Podcasts about practice disrupted

How can architects protect and monetize their creative work with the help of intellectual property (IP) laws?On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we're joined by Ana Juneja, an award-winning intellectual property (IP) attorney and founder of Ana Law® – the first law firm offering flat-fee, 100% guaranteed services for patents, trademarks, and copyrights. In our conversation, Ana explores the essential role of IP in the architecture field.First, Ana breaks down the four main types of intellectual property: copyrights, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets. She explains how each type applies to architecture and protecting creative works within client relationships and employee contracts.Then, we dive into the intersection of AI and IP rights. Ana shares advice on protecting your designs, tools, and software created with AI and outlines the steps to securing patents and trademarks for your work.You're investing in your trademark in order to protect your name, your marketing, and your branding. If you're building up this brand, you're putting in so much time, money, energy, and effort into doing so – you wouldn't really want to lose it…Whereas copyrights and patents are things that, for architects in particular, are incredibly valuable avenues to monetize your brand. It is really protection for your own investments that you're making into your business. - Ana JunejaTo wrap up the conversation, Ana highlights common IP mistakes architects make and offers practical tips to avoid them. She emphasizes the importance of understanding IP laws, using strong contracts and NDAs, and taking proactive steps to safeguard your work.Tune in next week for an episode aboutGuests:Ana JunejaAs an award-winning intellectual property attorney and the founder of Ana Law®, Ana Juneja helps celebrities, athletes, influencers, start-ups, entrepreneurs, and corporations secure + monetize their brands and ideas in the US and abroad. Ana Law® is the first and only law firm that offers flat-fee, 100% guaranteed patent, trademark, and copyright services. Ana has a 100% success rate and often speaks on important topics such as emerging legal issues surrounding security, AI, and social media.Additionally, Ana has extensive experience with social media intellectual property infringement issues. Ana's insider connections with premier media agencies allow her to have direct access to key social media platforms, such as Meta (Facebook/Instagram), TikTok, and Twitter. These essential services are an important component of brand protection strategy for Ana's celebrity, athlete, & influencer clients.

How can architects transition from marginal innovation to true business transformation, and what does it look like to run a diversified, AI-native practice that prioritizes attention over productivity?In this Season 12 Finale of Practice Disrupted, the tables are turned as host Evelyn Lee steps into the hot seat. Instead of interviewing an industry guest, Evelyn is interviewed by Sage, her own AI chief of staff, in a dynamic conversation that pushes past traditional scripts to explore the cutting edge of architectural practice.Evelyn reflects on her post-presidency transition from focusing on "innovation" to pursuing true "transformation," explaining how running a diversified, resilient portfolio model protects her business from market volatility. She pulls back the curtain on her exact four-tier AI agent stack, demonstrating how a sole proprietor can leverage technology to handle workloads that would traditionally require multiple people to run. Rather than chasing sheer productivity, Evelyn reveals why her system is intentionally built to protect human focus and relationship building.The conversation moves deep into business model design, architectural education, and macro industry shifts. Evelyn discusses her course at the University of Michigan, arguing that business model thinking is a critical design craft rather than a betrayal of architecture. She also addresses the accelerating wave of private equity acquisitions in the AEC sector, urging smaller firms to consider proactive consolidation on their own terms. Finally, Evelyn shares personal reflections on leading publicly as an introvert and balancing transformational industry work with raising her family."Business model thinking is a craft and not necessarily a betrayal of design work." - Evelyn LeeThis episode serves as a powerful blueprint for any practitioner looking to treat their firm as a design problem and build a resilient, forward-looking business.Guests:Evelyn Lee is the founder of Practice of Architecture and a past president of the AIA. As a pioneer in architecture firm operations, technology integration, and business strategy, she balances institutional leadership with hands-on advisory work, teaching at the University of Michigan, and building AI-native operating models for the next generation of practitioners.This episode is especially for you if:✅ You want to know the precise architecture of a four-tier AI agent stack used to run a modern, diversified advisory business.✅ You are curious about how to shift from billing hourly to positioning your architecture firm as a high-value strategic partner.✅ You want to understand the accelerating impact of private equity on AEC firms and why succession planning is critical for survival.✅ You believe that introverted leadership has distinct strengths and want practical strategies for managing energy and recovery time.What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.

How can a 60-year-old architecture firm maintain an 80% energy reduction across its portfolio while fostering an integrated "no excuses" culture that empowers its future leaders?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee sits down with three future leaders from LPA Design Studios, the winner of the 2025 AIA Architecture Firm Award. Federico Cavasos, Jake Junge, and Rachel Nasland join the show to discuss how they are shaping the firm's operations and what winning the profession's highest honor means for their continued trajectory.The group reflects on their distinct roles and how LPA's culture encourages individuals to design their own career paths. From Federico's recent transition to principal in San Antonio, to Jake spearheading the firm's new digital and data infrastructure, and Rachel pioneering an applied research function rooted in environmental psychology, they highlight the power of an interdisciplinary, integrated practice.The conversation delves into the tangible impacts of their integrated approach, particularly their impressive achievement of an 80% energy reduction cost across their portfolio. The guests unpack their "no excuses" culture, demonstrating how prioritizing human outcomes and equipping teams with sustainability fluency allows them to design smarter, high-performing spaces without inflating budgets or timelines."LPA is helping shift architecture from designing buildings to designing outcomes." - Rachel NaslandThis episode serves as a powerful reminder that an architecture firm's legacy is built on continuous innovation, investing in people, and empowering every discipline to have a voice at the table.Guests:Federico Cavazos is a Principal and Design Director in LPA's San Antonio studio who has devoted his career to designing public spaces that educate and facilitate better lives. Inspired by his architect father, he leverages an open mind and a passion for integrated design to deliver impactful results and solve client problems, even on the tightest budgets.Jake Junge is an Architect and Digital Manager at LPA Design Studios who focuses on advancing how technology, data, and digital products support architectural practice. He partners with interdisciplinary teams to develop data-driven workflows, automation tools, and scalable digital experiences that improve efficiency, enhance collaboration, and empower teams across all sectors.Rachel Nasland is a Senior Design Researcher at LPA Design Studios who leverages her master's degree in Environmental Psychology to understand how people interact with the built environment. She partners with design teams and clients across various sectors to translate behavioral insights into practice, utilizing pre- and post-occupancy evaluations to uncover how design decisions shape user experience and organizational outcomes.This episode is especially for you if:✅ You want to understand how a top-tier architecture firm sustains an 80% energy reduction across its portfolio.✅ You are curious about the integration of data, AI, and digital tools to enhance design processes rather than replace human connection.✅ You want to explore how environmental psychology and applied research can elevate user experience and human outcomes.✅ You believe in a flattened hierarchy where every discipline has a voice and "no excuses" is the baseline for sustainable performance.What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.

What happens when intersectional storytellers from different generations sit in a room together to connect their personal narratives and design a more inclusive future for architecture?In this special episode of Practice Disrupted, the format shifts as host Evelyn Lee steps back to listen, handing the moderation over to Sarah Woynicz. This conversation marks the second of two episodes celebrating the release of Out in Architecture Volume 2 during Pride Month. Sarah sits down with three of the volume's authors, Gaby Espinosa, Lisa C. Henry, and Kody Chung, who share what happens when storytellers sit in the room together to connect their lived experiences.The group reflects on the unique, vulnerable formats they chose to share their deeply personal histories. Gaby discusses her interview-style chapter, "Space to Be: A Conversation on Finding Ground," which features a dialogue with a close friend who witnessed her gradual coming-out process within a Dallas architecture office. Lisa reads an excerpt from her piece, "Topographies of Becoming," recounting how spatial experiences in New Orleans and Utah influenced her identity and her academic practice. Meanwhile, Kody returns to the project, having first met the Volume 1 authors as a student three years ago, to contribute "A Query on Space," reflecting his growth as an emerging designer.The conversation also addresses the role of intersectionality and the importance of bringing one's full, embodied knowledge into the workplace and the classroom. Lisa shares a transformative positionality framework exercise she utilizes with her students to break down binaries and dismantle patterns of supremacy. Kody explains how his senior thesis leverages Chinese philosophy and the concept of yin and yang to explore the true essence of queer spaces. Ultimately, the authors emphasize that creating spaces for open dialogue allows individuals to realize they are not isolated, empowering the next generation to take up space entirely."Once you scratch that surface and you realize that no two experiences are the same, it opens your eyes to possibilities and what your future could be." - Gaby Espinosa This episode serves as a powerful reminder that architecture is shaped not just by physical spaces, but by the diverse worlds of the people who navigate them. By honoring cultural heritage and sharing moments of resilience, this collective is actively expanding the endless possibilities of inclusivity across the AEC industry.Guests:Sarah Woynicz is a Project Manager at HKS who utilizes her cross-industry design experience to lead wellness-focused healthcare and mixed-use developments that blend client business goals with community health outcomes. She is deeply engaged in professional advocacy, currently chairing the AIA National Young Architects Forum and previously serving on the AIA Atlanta Board, where she spearheaded leadership initiatives to empower emerging professionals.Kody Chung is a senior architecture design student at Drexel University whose work bridges queer and Asian identities. His senior thesis project investigates the intersectional relationships of space by leveraging Chinese folklore, philosophy, and intergenerational memory.Gaby Espinosa is an architect at HKS who specializes in senior living design and is a contributor to Out in Architecture Volume 2. As a lesbian Latina architect who grew up in a conservative Catholic family in Mexico, she is passionate about representation and creating inclusive spaces where people can be free to be themselves.Lisa C. Henry is an academic architectural practitioner and design educator who has spent 27 years teaching gender, race, and queer theory in architecture. Her pedagogy utilizes organizing and activism tools to foster liberatory practices, guide difficult conversations, and build community within academic and professional spaces.This episode is especially for you if:✅ You want to understand the profound impact of intersectional representation for LGBTQIA+ professionals in the AEC industry. ✅ You are curious about how unique storytelling formats like personal interviews and spoken excerpts can capture the vulnerability of becoming.✅ You want to explore what it means to use positionality frameworks to dismantle patterns of supremacy in design education and practice. ✅ You want to look at how cultural heritage, philosophy, and concepts like yin and yang can be utilized to define the true essence of queer space. ✅ You believe that building community through continuous conversation is an indispensable tool for ensuring no architect feels isolated.What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.

How can sharing personal narratives empower the LGBTQIA+ community to hold the line and design a more equitable future for architecture?In this special episode of Practice Disrupted, the format shifts as host Evelyn Lee steps back to listen, handing the moderation over to Sarah Woynicz. This conversation marks the first of two episodes celebrating the upcoming June 1st release of Out in Architecture Volume 2 at the start of Pride Month. Sarah sits down with the team behind the original publication, Jha D Amazi, Beau Frail, Julia Oderda, and Andrew Grant Houston, who have transitioned from co-authors in the first volume to co-editors of the second.The group reflects on how their roles have evolved since Volume 1 was launched at the NOMA conference in October 2023. Moving from writing their own stories to holding space as editors for over 20 new contributors was described as a deeply humbling and emotional journey. They discuss the unique responsibility of stewarding deeply personal histories and guiding new authors through the vulnerable process of contributing to the professional archive.The conversation also addresses the heightened stakes of visibility in today's political climate. The editors open up about the necessity of executing safety check-ins with potential authors following recent elections, recognizing that being visible carries distinct risks. Ultimately, they emphasize the critical importance of leveraging professional privilege and cachet to shine a light, ensuring that the next generation of architects feels empowered to do the same."No one can tell the story that you have to tell. So come tell it, come tell it however you want to. Whatever format, whatever language, whatever medium, tell the story because somebody needs to hear it." - Jha D AmaziThis episode serves as a powerful reminder that architecture is shaped not just by the buildings we draw, but by the lived experiences of the people who design them. By paying it forward and honoring those who came before, this collective is actively shifting the baseline of inclusivity across the AEC industry.Guests:Sarah Woynicz is a Project Manager at HKS who utilizes her cross-industry design experience to lead wellness-focused healthcare and mixed-use developments that blend client business goals with community health outcomes. She is deeply engaged in professional advocacy, currently chairing the AIA National Young Architects Forum and previously serving on the AIA Atlanta Board, where she spearheaded leadership initiatives to empower emerging professionals.Julia Oderda, AIA, is a principal at VCBO Architecture with over 25 years of experience leading award-winning higher education, recreation, and K-12 projects from concept to completion. In 2018, she came out as one of Utah's first openly transgender architects in leadership and has since become a prominent advocate for LGBTQIA+ representation in the profession.Andrew Grant Houston (Ace) is an architect, urban designer, and housing activist who runs his own practice, House Cosmopolitan, and previously ran for Mayor of Seattle in 2021. As a queer, mixed-race individual and sixth-generation Texan who splits his time between Seattle and Austin, he leverages his background and mastery of five languages to advocate for inclusive, culture-rich urban communities where people can thrive together.Jha D Amazi is a Principal at MASS Design Group and leader of the Public Memory and Memorials Lab, where she engages communities to design inclusive monument projects that honor historically underrepresented histories and cultures. Beyond her architectural practice and academic background, she is a spoken word artist, LGBTQ+ SpaceMaker, and advocate who was appointed to the Massachusetts Governor's Advisory Council on Black Empowerment in 2023.Beau Frail, RA, is an architect, poet, and artist who serves as a Project Architect at Fox Fox Studio and leads his own consulting firm, Activate Architecture, balancing his practice between Savannah and Austin. A dedicated advocate for equity, community-engaged design, and LGBTQIA+ visibility, he helped launch major EDI committees and alliances at the AIA, co-edited Out in Architecture, and even shared his poetry as an opening act on Rupi Kaur's 2022 World Tour.This episode is especially for you if:✅ You want to understand the profound impact of visibility and representation for LGBTQIA+ professionals in the AEC industry.✅ You are curious about the internal journey and responsibility of moving from a co-author to a co-editor of personal narratives.✅You want to explore what it means to pay it forward and pay it backward by honoring the legacy of those who paved the way.✅ You are looking for strategies on how communities can hold the line and support one another through volatile political and social climates.✅ You believe that individual storytelling is an indispensable tool for uncovering the true history and future potential of architectural practice.What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.

Can the rigorous, systematic process of architectural design be the secret ingredient to disrupting the fashion industry?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Aidan Turner, the founder of The Garment Architect. Aidan, who graduated from the Syracuse School of Architecture just one year ago, is challenging the standard "fast fashion" model by treating apparel design with the same technical precision and systemic discipline typically reserved for buildings.Aidan's journey began well before his first day of architecture school; he was running a clothing brand as an undergraduate, balancing studio critiques with supply chain management. He explains how he bridges these two worlds by viewing a "tech pack" (the documentation for a garment) as an architectural blueprint. By applying principles like site analysis (market research), structural integrity (fabric testing), and construction sequencing (production), Aidan has created a studio that prioritizes quality and longevity over the rapid-fire releases common in the apparel world.The conversation explores the "architectural mindset" as a transferable skill. Aidan argues that the value architects bring to any industry, whether it's real estate, manufacturing, or fashion, is the ability to see a project through a full, multi-phase lifecycle. They discuss the challenges of being an entrepreneur in a field that often demands 100% of your time, and why Aidan believes the "veil of mystery" surrounding the design process needs to be lifted to better communicate the true value of professional expertise to clients."We communicate through drawings, but our process is definitely not communicated through our deliverables. It's everything that goes on in our brains. I think if architecture can evolve in a way where our skills are valued as highly as they should be, then we would be able to be more entrepreneurial and more business-minded." - Aidan TurnerThis episode is a compelling case study on the versatility of an architectural education. Aidan highlights that when you understand how to design systems and manage complex production, the scale of the object, whether it's a skyscraper or a jacket, is secondary to the process itself.Guest:Aidan Turner is the founder of The Garment Architect, a Syracuse School of Architecture alumnus, and an entrepreneur who successfully merged his love for fashion and architecture. He is redefining apparel design by implementing professional architectural workflows, including rigorous blueprinting, sourcing, and project management, to create more sustainable and high-quality clothing.This episode is especially for you if:✅ You are curious about how architectural skills and workflows can be applied to fields entirely outside of the built environment.✅ You want to learn how to bridge the gap between "design-focused" creative work and "business-focused" operational work.✅ You are a student or recent graduate wondering how to leverage your education to start a business early in your career.✅ You believe the architecture profession needs to remove the "veil of mystery" and communicate our value more clearly to non-architect clients.✅ You are interested in the parallels between construction documents and technical apparel packs for streamlined production.What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.

How can the AEC industry turn 41 million tons of annual wood waste into a circular economy powerhouse?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee ventures into the construction and manufacturing side of the built environment to speak with Todd Thomas, founder and CEO of Woodchuck. While the podcast typically focuses on architectural practice, Todd's work at the intersection of AI and sustainability offers a glimpse into a future where waste is no longer an afterthought, but a valuable commodity.Todd explains the staggering scale of the problem: over 41 million tons of wood are sent to U.S. landfills every year, accounting for nearly 40% of all landfill volume. He details how Woodchuck uses advanced AI platforms to identify, sort, and divert this material at industrial scale. By bridging the gap between construction sites and manufacturing outlets, Todd is building the infrastructure necessary to move the industry away from a "take-make-waste" model and toward a truly circular economy.The conversation also touches on the speed of execution in the tech world versus the slower pace of traditional architectural practice. Todd shares insights into how Woodchuck was "spun up" quickly to meet market demands and why architects need to start thinking about the material life cycle, and deconstruction, long before a project breaks ground."If we don't have a way to divert it, it goes to a landfill. It's that simple. And when it goes to a landfill, it produces methane, which is 80 times more potent than CO2. We have to treat waste as a resource if we want to change the math on sustainability." — Todd ThomasThis episode is a fascinating look at how adjacent industries are solving the problems architects design for. Todd emphasizes that while architects have the vision, they must partner with technologists and "builders" of systems to ensure their sustainable goals are actually met in the field.Guest:Todd Thomas is the founder and CEO of Woodchuck, a technology platform dedicated to wood waste diversion at industrial scale. With a background spanning construction, manufacturing, and emerging technology, Todd has spent his career building AI-driven platforms that solve complex environmental and supply chain challenges. He is a leading voice on the circular economy and the role of tech in scaling sustainability.This episode is especially for you if:✅ You want to understand the true environmental impact of construction waste and why wood is the most overlooked resource in the waste stream.✅ You are curious about how AI and machine learning are being used on the ground to identify and sort materials for reuse.✅ You want to learn how to design for deconstruction and help your clients participate in a circular material economy.✅ You are interested in the speed of tech startups and how their approach to business execution differs from traditional architecture firms.✅ You believe that architectural value should extend beyond the building's completion and into the responsible lifecycle of its materials.What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.

How can architects transition from being passive users of technology to the master builders leading the next wave of industry innovation?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with German Aparicio, a licensed architect who operates at the intersection of architecture, software development, and venture capital. As the lead for early innovation and partner development at Trimble Ventures, German shares his journey from a fifth-grade dream of becoming an architect to building the frameworks that are now reshaping the AECO (Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations) industry.German discusses his early career at Arup, where he first encountered the friction of broken industry systems and "redundant rework," which sparked a lifelong pursuit of better technological frameworks. He recounts his time at MIT and Gehry Technologies, his experience through the Trimble acquisition, and the evolution of G-Team into what is now Trimble Connect. The conversation explores how these experiences led him to co-found 0 to 60, an equity-free accelerator that integrates startups like TestFit, Monograph, and ScaffPlan into the broader technology stack to drive industry-wide change.Beyond corporate innovation, German remains deeply rooted in academia, teaching advanced digital design and entrepreneurship at Cal Poly Pomona. He challenges the traditional "service-for-time" business model and presents a vision for an AI-native design practice, one that leverages natural language and automation to do more with less, allowing architects to reclaim their roles as master builders."I encourage all my students to do the same. Imagine the future you want to see and then go build it. Nobody's going to come and save you." - German AparicioThis episode is a call to action for architects to take ownership of their professional evolution. Whether through building software, designing ecosystems, or rethinking the value of architectural output, German emphasizes that the future of the profession depends on architects leading technology rather than being led by it.Guest:German Aparicio is a licensed architect in California and the project manager for early innovation and partner development at Trimble Ventures. He is the co-founder of the 0 to 60 accelerator and a faculty member at Cal Poly Pomona. With a background from Cal Poly Pomona and a master's in design and computation from MIT, German has spent his career building systems, software, and ecosystems that bridge the gap between design and construction.This episode is especially for you if:✅ You are interested in how accelerators and venture capital are influencing the development of new tools for architects.✅ You want to understand the potential of an AI-native design practice to shift the industry from a time-based to an output-based business model.✅ You are a student or early-career professional looking for ways to take ownership of your career path outside of traditional firm structures.✅ You want to learn about the history and future of Trimble Connect and how it facilitates better data flow across complex projects.✅ You believe the architecture profession needs to adopt systems thinking to solve long-standing productivity and collaboration challenges.

How do we manage the rapid transformation of the AECO industry without losing the human systems that make the work possible?In this first-ever live recording of Practice Disrupted, captured at the NASCC Steel Conference in Atlanta, Evelyn Lee is joined by Shelby Morris and Emily Schickner to discuss the "methods and mindsets" required to lead through industry-wide change. From the dramatic shift in the Atlanta real estate market, where zero new office buildings are currently under construction while billions are poured into data centers, the conversation explores how firms must adapt their business lines to remain relevant. The guests discuss how flexibility and a willingness to pivot are no longer just survival tactics but core operational strategies.The episode delves into the nuances of communication, particularly how AI-generated renderings are shifting client expectations and the way architects articulate their value. Beyond technology, the discussion focuses on building a resilient firm culture through "co-creation" rather than top-down mandates. Shelby and Emily share insights on radical transparency in fees, the importance of intentional mentorship, and why viewing the entire AEC industry as a collaborative "family" is essential for raising the profession's standing.This live discussion offers a rare look at how leadership happens in real-time during market volatility. By focusing on the intersection of market data and human capital, Shelby and Emily provide a roadmap for firms to move beyond traditional hierarchies toward a more integrated, transparent, and agile way of working."It's the family culture and environment that should spread across our entire AEC industry because we absolutely are all in this together and we all must support each other to continue being the profession that needs to be respected in the way that it needs to be." - Shelby MorrisThis episode is a masterclass in leading with transparency and empathy. Shelby and Emily emphasize that while the technical requirements of the job will always evolve, the business of architecture is, at its heart, a people business built on trust and shared valuesGuest:Shelby Morris is the Co-Managing Director of Gensler's Atlanta office and a former AIA Atlanta president. He has led over $3 billion in transformational projects across the Southeast and is a leading voice on office management, market adaptation, and firm-wide diversification.Emily Schickner is a Principal at Harrison Design, the firm's first female principal, and the past president of AIA Atlanta. She serves as the chair of AIA's 2025 Women's Leadership Summit and is a sought-after voice on mental health, mentorship, and equity within the profession.This episode is especially for you if:✅ You are curious about how large and small firms are shifting their business models to meet new market demands like data centers and retail.✅ You want to learn strategies for communicating the value of architectural expertise when clients arrive with AI-generated renderings.✅ You are interested in implementing "reverse mentorship" and structured development programs to retain the next generation of talent.✅ You struggle with the transition from being a technical expert to being a leader focused on HR, finance, and relationship management.✅ You want to understand the difference between hiring for "culture fit" versus "culture ad" to build a more diverse and agile practice.What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.

Why does the architecture profession's investment in human capital development still lag so far behind its investment in technology and tools?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee is joined by Laura Weiss, an architect who stepped away from traditional practice thirty years ago to focus on the human systems that make design possible. With a decade-long tenure at IDEO as a practice director and associate partner, where she co-led the original service design practice, and experience as a principal at Korn Ferry, Laura brings a precise, unsentimental perspective to the profession. Now an ICF-certified coach and mediator returning to teach at Yale, she explores why the quality of the conversations we have is the ultimate determinant of a firm's success.The conversation centers on Laura's framework of the "five conversations" essential for the growth of people, firms, and projects. She breaks down the mechanics of why feedback often collapses in creative organizations and why conflict avoidance is a "leadership strategy" that inevitably leads to higher long-term costs. Laura challenges the industry to rethink its approach to leadership, moving away from the "worker bee" mentality toward a more holistic understanding of agency and influence within the "spider web" of organizational systems."Organizations or systems are like spider webs. You touch one part of it and the whole thing can move. So anyone that thinks, 'I'm just a worker bee,' think a little bit more creatively. If you lean into your own personal sense of power and agency, it will come." - Laura WeissThis episode is a masterclass in the "soft" systems that drive "hard" results. Laura provides a roadmap for architects to reclaim their power, navigate the discomfort of difficult feedback, and build a more resilient professional culture. Whether you are a firm leader looking to evolve your leadership style or a young professional seeking to understand your own influence, this discussion offers a framework for navigating the complex human dynamics of practice.Guest:Laura Weiss is an architect, leadership coach, and facilitator. She spent a decade at IDEO as a Practice Director and Associate Partner, where she helped pioneer the service design practice. She has served as a Principal at Korn Ferry and is currently an ICF-certified coach and mediator. Laura is also a member of the faculty at the Yale School of Architecture, where she teaches on leadership and organizational development.This episode is especially for you if:✅ You want to understand why conflict avoidance in leadership is a strategy that always costs more than it saves.✅ You are curious about why feedback systems often fail in creative environments and how to fix them.✅ You are interested in the "five conversations" framework for fostering growth in people, firms, and projects.✅ You want to learn how to view your firm as a "spider web" of influence where every individual has agency.✅ You are looking for ways to elevate the profession's investment in human capital to match its investment in technology.What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.

If workplace culture is failing, are we brave enough to use Gen Z as the prototype for what comes next?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Amanda Schneider, the founder and president of ThinkLab, joins host Evelyn Lee to discuss her transition from a "designer by degree" to a leading researcher in the built environment. As the author of the upcoming book Work for What's Next, Amanda explores the uncomfortable truth that current workplace structures are struggling to keep up with the shifting expectations of the modern workforce. She shares insights from her viral research into Gen Z, explaining how this generation is not a "problem to manage," but a vital signal for the digital-first evolution that the architecture and design industry must undergo to remain relevant.The conversation delves into the "trust gap" currently widening between leadership and staff, and the specific role physical space plays in closing it. Amanda breaks down the findings from ThinkLab's latest research, challenging architects and designers to think beyond traditional ROI and consider how physical environments can foster psychological safety and authentic connection. She discusses the friction between "analog natives" and "digital natives," offering a roadmap for firms to move beyond describing industry problems and toward building a culture that prioritizes people as much as projects."Workplace culture is failing. Gen Z can see why. And if we're willing to use them as a prototype rather than a problem, they show us exactly where the profession needs to go." - Amanda SchneiderBeyond 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.

How much of what architects claim they value actually shows up in how they practice, especially when it comes to community engagement?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee is joined by the leadership team from Architects Fora: Leah Alissa Bayer (President), Kate Conley and Sarah Vaccaro (Principals), and Nicole Little (Community Engagement Lead). Together, they pull back the curtain on how their firm successfully transitioned community engagement from a nebulous, often pro-bono "extra" into a structured, billable service called Engage Fora. Nicole, whose dual background in architecture and urban planning drives this initiative, shares how she leveraged the firm's unique 20% research-and-passion-time policy to build a full-service practice area that bridges the gap between design and the people it serves.The conversation explores the internal mechanics of a firm that prioritizes "slow-burn" hiring and deep value alignment. Leah, Kate, and Sarah discuss the intentionality behind their remote-first structure and how they empower staff to pursue professional convictions that move the needle for the entire industry. Nicole reflects on her personal history, growing up in housing that actively harmed her family's health, and how that experience became the professional catalyst for ensuring that community voices are not just heard, but are fundamentally integrated into the architectural process through a sustainable business model."I think our role as young professionals is to bring in that fresh new perspective. To be disruptive and change the field for the better." - Nicole LittleThis 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.

What happens when an architect's greatest professional success is making themselves completely irrelevant to their own firm?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee is joined by William H Dodge, founder and design principal at p-u-b-l-i-k, whose career trajectory defies every standard industry norm. From moving to the island nation of Malta at 19 to escape the perceived threat of Y2K to starting as a janitor at NC State Libraries, William's path to leadership was anything but linear. He shares the remarkable story of how he helped transform Hanbury's North Carolina office from a two-person operation into a powerhouse of 49 employees managing $2.5 billion in projects, only to walk away once he realized the systems he built had made his daily presence unnecessary.The conversation explores William's unique philosophy on growth, talent acquisition, and firm culture. He reflects on the "49 hires in 49 months" period, explaining why he prioritized hiring for potential and culture over specific architectural credentials. William discusses the audacity of taking on high-stakes wayfinding projects for university chancellors while working as a janitor and how that "outsider" perspective allowed him to see opportunities where traditional practitioners saw barriers. He challenges the rigid structures of the profession, advocating for a model of leadership that focuses on empowering others to take over the reins."I don't hire for the portfolio. I hire for the person. You can teach someone how to use the software, but you can't teach them how to care about the work." - William DodgeThis 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.

Are architects going to figure out startups first, or will startups figure out architecture first?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee is joined by Bryan Boyer, founding director of the Bachelor of Science in Urban Technology at the University of Michigan's Taubman College and Faculty Director of the University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit, and Larry Fabbroni, architect and innovator, to discuss the critical crossroads facing the built environment. With roughly 165 companies currently vying to sell technology into the AECO supply chain, Bryan and Larry explore the innovation gap in an industry that remains significantly under-innovated compared to analogous sectors. They advocate for a radical shift in architectural education and practice, one that equips architects with the entrepreneurial vocabulary and venture design skills needed to lead the companies of the future.The conversation delves into the rise of Urban Technology and why it is essential for architects to understand the startup and capital landscape. Bryan shares the mission behind his first-of-its-kind degree program, which prepares students to manage the complexity of cities through a lens of product and service design, and explains how that work has evolved into a new master's degree program launching through UMCI, a $250 million innovation hub opening in downtown Detroit in fall 2027. Larry discusses the intimidation many architects feel when entering the startup world and the importance of providing them with the resources to move from passive employees of tech companies to founders and leaders who actually define how our built environment is delivered. "The fastest moving teams are gonna be the ones who have individuals with those deep knowledge expertise, who have the knowledge across the domains and can collaborate with each other faster and better." - Larry Fabbroni This episode is a deep dive into the tension between traditional practice and the rapid influx of venture-backed technology. Brian and Larry break down the mechanics of the "professional intensive" they are building to bridge the gap between design thinking and business innovation. Whether you are curious about the intersection of cities and technology or looking to bring a more entrepreneurial mindset to your own career, this discussion offers a roadmap for architects to reclaim their seat at the head of the table in the digital age.Guests:Brian Boyer is the founding director of the Bachelor of Science in Urban Technology at the University of Michigan's Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning and Faculty Director of the University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit (UMCI), a $250 million initiative bringing multidisciplinary graduate education and workforce development to downtown Detroit. A designer and educator with a background in strategic design and urban informatics, Bryan has spent his career exploring how technology and design can be leveraged to improve the quality of urban life and governance.Larry Fabbroni is an architect with over two decades in practice. He formerly led master planning projects at Ehrenkrantz Eckstut & Kuhn Architects and Strada Architecture, working on some of the largest development projects in the U.S. Today, he serves as a consultant specializing in strategic pre-development services and as CIO for the Practice of Architecture. Larry earned his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, where he focused on entrepreneurship and strategy.This episode is especially for you if:✅ You are curious about the "Urban Tech" landscape and why it is a critical new frontier for architectural practice.✅ You want to understand why the housing sector is considered "10 times under-innovated" and how architects can change that.✅ You are interested in how architecture schools are evolving to teach venture design and entrepreneurial leadership.✅ You are an architect looking to expand your professional vocabulary to include startups, scale-ups, and venture capital.✅ You want to hear a strategic perspective on whether architects will lead the next generation of tech companies or simply work for them.What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.

Why does the architecture profession have a technology adoption problem that has almost nothing to do with technology?This week on Practice Disrupted, Evelyn sits down with Melvin Williams III, a Digital Practice Leader at HKS, to explore the underlying machinery of firm transformation. Melvin shares his unconventional path from being a trainee at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, where he first viewed architecture as a single component within a massive operational system, to founding his own consulting firm and eventually leading digital strategy at one of the world's largest architecture practices. Together, they discuss why the real barrier to innovation isn't the software we use, but the leadership and culture required to sustain it.The conversation dives deep into the "messy" reality of digital transformation. Melvin reflects on his years as a consultant at Microdesk, where he observed that while firms are often fluent in project execution, they struggle with the "bridge building" needed to evolve their business models. He challenges the industry's historical reliance on 2D artifact production and explains why technology should be viewed as operational leverage rather than just an overhead expense. By shifting the focus from BIM libraries to system-level thinking, Melvin illustrates how firms can move past the "horse and buggy" mentality to embrace a more integrated, data-driven future."Architecture can't really remain centered on artifact production. It has to evolve towards system level thinking about delivery. And when you do that, you start to see that the advantage is going to belong to firms that can design both buildings and the mechanisms by which those buildings are delivered. And that's digital practice, right?" - Melvin Williams IIIThis 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.

How can architects move beyond the traditional service model and embrace a future where they build products instead of just selling hours?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee is joined by Larry Sass, a Professor of Architecture at MIT and lead of the Design Fabrication Group. Larry reflects on a 30-year journey that began with a desire to remain in traditional practice but shifted when he realized the industry's initial resistance to digital tools. Today, he is a leading voice in digital fabrication and 3D printing, advocating for a radical shift in how architects are trained and how they operate in a world increasingly defined by technology, automation, and the need for new business models.The conversation explores Larry's conviction that the architecture profession is at a crossroads. He discusses the friction between the slow-moving "service" model of architecture and the fast-paced world of digital innovation. Larry introduces the concept of the "third practice", a path where architects use their design expertise to create software, products, or new fabrication methods rather than simply billing for time. He shares insights from his work at MIT, including the DesignX program, which encourages students to approach architecture with an entrepreneurial mindset to solve industry-wide problems."Try and figure out how to teach people how to start new businesses around the industry of architecture. Reinvent it and rethink it." - Larry SassThis 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.

What does it look like when a firm stops just talking about diversity and starts building a tangible pathway for the next generation of architects?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee is joined by Leah Alissa Bayer, founding principal of Architects Fora, and Gabriella Vaz de Freitas, the firm's Technology Lead and a former recipient of the "FORAship." Leah shares how her fully remote, women-owned firm moved beyond industry-wide conversations about the "pipeline problem" to create a structured, year-long scholarship and internship program. Gabriella, who moved from São Paulo to California, provides a firsthand account of how the program's financial support and intentional mentorship allowed her to transition from a student to a leader in AI-enabled design and firm technology.The conversation explores the mechanics of the FORAship, an immersive experience designed specifically for underrepresented students. Unlike traditional internships, this program integrates students into business management conversations and specialty research, ensuring they have a seat at the table from day one. Leah discusses the strategic advantage of investing in international students and entry-level talent, while Gabriella explains how she leveraged her role to spearhead the firm's adoption of generative design tools and new visualization workflows."Our profession is only as strong as those that are coming into it after us. And it's our job to make the space and support system for that to happen." - Leah Alissa BayerBeyond 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.

How can better business systems protect your firm's profitability, and your sanity?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee is joined by Darguin Fortuna, founding principal of Flow Design Architects and chair of the AIA Small Firm Exchange. Darguin shares his incredible journey from moving to the United States from the Dominican Republic in 2010, learning English while working night shifts at Wendy's, to passing all six ARE exams in just over a year and earning his license the same day his daughter was born.Darguin's frustration with traditional architecture practice didn't stem solely from long hours; it also stemmed from the lack of transparency around business operations, the constant scope creep, and the inability to establish a healthy work-life balance. Determined to build something different, he and his partner, Marcos Severino, founded Flow with rigorous systems designed to protect profitability and empower their staff. They share how they categorize their services into three distinct levels, Ionic, Doric, and Corinthian, charge for initial consultations, and use a fictional office manager to handle difficult financial conversations."Every line is a source of good, and it's worth money. If I draw a map to a treasure that has billions of dollars of gold, how much is that map worth? You can't get the gold without the map." - Darguin FortunaThis 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.

Can You Be an Architect, a Tech Marketer, and a Business Owner All at Once?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Joann Lui, an architect-turned-entrepreneur who is redefining what a career in architecture can look like. Joann shares her journey from traditional practice at Gensler to content marketing for tech startups like Monograph and Testfit, and reveals her latest venture: co-founding OIKA, a matcha company that has become the largest matcha refinery in the United States.Joann opens up about her early realization that she never wanted to start her own architecture firm, a decision that freed her to explore other passions. She discusses how she applies her architectural mindset to designing cafes and building businesses, treating each venture as a design problem to be solved. The conversation dives into the challenges of opening a brick-and-mortar business, from navigating permits and renovations to learning entirely new operational systems on the fly."I don't think there is a work life balance. I'm always working, but I really do love it. Burnout comes when you're doing work that's not aligned with your values." - Joann LuiEvelyn 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.

Can a 60-Second video change who enters the architecture profession?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Gabriella Bermea, a Senior Associate at Perkins Eastman and the voice behind the growing social media platform "Architect Big Sis." Together, they explore the power of storytelling outside traditional portfolios, discussing how short-form video and personal narrative can demystify the profession for the next generation.Gabriella shares her journey as a "border kid" from Eagle Pass, Texas, where careers were often inherited rather than discovered. She opens up about the resilience required to navigate architecture school and licensure, revealing she took 16 ARE exams (failing 10) before becoming the first in her class to get licensed. Now, she uses those experiences to create content that answers the questions she had as a student, offering a transparent look at salaries, career progression, and the reality of studio culture."If your best people are afraid to speak, you're not protecting that professionalism, you're just protecting your control over them." - Gabriella BermeaThe 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.

How Can Architects Ditch the 'Starving Artist' Mentality and Design a More Profitable Future?To kick off Season 12 of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee returns from her term as AIA President with a special episode, turning the tables to be interviewed by Tyler Suomala, founder of Growthitect. In this candid conversation, they reflect on Evelyn's year of travel and leadership, discussing the often unseen advocacy work of the AIA and the disconnect between national efforts and local members' perceptions.Evelyn and Tyler examine the core challenges facing the architecture profession, particularly the limitations of the traditional fee-for-service business model. They argue that the industry's "starving artist" mentality and reliance on slim margins are hindering innovation and the ability to offer competitive benefits such as parental leave. The discussion explores practical ways architects can capture more value, from rethinking "pre-design" and "post-occupancy" services to exploring subscription models for long-term building maintenance."You don't build your business first and then your life second. You have to build a business around the life that you want." - Tyler SuomalaBoth 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.

How can technology, innovation, and sustainable practices transform the architecture, engineering, and construction industry?On this episode of Practice Disrupted, I chat with Dave Lemont, the past CEO of Revit and the Executive Chairman of Acelab with over 30 years of experience in high-tech startup companies. In our conversation, Dave shares his invaluable insights on scaling software companies, revolutionizing the architecture industry, and the massive potential in the future of digital tools.First, Dave discusses how his passion for photography and architecture influenced his career path. He also highlights how his entrepreneurial mindset and desire to innovate the industry immensely helped him grow and lead his companies. Dave's expertise lies in identifying product-market fit and creating solutions that address broader market needs rather than niche segments.As the executive chairman of Acelab, Dave is dedicated to revolutionizing material management in the AEC space, allowing architects to access sustainable building materials efficiently. He touches on the potential of these digital tools in architecture and explains why architects need to be engaged in the evolution of AI.Architecture is an opportunity to do something for people in the world. Not all the software that I've managed or sold in my life had that potential impact. How this room feels affects me all day. Where you go to school, the efficiency of that building, and how our museums look or how we feel when we walk in – all of those things affect our lives. It's a privilege to be involved in technology that can make that more efficient. - Dave LemontTo 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 LemontDavid 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.

What does it mean to design for the greater good?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee steps back to listen as two remarkable architects have a thoughtful, candid, and deeply human conversation. You will hear from Deborah Berke, FAIA, architect, educator, founder of Tenberg, 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 Tenberg, 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 Tenberg, 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 BerkeThe episode concludes with a look at the future of practice, affirming that architecture remains a discipline of both beauty and responsibility. Deborah and Arthi's conversation is a powerful reminder that enduring design is rooted in shared values, authenticity, and a sustained, optimistic belief in what buildings can do for people and communities.GuestsDeborah Berke, FAIA, LEED AP, is the founder of the New York-based firm Tenberg (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 Tenberg. 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.

How can architects remain relevant in a world where cities are as digital as they are physical?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Bryan Boyer, Co-Founder of Dash Marshall and Faculty Director of the Urban Technology Program at the University of Michigan. Bryan's career bridges technology, design, and urbanism - and through his leadership, he is training the next generation of designers to think differently about how we build, govern, and inhabit our cities.Bryan shares the origins of the Urban Technology program, why he believes the built environment has lagged behind other industries in digitization, and how the program prepares students to be equally fluent in architecture, planning, and technology. He highlights how fragmentation in the AEC industry creates a “chain drain” of intelligence and argues that architects need to reclaim agency by embracing new tools, methods, and mindsets.The conversation delves into the unique curriculum of Urban Tech, which integrates cities, technology, and design. Students learn to view cities as complex systems, develop technical fluency in coding and data science, and practice forms of service and strategic design that extend beyond traditional building. Bryan also reflects on how AI, automation, and interaction design are reshaping the skills architects need, and what this means for education, practice, and the profession as a whole.“Our cities today are fully physical and fully digital. The challenge isn't just to bridge the gap between urbanist and technologist - it's to prepare a new generation who doesn't believe that gap exists at all.” – Bryan BoyerThis 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

What happens when a software startup becomes a full-service, AI-powered architecture firm?This week on Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee is joined by Patrick Chopson, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Cove Architecture (formerly Cove Tool). What began as a mission to provide architects with performance analysis tools has evolved into Cove Architecture, the first AI-driven practice reimagining how buildings are conceived, coordinated, and delivered.Patrick shares the story of Cove's evolution, from its roots as a SaaS platform to its pivot into consultancy, and now into a full-service design studio backed by over $36 million in venture funding. Their debut project, a multifamily complex in Atlanta's West End, was designed in just 15 days, demonstrating how AI can accelerate timelines by 60%, improve cost accuracy, and cut iteration expenses nearly in half.Beyond efficiency, Patrick envisions AI as a force for design excellence. By offloading code checks, zoning analysis, and cost modeling, architects are freed to focus on creativity, meaning, and beauty. He reflects on how Cove integrates human expertise with machine intelligence, how AI supports senior architects in elevating design, and why training and mentorship must adapt in this new era.The conversation also touches on the business model of architecture: how venture capital is reshaping practice, what “AI-powered but human-centered” really means, and how these tools might democratize design for firms of all sizes.“Being AI-powered doesn't mean removing the human from the process. It means empowering the expert architect to do what they do best: elevate design, mentor the next generation, and create lasting impact.” - Patrick ChopsonThis 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 designWhat have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.

What happens when innovation isn't just a lofty ideal, but an everyday discipline accessible to everyone in an organization?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee is joined by Dr. Simone Ahuja, keynote speaker, innovation strategist, bestselling author, and founder of Blood Orange. Simone's path from dentistry to advising Fortune 500 companies on frugal innovation is anything but ordinary. Drawing on her research into jugaad innovation - a mindset of resourcefulness rooted in doing more with what you have - she helps leaders cut through “innovation theater” and focus on creating real, tangible value.Together, they explore how constraints can actually spark creativity, why the democratization of innovation matters, and how leaders can foster cultures of problem solving that scale from the grassroots up. Simone shares practical frameworks for managing up, influencing decision-makers, and breaking big challenges into small, testable experiments, whether you're in a small firm or a multinational corporation.The conversation connects back to architecture, where creative thinking often thrives in design work but lags in business operations. Simone challenges firms to think beyond client deliverables and embrace strategic abandonment, distributed innovation, and leadership practices that create space for both reflection and experimentation.Her message is clear: innovation is not reserved for R&D teams. It's a discipline, a mindset, and a shared responsibility across every level of an organization.“Innovation is some of the best training out there for leaders for navigating uncertainty, because you're thinking about what problems exist, how to rigorously prioritize, how to move forward and learn from that, and how to influence others along the way." - Dr. Simone AhujaThis 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 organizationWhat have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.

What does it look like when advocacy is embedded into the DNA of how one practices?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee is joined by Pascale Sablan, architect, activist, and the 2023-2024 President of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA). As the founder and Executive Director of Beyond the Built Environment, Pascale has spent her career not only designing spaces, but designing platforms for visibility, equity, and justice in architecture.Together, they explore Pascale's path into the profession, from being one of the few Black women in her architecture school cohort to becoming a nationally recognized leader in advocacy-driven practice. She shares the origin story behind Beyond the Built, her reflections on the labor of representation, and the importance of documenting and uplifting the voices of BIPOC designers across time and space.The conversation also delves into the systems that uphold exclusion in architecture, and how Pascale works to dismantle them through action: challenging AIA policies, creating traveling exhibitions, and supporting youth pipeline initiatives. Her message is clear: architecture must move beyond statements and toward systems of accountability."To advocate is not just to speak! It's to act, It's to move, to challenge, to build. Advocacy is a verb." - Pascale SablanThis 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 futureWhat have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.

Exploring Creative Anchors and Pop Culture InfluenceIn this episode, Jamie and Kurt navigate through technical difficulties and dive into an intriguing discussion about drawing, design, and the impact of pop culture on creativity. They explore the themes of nationalism and identity through recent sketches, including a portrait of Frederick Douglass and Marvel characters. The conversation touches on the influence of comic books and graffiti art on their architectural practice and creative process, with nods to figures like Basquiat and Ryan Coogler. They also reflect on the importance of storytelling in architecture and share insights from Evelyn Lee and Janine Grossmann's podcast 'Practice Disrupted.'00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties00:39 Custom Baseball Hat and Patches02:45 Summer of Soccer and World Cup 202604:58 Dallas Stadium Renovations for World Cup12:20 Canada Day and Fireworks15:00 Dual Nationality and Citizenship Test17:27 Coffee Talk and Greater Goods Espresso18:52 Discussing Coffee Preferences20:08 Caddy Shack and Movie Quotes21:46 Analyzing Sketches and Themes23:44 Graffiti Art and Influences33:34 Marvel Characters and Nostalgia47:40 Storytelling in ArchitectureSend Feedback :) Support the showBuy some Coffee! Support the Show!https://ko-fi.com/coffeesketchpodcast/shop Our Links Follow Jamie on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/falloutstudio/ Follow Kurt on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kurtneiswender/ Kurt's Practice - https://www.instagram.com/urbancolabarchitecture/ Coffee Sketch on Twitter - https://twitter.com/coffeesketch Jamie on Twitter - https://twitter.com/falloutstudio Kurt on Twitter - https://twitter.com/kurtneiswender

How can a deeper understanding of materials and a closer collaboration with builders reshape the way we design?In this special episode of Practice Disrupted, we spotlight a hidden gem for architects: the Architecture Center at the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC). While AISC has long been a technical hub for engineers, the Architecture Center is working to change that perception, offering architects the tools, knowledge, and support to innovate with steel.Evelyn is joined by Nima Balasubramanian, Director of Architecture at the AISC Architecture Center, and Parke MacDowell, an Associate Principal and the Director of Fabrication at Payette Architects. Nima details the Center's mission to be a resource "for architects, by architects," bridging the gap between design and fabrication by making technical information more accessible and fostering connections with the fabrication industry.Parke offers a compelling perspective from the world of practice, sharing how Payette's in-house fabrication group uses physical models and prototypes to foster shared agency, accelerate decision-making, and expand the role of the architect. He argues that embedding fabrication into a firm's process starts not with expensive tools, but with a cultural shift and by building direct relationships with specialty trade fabricators."For me the architecture center is all about forging connections, and that's connections between the designer and the builders who execute their ideas. It's about establishing a common language and a common knowledge base. It's that shared territory which accelerates innovation." - Parke MacDowellThe 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.

What happens when the disruptors pause to reflect on the disruption?For the 200th episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee welcomes back a very special guest: her original co-creator and former co-host, Je'Nen Chastain. Five years after they launched the podcast to challenge the conventions of architectural practice, they reunite for a milestone conversation about how their paths have evolved, the inflection points facing the profession, and why the work of changing the industry is more urgent than ever.Since stepping away from the microphone, Je'Nen has been building Apostrophe Consulting, a practice dedicated to helping AEC firms implement the real, substantial change they often only talk about. She shares how her work focuses on treating firm evolution as a design problem, addressing critical challenges like leadership transition, knowledge transfer, and the immense pressure on the "stretched thin" middle managers holding the gap between senior leaders and emerging staff.The conversation goes deep into the core issues plaguing the profession, from the "hollowing out" of the talent pipeline due to multiple recessions to the ongoing debate about where business education fits into an architect's training. Je'Nen and Evelyn also get personal, sharing candid reflections on identity, belonging, and the emotional toll of diverging from the traditional career path, and why they are each tackling the industry's problems from their unique perspectives.“Essentially at the core of it, what I'm really trying to change is the culture of how we develop and cultivate architecture firms. One of the things we argued on this podcast over and over again was that the business model was outdated. And I think the reason it's outdated is because culture was never taken into consideration as a design variable in building it." - Je'Nen ChastainThe 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 professionWhat have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.

How can architects build more equitable, accessible, and tech-forward tools for the profession?This week on Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Niknaz Aftahi, architect, technologist, and founder of AEC+Tech, to explore how design and technology intersect, and how a background in architecture can lead to reimagining the future of AEC innovation. From early experiences with educational inequality in Iran to launching a platform that connects professionals with emerging tools and workflows, Niknaz shares a career defined by persistence, creativity, and service.Niknaz reflects on the formative role of her underground architectural education in Iran, where she was denied access to public universities due to her religious beliefs. After pursuing graduate studies at UC Berkeley, she worked in Bay Area firms and became increasingly interested in the inefficiencies she saw in traditional design practice. That curiosity led her to create AEC+Tech, a community-centered innovation platform built to democratize access to AEC tools, surface real-world case studies, and connect isolated parts of the industry.Evelyn and Niknaz discuss how small firms can navigate emerging technologies, why inclusive innovation matters, and how AEC+Tech has evolved from a simple database into a growing network of architects, engineers, and builders who are ready to experiment. They also touch on mentorship, knowledge sharing, and why Niknaz believes firm culture, and ultimately, the industry, can be transformed through collective learning.“Once you have a vision and you believe in a project or a goal, you don't need to know what the final product is going to be. But with perseverance, consistency, and belief, you will make it work.” - Niknaz AftahiThe 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 systemsWhat have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.

On today's podcast we are resharing our interview with Evelyn Lee.Evelyn started in architecture but is now the first-ever Global Head of Workplace Strategy & Innovation at Slack Technologies. She is also the Founder of the Practice of Architecture, Co-Host of the Podcast, Practice Disrupted; and is extremely involved in the AIA, most notably serving as the first-ever female Treasurer to the AIA National Board from 2020-2021.Evelyn has been widely published in Contract Magazine, Architect Magazine, and is currently working with Architizer to develop recurring content on the business of architecture. She is a recognized innovator in the profession and has received numerous industry awards, including the 2016 40 Under 40 award for Building Design + Construction and the 2014 AIA National Young Architects Award. We talk about: - How Evelyn was inspired to study architecture and balanced it- from the start- with other commitments that were important to her, like playing collegiate soccer. - We next review qualifications and expectations for achieving FAIA recognition.- Evelyn shares about her experience as the first employee at her firm to have a baby and how she negotiated a maternity and return to work plan with her employer.- Next, we chat about the Practice of Architecture and how Evelyn leverages her MBA and MPA to work with business owners to make their operations more efficient.- We then talk about what architecture firms can learn from Slack's stance on in-person and remote work strategies. - Evelyn then elaborates on small changes that make a big impact on worker engagement like core hours, personal operating manuals, and dial-in policies.- We end with a few ways Evelyn continues to learn and evolve and where you can follow her efforts (see the show notes!).More Episodes You May Enjoy:048: Robyn Linstrom: Design and De-Stigmatization as a Mental/ Behavioral Health Architect045: Atelier Cho Thompson: Ming Thompson and Christina Cho Yoo on Diverse Strengths and Great Design026: Angela Watson: Embracing Challenges, Fostering Connection as CEO013: Erin Alley: Rising to Leadership in Architecture through Inquiry, Inclusivity, and Innovation009: FIFTEEN: Ximena Valle, Mary Beth Di Figlia, and Jill Lavine on their Women-led Firm017: Tigress Osborn: National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA) and the Built Environment037: Karen Hager & Lauline Mitchell: NAWIC Presidents027: Sharadan Rorabaugh: Architect to US Navy Civil Engineer Corps006: Tenille Bettenhausen: Soft Skills and Unexpected Career Twists011: Tami Hausman: Amplifying AEC Industries

How can architects build creative careers in the creator economy?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee speaks with Henry Gao, architect turned digital creator, educator, and founder of Draw With Gao, a platform that teaches architects and designers how to leverage iPad sketching as both a creative outlet and a new revenue stream. Henry's path offers a rare glimpse into how an architectural background can evolve beyond the profession into entrepreneurship, storytelling, and scalable creative business.Henry shares his journey from sketching historical buildings as a child in China to navigating a traditional architecture education in Canada and the U.S., and eventually stepping away from firm life after realizing it didn't align with his values. Along the way, he experimented with freelance renderings, ran an Etsy shop, studied architectural photography, and slowly built an ecosystem of content that now supports a global audience of designers.Together, Evelyn and Henry explore the challenges of leaving the traditional architecture path, the role of mentors and paid coaching, and what it takes to build a sustainable business around content, courses, and community. They also discuss Henry's evolution from side hustles to a full-time educational platform, the power of standard operating procedures (SOPs), and why he believes teaching is a form of service that architects are well-equipped to offer.“When I stopped trying to fit into traditional architecture roles, I started to see all the ways my training could serve people. Teaching, drawing, storytelling, those are still architectural skills. But now I use them to empower others, and in doing so, I've built a business that's both creative and sustainable.” - Henry GaoThe 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 careerWhat have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.

How can virtual architecture expand the role of the architect?In this week's episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee talks with Ryan Scavnicky, better known as Scav, about the future of architectural education, immersive digital environments, and redefining what it means to design space. As the Assistant Professor at Marywood University and creator of its new Bachelor of Virtual Architecture (BVA) program, Scav is imagining an architectural education rooted in video games, virtual reality, live streaming, and spatial storytelling.Dubbed the “Godfather of Architecture Memes” by Architectural Digest, Scav's journey is anything but traditional. After training at the University of Cincinnati and working internationally at firms like Coop Himmelb(l)au, he pivoted to academia and new media, exploring how digital space can be as meaningful and architectural as physical buildings. He shares how Twitch streaming, immersive crit sessions, and real-time collaboration have reshaped his understanding of design and pedagogy.Evelyn and Scav explore the implications of this new degree program and what it means for the future of practice. They discuss how architecture has historically overlooked virtual space, how the profession might embrace new tools without losing its critical rigor, and how graduates of this program might expand into careers in game design, XR, storytelling, and tech, while still thinking like architects. The episode also examines the deeper cultural implications of space in games and film, and how architects can reclaim authorship in those expanding frontiers.“To me, this is still just architecture. We're reaching a new medium of space, one that lives on screens, through headsets, inside games - and we have the tools to shape that with the same intentionality and care we bring to buildings.” - Ryan ScavnickyThe 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 mediumsWhat have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.

How can architects redefine experience through storytelling and space?This week on Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee talks with Kate Aoki, architect, educator, and founding partner of Golden Egg Creative, to explore how designers can blend architecture, storytelling, and community to create immersive, intentional experiences. With a career path that's taken her through fine arts, museum design, architecture firms, and now entrepreneurship, Kate shares what it means to craft spaces not just for use, but for memory, meaning, and delight.Kate opens up about her nonlinear journey, starting with a degree in textile design, before eventually returning to her lifelong goal of becoming an architect. Along the way, she worked in galleries, lived abroad, and built a foundation in public and nonprofit spaces. Her deep love for fine art and interpretive design led her back to the Dallas Museum of Art as Head of Exhibition Design, fulfilling a long-held dream. But after four years, she realized the bureaucracy of nonprofit work wasn't a long-term fit. What came next was a leap into co-founding Golden Egg, a firm focused on designing transformative experiences rooted in cultural storytelling and visitor connection.Evelyn and Kate discuss what it takes to launch a niche practice, how to build authentic partnerships with architects and civic institutions, and why experience design is growing in relevance across sectors. Whether developing mobile exhibits for aerospace education or reimagining museum installations, Kate brings a holistic and thoughtful approach to every detail, from lighting and circulation to the words on the wall.“This felt like putting on a pair of shoes that fit perfectly. It's the kind of work I've always been meant to do - blending fine art, architecture, and storytelling into experiences that connect people to something larger than themselves.” – Kate AokiThe 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 valuesWhat have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.

How does a personal passion project become the world's largest archive for modernist residential design?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with George Smart, founder and CEO of USModernist, to explore how a personal interest blossomed into a vital national resource for architecture enthusiasts and professionals alike. George's journey takes us from a late-night internet search inspired by his own house hunt to leading a nonprofit that documents, preserves, and promotes modernist homes across America—and along the way, he offers insights into the importance of architectural heritage and community building. George opens up about the origins of US Modernist, starting 18 years ago as a local website cataloging houses in North Carolina's Triangle area after rediscovering childhood memories linked to his architect father. He details the organization's organic growth to national prominence and the pivotal moment a realtor's call about magazines in a wet basement led to the creation of a massive, freely accessible digital library of over 5 million pages. George discusses US Modernist's unique approach of archiving by architect, the critical role documentation plays in saving homes often dismissed as "that weird house down the street," and shares compelling stories of preservation successes, including moving an entire house to prevent its demolition. He and Evelyn discuss the surprising makeup of the modernist fan base (mostly non-architects!), the challenges realtors face with these unique properties, and how architects can better connect with potential clients by engaging with the communities that celebrate this architectural style. "The vibe in these homes is wonderful for living. It's more relaxed, it's more open, with light and air. The improvements in glass and steel and insulation and technology have made these great houses from the 50s even better now when they're remodeled." - George Smart The episode concludes with George's advice for architects looking to connect with this passionate audience and his thoughts on the future stewardship of USModernist.Guest:George Smart, HAIA, is the Founder and CEO of USModernist, the world's largest nonprofit archive dedicated to documenting, preserving, and promoting modernist residential design. What started as a personal project cataloging local houses has grown into a major national resource under his leadership. He is also the host of the popular US Modernist Radio podcast. Driven by a lifelong passion for modernism, partly inspired by his architect father, George has applied his background in strategic planning to build a dedicated community and extensive digital archive ensuring these unique homes are recognized and saved. He himself built and lives in a modernist home. Is This Episode for You? This episode is for you if: ✅ You're an architect or designer interested in modernism, preservation, or connecting with passionate potential clients ✅ You're a fan of modernist architecture and history✅ You work in historic preservation, architectural history, or archives✅ You're curious about how nonprofit organizations focused on architecture are built and sustained ✅ You own or aspire to own a modernist home What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.

How can architects build better relationships with materials - and each other?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Nima Balasubramanian, Director of Architecture at the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), to explore how architects can deepen their material knowledge, challenge industry norms, and find joy in alternative career paths. Nima's story takes us from long nights at overworked firms to welding workshops and global entrepreneurship—and along the way, she invites us to imagine a better way of practicing architecture.Nima opens up about her early days in traditional firms where overwork was rewarded, not questioned. She speaks candidly about the toll it took on her health, family, and sense of purpose—and how two pregnancy losses ultimately pushed her to reexamine her future in the profession. After launching her own practice in the Netherlands and experiencing a radically different approach to work-life balance, Nima returned to the U.S. with a new perspective—and an openness to roles that extended beyond conventional practice.Today, she leads AISC's Architecture Center, where she works to bridge the gap between architects and the steel industry. Through hands-on learning experiences like job site tours and welding workshops, Nima is helping architects reconnect with material craft and access information in ways that are practical, visual, and engaging. She and Evelyn discuss what it means to build collaborative cultures, the power of small shifts in firm leadership, and how designers can advocate for healthier, more sustainable ways of working.“When we give architects the chance to pick up a welding torch, to walk a steel mill, to actually feel the material—that's when real learning happens. It's not about memorizing data sheets. It's about creating experiences that stay with you and inform your design choices.”- Nima BalasubramanianThe 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 retentionWhat have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.

How can architecture build dignity, belonging, and home?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Rochelle Mills, President and CEO of Innovative Housing Opportunities (IHO), to explore how architecture and development intersect with justice, memory, and transformation. Rochelle's story weaves together the worlds of design, cultural tourism, housing equity, and personal grit. From running a groundbreaking architecture tour company to leading one of California's most creative nonprofit housing developers, her career is a masterclass in reinvention—with purpose.Trained as an architect, Rochelle brings a design-first mindset to affordable housing. But her journey to leadership has been anything but linear. She shares how she and her husband co-founded Mills Studio, launched their cultural tourism company ArchiTours, and weathered the instability of early professional life—all while raising a family and fighting to stay connected to the work that inspired her most.Together, Evelyn and Rochelle unpack what it means to build communities that truly support people. They talk about the emotional power of architecture, the harm of neglectful design, and how seemingly small spatial choices—like the width of a hallway or placement of a window—can dramatically impact lives. Rochelle also reflects candidly on her personal and professional path, the guilt she once felt around licensure, and the many ways architects can lead—even outside of traditional roles.“There's this misconception that affordable housing should feel temporary or ‘less than.' But what if we designed spaces that said, ‘You belong here. You're valued.' That's the standard we should be holding ourselves to.” – Rochelle MillsThe 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 serveWhat have you done to take action lately? Share your thoughts with us on social media and join the conversation.

How can radical transparency redefine leadership in architecture?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee reconnects with Robert Yuen, CEO and co-founder of Monograph, to explore what he calls radical transparency - a bold leadership approach that challenges firm owners to rethink how they share information, build trust, and lead with clarity. Drawing on his experience building a tech company tailored for architecture firms, Robert brings a refreshingly candid perspective on money, management, and culture in practice.The conversation dives into why many firm leaders are hesitant to talk about financial performance, pay, and project metrics—and how that fear contributes to stress, misalignment, and missed opportunities. Robert makes the case that leaders can (and should) develop cultures of openness, where accountability is shared, and trust becomes a competitive advantage. From pay equity to overtime, profit sharing to performance metrics, he explains why transparency isn't just good ethics—it's good business.Together, Evelyn and Robert also explore what defines effective leadership today. They contrast outdated models centered on authority and control with modern approaches rooted in empathy, delegation, and adaptability. Robert shares how Monograph is using AI to reduce time spent on repetitive tasks and empower architects to better manage their work—and their businesses.“I believe that if you're not transparent about how the business is doing, you're putting all the pressure on yourself as a leader—and you're missing the opportunity to engage your team in solving problems with you. When people understand how their work affects the bottom line, they show up differently. They become invested.” – Robert YuenThe 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 leadershipWhat have you done to take action lately? Share your thoughts with us on social media and join the conversation.

How can mid-career architects redesign their lives around joy and curiosity?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee talks with Clarence Kwan, an architect-turned-entrepreneur who spent three decades building a career in architecture and tech before pivoting to launch his own lifestyle concierge business, CK Curated. Together, they explore Clarence's transition from corporate life to creative independence, and what it means to embrace reinvention with intention.Clarence shares his personal journey from growing up in Hong Kong and the UK to building a professional foundation in architecture, design, and real estate. After decades of working at firms like NBBJ, MG2, Meta and Amazon, Clarence realized that success in traditional practice wasn't aligned with the life he wanted to design for himself. His pivot toward food, travel, hospitality, and storytelling has opened up new pathways for joy—and redefined what a creative practice can be.Throughout the episode, Evelyn and Clarence discuss the challenges of walking away from prestige and security, how identity evolves over time, and the value of reconnecting with your core passions. Clarence offers a behind-the-scenes look at building a solo business, developing a brand, and continuing to learn and grow after “retirement” from corporate life.“Architecture was my foundation, but I had outgrown the way I was practicing it. I wanted to be in spaces where I could move freely, follow my curiosity, and create with intention. CK Curated is that space—it's where I get to design not just buildings, but lives, moments, and meaning.”– Clarence KwanThe 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 nextYou're feeling stuck in your current role and ready for a creative pivotYou want to explore entrepreneurship rooted in passion and purposeYou'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.

What does it truly mean to run a regenerative business, not just design regenerative buildings?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Matthew Broderick, President and CEO of Ashley McGraw Architects, Susanne Angarano, Principal at Ashley McGraw and Founder of Vaysen Studio, and Josie Plaut, Associate Director of the Institute for the Built Environment at Colorado State University. They delve into the concept of building an architectural practice that is itself alive, evolving, and contributing to a greater good, moving beyond conventional business models. The conversation explores the crucial distinction between regenerative design and regenerative business, highlighting that regenerative business principles, rooted in living systems, developmental psychology, and transformative education, can apply to any organization. The guests discuss their journey implementing these practices at Ashley McGraw, the mindset shifts required—such as moving from a "culture fit" to an "essence contribution" approach, fostering agency throughout the firm, and reorienting client relationships towards true partnership. They challenge common assumptions and the tendency to think "we already do that," emphasizing the conscious effort needed to develop people as intentionally as projects and create genuine organizational vitality. "Fundamentally, regenerative business differs from conventional or progressive business practices. It's based on the science and workings of living systems. That's how the world actually works rather than these human impositions that we place on it." - Josie Plaut The episode concludes by touching on the deep, sometimes challenging, but ultimately rewarding work involved in transforming how a firm operates and develops its people. Guests:Matthew Broderick, AIA, is a President and CEO of Ashley McGraw Architects. Matthew has been instrumental in guiding the firm's growth over three decades, expanding from 10 people to 85 across offices in Syracuse, Boston, and DC. While experienced in designing significant higher education and sustainable projects, he considers the evolution and development of the firm itself to be his greatest design project, reflecting his deep commitment to organizational health and regenerative principles. Susanne Angarano, CID, IIDA, Assoc. AIA, is a Principal at Ashley McGraw Architects and the Founder of Vaysen Studio, Susanne brings a rich background in educational planning, interior design, and effective stakeholder engagement. She focuses on creating architectural spaces deeply rooted in their specific culture, context, and sustainability goals. Her training as an interior designer provides a unique lens through which she approaches regenerative practice and organizational development within the firm.Josie Plaut: Serving as the Associate Director of the Institute for the Built Environment at Colorado State University, Josie specializes in guiding organizations toward regenerative practices. Her work focuses on helping businesses align their core strategies with broader social and ecological well-being, drawing on the theory and application of regenerative business principles derived from living systems thinking and developmental psychology.This episode is for you if:You lead or work in an architecture firm (especially mid-sized) and feel restless with traditional business models. You're interested in organizational development and fostering a culture where everyone's creativity and initiative can thrive. You want to understand the difference between regenerative design and regenerative business practices. You are curious about practical ways to shift towards a more...

How can architects shape cities through public service?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Rico Quirindongo, Director of the Office of Planning and Community Development for the City of Seattle. After spending 27 years in architectural practice, Rico transitioned into civic leadership, where he now influences urban policy and planning at a citywide scale. His journey highlights the vital role architects can play in shaping more equitable and resilient communities.The conversation begins with Rico's path from traditional practice to public service, including his early career at Donald King Architects, his work at DLR Group, and his passion for community-driven design. He shares how his architecture background informs his leadership in city planning and the ways design thinking can create meaningful policy change.Evelyn and Rico explore the intersection of architecture, urban planning, and policy, discussing how architects can expand their impact beyond buildings to address systemic issues like housing, transportation, and equity. They also talk about the need for more architects in public leadership roles and how professionals can position themselves for opportunities in government."Most people don't realize how much design impacts their daily lives. Architects have the skills to shape policy, influence communities, and build a more just future—we just need to step up and do it." – Rico QuirindongoThe 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!

How can storytelling empower women in architecture?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee talks with Jadyn Anderson about the power of storytelling and advocacy in architecture. As a Master of Architecture student at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and junior designer at Zimmerman Architectural Studios, Jadyn is deeply invested in fostering community and representation within the profession. She is the creator of When in Doubt, a self-published zine that brings visibility to women's experiences in architecture through interviews, artwork, and personal narratives. As President of Women in Design Students at UWM and a recipient of the 2023 AIAS Advocacy and Impact Honor Award, she is committed to creating spaces where young designers feel supported and empowered.The conversation begins with Jadyn's inspiration for When in Doubt, which stemmed from a personal experience that made her question her place in the profession. Instead of letting doubt hold her back, she transformed it into action, using design as a tool for advocacy and connection. She shares how the zine weaves together stories from established women architects with artwork from young girls just beginning to imagine their futures in design.Evelyn and Jadyn discuss the impact When in Doubt has had on students and professionals alike, as well as the importance of creating spaces for women in architecture to feel supported and empowered. They explore the process of bringing the zine to life, the craft behind its production, and the growing movement it has sparked."If you're in doubt, don't let it push you out of architecture—let it fuel you to take action." – Jadyn AndersonThe 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.

How a non-technical founder built a tech solution to transform material selection for architects.In the latest episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Vardhan Mehta, co-founder of AceLab, an AI-powered platform transforming how architects research and specify building materials. Vardhan shares his journey from practicing architect to tech entrepreneur, the inefficiencies he saw in traditional material selection, and how AceLab is helping firms make faster, data-driven product decisions.The conversation begins with Vardhan's early career working on complex building envelopes for U.S. embassies and high-profile projects at MIT and Yale. He describes how his experiences in traditional architecture firms highlighted the challenges architects face when balancing sustainability, cost, performance, and aesthetics in material selection. Recognizing the need for a better solution, he co-founded AceLab with the mission of streamlining the process through AI-driven insights.Evelyn and Vardhan explore the intersection of architecture, entrepreneurship, and technology, discussing what it means to be a non-technical founder in a tech-driven space. They also discuss the role of AI in democratizing access to high-quality material data, making informed decisions easier for firms of all sizes."If architects want to retain control over project outcomes, we need better tools to navigate the complexity of material selection." – Vardhan MehtaThe 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.

How can AI transform knowledge sharing and efficiency in architecture?In the latest episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping workflows in architecture firms. She is joined by Emily Lotterer, National Marketing Operations Leader at CannonDesign, and Joel Yow, Director of Digital Products, to discuss the firm's AI-powered tool, Billy. Designed as an internal AI companion, Billy helps streamline knowledge sharing, improve efficiency, and enhance collaboration across the firm.The conversation begins with the origins of Billy, 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 YowThe 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 Billy, 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.

How Can Hip Hop and Architecture Create a More Inclusive Future?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Michael Ford, architect, entrepreneur, and founder of the Hip Hop Architecture Camp. Known as "The Hip Hop Architect," Michael has dedicated his career to increasing diversity in architecture by using hip-hop as a tool for education, storytelling, and activism.The conversation begins with Michael's journey into architecture and the origins of the Hip Hop Architecture Camp. This nationwide initiative introduces underrepresented youth to design through the lens of hip-hop culture. He shares how the camp has evolved over the past nine years, leading to scholarships, mentorship programs, and even international collaborations.Evelyn and Michael also explore his work beyond education, including his role in designing the Universal Hip Hop Museum in the Bronx, set to open in 2026. They discuss how hip hop serves as an unfiltered critique of urban spaces, and why architects should pay attention to the stories embedded in lyrics."If you don't like what hip hop is saying about the built environment, start designing better cities." – Michael FordThe 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 FordMichael 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.

How can firms rethink leadership to create more equitable career paths?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, we explore a new approach to leadership development in architecture with the team from FIFTEEN Architecture & Design. Firm founders and team members share how they've challenged traditional hierarchies by implementing a flexible, inclusive leadership model that prioritizes mentorship, career growth, and impact-driven design.The conversation begins with Ximena Valle, AIA, LEED AP, founding principal of FIFTEEN, as she reflects on the motivation behind launching the firm. She discusses how traditional career structures often limit opportunities for growth, leading talented professionals to leave the industry. To combat this, FIFTEEN has developed a lattice-based leadership model that moves away from rigid hierarchies, creating space for emerging leaders to shape the future of the firm.Sharrod Parker, AIA, and Ramune Bartuskaite, AIA share their experiences navigating alternative career paths within FIFTEEN, where team members are encouraged to pursue individual strengths and leadership opportunities beyond traditional job titles. Together, they explore how architects can redefine leadership, increase representation in decision-making, and cultivate a culture where everyone can thrive."Instead of a pyramid where everyone fights for one position at the top, we've created a lattice where every team member has the space to grow into leadership." – Ximena ValleThe 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.

How does an architectural background shape a career in creative direction?Architecture teaches more than just how to design buildings—it shapes the way we see, think, and create. In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Obiekwe "Obi" Okolo, a Nigerian-American photographer, multimedia artist, and creative director at Bittersweet Creative, to explore how his design education continues to influence his work in storytelling, strategy, and cultural advocacy.Together, they explore how an architectural background can open doors to unexpected and impactful career paths.The conversation begins with Obi's transition from architecture to creative direction, highlighting how his design education continues to shape his work. Evelyn and Obi discuss the intersection of architecture, storytelling, and strategy—how architects are trained to think at different scales and how that skill translates into creative industries. They also explore broader themes, including entrepreneurship, navigating alternative career paths, and the future of creative professions in the age of AI."I would never trade my architecture education for anything. But I would have really loved to know earlier all that it could have afforded me." – Obiekwe "Obi" OkoloThe episode wraps with reflections on redefining success, embracing nontraditional career moves, and advice for those considering their own transition beyond architecture.Guest: Obiekwe "Obi" OkoloObiekwe "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.

How Can Small Architecture Firms Innovate for a Sustainable Future?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, we sit down with Carina Coel, Founder and Principal Architect of Restructure Studio, and Alexandra Chaves, Project Manager at the firm. Together, they share how their firm balances custom and pre-designed home offerings, embraces flexible work models, and fosters leadership in architecture.We explore Carina's journey in launching Restructure Studio, a firm recognized for sustainable residential design and workplace flexibility. To make sustainable design more accessible, she founded Arbor Plans, a platform offering pre-designed, high-efficiency home plans for homeowners and developers.Next, we discuss Restructure Studio's innovative firm structure, allowing architects to work part-time while maintaining high design standards. Alexandra shares her experience as the firm's first full-time employee, her advocacy for mentorship, and her leadership in Women in Architecture Austin.Carina and Alexandra also reflect on balancing work, family, and leadership, emphasizing mentorship, inclusivity, and alternative business models for the future of architecture.“We have to rethink how architecture firms support their teams—not just in design, but in how we structure our workplaces.” – Carina CoelGuest: Carina CoelCarina 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.Guest: Alexandra ChavesAlexandra 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.

Reflections on Podcasting, Leadership, and the Future of the ProfessionSeason 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 LeeThis 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 HottelMichele 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.