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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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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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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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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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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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 about Larry Sass
2. Explore the MIT DesignX Program
3. Connect with Larry on LinkedIn
4. Follow Larry on Instagram

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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 about Architects Fora
2. Learn more about FORAship
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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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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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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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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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

📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:

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Check out our past episodes

Be a part of our community — join the conversation

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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Check out our past episodes

Be a part of our community — join the conversation

What 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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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 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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What 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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What 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:

1. RIDING THE VORTEX - AIA
2. Black Women in Architecture Network (Show your support through a financial contribution that will help support their initiatives!)
3. Kathryn Prigmore
4. K Dixon Architecture
5. Katherine Williams
6. Melissa R Daniel
7. Follow Melissa on Twitter

📚 Continue Learning:

1. ‘I Was the 14th African-American Woman Architect in the U.S.’ — by George (georgetowndcblog.com)
2. 'Accelerating Success: Kathryn Tyler Prigmore on Mentoring and Volunteering for Impact' — Madame Architect
3. Arch Stories, A collection of stories from architects.
4. The Desiree V. Cooper (DVC) Memorial Scholarship
5. Architecture is Political
6. The National Organization of Minority Architects

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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.

Guests

Gilberto 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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Check out our past episodes 

Be a part of our community — join the conversation

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.

Guests

Deborah 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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Check out our past episodes

Be a part of our community — join the conversation

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

📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:

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Check out our past episodes 

Be a part of our community — join the conversation

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.

Guests

Jessica 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

📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:

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Check out our past episodes 

Be a part of our community — join the conversation

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

📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:

Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter

Check out our past episodes 

Be a part of our community — join the conversation

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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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.

Guest

David 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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.

Guest

Mark 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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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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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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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

📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:

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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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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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Check out our past episodes 

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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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Check out our past episodes 

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What 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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How 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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How 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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How 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

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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:  

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Je'Nen Chastain Linkedin

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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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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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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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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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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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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.

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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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Check out our past episodes 

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