overdoses, and the fastest dropping crime rate of any US city in the last decade. The renaissance of Downtown Salisbury has helped Salisbury become Maryland’s fastest-growing City, America’s 7th fastest growing job market, and America’s 16th fastest-growing metro area. As Mayor, Jake oversaw the complete reorganization of the Salisbury government; restoring employee morale, customer service, efficiency, and transparency. Jake earned a bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the University of Maryland, a Master’s Degree in Urban Design from Carnegie Mellon University, and a Master of Science in Environmental Policy from Oxford University where he graduated with distinction for his dissertation on the American lawn. Jake has spent his career revitalizing downtowns and making them more vibrant, livable places. His work...
Episode 072: Finding Your Voice as a Leader What lessons on leadership and career growth can we learn from Practice Disrupted co-hosts Evelyn Lee and Je’Nen Chastain? To celebrate the last day of Women’s History Month, Evelyn and Je’Nen sit down to have an open and honest discussion about their career paths as industry leaders. They’ll discuss stepping into leadership responsibilities as emerging professionals in the AIA, challenges they faced in practice, and mentors who helped them along the way. Learn more about the experiences that have informed their work as well as their diverse contributions to the profession. Across four seasons of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn and Je’Nen continue to encourage individuals to share their personal stories on leadership to elevate more voices in practice. Hosts: Evelyn Lee, FAIA, NOMA, is the first-ever Senior Experience Designer at https://slack.com/ (Slack Technologies), Founder of the http://practiceofarchitecture.com/ (Practice of Architecture), and Co-Host of the podcast, Practice Disrupted. Lee seamlessly integrates her business and architecture background with a qualitative and quantitative focus to build better experiences for an organization's employees, clients, and guests. She is widely published, wrote a monthly column for http://www.contractdesign.com/practice/business-practice.shtml (Contract) magazine for over 3 years, and now is a frequent contributor to https://www.architectmagazine.com/author/evelyn-lee (Architect Magazine). Evelyn has received numerous industry awards including the 2016 40 Under 40 award for https://www.bdcnetwork.com/meet-bdcs-40-under-40-class-2016 (Building Design + Construction) and the 2014 AIA National Young Architects Award. She recently served as the first-ever female Treasurer to the AIA National Board in 2020-2021. Je’Nen M. Chastain, MBA, Assoc. AIA is the founder of https://apostrophe.consulting/ (Apostrophe Consulting), a practice focused on helping architects and next-gen leaders strengthen their teams and businesses. In addition to consulting with firm leaders on practice management issues, she mentors architects on career development, leadership, and strategy. She specializes in facilitating conversations that engage multi-generational teams and has designed, developed, and presented dozens of training programs that inspire next-gen leaders. She is currently working on several in-house training solutions with award-winning firms that provide support to their teams. Je’Nen is a co-host on the podcast Practice Disrupted, a show that explores the evolution of architectural practice through conversations with industry thought leaders. Through this work, she’s transformed her expertise in marketing and communication into a passion for telling the stories of leaders who are moving the practice of architecture forward. Common themes discussed on the show include business strategy, operations, technology, cultural shifts, entrepreneurship, and professional development. Je'Nen earned both her MBA and BArch, and has trained in architecture. She has received several awards for her leadership in the profession, including the 2017 AIA Associates Award.
📍 Show Links: http://practiceofarchitecture.com/ (Practice of Architecture)https://www.evelynlee.com/ (Evelyn Lee)https://apostrophe.consulting/ (Apostrophe Consulting) Listen to past episodes of the show: https://practiceofarchitecture.com/podcast/ (https://practiceofarchitecture.com/podcast/)https://gablmedia.com/show/practicedisrupted/ (https://gablmedia.com/show/practicedisrupted/) 💻 Learn about our podcast partners:
👉 https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) is the cloud-based practice operations solution built for architects by architects. It is easy to use, beautifully designed, and helped firms streamline operations by empowering them to see project and firm-wide financial health in a single tool. Plan your projects with schedules, budgets, roles, and...
Episode 071: A Case Study for Practice: Shepley BulfinchWhat workplace policies and recruitment strategies actually attract talent? This week is both a case study for practice management and firm leadership, featuring two CEOs working in partnership to help their firm grow and navigate this pivotal moment of industry transformation. Shepley Bulfinch is a national architecture firm that tackles complex challenges, focusing on visionary design in education, healthcare, and urban development. They are a nationally certified woman-owned business and a firm member of the Large Firm Round Table. Current CEO Angela Watson, FAIA, and immediate past CEO Carole Wedge, FAIA share their thoughts on practice management, their firm’s new workplace policies, and their leadership transition. They’ll also discuss key strategies the firm has implemented to attract new talent to the team. Learn how Shepley Bulfinch has embraced change to move the practice forward. Guests: Angela Watson, FAIA, LEED AP, is the President and CEO of Shepley Bulfinch, where she focuses on creating environments that support people in learning, teaching, and collaborating. Throughout her 25-year career, she has led more than a dozen award-winning projects. Angela publishes and presents widely, including a number of studies that investigate the impact of light on occupant well-being to better understand the relationship between space and behavior. Her passion for teaching in both the classroom and studio makes her a leader who fosters a collaborative team process that challenges all members to reach their full potential. Born and raised in Germany, she attended Universität Karlsruhe and earned her Master of Architecture from MIT, where she returned as a design studio lecturer from 2006-2010. She was named a Senior Fellow at the Design Futures Council in 2020. Carole Wedge, FAIA, LEED AP, is a Principal and former President and CEO at Shepley Bulfinch. Her work in both leadership and design capacities is noted for its success in achieving organizational change and strategically positioning her clients for the future. Carole is recognized for her leadership in moving the firm forward, growing the quality and creativity of the firm’s work, and aligning the brand. She is the recipient of the 2020 Edward C. Kemper Award. A senior member of the firm’s Education Practice Group, her experience includes projects at Princeton University, University of Houston, and Harvard Business School. 📍 Show Links: https://shepleybulfinch.com/ (https://shepleybulfinch.com/) 💻 Learn about our podcast partners: 👉https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph): March 8th - 10th, Monograph is hosting Section Cut, a virtual conference and career fair dedicated to firm owners and operation leaders. Hear from leaders at Cottage, Krueck Sexton, Verdant Studio, and more! Register today to reserve a seat by visiting https://sectioncut.com/ (https://sectioncut.com/) 👉 https://getarchit.com/pd/ (ArchIT): Tired of dealing with generic IT providers? ArchIT offers Complete IT Solutions for Architecture, Design, and Engineering firms, including helping architects fight back against ransomware and cybersecurity attacks. Visit http://getarchit.com/pd (http://getarchit.com/pd) to set up your free 15-min Cyber Security Assessment, or custom solutions for your design firm. 👉 https://analysisofpractice.com/ (NCARB): Shape the Future of Architecture. You have the power to influence future updates to how architects are educated, trained, and licensed. Visit https://analysisofpractice.com/ (ncarb.org/AOP) to take NCARB’s profession-wide Analysis of Practice survey and ensure your voice is heard. 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: https://www.facebook.com/PracticeofArchitecture/ (Facebook) | https://www.instagram.com/practiceofarch/ (Instagram) | https://www.linkedin.com/company/practiceofarchitecture/ (LinkedIn) |...
Episode 070: SheBuilds Crossover in Three ActsWhat lessons on change and disruption can we learn from the women who have influenced the industries of building design and construction? To celebrate the 70th episode of Practice Disrupted we’ve teamed up with our friends at https://www.shebuildspodcast.com/ (She Builds Podcast) to create a very special AEC podcast crossover episode. Tune in to discover how women who shaped the history of the design and construction industry relate to modern themes of change, including: identity & culture; workplace shifts; and disruption in education. https://www.shebuildspodcast.com/ (She Builds Podcast) is a podcast featuring the seldom-told stories of women who build; women whose worth is not taught in schools, but who have shaped the industries of architecture, construction, and development over the last century. The podcast was started by three friends who, after graduating from Syracuse University School of Architecture together, wanted to fill in the gaps in their education and share those with others. Guests: Norgerie Rivas is an Architectural Associate with a Bachelor’s of Architecture from Syracuse University. She works for an architecture firm in Houston, Texas. Since before she was riding a bicycle she was making model houses and dreaming of becoming an architect. Norgerie has experience in commercial, healthcare, and retail architecture projects from design through construction. She is also a co-host of She Builds Podcast. She enjoys the process of creating and developing projects, whether they are physical spaces or an internet radio show. With She Builds Podcast, Norgerie hopes to share the stories of women in the AEC industry and to inspire future, new, and experienced people in the profession. Norgerie enjoys bike rides with her husband, sampling craft beers, and playing board games whenever she has a chance. Elizabeth Raar (Lizi) is a licensed architect at an architecture firm in Marin County, California. Originally from Holland, Michigan, she always had an interest in architecture and design and knew that would be her profession by the age of 11. After architecture school, Lizi took an internship at an architectural concept firm in The Hague, Netherlands. In 2014 she moved to San Francisco to take a job at her current firm, which focuses on single-family residential architecture. Lizi loves focusing on making a client's home functional and yet beautiful for them. Now with She Builds Podcast, Lizi is so excited to be sharing stories of women in the industry who haven’t been showcased throughout history in the hopes that women will play a more equal part in future architectural history. When not in the office or podcasting, Lizi is most likely traveling the world, salsa dancing, or baking delicious things. Jessica Rogers is a Miami native that now resides in Washington D.C working as a Senior Manager for Program Development at the AIA National Headquarters. There she manages and develops programming and resources for emerging professionals, women in architecture, and EDI Strategies. She is passionate about helping others succeed, elevating the voices of those underrepresented, and creating a more equitable profession. Prior to working for the AIA, Jessica was a drafter at several firms in Tampa and Miami, Florida. She has worked on various projects including single-family homes, retail land proposals, and a Port Terminal for the City of Miami. Jessica attended Design and Architecture Senior High, a magnet art school in the design district in Miami. She loves being creative and trying new things like handling the social media of She Builds Podcast. You can typically find Jessica in a museum or gallery, catching up on pop culture, or tending to her plants. Show Links: 📍 https://www.shebuildspodcast.com/ (She Builds Podcast) Continue Learning: 📚 https://www.shebuildspodcast.com/episodes/janedrew (Episode 07:
Episode 069: A Case Study on Leadership: Expanding Established Design Practices to New LocationsWhat does it take to help an established firm set up a new office in a new location? This week we host a panel interview featuring three architects representing three award-winning design firms to learn about their individual experiences of helping each of their practices expand into a new location. While each architect’s story is unique, these women will discuss and discover the common themes between their journeys. Learn more about each firm, the leadership teams who support them, how each leader pitched the idea to their team, and the level of support necessary to make this type of transition happen. Amanda Loper, AIA, LEED AP, Summer McEneny, and Abigail Hammett, AIA are three strong architect leaders with a vision of how to expand their practices, while also helping their hometowns. Case study firms: https://www.dbarchitect.com/ (David Baker Architects), San Francisco, CA ➡️Birmingham, AL https://cone-arch.com/ (Cone Architecture), Seattle, WA ➡️Charlotte, NC https://brick-inc.com/ (brick.), Oakland, CA ➡️Boston, MA
Our three practice leaders include: Amanda Loper, AIA, LEED AP, is a Principal at https://www.dbarchitect.com/ (David Baker Architects), a progressive, award-winning architecture and urban design firm known for combining social concern with a signature design character. Amanda leads the southeastern office in Birmingham, Alabama, which she established in 2016. Her work integrates architecture and urban design so that each project is a “small but mighty act of urbanism.” Since the completion of her Bachelor of Architecture and Bachelor of Interior Architecture at Auburn University, Amanda has contributed to solving the affordable housing crises in San Francisco and throughout the Southeast. She adapts these solutions to help other cities across the country address their own affordable housing crises and enhance livability. A strong “architecture communicator,” Amanda also shares her experiences, innovations, and philosophy widely with designers, students, developers, and the public through lectures and writing. Amanda was awarded a https://www.dbarchitect.com/us/broadcasts/415/Principal%20Amanda%20Loper%2C%20AIA%2C%20LEED%20AP%2C%20wins%202021%20AIA%20Young%20Architect%20Award.html (2021 AIA Young Architects Award), a national honor that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the architecture profession early in their careers. Contact Amanda at amandaloper@dbarchitect.com. Summer McEneny is a Principal at https://cone-arch.com/ (Cone Architecture) based in Seattle, WA and Charlotte, NC. Cone was founded in Seattle in 2015 with the goal of making a collective impact on the future of housing. After graduating from the UNC-Charlotte School of Architecture, Summer spent ten years in Seattle, where she became a licensed architect and joined Cone in 2016. She managed residential projects of a wide variety of scales – from small residential remodels, to mid-size townhome communities, to large mixed-use apartment projects. Summer recently relocated back home to North Carolina to be closer to her family, and now leads the Cone Carolina office in Charlotte, NC, where she looks forward to bringing her expertise in community-oriented housing design to her home state. Abigail Hammett, AIA is an Associate Principal at https://brick-inc.com/ (Brick) leading East Coast operations as Managing Director of the firm’s new Boston office. She is a committed generalist – part design-obsessed creative thinker, part detail-oriented production enthusiast, and part business-minded long-term strategist. She has practiced on both the east and west coasts and has extensive experience in the design and execution of a broad range of project types including commercial, life science, higher education, affordable housing, hospitality, and...
Episode 068: 2022 AIA Whitney M. Young Jr. Honor Award Winners: RIDING THE VORTEXWhat lessons on architecture, practice, and change can we learn from AIA Whitney M. Young Jr. Honor Award Recipients Kathryn Prigmore, Kathy Dixon, Katherine Williams, and Melissa Daniel? Named for civil rights leader Whitney M. Young Jr., the https://www.aia.org/awards/7501-whitney-m-young-jr-award (AIA Whitney M. Young Jr. Honor Award) distinguishes an architect or architectural organization that embodies social responsibility and actively addresses a relevant issue, such as affordable housing, inclusiveness, or universal access. Architects and design leaders Kathryn Tyler Prigmore, FAIA; Kathy Denise Dixon, FAIA; Katherine Williams, AIA; and Melissa R. Daniel, Assoc. AIA are the winners of this year’s award for their leadership in advancing educational programming to support and increase the number of people of color licensed to practice architecture in the U.S. According to the American Institute of Architects, “The number of practicing African-American architects had been a stagnant 2% in recent decades. In the early 1990s, there were just 1,800 licensed African-American architects in the country, and only 30 of them were women. As of the summer of 2021, those numbers have grown to 2,435 and 533, respectively, and VORTEX has been a major catalyst in the 254% growth in African-American women architects.” This episode includes the stories of the VORTEX collaborators, as well as a candid discussion about their careers, what inspires them, and their work to build this program. Guests: Kathryn Prigmore, FAIA, NOMAC, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, CDT is an architect, educator, and design practice leader with an inimitable understanding of the dynamics that impact the management of firms from the perspective of an architect, academic, and regulator. She has over 40 years of design and management experience for award-winning architectural projects of a wide range of sizes, types and delivery methods executed for private and public clients within diverse practice environments. Her academic leadership includes teaching experience in sustainable design. As an award-winning strategic thinker and planner, she is also a leader in regulatory issues and professional ethics. Kathryn is skilled at growing staff into leaders. Kathy Denise Dixon was born in Baltimore and grew up in Harford County, Maryland. She is a graduate of Howard University School of Architecture and attended UCLA matriculating with a Master's degree in Urban Planning in 1993. Kathy has been a licensed architect since 1998 and started the firm http://www.kdixonarchitecture.com/ (K Dixon Architecture), PLLC in 2003. She acquired legacy firm Walton Madden Cooper Robinson Poness in 2016. Kathy is a past president of the https://www.noma.net/about-noma/ (National Organization of Minority Architects) and was elevated to Fellow in the American Institute of Architects in 2017. She is also the co-author of the book titled “The Business of Architecture: Your Guide to a Financially Successful Firm” published in December 2017. Katherine Williams, AIA, NOMA, LEED AP is a licensed architect in Northern Virginia and currently a Senior Project Manager at a DC university. Her career path includes work in traditional architecture firms, community development, and managing commercial construction for a general contractor. Katherine has written extensively about the architecture profession, diversity in the industry, and community development. She has served as editor for multiple publications and was the NOMA magazine editor from 2009-2014. She writes at http://katherinerw.com/ (katherinerw.com) and is publisher/editor for http://archstories.com/ (archstories.com). Melissa R. Daniel is an architectural designer in Maryland, and the creator and host of the...
Episode 067: Architecture And: The Future of WorkplaceHow can technology simplify workflows for both clients and designers? As CEO of CANOA, Federico Negro is building the first end-to-end platform for designing, procuring, and managing low-carbon, reconfigurable interiors in the workplace. What does that mean in simple terms? Clients and designers can design, purchase, and completely furnish the office space without touching CAD or going through a dealer. Even though CANOA is a technology platform, they are reimagining the supply chain and procurement process for everything that, “falls out of a building when you turn it upside down.” And did we mention they are doing so in the most climate-friendly way possible? CANOA is on its way to being certified as a B Corp and is not the first company that Federico Negro founded. We talked with him about everything from building company culture, launching a workplace-focused company just before the pandemic, and building a business from the ground up, having learned from his first successful company, Case (which was acquired by WeWork). Guest: Federico Negro is the founder and CEO of CANOA, a new workplace design tool with an embedded marketplace of furniture, prefabricated and modular structures, and more. CANOA’s mission is to decarbonize commercial real estate and they're doing so by reinventing the way businesses shop for the office. Learn more at https://www.canoa.supply 📍 Show Links: https://www.canoa.supply (Canoa Supply) https://sectioncut.com/ (Join us @ Section Cut 2022!) 💻 Learn about our podcast partner https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph): March 8th - 10th, Monograph is hosting Section Cut, a virtual conference and career fair dedicated to firm owners and operation leaders. Hear from leaders at Cottage, Krueck Sexton, Verdant Studio, and more! Register today to reserve a seat by visiting https://sectioncut.com/ (https://sectioncut.com/) 💻 Learn about our podcast partnerhttps://getarchit.com/pd/ ( ArchIT): Tired of dealing with generic IT providers? ArchIT offers Complete IT Solutions for Architecture, Design, and Engineering firms, including helping architects fight back against ransomware and cybersecurity attacks. Visit https://getarchit.com/pd/ (http://getarchit.com/pd) to set up your free 15-min Cyber Security Assessment, or custom solutions for your design firm. 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:https://www.facebook.com/PracticeofArchitecture/ (Facebook) | https://www.instagram.com/practiceofarch/ (Instagram) | https://www.linkedin.com/company/practiceofarchitecture/ (LinkedIn) | https://www.pinterest.com/practiceofarch/ (Pinterest) | https://twitter.com/PracticeofArch (Twitter)
Episode 066: Architecture, And: TechnologyHow are individuals using their training in architecture to explore diverse career paths? Our ongoing series “Architecture, And:” follows the careers of professionals using their education and training in architecture to expand their current role in practice or apply their skills in an entirely new field. These interviews help us understand how an architectural education prepares people for diverse career opportunities. Past interviews include: [055] – Architecture, And: MBA [054] – Architecture, And: EDI+J [045] – Architecture, And: Publishing [043] – Architecture, And: Nonprofit Design Education [039] – Architecture, And: Customer Success [036] – Architecture, And: Robotics [025] – Architecture, And: Tech [019] – Architecture, And: Film [015] – Architecture, And: Social Impact [013] – Architecture, And: Entrepreneurship This week, we revisit our conversation on tech, diving further into the career of someone who has dedicated their career and craft to technology. In our conversation with Libo Li, we discuss his current role as a Chief Technology Officer at https://www.katalystdi.com/ (KatalystDI), and ask him about technology as a driver for change. We also revisit the presentation he gave at Section Cut in 2021 and ask him about his observations bridging between technology and culture. Learn what makes an adaptive organization. Guests: Libo Li is Chief Technology Officer at https://www.katalystdi.com/ (KatalystDI), where he works with a growing team to minimize the friction from integration to insights across the construction supply chain. A graduate of Rice University, Libo worked in architecture before making the transition into technology at WeWork. He has been called a Project Integrator, Design Technologist, and Senior Data Solutions Architect. Prior to joining KatalystDI, Libo worked as Chief Operating Officer at Voyansi where he designed, developed, and implemented company-wide end-to-end infrastructure and processes. 📍 Show Links: https://www.katalystdi.com/ (Check out KatalystDI) https://www.hellohowareyouhaveaniceday.com/ (Learn more about Libo) 📚 Continue Learning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjEbZ9zfYrU ("Organizing Work Towards Adaptive Organizations" w/ Libo Li @ Section Cut 2021) https://sectioncut.com/ (Join us @ Section Cut 2022!) 💻 Learn about our podcast partner https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph): March 8th - 10th, Monograph is hosting Section Cut, a virtual conference and career fair dedicated to firm owners and operation leaders. Hear from leaders at Cottage, Krueck Sexton, Verdant Studio, and more! Register today to reserve a seat by visiting https://sectioncut.com/ (https://sectioncut.com/) 💻 Learn about our podcast partnerhttps://getarchit.com/pd/ ( ArchIT): Tired of dealing with generic IT providers? ArchIT offers Complete IT Solutions for Architecture, Design, and Engineering firms, including helping architects fight back against ransomware and cybersecurity attacks. Visit https://getarchit.com/pd/ (http://getarchit.com/pd) to set up your free 15-min Cyber Security Assessment, or custom solutions for your design firm. 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: https://www.facebook.com/PracticeofArchitecture/ (Facebook) | https://www.instagram.com/practiceofarch/ (Instagram) | https://www.linkedin.com/company/practiceofarchitecture/ (LinkedIn) | https://www.pinterest.com/practiceofarch/ (Pinterest) | https://twitter.com/PracticeofArch (Twitter)
Episode 065: Training Confidence in Technical DetailingHow do you teach technical foundations in architecture to boost career confidence? Many emerging professionals struggle to find their confidence in the more technical aspects of practice. There is limited onboarding toward the advanced skills architects aspire to master in building envelopes and systems. This week, we sit down and have a candid conversation with Christine Williamson, founder of the https://www.buildingsciencefightclub.com/bundles/building-science-for-architects (Building Science Fight Club). Her mission is to teach architects about building science and construction through teaching and consulting. Building science is where architectural design meets the practical realities of intelligent construction. Learning the fundamentals can provide architects and designers with the foundation they need to design buildings that are as durable, efficient, and comfortable as they are beautiful. About ten years into professional practice as a building scientist, Christine noticed that her classmates from architecture school — talented men and women whom she knew to be intelligent, creative, and attentive — lacked confidence on the job site. Learn how this lead her towards designing a business and creating a robust curriculum of on-demand training videos. Building Science Fight Club includes a five-part series covering the fundamentals, walls, roofs, foundations, windows, and doors, qualifies for over 10 LU|HSW. Guest: Christine Williamson has spent her career in building science forensics, discovering why buildings fail, and working with owners, architects, and builders to remedy the problems. Her new construction consulting helps architects use building science not only to mitigate the risk of failure but also to help them make their projects as energy-efficient as they are beautiful. She is the founder of the Instagram account @BuildingScienceFightClub, an educational project that teaches architects about building science and construction. She graduated from Princeton University and studied at Boston Architectural College before completing her Master's of Architecture at NewSchool of Architecture + Design. She is a member and past chair of ASHRAE Technical Committee 1.12, Moisture Management in Buildings. Christine is a frequent lecturer on building science at universities, conferences, and professional associations, in addition to serving as a guest critic for architecture school studio reviews. 📍 Show Links: https://www.buildingsciencefightclub.com/bundles/building-science-for-architects (Building Science Fight Club) 📚 Continue Learning: https://entrearchitect.com/podcast/entrearch/building-science-fight-club/ (Christine on EntreArchitect) https://youngarchitect.com/building-science-fight-club-with-christine-williamson/ (Christine on The Young Architect Podcast) https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/episode-058-talking-shop-building-science-fight-club/ (Christine on Life of an Architect Podcast) 💻 Learn about our podcast partner https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph): March 8th - 10th, Monograph is hosting Section Cut, a virtual conference and career fair dedicated to firm owners and operation leaders. Hear from leaders at Cottage, Krueck Sexton, Verdant Studio, and more! Register today to reserve a seat by visiting https://sectioncut.com/ (https://sectioncut.com/) 💻 Learn about our podcast partnerhttps://getarchit.com/pd/ ( ArchIT): Tired of dealing with generic IT providers? ArchIT offers Complete IT Solutions for Architecture, Design, and Engineering firms, including helping architects fight back against ransomware and cybersecurity attacks. Visit https://getarchit.com/pd/ (http://getarchit.com/pd) to set up your free 15-min Cyber Security Assessment, or custom solutions for your design firm. 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: https://www.facebook.com/PracticeofArchitecture/...
Episode 064: A Case Study for Practice: Stayner ArchitectsHow can architects redesign the practice model of architecture? In this week's episode, we interview Christian Stayner to learn more about his process for designing his projects and the business model for his firm.https://staynerarchitects.com/ ( Stayner Architects) is a case study firm bridging the role of the architect, developer, designer, builder, strategist, and even expanding into the role of operator. Stayner Architects, a practice based in Los Angeles, is focused on architecture for food systems – the spaces where food is produced, consumed, grown, and distributed – specifically for nonprofit educational and cultural institutions. Additionally, the practice is unique in that it acts as developers and operators of roughly half of the projects in the office at a given time – much of this in food and hospitality. Sometimes this also involves the construction of projects under their general contractor license. The practice has been working to consolidate its food systems knowledge into an online resource called Tools & Utensils, which launches in February and provides educational and cultural institutions strategies for approaching issues such as sustainability, STEM learning, labor equity, and public health/nutrition. Guest: Christian Stayner, AIA, NCARB, Managing Partner of Stayner Architects, is a licensed architect in California, Hawaii, Oregon, Arizona, New Mexico, and a general contractor in California. He received his undergraduate degree in International Development from Harvard College and his professional degree from the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University. His undergraduate and graduate research focused on temporary settlement patterns due to forced migration resulting from war and colonialism, specifically two long-term refugee settlements in southern and central Somalia. Christian has fifteen years of experience in architectural design, project and construction management, and development. His expertise includes designing and managing projects from conception through ongoing operations, and works across scales, from campus master planning to single-family homes. He has consulted for governmental and non-governmental agencies, academic and cultural institutions, and private corporations. Christian has held academic appointments at the University of Michigan’s Taubman College, Woodbury University’s School of Architecture, and at Arizona State University’s Herberger Institute for Art and Design. His research focuses on geographies of architectural materials including production networks, infrastructures, and logistics. Christian’s work has been exhibited at the Venice Architecture Biennale, California College of the Arts, the University of Virginia, Woodbury University, and the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art. Before taking on his current role at Stayner Architects, he worked as an architect in Rotterdam and New York City for firms including the Office for Metropolitan Architecture and Thomas Phifer & Partners. 📍 Show Links: https://staynerarchitects.com/ (Stayner Architects) 📚 Continue Learning:
https://staynerarchitects.com/Tilda-Wine-Bar (Tila project overview) > shop: https://tildawine.com/ (Tilda) https://staynerarchitects.com/Bacetti-Restaurant (Bacetti project overview) > visit: https://bacetti-la.com/ (Bacetti) https://staynerarchitects.com/The-Desert-Wave (Desert Wave House project overview) > visit: https://www.the-desert-wave.com/ (Desert Wave House) https://www.tools-utensils.com/ (Food Systems Architecture) (Stayner Architects' new research tools and utensils site) 💻 Learn about our podcast partner https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph): March 8th - 10th, Monograph is hosting Section Cut, a virtual conference and career fair dedicated to firm owners and operation leaders. Hear from leaders at Cottage, Krueck Sexton, Verdant Studio, and more! Register today to...
Episode 063: Podcast Live: DAC Leadership Series: From Team Member to Office LeaderHow can midcareer architects successfully transition from project work into more senior roles dealing with staffing and operations? Traditional architectural training does not often prepare us with the business leadership and people management skills required to successfully lead an office. On top of that, office leadership comes with a variety of challenges that differ from everyday project leadership. Practice Disrupted co-hosts Evelyn Lee and Je’Nen interview firm leaders Amy Perenchio, AIA, NCARB, and Megan Bowles, AIA to explore the following topics: What characteristics are required to make the jump from team member to office leader? What skills are transferable from project leadership to leadership within the office? How can we grow our talent from within to prepare to take on these roles?
Guests: Amy Perenchio, AIA, NCARB is a Principal at ZGF Architects and joined us in season 3 on episode https://practiceofarchitecture.com/2021/08/19/047-talent-development-in-practice/ ([047] – Talent Development in Practice) (a top 10 episode on Practice Disrupted). In addition to her role at ZGF, Amy has held leadership positions on the National AIAS and NAAB boards and served on various committees and task forces for NCARB. Dedicated to the professional growth and development of the design staff at ZGF, Amy oversees the staffing and recruiting efforts for a group of 130+ designers and architects and works at the intersection of people and practice. Megan Bowles, AIA is a Principal at LS3P based out of their Raleigh office. She's also a board member with AIA North Carolina, and active with ACE Mentoring and Diversify Architecture. She successfully navigated her career growth from architect into an operations role. Early in her career, she was a project manager and became the Raleigh Operations and Finance Manager. Currently, she co-leads with the Raleigh Office Leader for LS3P. Her focus on firm management and operations makes her a key point person in conversations related to finance, legal considerations, people management, and technology. Co-hosts: Evelyn Lee, FAIA, MBA, MPA | Founder, Practice of Architecture Je’Nen Chastain, MBA, Assoc. AIA | Founder, Apostrophe Consulting Special thanks to: https://www.aiadc.com/ (AIA DC) Alison Pavilonis, AIA, LEED AP BD+C | Associate, Gensler Derek Roberts | Senior Design Manager, Architect of the Capitol Katie Spencer | Program Director, AIA DC
📍 Show Links: https://www.zgf.com/ (ZGF) https://www.zgf.com/careers/ (Careers at ZGF) https://www.instagram.com/zgfarchitects/ (ZGF Architects | LinkedIn) https://www.instagram.com/zgfarchitects/ (ZGF Architects (@zgfarchitects)) https://www.instagram.com/maisondomino/ (Amy (@maisondomino) ) https://www.ls3p.com/ (LS3P) https://www.ls3p.com/joinus/ (Careers at LS3P) https://www.linkedin.com/company/ls3p-associates-ltd-/ (LS3P | LinkedIn) https://www.instagram.com/ls3p/ (LS3P | (@ls3p))
📚 Continue Learning: https://practiceofarchitecture.com/2021/08/19/047-talent-development-in-practice/ (Practice Disrupted [047] – Talent Development in Practice) https://www.aiadc.com/event/dac-leadership-series-team-member-office-leader (DAC Leadership Series: From Team Member to Office Leader | AIA|DC (aiadc.com))
📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: https://www.facebook.com/PracticeofArchitecture/ (Facebook) | https://www.instagram.com/practiceofarch/ (Instagram) | https://www.linkedin.com/company/practiceofarchitecture/ (LinkedIn) | https://www.pinterest.com/practiceofarch/ (Pinterest) | https://twitter.com/PracticeofArch (Twitter)
Episode 062: 2022 AIA Gold Medal Winners: Brooks + ScarpaWhat lessons on architecture, practice, and change can we learn from AIA Gold Medal winners Angela Brooks and Lawrence Scarpa? In this episode, we welcome Angela Brooks, FAIA and Lawrence Scarpa, FAIA of Brooks + Scarpa to talk about their careers together from undergrad to the 2022 AIA Gold Medal. Their firm, Brooks + Scarpa is known for globally award-winning designs across a variety of project types, often elevating the ordinary into something that is truly extraordinary. In our conversation, we diver deeper into the lesser-known aspects that inform their practice, including mentorship and scholarship, as well as environmental stewardship and advocacy. Larry and Angie are redefining the role of the architect in the best way possible. Guests: Angela Brooks, FAIA is a recognized leader in the field of environmental and social-equity design and is responsible for her firm’s development in the area of housing and policy, leading initiatives and overall design staff management. Angie believes that it is not enough to create great buildings and has worked to create complete neighborhoods- she co-founded a non-profit to promote good policy, density and livable communities, lectures extensively on these topics and was 2018 Chair of the National AIA’s Committee on the Environment (COTE), developing programs and advocating for policy changes at the Federal level-promoting design that achieves high levels of performance. In 2020 Angie received the AIA National and Local Citizen Architect Award and the AIA State of California Maybeck Award (the first woman ever to do so) for exemplary achievement in architectural design and ‘a different kind of legacy’ as an advocate for issues that extend beyond buildings. Ms. Brook’s firm BROOKS + SCARPA has received over fifty major design awards including five AIA COTE ‘Top Ten Green Building’ Awards. In 2009 Ms. Brooks received the National American Institute of Architects ‘Young Architect’ Award and in 2010 she received the USA Network ‘Character Approved’ Award for her innovative work in the field of architecture and her firm was awarded the National and State Architecture Firm Award from the American Institute of Architects. In 2014, her firm was awarded the Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt National Design Award in Architecture. Lawrence Scarpa, FAIA has garnered international acclaim for the creative use of conventional materials in unique and unexpected ways. He is also considered a pioneer and leader in the field of sustainable design. Mr. Scarpa has received more than 200 major design awards including twenty-two National AIA Awards, Architect Magazine’s Progressive Architecture and R+D awards, the HIVE 50 Innovator Award, National AIA Collaborative Achievement Award, AIA Los Angeles Chapter Gold Medal, Architect Magazine’s Top 50 Architecture Firms (ranked 2nd, 4th and 9th respectively), AIA California Council Lifetime Achievement Award, Smithsonian Cooper Hewitt National Design Award, Record Houses, Record Interiors, Rudy Bruner Prize, six AIA COTE “Top Ten Green Building” Awards and was a finalist for the World Habitat Award, one of ten firms selected worldwide. His work has been exhibited internationally including the National Building Museum in Washington, DC, MOCA Los Angeles, A+D Museum, and the Smithsonian Museum. He has been featured in NEWSWEEK and appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show. In addition, Interior Design Magazine honored him with their Lifetime Achievement Award. And his firm Brooks + Scarpa was awarded the National and State of California Architecture Firm Award from the American Institute of Architects. Most recently he was the winner of the $4.5 mil Housing Innovation Challenge sponsored by Los Angeles County. He is currently on the faculty at the University of Southern California and has taught and lectured at the university level for more than two decades. Some of...
Episode 061: S4 Launch: Leading Change Through Entrepreneurship How can architects lead change through a blended career of entrepreneurship and architecture? Welcome to the fourth season of Practice Disrupted, a podcast where we explore the evolution of architecture practice from many different angles! Mark R. LePage, AIA, NCARB joins us to share his story of becoming an architect and entrepreneur through the creation of https://entrearchitect.com/ (EntreArchitect) and https://gablmedia.com/ (Gābl Media). https://entrearchitect.com/ (EntreArchitect) is a community of architects building profitable architecture firms to better serve the world. https://entrearchitect.com/podcast/ (EntreArchitect Podcast) has produced over 450 episodes and has been downloaded over 2 million times. Through his career as an entrepreneur, Mark has brought together a community of inspiring, passionate people who share their knowledge and expertise to help small firm entrepreneur architects succeed. Mark helped launch https://gablmedia.com/ (Gābl Media), the largest, most engaged AEC multimedia network on the planet. Guest: Mark R. LePage, AIA, NCARB is a residential architect/developer based in Charlotte, North Carolina and the founder of EntreArchitect, a global online platform launched in 2012 to provide resources, training and community for small firm entrepreneur architects. In January 2020 Mark partnered with architect and founder of SPACES Podcast, Dimitrius Lynch, Jr. to launch Gābl Media. As President and CEO of Gābl Media, Inc., Mark leads the multimedia network, empowering global leaders in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. Gābl Media creates and distributes industry leading podcast series, including EntreArchitect Podcast, Archispeak Podcast, SPACES Podcast, Build Your Brand Podcast, Practice Disrupted, TRXL, Build Smart, She Builds Podcast, and more. The mission at Gābl Media is to create content that informs and entertains an audience dedicated to building a better world. Co-Hosts: Evelyn M. Lee, FAIA, MBA, MPA is a licensed architect in the state of California, with over 15 years of experience working with individuals and companies that are looking to reshape their future. She is the founder of https://practiceofarchitecture.com/ (Practice of Architecture), the first-ever Senior Experience Designer at https://slack.com/ (Slack Technologies), and the first female Treasurer to https://www.aia.org/leadership (AIA National)‘s Board of Directors. Je’Nen M. Chastain, MBA, Assoc. AIA is the founder of https://apostrophe.consulting/ (Apostrophe Consulting), a purpose-driven, woman-owned management consulting practice dedicated to helping architects transform their companies. With expertise in talent development, change management, and business strategy, Je’Nen helps her clients navigate growth in a changing world. 📍 Show Links: Check out https://entrearchitect.com/ (EntreArchitect) Join the https://www.facebook.com/groups/EntreArchitect/ (EntreArchitect Community) http://entrearchitect.com/gtn4a (Gābl Tech Network for Architects) http://entrearchitect.com/annualmeeting (EntreArchitect Annual Meeting) 📚 Continue Learning: http://entrearchitect.com/search (EntreArchitect Search) https://gablmedia.com/ (Gābl Media)
Episode 060: Disruption and the Season 3 FinaleHow has Practice Disrupted grown and evolved over 60 episodes? This week show creators regroup to celebrate 60 episodes. Dimitrius Lynch, Chief Creative Officer at https://gablmedia.com/ (Gābl Media), rejoins Practice Disrupted co-hosts Evelyn Lee and Je’Nen Chastain to reflect on the 20 new conversations that happened during season 3. What began as an idea to start a podcast has grown into a timely series on change in the industry, featuring conversations with over 70+ disruptors. Evelyn and Je’Nen take a moment to reflect on what they’ve observed and their experiences through this process. If you’ve been following the growth of the show -- thank you for your ongoing support! The team is planning for season 4, which will launch in January 2022. Co-Hosts: Evelyn M. Lee, FAIA, MBA, MPA is a licensed architect in the state of California, with over 15 years of experience working with individuals and companies that are looking to reshape their future. She is the founder of https://practiceofarchitecture.com/ (Practice of Architecture), the first-ever Senior Experience Designer at https://slack.com/ (Slack Technologies), and the first female Treasurer to https://www.aia.org/leadership (AIA National)‘s Board of Directors. Je’Nen M. Chastain, MBA, Assoc. AIA is the founder of https://apostrophe.consulting/ (Apostrophe Consulting), a purpose-driven, woman-owned management consulting practice dedicated to helping architects transform their companies. With expertise in talent development, change management, and business strategy, Je’Nen helps her clients navigate growth in a changing world. Moderator: Dimitrius Lynch, NCARB, LEED BD+C, Well AP is the founder and principal architect of https://houseoflynes.com/ (LYNES), and a licensed architect in the state of California. He has practiced both domestically and internationally in various building types with a focus in residential and specialty retail. Dimitrius also created and hosts https://www.spacespodcast.com/ (SPACES Podcast), a show dedicated to detailing the spaces that we occupy everyday. To expand on this endeavour, he co-founded and is the Chief Creative Officer of https://gablmedia.com/ (Gābl Media), a multimedia network that empowers global thought leaders in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries to entertain, inspire and share their knowledge with an audience dedicated to building a better world. 📚 Continue Learning: The PoA Lab is a community of like-minded disruptors that collaborate virtually across the country. Join by visiting: https://practiceofarchitecture.com/lab/ (practiceofarchitecture.com/lab)
Show Links: Listen to https://www.spacespodcast.com/ (SPACES Podcast) Check out https://gablmedia.com/ (Gābl Podcasts)
💻 Learn about our podcast partner https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph): https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) is the cloud-based practice operations solution built for architects by architects. It is easy to use, beautifully designed, and helped firms streamline operations by empowering them to see project and firm-wide financial health in a single tool. Plan your projects with schedules, budgets, roles, and team members. Track a project’s financial health with their unique MoneyGantt which takes timesheet data and makes it simple to see whether you are on track or not. Use firm-wide revenue forecasts to make strategic decisions. With Monograph, you never have to make a decision in the dark again. 👉 Visit https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) now.
💻 Learn about our podcast partnerhttps://getarchit.com/pd/ ( ArchIT): Tired of dealing with generic IT providers? ArchIT offers Complete IT Solutions for Architecture, Design, and Engineering firms, including helping architects fight back against ransomware and cybersecurity attacks. Visit https://getarchit.com/pd/...
Episode 059: Building the Pipeline Through K-12 EducationHow are architects increasing representation in architecture through early educational outreach? Project Pipeline was born at the 2002 https://www.noma.net/ (NOMA) conference. Then-president Paul Taylor asked Drake Dillard and David Kirk to research and establish a plan for the camp that would introduce minority students with a focus on black students to architecture with the ultimate goal of creating more licensed black architects. The first camp was held in 2006 in Cincinnati. Since then dozens of camps have been held in more than twenty cities. This week we interview Prescott Reavis, one of the co-founders of the http://www.sfnoma.net/project-pipeline.html (SFNOMA Project Pipeline) Architecture Summer Camp. Designed for students in grades 6th-8th, the camp teaches minority youth about environmental and community based design while developing STEAM skills through the discipline of architecture. As one of the few national initiatives in the nation connecting youth and architecture, the program helps K-12 students gain an understanding of the essential elements of architecture. Working alongside mentors, students work both individually and collaboratively to address community-focused issues through creativity and design innovation with a real project site. Project Pipeline Summer Camp is only possible through the continued support of members and friends. Please consider donating towards their annual summer camp through https://sfnoma.wedid.it/ (SFNOMA). To learn about other local camps across the country visit: https://www.noma.net/project-pipeline/ (Project Pipeline – National Organization of Minority Architects – NOMA). Guest: Prescott Reavis, NOMA, NCARB, LEED AP, SEED is an Oakland-based Spatial Activist, architect, planner, and award-winning educator who has merged over 20+ years of experiences in architecture, planning, and education to develop and construct inclusive communities internationally with a focus on equitable design and planning justice. He is the Founder and Director of https://www.kulimadesign.com/ (Kulima), a community design, planning, and teaching practice, empowering everyday citizens of all ages to use their collective knowledge and voices to shape the physical environment to their visions by engaging them in their spaces for nonprofits, small business, community based and governmental organizations. Prescott is also an experienced youth educator with 15 years of practice from elementary school through university students on architecture, planning, culture, and sustainability. Read more about Prescott and his work at https://www.kulimadesign.com/ (Kulima). Show Links: 📍 https://www.kulimadesign.com/ (KULIMA) 📍 http://www.sfnoma.net/project-pipeline.html (SFNOMA Project Pipeline) 💻 Learn about our podcast partner https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph): https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) is the cloud-based practice operations solution built for architects by architects. It is easy to use, beautifully designed, and helped firms streamline operations by empowering them to see project and firm-wide financial health in a single tool. Plan your projects with schedules, budgets, roles, and team members. Track a project’s financial health with their unique MoneyGantt which takes timesheet data and makes it simple to see whether you are on track or not. Use firm-wide revenue forecasts to make strategic decisions. With Monograph, you never have to make a decision in the dark again. 👉 Visit https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) now. 💻 Learn about our podcast partnerhttps://getarchit.com/pd/ ( ArchIT): Tired of dealing with generic IT providers? ArchIT offers Complete IT Solutions for Architecture, Design, and Engineering firms, including helping architects fight back against ransomware and cybersecurity attacks. Visit https://getarchit.com/pd/...
Episode 058: A Case Study for Practice: RIOSHow do you build an entrepreneurially forward-thinking firm? The Practice of Architecture was founded on the basis that for architects to remain relevant, we must seek opportunities to increase our careers and firms beyond traditional services, fully embracing entrepreneurship and constantly pursuing new opportunities. Rios is a firm that is doing just that, collectively working beyond boundaries and not only seeking out but diving head-first when it comes to embracing the moment to try and pursue something new. Founded in 1985 as a multi-disciplinary design firm, the design studio has evolved to meet the changing needs of a changing world. Their success is underpinned by the unique culture of their firm and an agile operating model that not only helps them adapt during a pandemic but also leaves them free to pursue ideas, projects, and products. We hope our conversation with RIOS' dynamic co-CEOs, Jessamyn Davis and Andy Lantz, leaves you with the same optimism it gave us regarding the profession's future. Guests: Jessamyn Davis is the Co-CEO of RIOS based in LA. As Co-CEO, Jessamyn is responsible for RIOS’ growth and financial vitality. She oversees the health of finance and business operations and the realization of strategic planning goals. After joining the firm in 2015 as the first CFO, she created infrastructure to catalyze sustainable and scalable growth among the studio’s many disciplines. She drives the creation of processes and procedures that direct and support overall firm operations. Jessamyn’s diverse background spans biotech to renewable energy to extreme sports, which strengthens the entrepreneurial drive behind RIOS. In addition to her role within the practice, she serves as CFO of notNeutral, a sister company focused on tabletop products. Her passion for design amplifies her talent for creating operational clarity to scaffold the bold, transdisciplinary design RIOS is known for. She received her Bachelor of Science from the University of California at Berkeley, and her Master of Business Administration from UCLA’s Anderson School of Management. Andy Lantz is the Creative Director and Co-CEO of RIOS based in LA. Andy Lantz is an Architect and visionary leader directing groundbreaking design solutions as Creative Director at RIOS. His depth of experience is all-encompassing of multidisciplinary design as he influences teams across the firm with his perspectives and point of view for achieving dynamic experiences through design. For over a decade, Andy’s work has served an impressive roster of clients and projects – from competition-winning places that enhance the public realm along the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood and along the banks of Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas, to notable music institutions and content production facilities in Los Angeles, to leading the industry in envisioning the future of work with market-ready products and forward thinking design approaches that reframe potential in workplace design. Andy reimagines creative office environments informed by science, culture, and the importance of the human experience. Each project’s location and cultural vibe help to determine unique solutions. Notably, he led the design of the Austin-based Vrbo headquarters that explores a data-driven process to manifest thoughtful programming and experiential design. Additionally, he produced a mission-driven experience that blends aesthetics and wellness at the GoodRx Headquarters in Santa Monica. Andy has also worked to create a flexible and dynamic workplace laboratory at RIOS’ Los Angeles HQ as a means to address the swift change in the market that goes beyond pandemic-thinking and fully embraces the work-from-anywhere revolution. From industry panels to national broadcast segments, Andy’s thought-leadership continues to impact and engage. Show Links: 📍 https://www.rios.com/ (RIOS) 📍 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GFbZfarKVY
Episode 057: Southeast Asian American ArchitectsLeaders of the profession share diverse perspectives on race, equity, and architecture. Practice Disrupted is committed to elevating conversations on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion to teach, empower, and build greater awareness across the industry. Building from prior diversity conversations, this week we learn about Southeast Asian Architects. Guests: Meghana Joshi, AIA, NOMA is a strong proponent of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Justice in the architecture profession. At SoCal NOMA, she is a Director of Outreach and Recruitment for Project Pipeline and works towards increasing minority representation in architecture through summer camps for middle and high school students. She founded AIA Orange County’s Women in Architecture Committee in 2015 to give a platform for Orange County firms to meaningfully contribute towards the improvement of professional conditions for women in architecture. She joined AIA Orange County’s Board of Directors in 2019 and founded EDI+J Committee to increase minority representation through mentorship in leadership. She founded “Project Amplify” to amplify voices and works of minority architects in the AEC industry. She is an active member of ULI-OC/IE’s Office and Commercial Product Council. She is currently engaged in bringing ULI’s Urban Plan program to educate underrepresented demographics and communities. She is also an active member and advocate for “Belong at Little” – Little’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Task Force. 📍Follow Meghana on https://www.instagram.com/meghanaira/ (Instagram) or on https://twitter.com/meghanaira/ (Twitter) Suyama Bodhinayake, Assoc. AIA diverse experience in architecture spans three continents, shaping his commitment to design excellence, sustainability and service. He currently resides and works in Southern California. Throughout his career, Suyama appreciates the opportunities to contribute to international and national award-winning projects, as well as the opportunities to serve the profession through a variety of leadership roles within the AIA. Since 2018, he has been a member of the AIA Orange County (AIA OC) Committee on the Environment (COTE) and a founding member of the COTE Southern California Coalition in 2019. In 2020, he joined the AIA OC’s Board of Directors and has since served as the chapter’s Director of Sustainability and the Chair of COTE, leading a multi-faceted approach to promoting sustainability. As a member of the AIA California COTE Advocacy Task Force, he advocates for building decarbonization policies at a local and state level. Suyama is committed to sustainability as part of design excellence. As a member of AIA OC’s Design Awards committee, he guided the process of how every AIA OC design awards submission must now comply with the AIA’s Framework for Design Excellence. Additionally, Suyama advocates for architects to be recognized as stewards of the built environment. He was nominated, and currently serves as AIA Orange County’s first Director of Advocacy. He has advanced AIA’s role as a leader in sustainability within communities around Orange County, California. He has been supporting education in architecture since 2016, serving on the Advisory Board for the Architectural Technology Program at Orange Coast College. As a champion of causes that impact our future, Suyama firmly believe in the Native American saying, “we do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” Farah Naz Ahmad is an Architect and LEED Accredited Professional based in New York City, specializing in building sustainability and green building standards. Her public sector experience in city government agencies includes sustainable design review of projects, assessment and development of technical standards and energy code compliance. Additionally, Farah is engaged in green building journalism, spreading awareness on environmental...
Episode 056: Leading with Finance & EntrepreneurshipHow can architecture firms focus on elevating their financial management? This week we explore our love/hate relationship with numbers and discover tips and tricks that help keep projects and their budgets financially sound. Bolanle Williams-Olley is a CFO and partner at Mancini, but also an incredible entrepreneur managing multiple businesses in various stages of growth all at the same time. Our conversation with her will help you reframe your approach to accounting and bookkeeping tasks and leave you asking yourself what type of business you want to build next. You will also get a first look at her BOLD framework from her new book, Build Boldly launching early next month focused on how individuals can spark courageous action for grow and become leaders that inspire others to rise and be their best. Guest: Bolanle Williams-Olley sets a new standard of expectations for financial professionals. As Chief Financial Officer for https://www.manciniduffy.com/ (Mancini), Bolanle brings a unique vision to the firm’s leadership team and thrives on building relationships between finance and management teams to ensure the overall financial success of projects and her firm. At 36-years-old, she is a true multi-hyphenate. In addition to her C-suite role, she is also a mom of two and a dynamic leader in the built industry as the founder of several impact organizations for improving education in a low-income school in Nigeria (where she was raised), empowering women in the A/E/C industry and at small design firms, as well as creating awareness about NGOs across Nigeria. Show Links: 📍 https://www.shebuildsmoney.com/ (She Builds Money) 📍 https://www.shebuildswaves.com/ (She Builds Waves) 📍 https://shebuildslives.org/ (She Builds Lives) 📍 https://www.bolanlewo.com/ (BolaneWO.com) 📍 https://www.bolanlewo.com/book (Build Boldy Book) 💻 Learn about our podcast partner https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph): https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) is the cloud-based practice operations solution built for architects by architects. It is easy to use, beautifully designed, and helped firms streamline operations by empowering them to see project and firm-wide financial health in a single tool. Plan your projects with schedules, budgets, roles, and team members. Track a project’s financial health with their unique MoneyGantt which takes timesheet data and makes it simple to see whether you are on track or not. Use firm-wide revenue forecasts to make strategic decisions. With Monograph, you never have to make a decision in the dark again. 👉 Visit https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) now. 💻 Learn about our podcast partnerhttps://getarchit.com/pd/ ( ArchIT): Tired of dealing with generic IT providers? ArchIT offers Complete IT Solutions for Architecture, Design, and Engineering firms, including helping architects fight back against ransomware and cybersecurity attacks. Visit https://getarchit.com/pd/ (https://getarchit.com/pd/) to set up your free 15-min Cyber Security Assessment, or custom solutions for your design firm.
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Episode 055: Architecture, And: MBAWhat is the value of an MBA paired with an education in architecture? This week’s episode is a group discussion between our co-hosts and two fellow MBAs in the profession. Each participant has a foundation in architecture education and training, and is at a different stage in the process of pursuing an MBA. Three of our guests are licensed architects, with the last guest through IDP. Together they’ll demystify the MBA and discuss how they pursued and use their business education in their careers. Learn from these personal experiences to better understand what they’ve gained, what they wish they knew, and their recommendations to others who are considering going to school for business. We also discuss how architects can leverage the talents of someone with an MBA to improve their business operations and performance. Guests: Korey White is driven by her zest for the built environment, bringing open-mindedness and creativity to her role as an architect and urban planner. She applies her dual master’s degrees in architecture and urban and regional planning to an interdisciplinary approach that creates impactful outcomes for her clients and the community. Korey currently works for https://www.dlrgroup.com/ (DLR Group) in the Chicago office, focused primarily on educational facility master planning for K-12 school districts. Korey is recognized for her leadership within architecture by her recent election to the AIA Strategic Council as 2022 Moderator-elect and has been awarded the AIA Young Architects Award, the BD+C 40 under 40 and the AIA Colorado Leadership Award. She is currently enrolled at the https://onlinemba.illinois.edu/ (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the iMBA program). She is a http://www.fortefoundation.org/ (Forte Fellow) and will graduate with her MBA in Fall 2022. Keith Kato is an architect and MBA based in Honolulu, Hawai’i. He’s worked on a variety of project types including small & large custom homes, K-12, and higher education. Keith is interested in how business innovations can expand the market for architecture and how our communities can grow stronger by unleashing hidden potential. While in school, he was fortunate to participate and then lead the AIAS club Freedom by Design that delivered projects that served seniors and houseless individuals. Keith is currently participating in the great resignation and exploring possibilities aligned with his values. Show Links: 📍 For more information on University of Illinois’ iMBA program, visit: https://onlinemba.illinois.edu/get-info/ (https://onlinemba.illinois.edu/get-info/) 💻 Learn about our podcast partner https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph): https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) is the cloud-based practice operations solution built for architects by architects. It is easy to use, beautifully designed, and helped firms streamline operations by empowering them to see project and firm-wide financial health in a single tool. Plan your projects with schedules, budgets, roles, and team members. Track a project’s financial health with their unique MoneyGantt which takes timesheet data and makes it simple to see whether you are on track or not. Use firm-wide revenue forecasts to make strategic decisions. With Monograph, you never have to make a decision in the dark again. 👉 Visit https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) now. 💻 Learn about our podcast partnerhttps://getarchit.com/pd/ ( ArchIT): Tired of dealing with generic IT providers? ArchIT offers Complete IT Solutions for Architecture, Design, and Engineering firms, including helping architects fight back against ransomware and cybersecurity attacks. Visit https://getarchit.com/pd/ (https://getarchit.com/pd/) to set up your free 15-min Cyber Security Assessment, or custom solutions for your design firm.
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Episode 054: Architecture, And: EDI+JWhat is the role of a firm leader focused on equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice? As we continue to expand our exploration of diversity in practice, we’ve invited Yiselle Santos Rivera back to the podcast so she can share what she’s learned after two years of serving https://www.hksinc.com/ (HKS) as their Director of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, & Justice. What does it mean to position someone in a firmwide leadership role dedicated to increasing diversity within an architecture studio? What lessons can firms learn from the adoption of a leadership position of this scale? And what are some of the challenges in driving change in this capacity? Yiselle will help us explore this conversation in depth with personal stories from her leadership experience, as well as lessons learned along the way. Guest: Yiselle Santos Rivera, AIA, NOMA, LLSSYB, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP is a medical planner and Global Director of Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion at HKS. With national and international experience on a broad range of healthcare, sports, residential, institutional, and commercial/mixed-use projects, she thrives on designing for inclusive communities, building belonging through equitable practices, and empowering the next generation of leaders in the architecture, design, and construction industry. Yiselle is a published author, national speaker, has been featured on various podcasts, and is the founder of https://www.aiadc.com/committee/equity-committee-wield (“We Inspiring Emerging Leaders in Design” (WIELD)), recipient of the 2019 AIA Diversity Program Recognition Award. She is a storyteller, a 2015 Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program Scholar, and a recipient of the 2018 AIA Associate Award. Show Links: 📍 https://www.hksinc.com/ (HKS) 📍 https://www.aiadc.com/committee/equity-committee-wield (AIADC WIELD) Practice Disrupted Diversity Series: https://practiceofarchitecture.com/2020/08/14/009-voices-from-the-future-of-the-profession/ (Episode 009: Voices from the Future of the Profession) (Black Architects) https://practiceofarchitecture.com/2020/10/01/016-voices-from-the-future-of-the-profession/ (Episode 016: Voices from the Future of the Profession) (LGBTQIA+ Architects) https://practiceofarchitecture.com/2021/04/29/035-asian-american-architects/ (Episode 035: Asian American Architects) https://practiceofarchitecture.com/2021/08/26/048-architecture-identity-culture/ (Episode 048: Architecture, Identity, & Culture) https://practiceofarchitecture.com/2021/09/30/053-immigrant-architects/ (Episode 053: Immigrant Architects) Stay tuned for upcoming episodes on this series! 📚 Continue Learning: https://www.aia.org/resources/6246433-guides-for-equitable-practice (AIA Guides for Equitable Practice) 💻 Learn about our podcast partner https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph): https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) is the cloud-based practice operations solution built for architects by architects. It is easy to use, beautifully designed, and helped firms streamline operations by empowering them to see project and firm-wide financial health in a single tool. Plan your projects with schedules, budgets, roles, and team members. Track a project’s financial health with their unique MoneyGantt which takes timesheet data and makes it simple to see whether you are on track or not. Use firm-wide revenue forecasts to make strategic decisions. With Monograph, you never have to make a decision in the dark again. 👉 Visit https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) now. 💻 Learn about our podcast partnerhttps://getarchit.com/pd/ ( ArchIT): Tired of dealing with generic IT providers? ArchIT offers complete IT solutions for architecture, design, and engineering firms, including helping architects fight back against ransomware and cybersecurity attacks. Visit https://getarchit.com/pd/
Episode 053: Immigrant ArchitectsLeaders of the profession share diverse perspectives on equity and architecture. Expanding our diversity series, this week we learn about the lived experiences of individuals who immigrated to the United States. Guests: Originally from Colombia, Graciela Carrillo, AIA, LEED AP, immigrated to the United States in 2003. She recently joined Nassau BOCES Facilities Services as a Senior Manager where she is managing school operational and capital projects. Graciela has committed a decade of volunteer leadership service to the AIA. Currently she is serving as the President 2020-2021 as well as the Chapter’s Women In Architecture Co-Founder and Co-Chair. Graciela was the past 2017-2018 NY Regional Director (YARD) for the Young Architects Forum (YAF). She is also the Co-Founder of the https://www.immigrantarchitects.org/ (Immigrant Architects Coalition), a group committed to helping and providing resources for immigrant architects to achieve a prosperous career in the US. In 2019, Graciela was the recipient of the AIA NYS Young Architect Award. Gloria Kloter, AIA, NCARB, CODIA, is founder and CEO ofhttps://www.glowarchitects.com/ ( Glow Architects). A practicing architect both in her home country of the Dominican Republic and in the US, she has dedicated her career to helping other young architects grow. She is the founder of the https://www.facebook.com/groups/ForeignArchitects (Foreign Architects), a private community in Facebook where she mentors young and aspiring immigrant architects on how to obtain their architect license in the United States. Gloria also serves as the Architect Licensing Advisor of the State of Florida through AIA Florida. She is a part of the Board of Directors of the AIA Tampa Bay where she is the chairperson of the Women in Architecture committee. She was also honored for the https://www.aia.org/press-releases/6156295-architects-foundation-announces-2019-recip (2019 Sho-Ping Ching Women’s Leadership Summit Scholarship), a recognition to mid-career women architects who are advancing toward leadership roles and are making a positive impact within their communities. Shahad Sadeq, Assoc. AIA is an Iraqi immigrant architectural designer at https://www.smithgroup.com/ (Smithgroup). She is an active member of the AIA in her local chapter in Dallas, Texas. Shahad is passionate about amplifying diverse voices in the profession and developing sustainable workplace culture. She currently is co-leading the immigrant architect coalition and sits on the J.E.D.I. committee board of Smithgroup. She previously helped found an Equity in Architecture effort through the AIA Kansas City Chapter. Yu-Ngok Lo, FAIA, CDT, LEED AP is the founding principal of https://www.ynlarchitects.com/ (YNL Architects, Inc.) His work received numerous design awards such as the NAHB Best of American Living Awards, Gold Nugget Awards, Aurora Awards, American Residential Design Awards, and various AIA Design Awards. The projects of his firm have been published in ArchDaily, Hinge Magazine, CONDE, CommArch Magazine, and Hospitality-Interiors Magazine. Yu-Ngok is a past recipient of the AIBD Designer of the Year, AIA Presidential Citation, AIA National Young Architects Award, BD+C 40 Under 40, 2015 ENR 20 Under 40, and the AIACC Young Architect Award. He was elevated to the AIA College of Fellows in 2020. Show Links: 📍 https://www.immigrantarchitects.org/ (Immigrant Architects Coalition) 📍 https://www.facebook.com/groups/ForeignArchitects (Foreign Architects) 📍 https://www.glowarchitects.com/ (Glow Architects) 📍 https://www.smithgroup.com/ (Smithgroup) 📍 https://www.ynlarchitects.com/ (YNL Architects, Inc.)
💻 Learn about our podcast partner https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph): https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) is the cloud-based practice operations solution built for architects by architects. It is easy to use, beautifully designed,...
Episode 052: Managing a Virtual Practice What does it take to manage an architecture studio virtually? The pandemic has revealed three options for managing an architecture studio: 1. an entirely in-person operation; 2. the new and improved hybrid practice; 3. the entirely virtual operation We speak with two firm owners who have been managing their design studios in a 100% virtual capacity since before the pandemic hit. Leah Bayer returns to Practice Disrupted and is joined by Jennifer Kretschmer. Both firm owners are originally based out of Silicon Valley. In this discussion Leah and Jennifer outline the complexity and argument for virtual practice in a changing world. They are currently developing a curriculum for the Practice of Architecture to help business owners understand the operational constraints and considerations necessary to ensure the success of managing a virtual practice. This course will be available in the upcoming months. Guests: Jennifer Kretschmer founded J. Kretschmer Architect in 2003, specializing in single-family and multi-family residential projects under 10,000 square feet. Her firm has been a virtual office since 2008 which she has operated primarily from her home in the Silicon Valley area of California with workers located all over the United States. She was a speaker at the AIA’19 Conference on Architecture and 2019 CRAN Symposium bringing valued information, inspiration and training to architects on operating a virtual office with remote workers. Awarded AIA National Associate Member of the Year, 2002, she is also the the founding CRAN chairperson of the AIA Silicon Valley (2016-2019) and the 2021 AIASVC President. Leah Alissa Bayer is an award-winning architect licensed in California, Hawaii, and Washington with an endless curiosity, forward-focus, and passion for improving quality of life. She is President at OJK Architecture + Planning, a 100% virtual, woman-owned and led firm. Overseeing Operations & Culture with the studio, her big-picture visioning and integrated approach to architecture stems from her multi-discipline background. She joined OJK with a background in creative business design and management focused on transparency and equity, most recently having founded EVIA Studio, a highly collaborative, women-led, and virtual architecture practice. Show Links: 📍 Check out https://www.jkretschmer.com/ (J.Kretschmer Architect) 📍 Check out https://www.ojkarch.com/ (OJK Architecture + Planning) 🎧Revisit Practice Disrupted episode https://practiceofarchitecture.com/2020/10/16/018-remote-practice/ ([018] - Remote Practice)
📚 Continue Learning: PoA curriculum: http://practiceofarchitecture.com/virtualpractice (practiceofarchitecture.com/virtualpractice)
💻 Learn about our podcast partner https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph): https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) is the cloud-based practice operations solution built for architects by architects. It is easy to use, beautifully designed, and helped firms streamline operations by empowering them to see project and firm-wide financial health in a single tool. Plan your projects with schedules, budgets, roles, and team members. Track a project’s financial health with their unique MoneyGantt which takes timesheet data and makes it simple to see whether you are on track or not. Use firm-wide revenue forecasts to make strategic decisions. With Monograph, you never have to make a decision in the dark again. 👉 Visit https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) now.
💻 Learn about our podcast partner http://twinmotion.link/disrupted (Twinmotion): http://twinmotion.link/disrupted (Twinmotion) is a real-time rendering solution used by architecture, engineering, and construction professionals to create high-quality imagery, client presentations, and interactive experiences that help communicate your BIM data and design ideas,...
Episode 051: Designing a Culture of MentorshipHow can architects rethink studio culture through conversations on mentorship? In this week’s episode Evelyn Lee interviews Practice Disrupted co-host Je’Nen Chastain to learn more about her work on mentorship and leadership development at https://apostrophe.consulting/ (Apostrophe Consulting). Je’Nen shares her vision for helping her clients assess and redesign their talent development strategies. She explains why this is critical at the individual level to support better project work. As architect leaders continue to seek out ways to improve their firm operations, Je’Nen believes mentorship is an underutilized pathway towards strengthening creative teams from the inside out. Over the past decade she has studied leaders and leadership in architecture, yielding the creation of training programs and resources in support of architects and emerging professionals. Her work has become increasingly focused on organizational behavior, specifically in support of helping emerging architect leaders grow and reimagine their studio environments. Tune in to learn more about her work, her observations, and key skills leaders can work on today to enhance mentorship conversations in practice. Interested in working with Je’Nen? Check out https://apostrophe.consulting/ (Apostrophe Consulting) Guest: Je’Nen Chastain is a consultant trained in architecture and business management with a decade of experience working with award-winning architects. She foundedhttps://apostrophe.consulting/ ( Apostrophe Consulting) to help architecture firms win more work, build a culture of leadership and trust within the studio, and create a pipeline for emerging leaders to grow. She is the co-host ofhttps://practiceofarchitecture.com/podcast/ ( Practice Disrupted), a podcast that addresses how technology, cultural shifts, and emerging best practices in business are prompting industry disruption and transformation. A recipient of the 2017 AIA Associates Award, Je’Nen holds both a B.Arch and an MBA. She specializes in facilitating conversations that engage multi-generational teams and has designed, developed, and presented dozens of professional development training programs that inspire next-gen leaders. Show Links: 📍 https://apostrophe.consulting/ (Apostrophe Consulting) 📚 Continue Learning: https://www.adamgrant.net/podcast/ (WorkLife with Adam Grant), season 4, episode 20: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worklife-with-adam-grant/id1346314086?i=1000529425087 (Is it Safe to Speak Up at Work?) (https://www.ted.com/podcasts/worklife/is-it-safe-to-speak-up-at-work-transcript (Transcript)) 💻 Learn about our podcast partner https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph): https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) is the cloud-based practice operations solution built for architects by architects. It is easy to use, beautifully designed, and helped firms streamline operations by empowering them to see project and firm-wide financial health in a single tool. Plan your projects with schedules, budgets, roles, and team members. Track a project’s financial health with their unique MoneyGantt which takes timesheet data and makes it simple to see whether you are on track or not. Use firm-wide revenue forecasts to make strategic decisions. With Monograph, you never have to make a decision in the dark again. 👉 Visit https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) now. 💻 Learn about our podcast partner http://twinmotion.link/disrupted (Twinmotion): http://twinmotion.link/disrupted (Twinmotion) is a real-time rendering solution used by architecture, engineering, and construction professionals to create high-quality imagery, client presentations, and interactive experiences that help communicate your BIM data and design ideas, fast. 👉 Visit http://twinmotion.link/disrupted (twinmotion.link/disrupted) and try Twinmotion for free.
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Episode 050: TRXL Crossover: Calling on Architects to Embrace ChangeWhy is change necessary in the practice of architecture? To celebrate our 50th episode of Practice Disrupted we’ve teamed up with fellow podcaster and Gābl Media content creator Evan Troxel to bring you a special crossover episode. Evan is an industry-leading design and technology expert and licensed architect in California. Since launching his newest podcast https://www.trxl.co/ (TRXL) in 2020, he has interviewed over 50 thought leaders to discuss how technology is changing our profession. From the very start of this podcast, we identified technology as one external force disrupting the practice of architecture. This pivotal moment in time has redefined the way architects practice including the way they draft, model, communicate, and build. Today we’re talking about change and our collective work across two podcasts to move the profession forward. We’re asking architects to embrace change and we’ll focus on technology as a driver of change, the limitations of architecture studios to implement change, and our shared desire to see this industry evolve. Guest: Evan Troxel is a licensed architect in California andhttp://tect.com ( )https://www.tect.com/ (Tect's) architectural community director. With over 25 years of architectural design and project experience, he strives to better the architectural community in meaningful ways. Evan is the author of A.R.E. Hacks and also co-hosts a widely recognized architecture and design podcast called Archispeak. In 2020 he launched a new podcast called TRXL where he is joined by guests from the “architechie” community. When not pushing the profession forward, he’s likely out in the mountains recharging his batteries. An avid mountain biker, rock climber, photography enthusiast, and general adventurer, he’s always searching for his next outdoor experience. Show Links: 🎧 Listen to https://www.trxl.co/ (TRXL) 🎧 Listen to https://www.archispeakpodcast.com/ (ArchiSpeak) 📍 Check out https://www.tect.com/ (Tect) 🔍 Learn about https://gablmedia.com/ (Gābl Media) 💻 Learn about our podcast partner https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph): https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) is the cloud-based practice operations solution built for architects by architects. It is easy to use, beautifully designed, and helped firms streamline operations by empowering them to see project and firm-wide financial health in a single tool. Plan your projects with schedules, budgets, roles, and team members. Track a project’s financial health with their unique MoneyGantt which takes timesheet data and makes it simple to see whether you are on track or not. Use firm-wide revenue forecasts to make strategic decisions. With Monograph, you never have to make a decision in the dark again. 👉 Visit https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) now. 💻 Learn about our podcast partner http://twinmotion.link/disrupted (Twinmotion): http://twinmotion.link/disrupted (Twinmotion) is a real-time rendering solution used by architecture, engineering, and construction professionals to create high-quality imagery, client presentations, and interactive experiences that help communicate your BIM data and design ideas, fast. 👉 Visit http://twinmotion.link/disrupted (twinmotion.link/disrupted) and try Twinmotion for free. 💻 Learn about our podcast partner https://getarchit.com/ (ArchIT): https://getarchit.com/ (ArchIT) offers Complete IT Solutions for Architecture, Design, and Engineering firms. Tired of dealing with generic IT providers? Visit http://www.getarchit.com/ (www.getarchit.com) and schedule your free consultation. Technology is your competitive advantage.
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Episode 049: The Ultimate Building ConfiguratorHow are architects leveraging new technology to expedite the design process? This week we interview Clifton Harness, a former University of Texas at Austin architecture student turned CEO. Together with his college roommate, Clifton Harness and Ryan Griege co-founded https://testfit.io/ (TestFit) in 2017. The team has been on a trajectory of growth ever since. TestFit’s powerful algorithms allow architects to produce buildings in seconds; not weeks. Embracing a data-driven approach to smart urban planning, TestFit’s algorithms and co-creation tools help solve site plans for multifamily, hotel, parking or garden apartments quickly. Through this new generative design tool architects are empowered to iterate instantly, expediting the process of developing feasibility studies and securing new work. Guest: Clifton Harness loves to build - buildings and now new companies. He graduated from UT Austin with a BArch. Soon after joining a real estate development company, Clifton started working with his college roommate, Ryan Griege after-hours to innovate deal processes. This work grew into TestFit. Show Links: https://testfit.io/blog (TestFit) Read Clifton’s https://testfit.io/crash-course-in-test-fitting/ (Crash Course in Test Fitting) 💻 Learn about our podcast partner https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph): https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) is the cloud-based practice operations solution built for architects by architects. It is easy to use, beautifully designed, and helped firms streamline operations by empowering them to see project and firm-wide financial health in a single tool. Plan your projects with schedules, budgets, roles, and team members. Track a project’s financial health with their unique MoneyGantt which takes timesheet data and makes it simple to see whether you are on track or not. Use firm-wide revenue forecasts to make strategic decisions. With Monograph, you never have to make a decision in the dark again. 👉 Visit https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) now.
💻 Learn about our podcast partner http://twinmotion.link/disrupted (Twinmotion): http://twinmotion.link/disrupted (Twinmotion) is a real-time rendering solution used by architecture, engineering, and construction professionals to create high-quality imagery, client presentations, and interactive experiences that help communicate your BIM data and design ideas, fast. 👉 Visit http://twinmotion.link/disrupted (twinmotion.link/disrupted) and try Twinmotion for free.
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Episode 048: Architecture, Identity, & CultureHow are architects exploring identity and culture through practice? An architect at http://vinesarc.com/ (Vines Architecture), Vershaé has dedicated her career to the exploration of culture in the built environment. A rising design leader in the southeast, Vershaé has contributed to major cultural projects including the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Motown Museum Renovation and Addition in Detroit, the Martin Luther King Jr. Central Branch Public Library in Washington, DC, the Gregg Museum of Art and Design Expansion at North Carolina State University, and leads both the Emily Krzyzewski Center Expansion in Durham, NC and Henrietta Lacks Building in Baltimore, MD. Vershaé helps her clients navigate and design in response to cultural narrative. Through research, storytelling, service, and advocacy she is raising the visibility and representation of historically underrepresented voices. In addition to her project leadership, she contributes to advancing the profession through volunteer service with AIA and NOMA. Guest: Vershaé Hite, AIA, NOMA is a licensed architect and Associate at http://vinesarc.com/ (Vines Architecture). Since 2004, Vershaé’s academic and professional career have exposed her to a range of unique experiences throughout the United States, China, Israel and Palestine that have carefully constructed her crafted, compassionate perspectives on the relationship between design and the human condition. Her role as an architect and project leader is founded on her theoretical interests regarding the interconnectedness of culture, community, and art to architecture. For Vershaé, this emerges from a unique framework that she developed while obtaining her master's degree in London. The deeply rooted meanings in her work are extensions of well-crafted, honest stories - are a direct result of both her sensitivity to diverse social and cultural landscapes and an investigative process that looks to film, literature, and experimental art. As such, her professional portfolio is characterized by complex cultural projects, historic renovations, libraries and higher education projects. As an Architect with award-winning firms like The Freelon Group, Perkins+Will, Andre Johnson Architect, and Vines Architecture, she is well versed in working with complex cultural matters through architectural design and execution. Show Links: http://www.vinesarc.com/ (Vines Architecture) https://nmaahc.si.edu/ (National Museum of African American History & Culture) https://www.beyondthebuilt.com/say-it-loud-north-carolina (SAY IT LOUD - North Carolina) https://beyondblack.threadless.com/ (Beyond Black) https://www.emilyk.org/ (Emily K Center) https://www.ncnoma.net/ (NCNOMA) 💻 Learn about our podcast partner https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph): https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) is the cloud-based practice operations solution built for architects by architects. It is easy to use, beautifully designed, and helped firms streamline operations by empowering them to see project and firm-wide financial health in a single tool. Plan your projects with schedules, budgets, roles, and team members. Track a project’s financial health with their unique MoneyGantt which takes timesheet data and makes it simple to see whether you are on track or not. Use firm-wide revenue forecasts to make strategic decisions. With Monograph, you never have to make a decision in the dark again. 👉 Visit https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) now.
💻 Learn about our podcast partner http://twinmotion.link/disrupted (Twinmotion): http://twinmotion.link/disrupted (Twinmotion) is a real-time rendering solution used by architecture, engineering, and construction professionals to create high-quality imagery, client presentations, and interactive experiences that help communicate your BIM data...
Episode 047: Talent Development in PracticeHow are architects successfully bringing talent development into practice? Guest: Amy Perenchio, AIA, NCARB is a Principal at https://www.zgf.com/ (ZGF Architects) and licensed architect in Portland, Oregon. Dedicated to the professional growth and development of the design staff at ZGF, Amy oversees the staffing and recruiting efforts for a group of 130+ designers and architects and works at the intersection of people and practice. Amy previously held director positions on the National AIAS and NAAB boards, and various committees and task forces for NCARB. She is passionate about teaching and growing the next generation of architects and has been a course instructor at University of Oregon since 2017 and adjunct professor for the Global Track program at the University of Hawaii and Tongji University. 🔗Show Links: https://www.zgf.com/ (ZGF) https://www.zgf.com/careers/ (Careers at ZGF) https://www.linkedin.com/company/zgf-architects (ZGF Architects | LinkedIn) https://www.instagram.com/zgfarchitects/ (ZGF Architects (@zgfarchitects)) https://www.instagram.com/maisondomino/ (Amy (@maisondomino))https://www.zgf.com/ ( ) 📚 Continue Learning: https://www.architectmagazine.com/practice/architecture-needs-more-emotionally-intelligent-leaders_o (‘Architecture Needs More Emotionally Intelligent Leaders’) by Evelyn Lee https://www.adamgrant.net/book/give-and-take/ (Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success) by Adam Grant https://www.netflix.com/title/81010166 (Brené Brown: The Call to Courage) on Netflix 💻 Learn about our podcast partner https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph): https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) is the cloud-based practice operations solution built for architects by architects. It is easy to use, beautifully designed, and helped firms streamline operations by empowering them to see project and firm-wide financial health in a single tool. Plan your projects with schedules, budgets, roles, and team members. Track a project’s financial health with their unique MoneyGantt which takes timesheet data and makes it simple to see whether you are on track or not. Use firm-wide revenue forecasts to make strategic decisions. With Monograph, you never have to make a decision in the dark again. 👉 Visit https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) now. 💻 Learn about our podcast partner http://twinmotion.link/disrupted (Twinmotion): http://twinmotion.link/disrupted (Twinmotion) is a real-time rendering solution used by architecture, engineering, and construction professionals to create high-quality imagery, client presentations, and interactive experiences that help communicate your BIM data and design ideas, fast. 👉 Visit http://twinmotion.link/disrupted (twinmotion.link/disrupted) and try Twinmotion for free.
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Episode 046: Building a Social AudienceHow do you create a community using social media? This week content creator Sana Tabassum joins us to discuss her growing social community for architecture students and emerging professionals http://www.toscaleblog.co.uk (:scale (to-scale)). Behind :scale is a growing group of creators that are all about sharing resources, ideas and techniques with the archi-community. The group has produced a range of digital resources across social media platforms aimed at sharing and growing together. Guest: Sana Tabassum is a content creator and Part 1 Architectural Assistant based in London. Since graduating from the University of Greenwich, she founded http://www.toscaleblog.co.uk (:scale (to-scale)), an architecture blog and platform for students and young designers. Since beginning her content-creating journey, Sana has led a team to self-publish an architecture magazine, curated a virtual architecture convention for students and most recently taught a cohort-based course to help architecture students build skills during the summer. Show Links: 📍 Follow :scale on social: https://www.instagram.com/to.scale/ (Instagram) | https://www.facebook.com/toscale-114559259940490 (Facebook) | https://twitter.com/toscaleblog (Twitter) | https://www.pinterest.com/toscaleblog/ (Pinterest) | https://discord.com/invite/BrdfySPtzh (Discord) https://www.linkedin.com/in/sana-tabassum/ (Sana on LinkedIn) https://toscaleblog.co.uk/blog/ (:scale blog) https://toscaleblog.co.uk/magazine-community/ (:scale magazine) 💻 Learn about our podcast partner https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph): https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) is the cloud-based practice operations solution built for architects by architects. It is easy to use, beautifully designed, and helped firms streamline operations by empowering them to see project and firm-wide financial health in a single tool. Plan your projects with schedules, budgets, roles, and team members. Track a project’s financial health with their unique MoneyGantt which takes timesheet data and makes it simple to see whether you are on track or not. Use firm-wide revenue forecasts to make strategic decisions. With Monograph, you never have to make a decision in the dark again. 👉 Visit https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) now. Section Cut byhttps://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted ( Monograph) On August 12, Monograph is hosting https://sectioncut.com/ (Section Cut), a virtual conference dedicated to firm owners and operation leaders. Hear from leaders at Lake|Flato, SOM, Workshop/APD, Colloqate, and more! Reserve a seat today by visiting https://sectioncut.com/ (sectioncut.com). 💻 Learn about our podcast partner http://twinmotion.link/disrupted (Twinmotion): http://twinmotion.link/disrupted (Twinmotion) is a real-time rendering solution used by architecture, engineering, and construction professionals to create high-quality imagery, client presentations, and interactive experiences that help communicate your BIM data and design ideas, fast. 👉 Visit http://twinmotion.link/disrupted (twinmotion.link/disrupted) and try Twinmotion for free. 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: https://www.facebook.com/PracticeofArchitecture/ (Facebook) | https://www.instagram.com/practiceofarch/ (Instagram) | https://www.linkedin.com/company/practiceofarchitecture/ (LinkedIn) | https://www.pinterest.com/practiceofarch/ (Pinterest) | https://twitter.com/PracticeofArch (Twitter)
Episode 045: Architecture, And: PublishingHow are individuals using their training in architecture to explore diverse career paths? This week we speak with Architect Lora Teagarden, the author of #AREsketches and The Little Architect’s Alphabet. Lora shares her story on what inspired her to create these educational books, as well as tips she’s learned from self publishing. Learn more about her process, including tips and tricks she recommends for new authors. We’ll also learn what publication she’s working on next. Lora’s career is centered on architecture and her pursuit of lifelong learning. Through writing and sketching, Lora has been able to expand her knowledge of the practice of architecture. Her publications are a way for her to share her passion for architecture and inspire the next generation of architects. Guest: Lora Teagarden is an Architect athttp://www.ratiodesign.com/ ( )https://ratiodesign.com/ (RATIO), headquartered in Indianapolis, and the founder of https://www.l-2-design.com/ (L² Design, LLC). A published author and creator of https://www.l-2-design.com/aresketches/ (#AREsketches) and https://www.amazon.com/dp/1717112757/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=ldl07-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=1a44efc5b87f1c2ce5f25756c2e78b83&creativeASIN=1717112757 (The Little Architect’s Alphabet), her passion for the profession drives her to mentor young professionals and volunteer in her community. She is a https://www.aia.org/showcases/59486-lora-teagarden-aia (2017 Young Architect Award winner), a past Chair of the https://www.aia.org/resources/195236-young-architects-forum (Young Architects Forum), Past President of AIA Indianapolis, and was recently elected as an At-Large Representative on the AIA National Strategic Council. Her website and blog offer unique insights into professional practice, together with inspiration and tips for young architects. Show Links: https://ratiodesign.com/ (RATIO) https://www.l-2-design.com/ (L² Design, LLC) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1717112757/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=ldl07-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=1a44efc5b87f1c2ce5f25756c2e78b83&creativeASIN=1717112757 (The Little Architect’s Alphabet) AREsketches https://www.amazon.com/dp/1523435658/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=ldl07-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=4e1dd30fff3e1ab55f1e8a54e3430b05&creativeASIN=1523435658 (Volume 1) & https://www.amazon.com/dp/1542338603/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=ldl07-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=2684c12fecd4941d0dd41604ac4b3f57&creativeASIN=1542338603 (Volume 2) Lora’s https://twitter.com/L2DesignLLC (Twitter) & https://www.instagram.com/L2DesignLLC/ (IG) https://paper.bywetransfer.com/ (Paper by WeTransfer) https://www.createspace.com/ (CreateSpace) 💻 Learn about our podcast partner https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph): https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) is the cloud-based practice operations solution built for architects by architects. It is easy to use, beautifully designed, and helped firms streamline operations by empowering them to see project and firm-wide financial health in a single tool. Plan your projects with schedules, budgets, roles, and team members. Track a project’s financial health with their unique MoneyGantt which takes timesheet data and makes it simple to see whether you are on track or not. Use firm-wide revenue forecasts to make strategic decisions. With Monograph, you never have to make a decision in the dark again. 👉 Visit https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) now. Section Cut byhttps://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted ( Monograph) On August 12, Monograph is hosting https://sectioncut.com/ (Section Cut), a virtual conference dedicated to firm owners and operation leaders. Hear from leaders at Lake|Flato, SOM, Workshop/APD, Colloqate, and more! Reserve a seat today by visiting https://sectioncut.com/ (sectioncut.com).
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Episode 044: Leveraging Tech to Solve Challenges in AEC How do technologists view the opportunities to disrupt the AEC industry? Last season we met with architects and designers who stepped into the world of tech to find solutions for the architecture industry. In today's episode, we flip the script and ask a technologist how they view these same opportunities. Jen Carlile, co-founder and CTO at https://www.outerlabs.io/ (Outer Labs) joins us to discuss what makes the architecture industry prime for tech. https://www.outerlabs.io/ (Outer Labs) is a dynamic company that is passionate about developing technology related to the built environment. Their work is a mixture of custom software development for forward-thinking technology companies that want to radically change the process of how buildings are created, and software development for their own product that empowers people to better engage with their physical space. Guest: Jen Carlile is a software engineering leader focused on innovation in the AEC technology space. She is the co-founder and CTO at https://www.outerlabs.io/ (Outer Labs), a firm composed of software engineers, product managers, designers, and AEC professionals all working side-by-side to tackle the real estate technology challenges of ambitious organizations. Jen has been working in software engineering for over 15 years, and specializing in AEC technology for the past 10. Prior to launching Outer Labs, Jen started Flux.io as a spinout from Google X, and served as the VP of Engineering. She earned her Master's degree at Stanford University, and her BA at Wellesley College. Show Link: Check out https://www.outerlabs.io/ (Outer Labs) 💻 Learn about our podcast partner https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph): https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) is the cloud-based practice operations solution built for architects by architects. It is easy to use, beautifully designed, and helped firms streamline operations by empowering them to see project and firm-wide financial health in a single tool. Plan your projects with schedules, budgets, roles, and team members. Track a project’s financial health with their unique MoneyGantt which takes timesheet data and makes it simple to see whether you are on track or not. Use firm-wide revenue forecasts to make strategic decisions. With Monograph, you never have to make a decision in the dark again. 👉 Visit https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) now.
Section Cut byhttps://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted ( Monograph) On August 12, Monograph is hosting https://sectioncut.com/ (Section Cut), a virtual conference dedicated to firm owners and operation leaders. Hear from leaders at Lake|Flato, SOM, Workshop/APD, Colloqate, and more! Reserve a seat today by visiting https://sectioncut.com/ (sectioncut.com).
💻 Learn about our podcast partner http://twinmotion.link/disrupted (Twinmotion): http://twinmotion.link/disrupted (Twinmotion) is a real-time rendering solution used by architecture, engineering, and construction professionals to create high-quality imagery, client presentations, and interactive experiences that help communicate your BIM data and design ideas, fast. 👉 Visit http://twinmotion.link/disrupted (twinmotion.link/disrupted) and try Twinmotion for free.
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Episode 043: Architecture, And: Nonprofit Design EducationHow are individuals using their training in architecture to explore diverse career paths? This week, we revisit the world of social impact design and the work of a rising, mission-driven entrepreneur. Maya Bird-Murphy joins us to share her story of designing and growing her nonprofit, https://www.chicagomobilemakers.org/ (Chicago Mobile Makers). The organization is on a mission to make design education accessible to everybody through youth design-thinking and problem-solving workshops across the greater Chicago community. According to the 2020 NCARB by the Numbers report, 83% of newly licensed architects were white, and 65% were male. Those who are currently not represented need support and guidance for a clearer path to careers in design. Chicago Mobile Makers seek to expand the variety of people entering the field of architecture to create more diverse workplaces, leading to more equitable decision-making and design. After converting a former USPS van into a mobile classroom, the Mobile Makerspace allows Maya’s team to bring the design studio directly into diverse communities, inspiring and lifting the next generation of design talent. Guest: Maya Bird-Murphy is an architectural designer, educator, and maker from Oak Park, Illinois. She is also the founder and Executive Director of https://www.chicagomobilemakers.org/ (Chicago Mobile Makers), an award-winning nonprofit organization bringing design-focused skill-building workshops to underrepresented communities. Maya believes that architecture should not be a privilege and must expand to accommodate more people through teaching and community engagement. She loves Chicago and hopes to make her mark by making it a more equitable place to live. In her free time, she can be found outside in nature with her two dogs. Show Links: Check out https://www.chicagomobilemakers.org/ (Chicago Mobile Makers) https://www.chicagomobilemakers.org/donate (Support their work!) Featured on Dwell ‘https://www.dwell.com/article/chicago-mobile-makerspace-maya-bird-murphy-5d7d4c69 (A Delivery Van-Turned-Mobile Classroom for Kids Hits the Streets of Chicago)’ by Duncan Nielsen / Photos by Tom Harris 💻 Learn about our podcast partner https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph): https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) is the cloud-based practice operations solution built for architects by architects. It is easy to use, beautifully designed, and helped firms streamline operations by empowering them to see project and firm-wide financial health in a single tool. Plan your projects with schedules, budgets, roles, and team members. Track a project’s financial health with their unique MoneyGantt which takes timesheet data and makes it simple to see whether you are on track or not. Use firm-wide revenue forecasts to make strategic decisions. With Monograph, you never have to make a decision in the dark again. 👉 Visit https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) now. Section Cut by https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) On August 12, Monograph is hosting Section Cut, a virtual conference dedicated to firm owners and operation leaders. Hear from leaders at Lake|Flato, SOM, Workshop/APD, Colloqate, and more! Reserve a seat today by visiting https://sectioncut.com/?ref=disrupted (sectioncut.com). 💻 Learn about our podcast partner http://twinmotion.link/disrupted (Twinmotion): http://twinmotion.link/disrupted (Twinmotion) is a real-time rendering solution used by architecture, engineering, and construction professionals to create high-quality imagery, client presentations, and interactive experiences that help communicate your BIM data and design ideas, fast. 👉 Visit http://twinmotion.link/disrupted (twinmotion.link/disrupted) and try Twinmotion for free. 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: https://www.facebook.com/PracticeofArchitecture/ (Facebook) |...
Episode 042: Building a Great Place to WorkCan you measure workplace culture? And if so, how? https://www.greatplacetowork.com/ (Great Place to Work®) is on a mission to build a better world by helping organizations become a great place to work FOR ALL by 2030. Backed by 30 years of research, Great Place to Work® is the global authority on workplace culture. Great Place to Work® makes it easy for companies to survey employees, uncover actionable insights and get recognized for great company culture. They offer the world’s best employee experience platform, proven to help companies quantify culture, increase employee engagement and do the right thing for their business and their people. Their research shows what it takes to build an outstanding culture for everyone, no matter who they are or what they do for the organization. In this interview we’ll speak with CEO Michael C. Bush to learn how Great Place to Work® quantifies the employee experience. We’ll also discuss lessons from the research that architects can apply to their small businesses. Guest: Michael C. Bush is a global chief executive with over 25 years of experience leading small and mid-sized organizations through transformational growth. Driven by a love of business and an unwavering commitment to fair and equitable treatment, in 2015 Michael acquired ownership and currently serves as global CEO of https://www.greatplacetowork.com/ (Great Place to Work®) headquartered in Oakland, California with operations in more than 60 countries worldwide. Great Place to Work® is a global people analytics and consulting firm that helps companies of all sizes produce better business results by focusing on the work experience for every employee. Through certification programs, Great Place to Work® recognizes outstanding workplaces and produces https://www.greatplacetowork.com/best-companies-to-work-for (Fortune’s annual list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For), the https://www.greatplacetowork.com/wbw2020-list-resources (World’s Best Workplaces™) list, the https://www.greatplacetowork.com/wbw2020-list-resources (100 Best Workplaces for Women™) list, the https://fortune.com/best-workplaces-for-diversity/ (Best Workplaces for Diversity™) list and dozens of other distinguished workplace rankings around the world. Show Links: Check out https://www.greatplacetowork.com/ (Great Place to Work®) 📖Get the book https://www.greatplacetowork.com/book (A Great Place to Work For All) 💻 Learn about our podcast partner https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph): https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) is the cloud-based practice operations solution built for architects by architects. It is easy to use, beautifully designed, and helped firms streamline operations by empowering them to see project and firm-wide financial health in a single tool. Plan your projects with schedules, budgets, roles, and team members. Track a project’s financial health with their unique MoneyGantt which takes timesheet data and makes it simple to see whether you are on track or not. Use firm-wide revenue forecasts to make strategic decisions. With Monograph, you never have to make a decision in the dark again. 👉 Visit https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) now.
💻 Learn about our podcast partner http://twinmotion.link/disrupted (Twinmotion): http://twinmotion.link/disrupted (Twinmotion) is a real-time rendering solution used by architecture, engineering, and construction professionals to create high-quality imagery, client presentations, and interactive experiences that help communicate your BIM data and design ideas, fast. 👉 Visit http://twinmotion.link/disrupted (twinmotion.link/disrupted) and try Twinmotion for free.
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Episode 041: Season 3 LaunchWelcome back to Practice Disrupted! To celebrate the launch of season 3 we’ve organized a special crossover episode between the https://www.designvoicepodcast.com/ (Design Voice Podcast) and https://practiceofarchitecture.com/podcast/ (Practice Disrupted). Guest moderator Catherine Meng will interview Evelyn Lee and Je’Nen Chastain to discuss podcasting, the practice of architecture, and more. The https://www.designvoicepodcast.com/ (Design Voice Podcast) seeks to elevate and amplify the voices of women in the architecture, engineering, and construction professions. Each episode features honest conversations with those who shape the built environment. By telling their stories, this podcast hopes to serve as a source of education, inspiration and empowerment. The evolution of architectural practice has been relatively slow towards change, yet modern shifts in business and design management have prompted today’s leading architects to rethink how they work. https://practiceofarchitecture.com/podcast/ (Practice Disrupted) addresses how technology, cultural shifts, and emerging best practices in business are prompting industry disruption and transformation. The series features thought leaders on business, innovation, entrepreneurship, and/or architecture. Hosts: Evelyn M. Lee, FAIA, MBA, MPA is a licensed architect in the state of California, with over 15 years of experience working with individuals and companies that are looking to reshape their future. She is the founder of https://practiceofarchitecture.com/ (Practice of Architecture), the first-ever Senior Experience Designer at https://slack.com/ (Slack Technologies), and the first female Treasurer to https://www.aia.org/leadership (AIA National)‘s Board of Directors. Je’Nen M. Chastain, MBA, Assoc. AIA is trained in architecture and business management with a decade of experience working with award-winning architects. She founded https://apostrophe.consulting/ (Apostrophe Consulting) to help architects improve firm culture, and strengthen their teams and businesses. She specializes in talent development, change management, and business strategy, including marketing and communication. Moderator: Catherine Meng is an architect at https://www.dlrgroup.com/home/ (DLR Group) in San Francisco. Her broad design experience includes projects in the multi-family housing, higher-education, workplace, and commercial sectors. Before moving to San Francisco, Catherine practiced in Shanghai, and New York City. Catherine is also the creator and host of the https://www.designvoicepodcast.com/ (Design Voice Podcast), which seeks to elevate and amplify the voices of women in architecture, engineering, and construction. Show Links: Check out https://www.designvoicepodcast.com/ (Design Voice Podcast) To join the PoA Lab, visit https://practiceofarchitecture.com/lab/ (practiceofarchitecture.com/lab) 💻 Learn about our podcast partner https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph): https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) is the cloud-based practice operations solution built for architects by architects. It is easy to use, beautifully designed, and helped firms streamline operations by empowering them to see project and firm-wide financial health in a single tool. Plan your projects with schedules, budgets, roles, and team members. Track a project’s financial health with their unique MoneyGantt which takes timesheet data and makes it simple to see whether you are on track or not. Use firm-wide revenue forecasts to make strategic decisions. With Monograph, you never have to make a decision in the dark again. 👉 Visit https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) now.
💻 Learn about our podcast partner http://twinmotion.link/disrupted (Twinmotion): http://twinmotion.link/disrupted (Twinmotion) is a real-time rendering solution used by architecture, engineering, and...
Episode 040: Disruption and the Season 2 FinaleWhat do the disruptors have to say about it? This week co-hosts Evelyn Lee and Je’Nen Chastain sit down with the Chief Creative Officer at https://gablmedia.com/ (Gābl Media), Dimitrius Lynch, to reflect on the creation of 40 episodes. They’ll share comments and questions from Practice Disrupted listeners, and discuss highlights from past conversations with over 50 guests. Against the backdrop of a daunting 12 months, that included the pandemic, major workplace disruptions, a heated election, and growing calls for action on diversity and justice, the team will share their behind the scenes experiences working on the podcast. If you’ve been following the growth of the show -- thank you for your ongoing support! The team is currently developing a robust season 3, which will launch in early July 2021. Co-Hosts: Evelyn M. Lee, FAIA, MBA, MPA is a licensed architect in the state of California, with over 15 years of experience working with individuals and companies that are looking to reshape their future. She is the founder of https://practiceofarchitecture.com/ (Practice of Architecture), the first-ever Senior Experience Designer at https://slack.com/ (Slack Technologies), and the first female Treasurer to https://www.aia.org/leadership (AIA National)‘s Board of Directors. Je’Nen M. Chastain, MBA, Assoc. AIA is the founder of https://apostrophe.consulting/ (Apostrophe Consulting), a purpose-driven, woman-owned management consulting practice dedicated to helping architects transform their companies. With expertise in talent development, change management, and business strategy, Je’Nen helps her clients navigate growth in a changing world. Moderator: Dimitrius Lynch, NCARB, LEED BD+C, Well AP is the founder and principal architect of https://houseoflynes.com/ (LYNES), and a licensed architect in the state of California. He has practiced both domestically and internationally in various building types with a focus in residential and specialty retail. Dimitrius also created and hosts https://www.spacespodcast.com/ (SPACES Podcast), a show dedicated to detailing the spaces that we occupy everyday. To expand on this endeavor, he co-founded and is the Chief Creative Officer of https://gablmedia.com/ (Gābl Media), a multimedia network that empowers global thought leaders in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries to entertain, inspire and share their knowledge with an audience dedicated to building a better world. Show Links: Check out https://www.spacespodcast.com/ (SPACES Podcast) To join the PoA Lab, visit https://practiceofarchitecture.com/lab/ (practiceofarchitecture.com/lab) 💻 Learn about our podcast partner https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph): https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) is the cloud-based practice operations solution built for architects by architects. It is easy to use, beautifully designed, and helped firms streamline operations by empowering them to see project and firm-wide financial health in a single tool. Plan your projects with schedules, budgets, roles, and team members. Track a project’s financial health with their unique MoneyGantt which takes timesheet data and makes it simple to see whether you are on track or not. Use firm-wide revenue forecasts to make strategic decisions. With Monograph, you never have to make a decision in the dark again. 👉 Visit https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) now. 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: https://www.facebook.com/PracticeofArchitecture/ (Facebook) | https://www.instagram.com/practiceofarch/ (Instagram) | https://www.linkedin.com/company/practiceofarchitecture/ (LinkedIn) | https://www.pinterest.com/practiceofarch/ (Pinterest) | https://twitter.com/PracticeofArch (Twitter)
Episode 039: Architecture, And: Customer SuccessWhat do mid-career transitions look like, and how can individuals prepare to make the jump? Continuing our series “Architecture, And”, we interview Agnessa Todorova about her mid-career transition from architecture into technology. Agnessa will share her career pivot from working in an architecture studio to working for a technology company. She’ll explain what skills from her training in architecture are most transferable to the work she’s doing now, and what opportunities she sees for other designers considering similar career pivots. Learn why she still sees herself as an architect, and how she’s thinking about customer success in her role at Outer Labs. https://www.outerlabs.io/ (Outer Labs) is a dynamic company that is passionate about developing technology related to the built environment. Their work is a mixture of custom software development for forward-thinking technology companies that want to radically change the process of how buildings are created, and software development for their own product that empowers people to better engage with their physical space. They are a 100% distributed company with people in such varied places as San Francisco, St. George, Irvine, Seattle, London and Lake Tahoe. Outer Labs believe people should lead balanced lives, and live/work from a place that brings them joy. Guest: Agnessa Todorova, AIA, NCARB is a licensed architect working as the Director of Customer Success at https://www.outerlabs.io/ (Outer Labs). Since transitioning to a career in technology she has focused on using her background in architecture to help software developers and user experience designers tackle common problems faced by AEC professionals. At Outer Labs she works shoulder-to-shoulder with ambitious organizations that need their own technology to design, build, and operate real estate at scale. Prior to joining Outer Labs she worked as a Senior Director of Product Management in the Bay Area where she led the development of AEC tools aimed at digitizing transitional workflows. She earned her Master in Architecture from California College of the Arts, and Bachelor of Fine Arts in Architecture from the University of Memphis. Show Links: https://www.outerlabs.io/ (Outer Labs) 💻 Learn about our podcast partner https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph): https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) is the cloud-based practice operations solution built for architects by architects. It is easy to use, beautifully designed, and helped firms streamline operations by empowering them to see project and firm-wide financial health in a single tool. Plan your projects with schedules, budgets, roles, and team members. Track a project’s financial health with their unique MoneyGantt which takes timesheet data and makes it simple to see whether you are on track or not. Use firm-wide revenue forecasts to make strategic decisions. With Monograph, you never have to make a decision in the dark again. 👉 Visit https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) now. 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: https://www.facebook.com/PracticeofArchitecture/ (Facebook) | https://www.instagram.com/practiceofarch/ (Instagram) | https://www.linkedin.com/company/practiceofarchitecture/ (LinkedIn) | https://www.pinterest.com/practiceofarch/ (Pinterest) | https://twitter.com/PracticeofArch (Twitter)
Episode 038: Designing a Service-Based PracticeWhat are lessons learned from building a successful building information and technology consultancy for the AEC industry? David Fano joins us to share the story of the creation of CASE, Inc., the building information consultancy later acquired by WeWork. CASE found it’s momentum by identifying a need in the industry. They became known for their ability to bridge architecture and technology, and worked with design firms to identify, implement and manage the technologies and business practices that enabled more effective coordination, communication and collaboration on projects. The founders of CASE, Inc. combined their experiences as architects, engineers, project managers, software developers and educators with their passion for technology to improve the way buildings were designed, built and operated. Case provided strategic advising to building design professionals, contractors and owners seeking to supplant traditional project delivery methods through technology driven process innovation. We’ll discuss the early days of CASE, Inc. leading up to the point it was acquired. What key lessons did Dave learn from designing this service-based practice? What key lessons can architects adapt into their own service-based businesses? Guest: A serial entrepreneur and architect by training, David Fano has built his career by creating high-growth teams. He founded the successful building information and technology consultancyhttps://www.architectmagazine.com/practice/wework-acquires-case-inc_o ( CASE) and ultimately sold it to WeWork, where he served as Chief Growth Officer and increased the unicorn startup’s revenue 100% Year over Year for four years and grew the team by 2,000%. In 2020, Dave launched his latest passion,https://www.tealhq.com/ ( Teal), which offers a collective of resources that puts career development back in the hands of the individual so they can pursue a fulfilling career. Show Links: https://www.tealhq.com/ (Teal) https://www.architectmagazine.com/practice/wework-acquires-case-inc_o (‘WeWork Acquires Case Inc.’) by Wanda Lau https://www.architectmagazine.com/technology/the-former-founders-of-case-discuss-weworks-lasting-impact-on-architecture_o (‘The Former Founders of Case Discuss WeWork’s Lasting Impact on Architecture’) by Wanda Lau 💻 Learn about our podcast partner https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph): https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) is the cloud-based practice operations solution built for architects by architects. It is easy to use, beautifully designed, and helped firms streamline operations by empowering them to see project and firm-wide financial health in a single tool. Plan your projects with schedules, budgets, roles, and team members. Track a project’s financial health with their unique MoneyGantt which takes timesheet data and makes it simple to see whether you are on track or not. Use firm-wide revenue forecasts to make strategic decisions. With Monograph, you never have to make a decision in the dark again. 👉 Visit https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) now. 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: https://www.facebook.com/PracticeofArchitecture/ (Facebook) | https://www.instagram.com/practiceofarch/ (Instagram) | https://www.linkedin.com/company/practiceofarchitecture/ (LinkedIn) | https://www.pinterest.com/practiceofarch/ (Pinterest) | https://twitter.com/PracticeofArch (Twitter)
Episode 037: Lessons from the Class of 2020What can we learn about navigating uncertainty from graduates of the class of 2020? 2020 was unlike any year. This week we sit down with three talented, emerging leaders from the class of 2020 to hear their journey. We’ll revisit their last semester in the studio, discuss Zoom graduations, and the exhausting process that led them to landing jobs. We hope that their lessons learned will inspire others. We also hope that firm leaders will listen to these stories and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges our newest graduates entering the profession have been facing. Guests: Alison Katz received a Bachelor of Architecture from Carnegie Mellon University in May of 2020 with a minor in Social and Political History. She is currently working as a Design Associate for https://www.bcworkshop.org/ (buildingcommunityWORKSHOP) (a Texas based nonprofit community design center) in Houston. She is interested in the intersection of community based design, sustainability, and politics, and is dedicated to exploring ways to use design tools within the built environment to create a more equitable society for marginalized and historically disenfranchised people. Haley Evans graduated with a Masters in Architecture from Washington University in St. Louis in May of 2020. In 2018 she received a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Bowling Green State University. She is currently working as an Urban Designer at H3 Studio, a design, research, and planning firm. She has always steered her practice and studies in a way that integrates architecture, graphic design, and urban design. She is passionate about sustainability and advocates that untraditional design approaches are necessary to create a better and more just future of the build environment. Kyra Stark received her Bachelor of Architecture from Auburn University in May of 2020. She currently lives in Seattle, Washington and works at http://www.thirdplacedesigncoop.com/ (third place design co-operative). Kyra became interested in community-engaged design and affordable housing during her thesis year at Auburn University's design-build program, Rural Studio. Kyra is also passionate about education and leadership, which stems from her time as Treasurer and President of Auburn University’s American Institute of Architecture Students (“AIAS") Chapter, as well as serving on the https://www.aias.org/ (AIAS) National Board of Directors as the South Quad Director. Kyra believes that we all have a role to play in creating a more healthy, sustainable, and equitable future. Show Links: https://www.bcworkshop.org/ (buildingcommunityWORKSHOP) https://www.linkedin.com/company/h3-studio/about/ (H3 Studio) http://www.thirdplacedesigncoop.com/ (third place design co-operative) https://www.aias.org/ (AIAS) 💻 Learn about our podcast partner https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph):https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) is the cloud-based practice operations solution built for architects by architects. It is easy to use, beautifully designed, and helped firms streamline operations by empowering them to see project and firm-wide financial health in a single tool. Plan your projects with schedules, budgets, roles, and team members. Track a project’s financial health with their unique MoneyGantt which takes timesheet data and makes it simple to see whether you are on track or not. Use firm-wide revenue forecasts to make strategic decisions. With Monograph, you never have to make a decision in the dark again. 👉 Visit https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) now. 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: https://www.facebook.com/PracticeofArchitecture/ (Facebook) | https://www.instagram.com/practiceofarch/ (Instagram) | https://www.linkedin.com/company/practiceofarchitecture/ (LinkedIn) | https://www.pinterest.com/practiceofarch/ (Pinterest) |...
Episode 036: Architecture, And: RoboticsHow are individuals using their training in architecture to explore diverse career paths? Continuing our on-going series “Architecture, And”, we invite Brian Ringley onto the show to discuss his role as a construction technologist at https://www.bostondynamics.com/ (Boston Dynamics). Brian is part of the team developing https://www.bostondynamics.com/spot (Spot), an agile mobile robot that navigates terrain with unprecedented mobility. In this episode we’ll learn more about Spot, Boston Dynamics, and how Brian’s passion for technology and architecture led him to this innovative company. Guest: Brian Ringley is a construction technologist at Boston Dynamics where he promotes new value-add autonomous capabilities for construction project delivery and works to expand the construction application ecosystem with the Spot SDK. Prior to Boston Dynamics, he was a Senior Construction Automation Researcher at WeWork where he managed the construction robotics research program and contributed to initiatives in design automation, unitized prefabrication, and construction site progress monitoring. He has also taught architecture courses for many years, most recently at Pratt GAUD where he led seminars in computational fabrication and industrial robotic automation for industrialized construction. Show Links: https://www.bostondynamics.com/ (Boston Dynamics) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fn3KWM1kuAw (Boston Dynamics, 'Do You Love Me?') https://www.bostondynamics.com/spot (Meet Spot) https://www.architectmagazine.com/technology/beyond-the-master-builder-how-robots-can-really-transform-the-role-of-the-architect_o (‘Beyond the Master Builder: How Robots Can Really Transform the Role of the Architect’) by Brian Ringley, published in Architect https://www.cbsnews.com/news/boston-dynamics-robots-humans-animals-60-minutes-2021-03-28/ (‘Boston Dynamics: Inside the workshop where robots of the future are being built’), 60 Minutes 💻 Learn about our podcast partner https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph): https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) is the cloud-based practice operations solution built for architects by architects. It is easy to use, beautifully designed, and helped firms streamline operations by empowering them to see project and firm-wide financial health in a single tool. Plan your projects with schedules, budgets, roles, and team members. Track a project’s financial health with their unique MoneyGantt which takes timesheet data and makes it simple to see whether you are on track or not. Use firm-wide revenue forecasts to make strategic decisions. With Monograph, you never have to make a decision in the dark again. 👉 Visit https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) now. 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: https://www.facebook.com/PracticeofArchitecture/ (Facebook) | https://www.instagram.com/practiceofarch/ (Instagram) | https://www.linkedin.com/company/practiceofarchitecture/ (LinkedIn) | https://www.pinterest.com/practiceofarch/ (Pinterest) | https://twitter.com/PracticeofArch (Twitter)
Episode 035: Asian American ArchitectsLeaders of the profession share diverse perspectives on race, equity, and architecture. Against the backdrop of recent acts of hate and violence towards the Asian American community, we are amplifying five stories of Asian American Architects who are actively leading the profession of architecture forward. Practice Disrupted is committed to elevating conversations on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion to teach, empower, and build greater awareness across the industry. Guests: Evelyn M. Lee, FAIA, MBA, MPA is a licensed architect in the state of California, with over 15 years of experience working with individuals and companies that are looking to reshape their future. She is the founder of https://practiceofarchitecture.com/ (Practice of Architecture), a co-host on this podcast, Practice Disrupted, the first-ever Senior Experience Designer at https://slack.com/ (Slack Technologies), and the first female Treasurer to https://www.aia.org/leadership (AIA National)‘s Board of Directors. 📍Follow Evelyn: https://www.facebook.com/evelynlee (Facebook) | https://www.instagram.com/evelynmlee/ (Instagram) | https://www.linkedin.com/in/evelynlee/ (LinkedIn) | https://www.pinterest.com/evelynmlee/ (Pinterest) | https://twitter.com/evelynmlee (Twitter) Susan Chin, FAIA, Hon. ASLA is a principal of DesignConnects and an accomplished architect, urbanist, and civic leader. She formed an independent consultancy on art, architecture, landscape, and urban design in 2020 and provides leadership and advises government, developers and non-profits on design, planning, and policy. Until 2019, she led the https://www.designtrust.org/ (Design Trust for Public Space). 📍Follow Susan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-chin-faia-b25b0b12/ (LinkedIn) Annie Chu, FAIA, IIDA is an architect, interior designer, and educator with over 30 years of experience at a dozen architectural and design schools across the country and abroad. As a founding principal of https://www.linkedin.com/company/chu-gooding-architects/ (Chu+Gooding Architects), Annie has worked extensively with world-renowned museums, cultural facilities, and arts-related institutions. 📍Follow Annie: https://www.instagram.com/chugoodingarchitects/ (Instagram) | https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-chu-faia/ (LinkedIn) | https://twitter.com/cg_arch (Twitter) Ming Thompson, AIA, NOMA is co-founder of https://www.chothompson.com/ (Atelier Cho Thompson), a New Haven- and San Francisco-based multidisciplinary practice working between architecture, interiors, graphics, and strategy. Ming was a recipient of the https://www.aia.org/showcases/6249044-mattie-lou-ming-thompson-aia (AIA Young Architect Award in 2020). Her firm has been the recipient of numerous national and regional design honors, including the IIDA Foundation Visionary Award. 📍Follow Ming: http://www.instagram.com/chothompson (Instagram) | https://www.linkedin.com/in/ming-thompson-87969a8/ (LinkedIn) Alvin Huang, AIA, NOMA is an award-winning architect, designer, and educator who explores the intersections between technology and culture to produce innovative design work that challenges convention and expresses universal values. He is the founder and principal of http://synthesis-dna.com/ (Synthesis Design + Architecture) and an Associate Professor at the https://arch.usc.edu/home (University of Southern California), where he is also the Director of Graduate and Post-professional Architecture. 📍Follow Alvin: https://www.instagram.com/synthesisdna/ (Instagram) | https://www.linkedin.com/in/alvinh1/ (LinkedIn) | https://twitter.com/SynthesisDNA (Twitter) Show Links: https://anti-asianviolenceresources.carrd.co/ (Anti-Asian Violence Resources) https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/18/arts/design/asian-american-artists-activism.html (Asian American Artists, Now Activists, Push Back Against Hate) 💻 Learn about our podcast partner https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted
Episode 034: Investing in What’s Next, the Spatial SyndicateIs angel investing and venture capital finding its way into AEC? The https://angel.co/spatial/syndicate (Spatial Syndicate) is a growing and engaged community of architects, engineers, founders, and builders. They believe the future of technology is spatial and see an opportunity in investing in great teams that are flattening inefficiencies, building new infrastructures, or creating new tools. Their unique background unlocks expertise in sectors such as AEC, manufacturing, film and beyond. Their network falls both within and beyond Silicon Valley; resulting in new, undiscovered and unique investment opportunities. In this episode we’ll interview George Valdes, one of the partners of the Spatial Syndicate. He’ll explain what a Syndicate is, what types of creative teams they’re looking to invest in, and how they hope to transform the practice of architecture. We’ll also learn about George’s career path beyond traditional practice. Guest: George Valdes leads the marketing team at https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) and co-leads the https://angel.co/spatial/syndicate (Spatial Syndicate) along with Kat Dov, Leona Hudelson, and Federico Negro. Before joining Monograph, George was part of the Global Growth Strategy team at WeWork. He holds an M.Arch from Columbia University - Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation and a B.LArch from Florida International University. Show Links:https://angel.co/spatial/syndicate (Invest with Spatial Syndicate) 💻 Learn about our podcast partner https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph):https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) is the cloud-based practice operations solution built for architects by architects. It is easy to use, beautifully designed, and helped firms streamline operations by empowering them to see project and firm-wide financial health in a single tool. Plan your projects with schedules, budgets, roles, and team members. Track a project’s financial health with their unique MoneyGantt which takes timesheet data and makes it simple to see whether you are on track or not. Use firm-wide revenue forecasts to make strategic decisions. With Monograph, you never have to make a decision in the dark again. 👉 Visit https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) now. 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: https://www.facebook.com/PracticeofArchitecture/ (Facebook) | https://www.instagram.com/practiceofarch/ (Instagram) | https://www.linkedin.com/company/practiceofarchitecture/ (LinkedIn) | https://www.pinterest.com/practiceofarch/ (Pinterest) | https://twitter.com/PracticeofArch (Twitter)
Episode 033: Building & Running a Successful Hybrid PracticeHow can architects adapt their studios into a hybrid practice model? In the blink of an eye, the way firms worked changed overnight. Now there’s no snapping back, and people’s expectations around how and where they work have changed. Many firms are just beginning to navigate and understand what they need to create a successful practice that allows their employees the flexibility they desire while remaining productive and profitable. Evelyn Lee has been researching and writing about workplace trends throughout her career. As architects rapidly shifted from studio environments into all remote teams in 2020, she led the development of resources aimed at supporting firm leaders making the transition, including ‘https://www.architectmagazine.com/practice/best-practices/guide-to-remote-work-and-team-management-during-and-after-covid-19_o (Guide to Remote Work and Team Management During—and After—COVID-19).’ In this episode, she’ll share her latest research on hybrid practice, including the six key areas firm owners need to learn to manage in order to make hybrid practice work. Evelyn M. Lee, FAIA, MBA, MPA is a licensed architect in the state of California, with over 15 years of experience working with individuals and companies that are looking to reshape their future. She is the founder of https://practiceofarchitecture.com/ (Practice of Architecture), the first-ever Senior Experience Designer at https://slack.com/ (Slack Technologies), and the first female Treasurer to https://www.aia.org/leadership (AIA National)‘s Board of Directors. Show Links: https://practiceofarchitecture.com/ (Practice of Architecture) https://courses.practiceofarchitecture.com/p/hybrid-practice-handbook (Hybrid Practice Playbook) https://courses.practiceofarchitecture.com/courses (Building & Running a Successful Hybrid Practice) 💻 Learn about our podcast partner https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph):https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) is the cloud-based practice operations solution built for architects by architects. It is easy to use, beautifully designed, and helped firms streamline operations by empowering them to see project-based and firm-wide financial health in a single tool. Plan your projects with schedules, budgets, roles, and team members. Track a project’s financial health with their unique MoneyGantt which takes timesheet data and makes it simple to see whether you are on track or not. Use firm-wide revenue forecasts to make strategic decisions. With Monograph, you never have to make a decision in the dark again. 👉 Visit https://monograph.io/?ref=practice_disrupted (Monograph) now. 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: https://www.facebook.com/PracticeofArchitecture/ (Facebook) | https://www.instagram.com/practiceofarch/ (Instagram) | https://www.linkedin.com/company/practiceofarchitecture/ (LinkedIn) | https://www.pinterest.com/practiceofarch/ (Pinterest) | https://twitter.com/PracticeofArch (Twitter)
Episode 032: Designing a Technology-First Architecture PracticeHow are architects redesigning practice to put technology at the forefront of their work? This week we look at New York City based https://www.manciniduffy.com/ (Mancini Duffy) as a case study for implementing change over the traditional architecture studio business model. From people, to process, and even technology, this 100 year old architecture practice is being intentional to lead with change. https://www.manciniduffy.com/ (Mancini Duffy) is a full-service design firm specializing in architecture, planning, and interior design. With offices in New York City and New Jersey, the practice complements its century of expertise with a contemporary entrepreneurial spirit and technological skill for clients in the commercial, education, financial and professional services, retail, sports, and tech and media sectors. Guest: Jessica Sheridan, AIA is a principal at https://www.manciniduffy.com/ (Mancini Duffy). With 18 years of experience in architecture and interiors, Sheridan leads a studio focused on a broad range of project types – from building retrofits to temporary pop-up event spaces and workplace interiors. She thrives on complex projects that are sustainable and resilient. Previously holding positions on the AIANY, AIANYS Boards and the AIA National Strategic Council, she currently serves as an At-Large Director on the AIA National Board. Show Links: https://www.manciniduffy.com/ (Mancini Duffy) https://www.manciniduffy.com/design-lab/ (Mancini Duffy Design Lab) Follow their work on social media: https://www.facebook.com/manciniduffy/ (https://www.facebook.com/manciniduffy/) https://twitter.com/mancini_duffy/ (https://twitter.com/mancini_duffy/) https://www.instagram.com/mancini_duffy/ (https://www.instagram.com/mancini_duffy/) https://www.linkedin.com/company/mancini-duffy/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/mancini-duffy/)
Episode 031: Balancing Operations Management & Firm CultureWhat is operations management in a studio environment, and how does firm culture relate? We interview Michael Bernard, an architect, and management consultant who works with design-first architecture firms in the Bay Area. Michael shares his perspective on operations management and the evolving business model of architecture. Through his company, https://v-prac.com/ (Virtual Practice), Michael works with firm leaders to develop revenue models that reflect current capacity and projected growth. He mentors key staff to develop and monitor fee projections; to review and to prepare contracts; and to facilitate the integration of constructive project management practices. Michael’s range of clients includes architects, landscape architects, interior designers, lighting designers and general contractors. Guest: Michael Bernard places his focus on the culture and operation of design practices. As principal of https://v-prac.com/ (Virtual Practice), he has advised nearly 200 Bay Area design firms that neither have nor need a full-time managing principal. Michael addresses firm culture, management and operations: the foundational elements of effective everyday function of the small design practice. Michael believes that education is a two-way street. For more than a decade, Michael held the position of adjunct professor in the architecture department at The California College of the Arts in San Francisco, where he gained insight from students who will eventually lead and change the profession of architecture. Key to his success is a highly developed ability to work closely with all of the people that contribute to the success of both firms and projects. He understands the value of mentoring the diverse groups of people that work together. He places high importance on clear and mutual understanding of a firm’s core values and goals – both those of the principals of the firms with which he works, as well as those of their employees. Show Links: https://v-prac.com/ (Virtual Practice) https://v-prac.com/resources/ (Michael’s Recommended Resources)
Episode 030: Getting Your Work PublishedHow do you get your projects and ideas published in reputable journals? For many architects, published work represents a major milestone in their careers. To learn how this process works, we interviewed https://www.architectmagazine.com/author/wanda-lau (Wanda Lau), an industry leader in journalism who covers award-winning architecture, architects, and practice-related topics. She shares her point of view as an editor working behind the scenes to write and publish a print and online magazine. Find out how she moved from engineering into journalism, as well as her advice for pitching your ideas to editors. https://www.architectmagazine.com/ (ARCHITECT), the official journal of The American Institute of Architects, features a wide range of industry topics, including design, criticism, books, business practices, technology, and thought leadership. It's the premier platform for architecture industry news and building resources for architects and building professionals. Guest: Wanda Lau is an editor, writer, and podcaster at https://www.architectmagazine.com/ (ARCHITECT magazine). She covers technology, practice, and op-eds athttp://www.architectmagazine.com/ ( ARCHITECT magazine), the journal ofhttp://www.aia.org/ ( The American Institute of Architects). Based in Washington, D.C., she is an award-winning editor and writer who covers everything from building codes to firm culture. She is also a host and producer of thehttps://www.architectmagazine.com/practice/podcasts/ ( )https://soundcloud.com/architectmag (ARCHITECT Podcast Network). Prior to joining ARCHITECT, she worked for a decade in the AEC industry as an owner’s representative, engineer, and communications director—but not all at once. Show Links: https://www.architectmagazine.com/ (ARCHITECT magazine) https://www.architectmagazine.com/author/wanda-lau (Wanda Lau, LEED AP) https://www.architectmagazine.com/technology/the-kendeda-building-for-innovative-sustainable-designs-quest-to-become-the-first-living-building-in-the-southeast_o (‘The Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design’s Quest to Become the First Living Building in the Southeast’) by Wanda Lau https://soundcloud.com/architectmag (ARCHITECT Podcast Network) https://anti-asianviolenceresources.carrd.co/ (Anti-Asian Violence Resources)
Episode 029: Taking the Leap from Architecture into TechHow do you make a successful career transition from architecture to tech? It all started with a simple request to go get coffee. Soon co-founders Leona Hudelson and Blake Hudelson were scheduling multiple coffee conversations around the same questions. From this realization, the idea of https://architechie.org/ (Architechie) emerged. In 2016, Leona and Blake launched https://architechie.org/ (Architechie), an online community of thousands of people across the world who work at the intersection of technology and the built environment. https://architechie.org/ (Architechie) has quickly become a global braintrust of creatives and builders who have been brought together by their shared excitement about the built world and the opportunity to improve it using technology. Leona and Blake join us to share their story of launching this active community, and lessons learned from their multifaceted careers from architecture into technology, entrepreneurship, and the world of investing and startups. Guests: Leona Hudelson currently leads a team of Product and Design leaders at the Netflix Studio Innovation team - an innovation team responsible for Netflix's multi-billion dollar investments into the expansive content offerings. Leona is also a serial entrepreneur and angel investor in both startup and creative communities. Blake Hudelson is an entrepreneur, design leader, and educator based in San Francisco. After studying architecture, Blake spent three years working as an architect at SOM and Studios Architecture before transitioning to becoming a User Experience Designer. Blake then went on to work at the design consultancies Matter and Method, where he designed products for some of the world’s leading technology companies. He later worked at Google’s Advanced Technology and Project Group, a skunkworks technology incubator at Google, where he helped design the world’s first smart garment platform called Jacquard. Blake currently works at https://atomic.vc/ (Atomic), a venture capital fund and startup incubator where he works launching new products and companies. He is an Adjunct Professor at California College of Arts where he teaches in the Graduate Design program. Show Links: https://architechie.org/ (Join Architechie)
Episode 028: Building a Digital Marketing Strategy What is digital marketing and how can AEC firms elevate their marketing strategy? Our reliance on technology has prompted today’s leading businesses to reevaluate how they market. Slowly, digital marketing trends have found their way into the AEC industry. While most AEC companies have been slow to adopt new marketing strategies, some have embraced these concepts to generate new business. In this episode, we speak with Danielle Gray, an expert on digital marketing, who helps us understand the breadth of digital marketing and the value of content strategy. After starting her career as a marketing professional, Danielle now runs her own marketing company advising AEC firms on how to elevate their digital marketing efforts. https://www.dgmarketingco.com/ (DG Marketing Company) is a referral-only marketing firm that helps clients with brand strategy, design and execution, and provides one-on-one coaching with firm leaders. In her free time, Danielle is known for her gift as a speaker, connector, creator, and storyteller and has spoken widely across the country with groups including https://www.smps.org/ (SMPS) and https://www.ama.org/ (AMA). Her presentations include: https://53671d51-f3bc-4900-915c-b8ca01d2965b.filesusr.com/ugd/72c7be_b876e49a440443fcb2874c6fc7f7ba7f.pdf (Nobody’s Reading That!), https://53671d51-f3bc-4900-915c-b8ca01d2965b.filesusr.com/ugd/72c7be_2d35b19992a84a5a9997bf2dc056c2dc.pdf (Confessions of a Content Whisperer), and a new offering, https://www.daniellegraymba.com/safespace ([Safe Space] with Danielle). Guest: Known for her reliability and humor, Danielle Gray is a Content Marketing Strategist with over nine years of industry experience composing proposals, writing content, running email campaigns, and generating leads online. Along with developing proposals, she helped her former design-build firm grow website visits by 88% and contributed over $150 million in revenue from leads generated from the website in just three years. Now, Danielle is the owner of https://www.dgmarketingco.com/ (DG Marketing Company), a professional services marketing firm committed to contributing and creating genuine, humanized marketing that listens and solves instead of tells and sells. She also speaks around the country about content generation, the importance of digital marketing and social media specifically relating to the AEC industry. Show Links: https://www.dgmarketingco.com/ (DG Marketing Company) http://www.daniellegraymba.com/ (Danielle Gray, MBA)
Episode 027: Techniques for Effective People ManagementWhat’s the difference between managing and leading? And, what is effective management? In this episode, we interview Foram Sheth, Co-Founder and Chief Coaching Officer of https://alvcoaching.com/?utm_source=partnership&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=leadership&utm_content=practice-disrupted (Ama La Vida) to discuss management training with new and mid-level managers. Learn about the 12 year trap and why it’s important to start leadership training sooner rather than later. https://alvcoaching.com/?utm_source=partnership&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=leadership&utm_content=practice-disrupted (Ama La Vida) is an innovative career, leadership, life and health coaching company centered around the understanding that you can and should love your life. Ama La Vida uses a proprietary blend of online eCoaching modules with one-on-one virtual sessions with your personally matched coach to help its members create meaningful, measurable change in their lives. Guest: After starting her career in consulting, Foram Sheth left everything she knew to co-found an innovative coaching company. Foram helps her clients accelerate their success by leveraging her consulting background of driving results through data while combining her strengths of empathy and individuality. Foram has been featured in publications like CNBC, The Chicago Tribune, and Inc, where she shares her vision of making coaching accessible to people of all age groups and socioeconomic statuses. Foram is an adjunct faculty at Northwestern University and has a Masters in Learning and Organizational Change with her coaching certification in Organizational and Leadership Coaching from Northwestern University. Show Links: https://alvcoaching.com/?utm_source=partnership&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=leadership&utm_content=practice-disrupted (Ama La Vida) https://generalassemb.ly/instructors/foram-sheth/18333 (Foram on General Assembly) https://generalassemb.ly/education/how-to-be-an-effective-manager (How to Be An Effective Manager Training) https://hbr.org/podcast/2020/12/stop-micromanaging-and-give-people-the-help-they-really-need (HBR on Micromanaging)
Episode 026: Climate Action Through EntrepreneurshipHow are architects using their training to fight climate change? The team at https://www.cove.tools/ (cove.tool) is fighting climate change by helping architects, engineers, contractors and developers use data-driven design through automation and cost optimization. They lead by example by making science and transparency central while pushing the boundaries. Founder, Patrick Chopson joins us to discuss his journey into entrepreneurship and his pursuit to help solve the climate crisis through the use of design, technology, and science. https://www.cove.tools/ (Cove.tool) is a building design platform for intelligent performance. It is streamlined to automate analysis that helps architects, engineers, and contractors achieve energy, COVID occupancy, daylight, glare, radiation, water, and embodied carbon targets while reducing construction cost. Guest: Focusing on the crossover between architecture and technology, Patrick Chopson, AIA leads https://www.cove.tools/ (cove.tool), a web-based design software for buildings using machine learning and automation to drive decision making. He oversees product development and customer acquisition as a Co-Founder. A graduate of Georgia Tech with a Master's in High Performance Buildings, he is a licensed architect with over 16 years of experience in architecture, research, and mechanical engineering firms. Prior to cove.tool he co-founded a successful building performance consulting firm Pattern r+d. Multiple publications include Architect Magazine, Tech Crunch, Site Selection, ArchDaily, and more. Show Links: https://www.cove.tools/ (cove.tool)
Episode 025: Architecture, And: TechHow are individuals using their training in architecture to explore diverse career paths? Continuing our series on “architecture, and”, we interview Kat Dovjenko who is a former Program Manager at the https://rdlab.team/ (R+D Lab for the Built Environment). She recently joined Muse & Company as their new Creative Director. She designs physical and digital spaces and transforms emerging ideas into scalable solutions. She works with technologies such as AR/VR, next gen software, and robotics to drive innovation in the AEC industry. Right now, she is helping craft the future of workplace. Guest: Kat Dovjenko is inspired by the dynamic energy around architecture and urban planning. She maintains that the more complex, ambitious, and unsolvable the problem, the better. She recently joined https://www.museandcompany.com/ (Muse & Company) as Creative Director. As a former Program Manager at the R+D Lab for the Built Environment, Kat drove talented teams to unite and achieve outcomes they would not be able to do individually—at multiple scales and in multiple stages of the design process. With R+D, Kat navigated speculative pockets of the future and weaved together how they might impact our built spaces. Kat never shies away from ambiguity and is skilled at using foresight and storytelling to propel leading-edge technologies into real products for the workplace and beyond. Kat was born near a nuclear meltdown in Kyiv, Ukraine, which imbued her with a superpower for exploration and discovery. She studied Finance in Vancouver, Canada, before earning her Masters in Architecture from the University of Toronto. In her spare time, Kat works alongside three brilliant investors and leads a syndicate of architects and builders to invest in AEC-related startups. She’s currently learning how to play a steel hang drum, albeit slowly. Show Links: http://dovjenkodesign.com/writing (Kat’s website) https://rdlab.team/ (R+D for the Built Environment) https://www.museandcompany.com/ (Muse & Company) https://angel.co/spatial/syndicate (Spatial Syndicate) https://www.trxl.co/podcast/031 (Kat Dovjenko on TRXL)
Episode 024: Managing Knowledge & Data for Continuous ImprovementWhat is knowledge management? And why is it important for growing a design studio? In this episode, we interview Christopher Parsons, the Founder and CEO of https://www.knowledge-architecture.com/ (Knowledge Architecture) to learn more about knowledge management. Knowledge Architecture builds software, community, and best practices to help architecture and engineering firms find, share, and manage knowledge. Their software platform is Synthesis, a social intranet which integrates with Deltek, Newforma, and OpenAsset. They also run an annual knowledge management conference for the AEC industry called KA Connect, as well as a client community of practice for Synthesis intranet teams called KA Advance. Founded in 2009 and serving over 100 AEC clients, Knowledge Architecture is privately-held, employee-owned, and passionate about co-creating and sharing best practices to advance the state of knowledge management in the AEC industry. Knowledge Architecture is based in San Francisco, California. Guest: Christopher Parsons is the Founder and CEO of https://www.knowledge-architecture.com/ (Knowledge Architecture), and is responsible for research and development, sales and marketing, and organizational development. He is the executive producer of KA Connect, KA’s annual knowledge management conference for the AEC industry. Christopher has been a technology leader in the AEC industry since 2002, including serving as the Chief Information Officer for Steinberg Architects and the Information Technology Director for SMWM (now Perkins+Will). Christopher has a degree in History from Wake Forest University. He’s an avid reader, hiker, birdwatcher, and cook. Show Links: https://www.knowledge-architecture.com/ka-connect-conference (Deep Dive Series) https://www.knowledge-architecture.com/talk-archive (KA Connect Talk Archive) https://www.knowledge-architecture.com/ka-connect-talks/aec-knowledge-management-periodic-table-of-elements (AEC KM 101 Talk and KM Periodic Table Graphic) https://www.knowledge-architecture.com/contact (Mailing List Sign Up) https://www.tablegroup.com/books/the-advantage/ (The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni ) https://www.amazon.com/Small-Giants-Companies-Choose-Instead-ebook/dp/B000OCXFYC (Small Giants by Bo Burlingham) https://basecamp.com/bootstrapped (Bootstrapped, Profitable, and Proud by Basecamp)
Episode 023: Finding a New Value Proposition Through TechHow are architects disrupting the inefficiencies of the design and construction process? The founders of https://www.getconcert.com/ (CONCERT) initially set out to design a technology solution to replace documents with digital instruments of service. They quickly realized they were designing a new value proposition of trust and protection in the documentation process. Within most design studios, digital drawings and models are continually being updated throughout the design, construction and even operations process. https://www.getconcert.com/ (CONCERT) enables digital delivery with any file type, including PDFs and digital models, on The Concert Digital Exchange©, so that designers can secure and protect their IP. In this episode, we’ll discuss blockchain, the economic forces at play in AEC, and the opportunity for architects to expand our agency through the development of technology. Guests: Adam Wilbrecht, AIA is a Principal at https://www.cuningham.com/ (Cuningham Group Architecture) and co-founder of https://www.getconcert.com/ (CONCERT). A registered architect and specialist in both building and design technologies, Adam is an active member of the AIA’s CIO Large Firm Roundtable, as well as the AEC-IT Leaders Group, and the University of Minnesota Consortium for Research Practices. Show Links: https://www.getconcert.com/#concert-features (getconcert.com) https://www.cuningham.com/ (Cuningham.com) https://www.aecitleaders.org/ (aecitleaders.org) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blockchain (Blockchain explained) https://www.trxl.co/podcast/027 (Adam Wilbrecht on TRXL)
Episode 022: Reimagining Work in the New Digital-First WorkplaceWhat are best practices for the new digital-first workplace? https://futureforum.com/ (Future Forum) enables leaders to reimagine work through data and dialogue, to create a people-centric and digital-first future of work. Helen Kupp, Director of Product Strategy of the Future Forum joins Evelyn Lee and Je’Nen Chastain to share lessons learned from the https://futureforum.com/2020/10/07/rewiring-how-we-work-building-a-new-employee-experience-for-a-digital-first-world/ (Remote Employee Experience Index). Future Forum has launched the Remote Employee Experience Index, a new quarterly report that will provide the data and analysis that organizations need to navigate this new world of work. To access the full global report, https://slack.com/blog/collaboration/workplace-transformation-in-the-wake-of-covid-19 (click here). Guest: Helen Kupp is the Director of Product Strategy of the https://futureforum.com/ (Future Forum), where she leads membership program development, and strategic partnerships. Previously, Helen led the Strategy & Analytics team at https://slack.com/ (Slack), where she drove various cross-functional initiatives such as international launch and strategy, building our professional services offering, and leading Slack’s fundraising and direct listing efforts. Before Slack, Helen held various bizops and product roles at Thumbtack and BloomReach, primarily focused on launching and scaling new initiatives. Prior to a career in technology, Helen was a consultant with Bain & Company. Helen received a BS from Caltech and an MBA from Harvard Business School. She’s a new mom to a spunky 10 month old baby boy, and is passionate about advocating for and creating better support for working moms. Show Links: https://futureforum.com/blog/ (futureforum.com/blog) https://futureforum.com/2020/10/07/rewiring-how-we-work-building-a-new-employee-experience-for-a-digital-first-world/ (Remote Employee Experience Index) https://slack.com/ (slack.com)
Episode 021: Season 2 LaunchWelcome back to Practice Disrupted! Hosts Evelyn Lee and Je’Nen Chastain launch season 2 with guest moderator Wanda Lau. In 2020 Evelyn and Je’Nen set out to explore the evolution of architectural practice in a changing world. In the six months between the start of the podcast to the end of season 1, the world experienced rapid transformation into a post COVID world. In 2021 they’ll continue to investigate practice shifts in the architecture profession while discussing how the pandemic has prompted additional change. Together they’ll find new solutions to current challenges while elevating the value of architects. Hosts: Evelyn M. Lee, AIA, MBA, MPA is a licensed architect in the state of California, with over 15 years of experience working with individuals and companies that are looking to reshape their future. She is the founder of https://practiceofarchitecture.com/ (Practice of Architecture), the first-ever Senior Experience Designer at https://slack.com/ (Slack Technologies), and the first female Treasurer to https://www.aia.org/leadership (AIA National)‘s Board of Directors. Je’Nen M. Chastain, MBA, Assoc. AIA is the founder of https://apostrophe.consulting/ (Apostrophe Consulting), a management consultancy serving professionals in architecture. With 10 years of experience working in the field, she is known for content creation of programs, research, and resources that support next generation leaders. She frequently collaborates with the https://practiceofarchitecture.com/ (Practice of Architecture) and the https://www.aia.org/ (AIA). Moderator: Wanda Lau is an editor, writer, and podcaster covering technology, practice, and op-eds athttp://www.architectmagazine.com/ ( ARCHITECT magazine), the journal ofhttp://www.aia.org/ ( )the https://www.aia.org/ (AIA) . She is an award-winning editor and writer who has covered everything from building codes to firm culture. She is also a host and producer of thehttps://www.architectmagazine.com/practice/podcasts/ ( ARCHITECT Podcast Network). Prior to joining ARCHITECT, she worked for a decade in the AEC industry as an owner’s representative, engineer, and communications director—but not all at once. Show Links: https://gablmedia.com/show/practicedisrupted/ (practicedisrupted.com) http://practiceofarchitecture.com/ (http://practiceofarchitecture.com/) https://apostrophe.consulting/ (https://apostrophe.consulting/) https://www.architectmagazine.com/author/wanda-lau (https://www.architectmagazine.com/author/wanda-lau) Follow us on social media: @practiceofarch
Episode 020: Ask Me Anything, Season FinaleWe take questions from our listeners and recap what we learned in Season 1 of Practice Disrupted.Hosts: Evelyn Lee, Founder of Practice of Architecture & Senior Experience Designer for Slack Technologies Je’Nen Chastain, Founder of Apostrophe Consulting Moderator: Dimitrius Lynch, Chief Creative Director for Gabl Media
Episode 019: Architecture, And: FilmHow are individuals using their training in architecture to explore diverse career paths?Guest: Rebekah Bukhbinder Rebekah Bukbinder is an Art Director working in film and television. She has collaborated on notable productions including The Mandalorian, Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker, and The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. A graduate of SciArc with a Master of Architecture, Rebekah’s background in architecture and fascination with the ephemeral has led her into the world of filmmaking and ultimately has informed a career in set design and world building. Her work in television and film transports audiences into imaginary worlds for people to experience. She believes her career has been a balance of taking risks, and serendipitous moments that led her to where she was meant to be. You can see more of Rebekah’s work on October 30 when Season 2 of The Mandalorian airs. Show Links: https://tinyurl.com/disneyplusTheMandalorian (https://tinyurl.com/disneyplusTheMandalorian) https://tinyurl.com/disneyplusTheRiseofSkywalker (https://tinyurl.com/disneyplusTheRiseofSkywalker) https://tinyurl.com/netflixTheDarkCrystal (https://tinyurl.com/netflixTheDarkCrystal)
Episode 018: Remote PracticeHow do you manage a virtual design studio?Guest: Leah Alissa Bayer, Founder and Managing Director of EVIA Studio Leah Alissa Bayer, AIA, NCARB, LEED GA, is Founder and Managing Director of the architecture start-up EVIA Studio. First registered in 2017 in California, Leah is licensed to practice in CA, Hawaii, and Washington state and is based out of home offices in Palo Alto, CA and Bellingham, WA, while EVIA Studio serves clients throughout the Pacific States. A true multi-disciplinarian, Leah received her Bachelor of Architecture with an aerospace-centric thesis, a Minor in Fine Arts, and four years of structural engineering from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in 2014. Equally passionate about serving as a leader in practice for her profession as she is to her firm, Leah is dedicated to volunteer work. She is the AIA Silicon Valley Treasurer and incoming Vice President for 2021, founding Chair of the AIASV Practice Leadership Committee, Founding Co-Chair of the Architectural Intelligence Conference, Advisor to AIA National's Center for Practice, and Chair of the NCARB Experience Advisory Committee. EVIA Studio isn't your traditional architecture firm. They’re an award-winning, 100% women-led, virtual team of diverse professionals spread across the country who are passionate about creating exceptional living spaces for everyone. From extra space for a growing family to a vibrant showroom for a new business, healthy affordable housing or a luxurious getaway - whatever it is, they've got you covered with their commitment to outstanding service and design. They believe buildings should look great, feel great, and do great things for our communities. Show Links: https://www.eviastudio.com/ (https://www.eviastudio.com/) https://www.instagram.com/eviastudio/ (https://www.instagram.com/eviastudio/) https://www.facebook.com/eviastudio/ (https://www.facebook.com/eviastudio/) https://twitter.com/eviastudios (https://twitter.com/eviastudios) Related Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/entrearchitectLeahAlissaBayer (https://tinyurl.com/entrearchitectLeahAlissaBayer) https://tinyurl.com/youngarchitectLeahAlissaBayer (https://tinyurl.com/youngarchitectLeahAlissaBayer) https://tinyurl.com/insidethefirmLeahAlissaBayer (https://tinyurl.com/insidethefirmLeahAlissaBayer)
Episode 017: Building CultureHow do organizations build and manage culture? And, why is culture so important anyway?Guests: Anne Foreman, Co-Founder of At Your Core Steph Mann, Co-Founder of At Your Core Anne is a cross-functional, values-oriented business leader who thrives when facilitating a team and simplifying and solving complex problems. She has worked for major companies including Method and Mattel, managing large brands, budgets and teams as well as go-to-market plans for start-ups with limited resources. She flexes from strategic to tactical to impact company values and operating principles. Steph has 15 years of experience in brand management and management consulting, delivering profitable growth with a key focus on people leadership and strategic choices. She has always sought to improve organizational culture and team effectiveness and gets a LOT of energy from cultivating new connections and nurturing relationships in work and life. Show Links: Learn more at: http://www.atyourcore.co (www.atyourcore.co) Blog article mentioned in the show: How to live your company values across the employee experience https://www.cultureamp.com/blog/how-to-live-your-company-values-across-the-employee-experience/ (https://www.cultureamp.com/blog/how-to-live-your-company-values-across-the-employee-experience/) Client Interview with Tile’s CEO, CJ Prober: https://www.atyourcore.co/2019/04/02/new-ceo-cj-prober-starts-with-trust-at-tile/ (https://www.atyourcore.co/2019/04/02/new-ceo-cj-prober-starts-with-trust-at-tile/) Stats worth sharing with your leadership team: In an employee experience study, 80% of employees felt more engaged when their work was consistent with the core values of the organization.1 And, when employees are engaged, absenteeism lowers by 41%, productivity boosts by 7%, turnover lowers by 24%.2 Speaking of turnover, 84% of workers would consider leaving their current job if offered another role with a company that had an excellent reputation (and most would require only a 1-10% salary increase to make the move). 3 And attracting high talent is the goal here: companies with cultures that attract high talent enjoy 33% higher revenues.4 “Employee Experience Index” IBM White Paper, 2017 “State of the American Workplace” Gallup, 2016 “Americans Would Rather Remain Unemployed than Work for Companies with Bad Corporate Reputations” by Elaine Quayle, HR Daily Advisor, October 2013 “Culture Wins By Getting the Most Out of People” Gallup, July 2018
Episode 016: Voices from the Future of the ProfessionFuture leaders of the profession share diverse perspectives on architecture and the LGBTIQ+ community. Guests: Ryan Gann, Designer at Ross Barney Architects A.L. Hu, Design Initiatives Manager at Ascendant Neighborhood Development Lora Teagarden, Architect at RATIO Yiselle Santos Rivera, Firmwide Director of Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion at HKS Amy Rosen, Sociospatial Designer at PLASTARC Ryan Gann, Assoc. AIA Ryan Gann has blazed a trail founded on service, leadership, and design. From his time as an engaged student leader to his expanding contributions to the built environment, Ryan has managed to stay ambitious while having fun along the way. As a designer at Ross Barney Architects he has worked on some of the studio’s most ambitious civic projects. These architectural and urban design investigations have allowed him to collaborate with communities across Chicago and the world, expressing the role public space plays in everyday life. Ryan is the recipient of the 2018 AIA Associates Award, Schiff Foundation Fellowship from the Art Institute of Chicago, and was the inaugural Architect-in-Residence at the Hyde Park Art Center. Ryan previously served on the national boards of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), and the American Institute of Architects (AIA). A.L. Hu, Assoc. AIA A.L. Hu is a queer, trans, nonbinary Taiwanese-American architect, organizer, and facilitator who lives and works in New York City. Their practice synthesizes organizing for racial, class, and gender justice with world-building and design; rethinks the architect’s role in facilitating accessible spaces; and manifests in design, visual media, and collaborative cultural work. They are a 2019-2021 Enterprise Rose Architectural Fellow and Design Initiatives Manager at Ascendant Neighborhood Development in East Harlem. They shared their experiences on a panel of queer architects at the AIA National Conference on Architecture in 2019; was a Thought Leader at the AIASF Equity by Design Symposium in 2018; and received the 2018 AIANY Emerging New York Architects ARE Scholarship. They received a Master of Architecture from Columbia University GSAPP in 2017, and a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture with a minor in Sustainable Design from UC Berkeley in 2012. Lora Teagarden, AIA, LEED AP BD+C Lora is an Architect at http://www.ratiodesign.com/ (RATIO), headquartered in Indianapolis, and the founder of http://l-2-design.com/ (L² Design), LLC. A published author and creator of #AREsketches, her passion for the profession drives her to mentor young professionals and volunteer in her community. She is a 2017 Young Architect Award winner, the 2019 Chair of the Young Architects Forum, 2020 AIA Indianapolis President, and was recently elected as an At-Large Representative on the AIA National Strategic Council. Her website and blog offer unique insights into professional practice, together with inspiration and tips for young architects. Yiselle Santos Rivera, AIA, NOMA, LSSYB, WELL AP, LEED AP Yiselle Santos Rivera is a medical planner and the Firmwide Director of Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion at HKS, Inc. With national and international experience on a broad range of healthcare, institutional, and commercial/mixed-use projects, she thrives on building belonging and designing for inclusion. Seeking to empower the next generation of leaders, she co-founded the Latin American Interior Designers, Engineers, and Architects (LA.IDEA) DC Committee and founded the “Women Inspiring Emerging Leaders in Design” (WIELD) event, recipient of the 2019 AIA Diversity Program Recognition Award. Mrs. Santos currently serves on the AIA National Board, the AIA DC Chapter Board, and is Advisor to the DC NOMA Board. She is a member of the AIA Equity and the Future of Architecture Board Committee, the New Urban Agenda Taskforce,...
Episode 015: Architecture, And: Social Impact [or Social Justice]?How are individuals using their training in architecture to explore diverse career paths? Guest: Wandile Mthiyane, CEO at Ubuntu Design Group Wandile Mthiyane is an Obama Leader, Tedx Fellow, architectural designer, social entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of Ubuntu Design Group (UDG). Ubuntu Design Group is an architectural organization that focuses on social impact design projects ranging from individual housing to urban design scale. Influenced by his childhood experiences growing up in post-apartheid South Africa, Wandile founded UDG on the core idea that if apartheid architecture could be used to segregate and oppress, then community-led design should liberate and enable opportunities for all. Learn more about Ubuntu Design Group: Ubuntu Design Group exists to solve architectural design and financial inclusion problems of low-income communities around the world. Our mission is to empower inadequately sheltered families to overcome economic and social challenges and barriers, through innovation and collaboration in designing for the future vision of their home and community. Show Links: https://ubuntudesigngroup.org/ (https://ubuntudesigngroup.org/) https://www.ubuntuasa.org/ (https://www.ubuntuasa.org/) related podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/youngarchitectWandileMthiyane (https://tinyurl.com/youngarchitectWandileMthiyane) https://tinyurl.com/midnightcaretteWandileMthiyane (https://tinyurl.com/midnightcaretteWandileMthiyane) articles: 1.https://www.archdaily.com/947507/i-grew-up-where-architecture-was-designed-to-oppress-wandile-mthiyane-on-social-impact-and-learning-from-south-africa (https://www.archdaily.com/947507/i-grew-up-where-architecture-was-designed-to-oppress-wandile-mthiyane-on-social-impact-and-learning-from-south-africa) 2.https://archinect.com/features/article/150208185/undoing-apartheid-architecture-with-wandile-mthiyane (https://archinect.com/features/article/150208185/undoing-apartheid-architecture-with-wandile-mthiyane) 3.https://www.noma.net/news/the-architects-of-systemic-racism-south-african-wandile-mthiyane-tells-an-american-story-on-architizer/ (https://www.noma.net/news/the-architects-of-systemic-racism-south-african-wandile-mthiyane-tells-an-american-story-on-architizer/)
Episode 014: Training the Next Generation of LeadersWhy is leadership development important for architects? Guests: Ryan McEnroe, Co-Founder, AIA|DC Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program Korey D. White Co-Chair, AIA Forefront Kavitha Mathew, Director, Leadership and Engagement, AIA New York -- Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program (CKLDP) Website: ckldp.com Beginning in 2013, the AIA|DC chapter undertook an initiative to develop a program to help train and nurture the next generation of leaders. The year-long program consists of nine individual half-day sessions attended by a competitively selected group of 16 emerging professionals (someone who has graduated from college with an architecture degree and is within 10 years of their first licensure). Prospective participants must go through an application process for selection where proven career success, community involvement and the individual’s firm support will be considered. Applications for the 2021 cohort are open. Ryan McEnroe, Co-Founder, AIA|DC CKLDP As both a licensed architect and landscape architect that grew up on an organic farm, Ryan has a unique understanding of sustainability practices. With 13+ years of professional experience Ryan allows his firm to embrace a wide range of project types and has spoken and written extensively on how agriculture can serve as an amenity. He is an Associate at Quinn Evans Architects in Washington, DC, the Co-Founder and Past-Chair of the AIA|DC Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program and currently serves as the 2020 Chair for the National AIA Young Architects Forum (YAF). He has been recognized with the AIA|DC Emerging Architect Award (2014), AIA Young Architects Award, ENR Mid-Atlantic Top Professionals Award, BD+C 40 Under 40, and the AIAS Emerging Professional Honor Award (all in 2018). -- AIA Forefront Website: aiaforefront.com Launched in 2015 as a national leadership program of the AIA, Forefront aims to inspire, empower, and engage architects and emerging professionals so that they become effective leaders serving at the forefront of society’s most pressing challenges. This one-day virtual event brings together visionary speakers on individual, civic and professional leadership for the architectural profession. The event is happening on Oct 30, 2020. Visit aiaforefront.com to learn how to register and participate. Korey D. White, Co-Chair, AIA Forefront Korey White is an architect and urban planner at DLR Group, working on educational facility master planning for K-12 school districts. In 2018, Korey stepped into the Co-Chair role for the AIA Leadership Institute, guiding the vision and programming for the one-day national conference. In collaboration with her Co-Chair, Sarah Wahlgren-Wingo, they revamped what is now known as Forefront. Korey is recognized for her leadership within architecture by her recent election to the AIA Strategic Council as an At-Large Representative for 2021-2022 and has been awarded the AIA Young Architects Award, the BD+C 40 under 40 and the AIA Colorado Leadership Award. -- AIANY Civic Leadership Program (CLP) Website: aiany.org AIA New York is the oldest and largest chapter of the American Institute of Architects. The Chapter’s members include over 5,500 practicing architects, allied professionals, students, and public members interested in architecture and design. The AIANY Civic Leadership Program (CLP) develops a class of emerging architectural professionals into civic leaders by refining the critical skills that design professionals need to better represent the people that they serve. Each year, the CLP selects ten emerging AIA members to participate in a six-month journey to improve their community outreach and public relations skills, strengthening the AIANY’s culture of advocacy by providing opportunities to interface with municipal agencies, community development organizations, and local stakeholders. Kavitha Mathew,...
Episode 013: Architecture, And: EntrepreneurshipHow are individuals using their training in architecture to explore diverse career paths?Guest: Moe Amaya, Co-Founder of Monograph Moe Amaya is the Co-Founder of Monograph, a San Francisco-based software company revolutionizing the future in how architectural projects are managed. Born in Arizona, Amaya discovered his passion for design and technology at an early age. Building a bridge between his technological and creative sides, Amaya pursues his career with innovation, organization, and enthusiasm. While garnering in-depth experience in building tools for startups and architecture firms, and expertise in custom content management systems, Amaya discovered a void for an intuitive cloud-based project management application that was tailored to the industry. He co-founded Monograph with the mission to help architects and engineers oversee projects in an integrated, user-friendly, and ever-evolving interface. Amaya graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Design from Arizona State University and a Masters of Architecture in Computation from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he gained profound experience as a frontend engineer. Upon graduation, Amaya, along with his roommate, Alex Dixon, started a digital agency building websites and interactive tools for architects. Soon after meeting Robert Yuen, the three collaborated and formally became partners at Dixon & Moe – the agency from which Monograph was born. Learn more about Monograph: Founded in 2019, Monograph offers firm management software designed to help architects and engineers oversee projects, timesheets, and forecasts in one, integrated and simple interface. The software is deeply rooted in the founders’ experiences in building tools for architecture firms, where they noticed a recurring challenge—architects and project managers were discontent with their existing and non-existent management software. Seeing this void for a simple cloud-based project management application, the co-founders set out to create Monograph, the solution for architects, designers, and engineers to manage their firms more effectively and transparently. As the creators of a software designed by architects for architects, their company is on a mission to empower and arm the professionals who create our buildings and cities with better tools. Learn more about Architechie: We're an intrepid band of architects now working in the tech industry and helping others do the same. We host events, workshops, and throw a killer happy hour. 1. Architechie is first and foremost people. 2. Our unconventional backgrounds are our best asset. 3. Everyone has a different path, and that's a good thing. 4. Together we make up a living wiki: ask us anything. 5. Networking is paramount. So come to our next event. Show Links: https://monograph.io/ (https://monograph.io/) https://dixonandmoe.com/ (https://dixonandmoe.com/) https://architechie.org/ (https://architechie.org/)
Episode 012: Communication StrategyHow is marketing and communication changing in AEC?Guest: Amanda Walter, Owner of Walter Communications Amanda Walter works behind-the-scenes with companies and individuals in the related design and planning fields of the built environment. She helps clients share their knowledge and stories that shape their public reputation and advance toward their business goals. Her specialties are building robust thought leadership programs, developing emerging communications leaders and training executives to be effective spokespeople and advocates. Amanda spent a decade in-house creating and driving EDAW’s global communications and publishing program, and leading media relations across AECOM. She understands the complexity of firm-wide communications initiatives and the challenge of scaling programs across the nation and world. As a result, her advisory services come from the perspective of an internal resource. Her book, “Social Media in Action: Comprehensive Guide for Architecture, Engineering, Planning and Environmental Consulting Firms” was the first book of its kind and the start of Amanda’s exploration of how new media impacts how people form impressions and make decisions. Show Links: Waltercomms.com
Episode 011: New Service Lines - Building a Multidisciplinary PracticeWhat types of new service lines are architecture firms designing? Guests: Christina Cho Yoo, Co-Founder of Atelier Cho Thompson Ming Thompson, Co-Founder of Atelier Cho Thompson Christina Cho Yoo, AIA, PE, LEED AP BD+C, IIDA Christina leads the San Francisco office of Atelier Cho Thompson. She is a licensed engineer and architect in California. Christina received a BS & MS in Civil & Structural Engineering and Construction Management from Stanford and her M. Arch from the Harvard GSD. She started her professional life as a structural engineer at internationally-renowned Arup, working on projects like the California Academy of Sciences, labs, universities, bridges, and more. She has worked in LA, NY, SF, Seoul, and Shanghai at firms like SHoP Architects, Neri & Hu, and Bohlin Cywinski Jackson. She is an adjunct professor at the California College of Arts, most recently teaching an advanced urban studio on the Post-Retail City, which has led to involvement in the SPUR Working Group for Reopening the Ground Floor in a COVID era. Ming Thompson, AIA, IIDA Ming leads the new New Haven office of Atelier Cho Thompson. As a practicing architect, Ming is focused on bettering human experience through design; she insists that good design must occur at all scales, from the building to the furniture to the logo, and everything in between. Ming is a licensed architect in California, Massachusetts, New York, and Connecticut. She is a recipient of the AIA Young Architect Award. Ming attended Yale College and the Harvard GSD, and has taught at the California College of the Arts. She has served on design juries around the U.S., and is co-chair of the AIA CT Women in Architecture committee. She writes and speaks frequently on the topic of equity in architecture. She is a first year advisor at Yale and serves on the board of the Yale-China Association. Show Links: https://www.chothompson.com/ (https://www.chothompson.com/)
Episode 010: Organizational Design, Process, and InnovationHow does organizational design support an innovative firm culture? Guest: Andrew Cronin, Principal at KieranTimberlake
In over 15 years as an architect, Andrew has focused on a variety of project types including award winning renovations for university clients, an addition and renovation at a local religious institution, a private home in rural Northern California, and an innovative new education center at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Andrew is currently working on a student residential planning study for a liberal arts college in New England and a precinct planning study for a university in Washington D.C.
Andrew takes a holistic approach to design practice. As a Principal at KieranTimberlake, he remains deeply connected to digital design, prototyping, and systems integration and engages project teams across the office by co-leading KieranTimberlake's BIM Practices group and works to spread lessons across the firm through KT’s regular weekly knowledge sharing forums. Andrew supports KieranTimberlake’s pursuit of the 2030 Challenge in his role in the Beyond 2030 working group and leads KieranTimberlake’s internal mentorship program. He is also a jury critic and adjunct faculty member at the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design at Drexel University.
Show Links: https://kierantimberlake.com/ (https://kierantimberlake.com/)
Episode 009: Voices from the Future of the ProfessionFuture leaders of the profession share diverse perspectives on race, equity, and architecture. Guests: Leslie Epps, NOMA Student Representative, AIAS & NOMAS Leader at The City College of New York Sarah Curry, AIAS, Assoc. AIA, NOMA Beresford Pratt, AIA, NOMA Melanie Ray, AIA, NOMA, LEED Green Associate, NCARB, Fitwel Amb. Kendall A. Nicholson, Ed.D, Assoc. AIA, NOMA, LEED GA Leslie Epps, NOMA Student Representative, AIAS & NOMAS Leader at The City College of New York Leslie Epps is an accomplished rising fifth year architecture student at the Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture. She has been passionate about architecture for half of her life and is eager to learn more and enact change moving forward in her career. Awarded NOMA Student Member of the Year 2019, Leslie Epps founded the CCNY NOMAS Chapter in 2018 and served as President until early 2020. Epps also received the title of NOMA Student Representative and serves on the NOMA Board of Directors for the role. In the future she aspires to combine architecture with urban planning in an effort to address social issues and ultimately better society. Sarah Curry, AIAS, Assoc. AIA, NOMA Sarah Curry just finished an exhilarating year of living and working in Washington, DC as the 2019-2020 President of the American Institute of Architecture Students. No matter what her next chapter of life holds, she intends to explore and practice her passions for evidence-based and equitable design while pursuing licensure. None of that work would feel fulfilling though, if she is unable to continue advocating for the underserved and supporting design students and others who are interested in designing responsibly for those who need it the most. Originally from outside of Atlanta, Sarah earned her B.Arch in 2018 from Auburn University and completed her Thesis Design-Build Project at Rural Studio the following year. Her very flexible life plans include going to graduate school, teaching, and eventually enjoying nontraditional practice in the vast field of architecture. Beresford Pratt, AIA, NOMA Beresford Pratt is a licensed architect and Associate at Ayers Saint Gross in Baltimore, MD where he has worked on a multitude of education/institutional projects. He is passionate about active learning environments and pipeline initiatives, and he enjoys this cross pollination with his professional work. He is currently serving his second year in the AIA as the Mid Atlantic Young Architects Regional Director in the Young Architects Forum (YAF), and he is currently an editor for the YAF’s publication Connection. Beresford is also a co-founder of Baltimore’s local chapter of The National Organization of Minority Architects (Bmore NOMA). Beresford sits on the board and is the Communications Chair/Director. Outside of the industry, if he is not playing soccer, he enjoys volunteering his time with the United Way Central Maryland, and he currently sits on the Emerging Leaders United Council. Melanie Ray, AIA, NOMA, LEED Green Associate, NCARB, Fitwel Amb. Melanie Ray is a licensed architect and Associate in the Housing/Mixed-Use studio at Hord Coplan Macht in Baltimore, MD. Since graduating from Penn State’s architecture program in 2015, she has worked on various mixed-use and affordable housing projects, as well as community development projects in Baltimore city and beyond. She is the 424th living black woman licensed in the US to practice architecture and seeks to be an active mentor to promote the goal of doubling the number of licensed black architects by 2030. She currently serves as the Vice President of the Baltimore Chapter of NOMA, Bmore NOMA, and the Northeast University Liaison for NOMA National. In addition to her work at HCM, Melanie is a regular volunteer for pro bono design projects through such organizations as The Neighborhood Design Center and Habitat for Humanity. Kendall A. Nicholson,...
Episode 008: Studio CultureWhat is studio culture and how does it relate to professional practice? Guests: Andrew Caruso, Director of Strategy & Operations for Urban Solutions at Hatch Anthony Vanky, Assistant Professor in Urban Planning at the University of Michigan Taubman College Andrew Caruso, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, CDT Andrew is an architect and economist, working at the intersection of urbanization and development within the world’s emerging cities. He has nearly 15 years of global leadership experience in consulting, NGO management, mergers & acquisitions, organizational development, architecture, master planning, urban resilience and international development, across five continents. He is Director of Strategy & Operations for Urban Solutions at Hatch, a global engineering, development and management consultancy with more than 65 offices on six continents. As a member of the Urban Solutions leadership team, Andrew helps reshape world cities through innovative technical and strategic consulting services — master planning, economic analysis, policy advisory, and resiliency planning — for public and private clients facing the pressures of rapid urbanization. He holds a professional degree in Architecture (with honors) from Carnegie Mellon University and a Masters degree in International Economics and International Development (with honors) from the Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies. Andrew has held seats on the national Boards of Directors for three of the five governing organizations for the profession of architecture in the United States: the American Institute of Architects, the National Architectural Accrediting Board and the American Institute of Architecture Students. He has been appointed to national committees for all five governing organizations, as well as the International Union of Architects and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). He has twice represented the United States as an official delegate to the UIA World Congress on Architecture and served on the founding steering committee for the National Academy for Environmental Design.
Anthony Vanky, PhD Anthony is an Assistant Professor in Urban Planning at the University of Michigan Taubman College, focusing on the use of data-centric practices in city-making and urban planning. He has previously held appointments at Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation and Data Science Institute, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). At MIT, Anthony was a founding team member and the first academic programs manager of MIT designX, an academic accelerator dedicated to advancing innovation and entrepreneurship in design, cities, and the built environment. He was also a research lead at the MIT Senseable City Lab, a multidisciplinary research group. At the Lab, Anthony also served as the Lab’s partner and outreach strategist. He connected companies’ and governments’ interests in smart cities to the research of the Lab and MIT. Anthony’s own research considers the use of digital data and pervasive sensing technologies to design, plan, evaluate urban environments, and spans the disciplines of urban design, urban technologies, innovation studies, and public health. Anthony has widely presented topics of design, technology, and urbanism, including at Harvard University, the British Government, and several dozen private and public organizations. Anthony holds prior degrees from MIT and Tulane University. Show Links: http://www.andrewcaruso.com/ (http://www.andrewcaruso.com/) https://vanky.co/hello/ (https://vanky.co/hello/) http://www.aias.org/ (http://www.aias.org/)
Episode 007: [Re] Creating Your Career in ArchitectureHow do you rethink a career in architecture to get unstuck? Guest: Laura Weiss Founder at Design Diplomacy As a professional coach, facilitator, mediator, and consultant, Laura Weiss helps creative leaders engage in powerful conversations that drive change. A former licensed architect, Laura spent a decade with the global design firm IDEO as a Practice Director and Associate Partner. An expert in service design, she subsequently assumed leadership roles inside a variety of enterprises seeking to build their own capacity for innovation. Today she leads her own practice Design Diplomacy LLC and is an Adjunct Professor at the California College of the Arts. Laura holds a B.Arch. with honors from Cornell University, an M.Arch. from Yale University, and an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management. A lifelong learner, Laura has also earned a Professional Certificate in Mediation and Applied Conflict Studies from Champlain College in Burlington, VT, her CPCC (Certified Professional Co-Active Coach) credential through the Coactive Training Institute and is an ACC (Associate Certified Coach) with The International Coach Federation. Show Links: https://lauraweiss.net/ (https://lauraweiss.net/) https://www.architectmagazine.com/practice/create-your-own-path-forward-and-perhaps-away-from-architecture_o (Create Your Own Path Forward - and Perhaps Away from Architecture) (Architect Magazine)
Episode 006: Retaining the Next Generation of LeadersHow do we engage and retain the next generation of leaders in firms? Guest: David Fano, CEO of Teal A serial entrepreneur and architect by training, Dave Fano has built his career by creating high-growth teams. He founded the successful building information and technology consultancyhttps://www.architectmagazine.com/practice/wework-acquires-case-inc_o ( CASE) and ultimately sold it to WeWork, where he served as Chief Growth Officer and increased the unicorn startup’s revenue 100% YoY for four years and grew the team by ~2000%. In 2020, Dave launched his latest passion,https://www.tealhq.com/partner/practice-of-architecture ( Teal), which offers a collective of resources that puts career development back in the hands of the individual so they can pursue a fulfilling career. Show Links: https://www.tealhq.com/partner/practice-of-architecture (https://www.tealhq.com/partner/practice-of-architecture) Additional info about our partnership with Teal: We are proud to announce that Teal is partnering with the Practice of Architecture to provide career assistance for architects and designers who want to focus on building a career they love. As a part of this newly formed partnership, David has been gracious enough, for a limited time only, to offer his time to lead a cohort of architects and designers who sign-up for his career assist program on a first come first serve basis. Visit https://www.tealhq.com/partner/practice-of-architecture (Teal HQ) starting Friday, July 24 for details and to sign-up for a chance to get insight directly from Teal on your career journey.
Episode 005: Coaching is the New MentoringWhat are new ways we can think about mentoring in design practice? Guest: Dr. Shannon Arvizu, Epic Teams Epic Teams seeks to develop the next generation of team leaders to solve today's most pressing challenges. Dr. Shannon Arvizu is an organizational sociologist who has 15 years of research, training and consulting experience. She has worked with Fortune 500 companies, startups, and foundations to help fast-growing organizations transform managers into epic team leaders. Show Links: Epic Teams https://www.epicteams.co/ (https://www.epicteams.co/) Agile Leaders https://www.agileleaders.co/ (https://www.agileleaders.co/)
Episode 004: Purpose Driven PracticeWhat is purpose-driven practice, and how do you design it in your business? Guest: Illya Azaroff, Founding Director +LAB Architect PLLC Illya Azaroff, AIA, is founding principal of +LAB architect PLLC and Assoc. Professor at the New York City College of Technology (CUNY). He is a recognized leader in disaster mitigation, resilient planning strategies and design with more than 25 years of experience. He consults with design teams across the US and the world. Currently, he is leading the AIA New York Unifies Task for City and State on issues surrounding COVID19. Show Links: +LAB Architect PLLC https://www.pluslabnyc.com/ (https://www.pluslabnyc.com/)
Episode 003 - Technology & ChangeIn this episode of Practice Disrupted, we begin to explore technology as a disruptor to the industry of architectural practice. Guest: Nels Long, Co-Founding Director of RotoLab Nels Long (SCI-Arc ’14) is a designer, strategist and educator with a passion for projects that seek to improve the world through a relationship between technology and the built environment. As an Associate Principal at https://www.rotoark.com/ (RoTo Architects), Nels has worked on projects at numerous scales from single family homes and commercial spaces, to large civic projects and masterplans. His approach to practice is the basis for founding RoTo Architects’ innovation studio, RotoLab. Through http://rotolab.la/ (RotoLab) Nels has cofounded companies that each focus on a different relationship between architecture, technology, and neuroscience, specifically focusing on learning through virtual experiences, virtual tooling, and social and competitive spaces for virtual experiences and games. Show Links: RoTo Architects -- Our curated team of professionals have worked for corporations, government agencies, and individuals on a wide array of projects. We have learned the value of working collaboratively and the benefit of listening with open minds, heightened curiosity, and a sense of great purpose.https://www.rotoark.com/ ( https://www.rotoark.com/) RotoLab - An innovation studio for cross sector innovation in Architecture & Real Estate. http://rotolab.la/ (http://rotolab.la/) Second Studio is an open source collaboration software for architects and designers looking for an immersive VR solution for creating free form models using intuitive virtual tools. https://github.com/SecondStudio/Second-Studio (https://github.com/SecondStudio/Second-Studio) Affinity Space is a grassroots organization in support of resilient futures through the sharing of information, cross-sector collaboration, and online mentoring. It is an online space where life’s challenges are to be presented in a spirit of compassion and domain experts present solutions in support of affected communities. It is a knowledge web in support of learning new skills, making new friends, and creating a better world.https://affinity-space.com/ ( https://affinity-space.com/) RIOS (formerly Rios Clementi Hale Studio) https://www.rios.com/ (https://www.rios.com/) Read more about RIOS product design: https://www.rios.com/news/#filter=.all-posts.all-brands.products (https://www.rios.com/news/#filter=.all-posts.all-brands.products) notNeutral was born out of the idea that architecture is more than just a building; it is everything in the designed environment. As the design-child of Rios Clementi Hale Studios, notNeutral was a way for our award-winning transdisciplinary design firm to expand its horizons. https://www.notneutral.com/ (https://www.notneutral.com/)
Episode 2 - The Next Generation of Practice How are architects thinking outside of the box of the traditional practice model? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, we explore lessons from the Practice Innovation Lab and meet a team of architect entrepreneurs who are building a business. Guests: Christian Jordan, Co-Founder of Jamb Collective Abi Brown, Co-Founder Jamb Collective Christian Jordan is an architect practicing in Philadelphia, PA. As a principal at https://www.pjarch.com/ (PJA Architecture), founded by his father, Phillip, he continues to be a tireless advocate for emerging architects and the profession. Having graduated from Jefferson University with a B.Arch in 2005, he has been an adjunct at the university’s College of Architecture since 2006. He is currently teaching a course on innovation and professional practice. He was awarded the AIA Pennsylvania’s Emerging Professional award in 2017. In 2018, he ended a three-year term as the AIA Young Architect Regional Director for Pennsylvania, during which time he established the Firms Fostering Emerging Professional recognition award for firms in Pennsylvania. In 2017, he co-founded the JAMB Collective with five colleagues during the AIA’s Practice Innovation Lab. As a managing partner, Christian continues to further JAMB's mission to help small firms stay small, act big, and do good. Abigail R. Brown, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, is an architect at https://hickokcole.com/ (Hickok Cole) in Washington, DC, where she works on urban multifamily residential projects at a variety of scales. Abi is the 2020 Vice Chair and the 2018-2019 Community Director for https://www.aia.org/resources/195236-young-architects-forum (AIA National’s Young Architects Forum) where she uses her passion for building networks and resource sharing to better connect emerging professionals groups around the country. She is a licensed architect in the state of Illinois, a 2020 winner of the AIA Young Architects Award, and a 2016 winner of the AIA|DC Emerging Architect Award.In 2017, she participated in the AIA Practice Innovation Lab where her team started JAMB Collective, a network that helps small and medium-sized architecture firms better compete with larger firms. Abi’s experience leading in her office and professional organizations helps to shape JAMB’s approach to member outreach and culture. JAMB Collective utilizes technology and a decentralized network to connect, support, and open new doors for small to mid-size architecture firms. From its conception at the https://www.aia.org/resources/167146-practice-innovation-lab (AIA’s Practice Innovation Lab) in October of 2017 to today, the JAMB Collective has grown from an idea to an ecosystem of 16 architectural firms across 8 states and D.C. The firms range from sole proprietors to 40+ person firms and include expertise in resiliency, historic preservation/adaptive reuse, and remote practice. In 2018, JAMB won the https://www.charrettevg.com/charrette-venture-group-blog/2019/12/9/the-2020-architecture-business-plan-competition-is-open (Charette Venture Group's Architectural Business Plan Competition) for its proposal to democratize networks and resources for small firms. JAMB is currently part of Trimble's https://sites.google.com/trimble.com/zerosixty/home (ZeroSixty) Accelerator 2019-2020 cohort. Show Links: Visithttps://jambcollective.com/ ( https://jambcollective.com/) to apply to become a Jamb Groundbreaker
Welcome to the launch of Practice Disrupted! Meet hosts Evelyn Lee and Je’Nen Chastain who will begin to discuss the changing nature of architectural practice. Hosts: Evelyn Lee, Founder of Practice of Architecture & Senior Experience Designer for Slack Technologies Je’Nen Chastain, Founder of Apostrophe Consulting Evelyn M. Lee, AIA, MBA, MPA is a licensed architect in the state of California, with over 15 years of experience working with individuals and companies that are looking to reshape their future. She has been a featured keynote speaker, panelist, and moderator at national conferences and symposiums. Her topics focus on developing knowledge leadership, organizational change management, capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and strategic approaches to put design thinking to work in life and in practice. She also serves on the advisory council to https://sites.google.com/trimble.com/zerosixty/home (ZeroSixty), an accelerator for the AEC Industry and is the first female Treasurer to https://www.aia.org/leadership (AIA National)‘s Board of Directors. When not working on the Practice of Architecture, Evelyn works as the first-ever Senior Experience Designer at https://slack.com/ (Slack Technologies). Je’Nen M. Chastain, MBA, Assoc. AIA is a business strategy consultant trained in architecture and business management with expertise in marketing, communications, and leadership development. She foundedhttps://apostrophe.consulting/ ( Apostrophe Consulting) with the goal of helping architecture firms win more work, build a culture of leadership and trust within the design studio, and create a pipeline for emerging leaders to grow in our industry. A recipient of the 2017 AIA Associates Award, Je'Nen holds both a B.Arch. and an MBA. She previously spent nearly a decade in the San Francisco Bay Area, collaborating with award-winning architecture firms on design, marketing, and business development efforts. She has spoken across the country on leadership development, career advancement, emerging professionals, mentorship, and women in architecture. Show Links: https://gablmedia.com/show/practicedisrupted/ (practicedisrupted.com) http://practiceofarchitecture.com/ (http://practiceofarchitecture.com/) https://apostrophe.consulting/ (https://apostrophe.consulting/) Follow us on social media: @practiceofarch