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How can architects leverage their lateral thinking beyond traditional design practice to drive value in construction technology, entrepreneurship, and business leadership? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee explores the power of alternative career paths in the AEC industry and how architectural training prepares designers for executive leadership outside traditional practice. Evelyn sits down with Daron Pardine, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Primera Works, a technology company focused on asset intelligence for the physical world, combining reality capture, data processing, and digital intelligence to create verified records of physical assets. Its services include LiDAR documentation, BIM models, CAD drawings, digital twins, and 360° visual records for owners and enterprises. Daron shares his journey from an architectural engineering background to leading operations across mega-construction projects and emerging technology companies. Daron reflects on growing up in West Virginia in a family of makers, combining an early aptitude for math, science, and art into an architectural engineering degree at Fairmont State before earning his Master of Architecture at Virginia Tech. Graduating into the Great Recession, he began his career at Spectrum Design and Studios Architecture before a deep curiosity about industry economics, specifically where project money comes from, led him to New York City and the real estate development side. Daron then spent nine years at Turner Construction, managing Virtual Design and Construction (VDC), BIM, and field operations on projects exceeding $2.1 billion, followed by a role at Hexagon, the Swedish software and sensors conglomerate. The conversation dives into what it takes to transition from design to business execution, highlighting the critical shift from endless design iteration to firm, decisive action. Daron unpacks the operational realities of co-founding a startup, managing the heavy cognitive load of entrepreneurship, and addressing the massive data gaps that building owners face regarding their existing facilities. He advocates for architects to recognize their immense, undervalued skill set in lateral problem-solving, urging more practitioners to take seats at the business table while keeping humanistic values at the center of technological advancement. "Architects are by large extremely undervalued and much, much more capable than they give themselves credit for. The profession gives you a skill set and a versatility in the broader market that you should start applying." - Daron Pardine This episode serves as a powerful reminder that an architectural education equips professionals with an exceptional toolkit for adaptive problem-solving across the broader built environment. By embracing curiosity, taking risks, and applying spatial thinking to business challenges, designers can redefine their value and expand their influence far beyond the drafting board. Guest: Daron Pardine is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Primera Works, a multidisciplinary reality capture firm that utilizes advanced scanning tools, software, and VDC workflows to deliver BIM models, drawings, and spatial analytics for architects, owners, and constructors. Born and raised in West Virginia, Daron earned his Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering from Fairmont State University and his Master of Architecture from Virginia Tech. Over his career, he has managed VDC, MEP operations, and field supervision for Turner Construction on $2B+ mega-projects, served as a consultant for Hexagon, and led operations across construction tech and startup ventures. This episode is especially for you if: ✅ You are an architect or AEC professional curious about exploring alternative career paths in construction technology, real estate, or tech leadership. ✅ You want to understand how skills developed in studio, like lateral thinking and complex synthesis, translate directly to business operations and entrepreneurship. ✅ You are interested in reality capture, BIM modeling, and how "digital alchemy" solves critical data gaps for building owners and design teams. ✅ You want practical advice on overcoming the fear of risk, stepping out of traditional practice, and managing the cognitive load of founding a startup. ✅ You believe architects need to better communicate their value, step into business roles, and help shape the future of tech integration in AEC. What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation. 📍 Show Links:Connect with Daron on LinkedInLearn more about Primera WorksLearn more about Primera Works XchangeLearn more about Virginia Tech School of ArchitectureLearn more about Umbau SchoolLearn more about Fairmont University Architecture Program 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Instagram | LinkedIn | Youtube Check out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

Why does venture capital flow heavily into construction and development, and what will it take for architectural firms to capture real value? This week on Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee explores architecture's business model from the other side of the table. Evelyn sits down with Mayra Arntz, Principal at Building Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm investing in technology for the built environment. Having built a unique career spanning field construction at open-pit mines, startup product development, and corporate strategy, Mayra brings a candid, grounded perspective on where money actually flows in AEC, and why so little of it reaches architectural design. Mayra shares her upbringing in Peru, where watching her father build roads and bridges sparked an early fascination with how physical infrastructure drives community and commerce. After studying civil engineering and voluntarily working on-site at remote mining projects to gain field experience, she moved to San Francisco for an MBA. After discovering the gap between Silicon Valley's rapid software innovation and construction's reliance on legacy systems, Mayra joined HoloBuilder as its first construction expert, eventually rising to Head of Product before overseeing venture investments and acquisitions at Stanley Black & Decker. The conversation dives deep into the realities of venture capital and technology adoption across the built environment. Mayra explains why VCs focus heavily on ConTech and PropTech over architectural design software, pointing directly to firm wallet sizes, price elasticity, and the high-growth expectations of venture returns. She also unpacks the friction of changing status-quo mindsets on job sites, offers candid advice on alternative funding paths like bootstrapping and corporate venture capital, and encourages more women to step into male-dominated leadership roles across construction, software, and venture capital. "Take the spotlight, take the risks if you want to do it. Worst thing that could happen is that it doesn't work. And then you do something else." - Mayra Arntz This episode serves as a powerful reminder that shifting the business model of architecture requires understanding the broader economic forces driving the AEC industry. By looking beyond traditional design practice and understanding how capital, technology, and risk intersect, AEC professionals can better position themselves to drive innovation and capture long-term value. Guest: Mayra Arntz is a Principal at Building Ventures, an early-stage firm investing in technology for the built environment across ConTech and PropTech. Born and raised in Peru, she earned her degree in Civil Engineering before working in project controls on complex open-pit mining developments. After earning her MBA, Mayra transitioned into construction technology as Head of Product at HoloBuilder (acquired by FARO Technologies) and later led strategy, M&A, and investments within Stanley Black & Decker's corporate venture group (Stanley X) before joining Building Ventures. This episode is especially for you if: ✅ You are curious about how venture capital works in the AEC space and what drives investment decisions in ConTech and PropTech. ✅ You want to understand why architectural software faces unique challenges in scaling and securing venture funding compared to construction tools. ✅ You want strategies for overcoming tech adoption friction and changing status-quo mindsets on job sites and in offices. ✅ You are an entrepreneur evaluating different funding models, including bootstrapping, corporate venture capital, and traditional VC. ✅ You are looking for inspiration on breaking into male-dominated spaces like venture capital, construction, and tech leadership. What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation. 📍 Show Links:Connect with Mayra on LinkedInLearn more about Building VenturesLearn about VC: Secrets of Sandhill Road Are you raising? Here is a list of investorsListen to the episode with Jesse Devitte 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Instagram | LinkedIn | Youtube Check out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

How can an architectural education prepare you to break away from traditional practice and tackle complex systems like social impact housing, community advocacy, and non-traditional careers? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee sits down with Sarai Williams, Vice President of Housing Strategy and Partnerships at BDP Impact Real Estate. A thread that keeps surfacing this season is what happens to the people who receive an architectural education and then choose not to practice traditionally. Sarai’s multi-disciplinary journey, spanning a Bachelor of Architecture from Howard University, a dual Master’s in City & Regional Planning and Landscape Architecture from Penn, and years in architectural consulting and landscape design, offers a compelling look at how design thinking extends far beyond the drafting board. Sarai reflects on realizing early in her education that she was better suited as an editor and advocate than a traditional "starchitect". From performing forensic architecture in consulting firms to leading housing initiatives that keep people successfully housed across a national portfolio, she shares how systems thinking from architecture applies directly to real estate development and homelessness mitigation. She also dives into the art of the informational interview, a critical tool that shaped her career, and how asking candid questions opens doors to unconventional opportunities. The conversation also explores Unruly Practices, a graduate elective Sarai co-taught at the University of Pennsylvania. Designed around unprepared guest panelists who answer unfiltered student questions, the course helped students channel career anxiety into actionable strategies for grant writing, entrepreneurship, and alternative paths. Sarai and Evelyn close on the future of housing, emphasizing the need for architects to strip away ego, become better listeners, and build multi-disciplinary teams with professionals outside design. "The future of housing relies on architects stripping away ego, becoming better listeners, and building multi-disciplinary teams with professionals outside design." - Sarai Williams This episode serves as a powerful reminder that an architecture degree is a versatile toolkit for systems thinking, problem-solvingv, and advocacy. By stepping outside traditional boundaries and collaborating across disciplines, architects can drive meaningful social impact where it is needed most. Guest: Sarai Williams is Vice President of Housing Strategy and Partnerships at BDP Impact Real Estate, where she works at the intersection of social impact real estate development and homelessness response. She earned her Bachelor of Architecture from Howard University and a dual Master's in City & Regional Planning and Landscape Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania. With past experience in architectural consulting, forensic design, and landscape architecture at Olin, Sarai also spent four years co-teaching Unruly Practices, an elective at Penn dedicated to helping students navigate non-traditional design careers and systems-level advocacy. This episode is especially for you if: ✅ You are curious about how to leverage an architectural education in non-traditional fields like social impact real estate, urban planning, and advocacy. ✅ You want to master the art of informational interviews to discover new career paths and build authentic professional networks. ✅ You are seeking strategies to manage career burnout, set healthy boundaries, and transition from traditional design practice. ✅ You want to understand how systems thinking from design school can be applied to complex social challenges like veteran homelessness and affordable housing retention. ✅ You believe that the future of architecture relies on cross-disciplinary collaboration, active listening, and community-centered problem solving. What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation. 📍 Show Links:Connect with Sarai on LinkedInLearn more about Community Solutions Learn more about BDP Impact Real Estate 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Instagram | LinkedIn | Youtube Check out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

How can architects leverage AI and data to eliminate inefficiencies and reclaim their time for design? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee sits down with Natalia Bakaeva, a registered architect in Ontario who transitioned from running her own multidisciplinary practice to becoming the co-founder and CEO of ARKI. This season continues to highlight architects who stopped waiting for the profession to change and built something themselves. Natalia’s journey traces a unique path from beginning architecture school at sixteen in the Russian Far East, to studying in Moscow and London, and eventually establishing her career and practice in Toronto. The conversation delves into the deep frustrations Natalia experienced with the lack of innovation, scaling limitations, and heavy administrative burdens inherent in traditional practice. Recognizing that architectural services are difficult to productize and that firms often base decisions on guesswork rather than historical project data, she pivoted to the tech industry. Together with her co-founder, Mehdi, she developed ARKI, an AI "memory layer" or "second brain" that categorizes and stores a firm's construction details, layouts, and drawings to make them easily searchable and reusable. Natalia and Evelyn also unpack the cultural resistance within the AEC industry toward adopting new technologies and the necessity of backing up software solutions with hard ROI data. Natalia emphasizes the importance of architects taking the driver's seat in the AI transformation rather than being at the mercy of outside developers. She closes with profound advice for anyone feeling unfulfilled in their current role, encouraging professionals to follow their intuition and find their ikigai - the intersection of what they love, what they are good at, what the world needs, and what they can get paid for. "I'm starting now to think about artificial intelligence and all this tech journey is more of coming back to the craft. My ideal scenario is, we automate the processes that can be automated so we can spend more time on things that we actually like to do, on creativity, on the parts that are maybe related to materials or what users experience every day, something that is tangible, something that makes a real impact." - Natalia Bakaeva This episode serves as a powerful reminder that while the tools of the profession are rapidly evolving, the core goal remains the same: designing better spaces. By embracing technology and better data management, architects can automate redundancies and return to the true craft of architecture. Guest: Natalia Bakaeva is a registered architect in Ontario who ran her own practice in Toronto, working across residential, commercial, healthcare, education, and public art. With a rich background that includes an early start in architectural education in Russia and a bilingual master's program between Moscow and London, she transitioned into the tech sector after experiencing the inefficiencies of traditional practice. She is now the co-founder and CEO of ARKI, full-time, building an AI system of record that operates on a firm's internal project data. This episode is especially for you if: ✅ You want to understand how AI can transform dormant firm data into a searchable "wisdom hub" or "second brain." ✅ You are curious about the journey from running a traditional architecture practice to founding an AEC tech startup. ✅ You want to explore the concept of productizing architectural services and overcoming industry inefficiencies. ✅ You are looking for inspiration to follow your intuition and find your ikigai within or outside the profession. ✅ You believe architects need to be proactive in shaping the tools and technologies that will define the future of practice. What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation. 📍 Show Links:Learn more about ARKIConnect with Natalia on LinkedInLearn more about Natalia on her Website 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Instagram | LinkedIn | Youtube Check out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

How can architects leverage storytelling to differentiate their practice, build authentic client connections, and communicate the true value of design? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee sits down with Lee Schneider, founder of Red Cup Agency and adjunct assistant professor at the USC School of Architecture. With a rich background spanning screenwriting, network news production at Dateline NBC, and over a decade teaching media making to architecture students, Lee brings a unique outside perspective to the profession. Together, they explore how narrative carries weight in business development, firm positioning, and project selection. The conversation dives deep into the three foundational stories every architect must learn to master: the origin story of purpose, the testimonial story of social proof, and the tailored case study that addresses specific client needs. Lee breaks down common pitfalls, such as relying on the "genius reel" or assuming projects will simply speak for themselves, and emphasizes why collaboration and active listening matter more to clients than pure prestige. They also examine how evolving digital media, short-form video, and AI are shifting how firms communicate. Beyond digital marketing, Lee and Evelyn unpack the mechanics of high-stakes interview preparation, team composition, and building project advocates on both sides of the table. Lee shares practical strategies for overcoming public speaking hesitations, grounding presentations in authentic personal purpose, and adapting narrative delivery across different mediums. Ultimately, they highlight how clearer storytelling can elevate public appreciation for the architectural discipline as a whole. "Clients want you to listen to them. For the most part, they're looking for a collaboration. They're not looking to be talked down to. If you're giving a case study, a really smart case study would include a little taste of that, the idea that this firm listens to clients." - Lee Schneider This episode serves as a powerful reminder that architecture is communicated not just through drawings and budgets, but through human connection and shared purpose. By mastering narrative strategy and focusing on client collaboration, practitioners can stand out in a crowded market and demonstrate the indispensable value of design. Guest: Lee Schneider is the founder of Red Cup Agency, a communications consultancy based in Santa Monica, and an adjunct assistant professor at the USC School of Architecture, where he has taught media making for over ten years. A former producer for Dateline NBC, playwright, and screenwriter, he specializes in helping firms, technical startups, and emerging leaders articulate complex ideas through compelling linear and non-linear storytelling. This episode is especially for you if: ✅ You want to understand how narrative strategy can differentiate your firm in competitive business development and RFP processes. ✅ You are curious about the three essential stories every architect needs - origin, testimonial, and case study - and how to avoid the "genius reel" trap. ✅ You want to explore practical ways to adapt your firm's communications across emerging media formats, short-form video, and podcasting. ✅ You are looking for actionable strategies to prepare for high-stakes client interviews, build authentic team advocacy, and improve room-reading skills. ✅ You believe that better storytelling across the AEC industry can broaden public appreciation for the full value of architectural practice. What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation. 📍 Show Links:Learn more about Red Cup Agency Connect with Lee on LinkedInListen to Lee’s Podcast 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Instagram | LinkedIn | Youtube Check out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

Why are the youngest designers often the most resistant to adopting AI, and how can firms effectively navigate this technological shift? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee sits down with Stacy Thorwart, former global AI strategist for Steelcase and founder of The Intelligent Designer. Stacy shares her unique journey from running a small residential interior design firm to leading enterprise-level AI strategy, and eventually launching an educational platform full-time to teach other designers The conversation challenges common assumptions about AI in the AEC industry. Stacy reveals that the lowest adoption rates she sees aren't among senior staff, but junior designers coming straight out of school who lack exposure to the true capabilities and limitations of the tools. She unpacks the reality that the biggest barrier to AI integration isn't necessarily fear, but a severe lack of time for experimentation and context-building within already overwhelmed schedules. Stacy and Evelyn also tackle the nuanced conversation around AI and sustainability, the vital role of leadership sentiment in determining organizational success, and why AI image generators are not yet a one-to-one replacement for technical drawing tools. Ultimately, they explore how AI might not replace design professionals, but rather elevate the value of human-to-human connection and create net new opportunities within the industry. "AI is everywhere. It is in our email, it is in our phones, it is in our GPS, and it is baked into the design tools and design software we're using. So by saying you're opting out of AI, really that means you're opting out of all technology." - Stacy Thorwart This episode serves as an essential guide for navigating the impending wave of AI technology, emphasizing that true innovation requires a balanced approach to education, responsible implementation, and a continued appreciation for the human element of design. Guest: Stacy Thorwart is an interior designer, educator, and the founder of The Intelligent Designer. With over a decade of experience at Steelcase, culminating in her role as global AI strategist, she bridges the gap between complex technology and creative practice. In 2023, she launched her educational platform full-time, which has since trained over 8,500 designers on how to responsibly and effectively integrate AI into their workflows, from conceptual visualizations to administrative tasks and procurement. This episode is especially for you if: ✅ You want to understand why junior designers are often the most resistant to AI and how to address this education gap at the firm level. ✅ You are curious about where AI tools can save the most time right now, especially in administrative, marketing, and procurement workflows. ✅ You want to explore the real environmental implications of AI data centers and how to approach sustainable tech usage without taking an "all or nothing" approach. ✅ You believe that adopting AI will ultimately elevate the value of human relationships and in-person connections within the architectural and design process. What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation. 📍 Show Links:Learn more about The Intelligent DesignerConnect with Stacy on LinkedInFollow Stacy on Instagram 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Instagram | LinkedIn | Youtube Check out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

How can architectural thinking, technology, and a shift from outputs to outcomes empower designers to solve complex human challenges beyond the built environment? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee sits down with Michael Caton, a Pratt-trained architect whose non-traditional career trajectory spans international mega-projects, technology-driven practice, mass timber housing, and pediatric behavioral health. Michael shares how graduating into the 2008 financial crisis launched a global journey, from construction administration on an Abu Dhabi hotel spanning a Formula One track to civic leadership in Brooklyn, that fundamentally reshaped how he views the architect's role in the room. Michael reflects on his evolution through technology-focused roles at Studio V, enterprise spatial delivery at WeWork, and his five-year tenure as the first design hire at mass timber startup Juno. Along the way, he completed a full-stack engineering bootcamp and navigated the counterintuitive realities of scaling housing innovations. He discusses the critical mindset of falling in love with the problem rather than the solution, and how his personal journey as a parent to a neurodivergent son led him to found Lumi, a pediatric behavioral health startup delivering real-time, multi-player behavioral guidance for families. The conversation culminates in an inspiring case for the future of architectural agency. Michael challenges firm leaders to look beyond drawing sets and physical artifacts to focus on the true transformations clients are buying. By prioritizing outcomes over outputs, he argues, design thinkers can leverage their problem-solving superpowers to create profound, measurable impact across the built environment and far beyond. "If we really focus on those outcomes and that impact through the eyes of that client, those users in very deep ways, that makes the work that we create all the more powerful." - Michael Caton This episode serves as a powerful reminder that an architect's greatest skill is not merely generating drawings, but applying systems thinking and design synthesis to complex human needs. By focusing on outcomes over outputs, design leaders can expand their agency and unlock meaningful transformation in traditional practice and new industries alike. Guest: Michael Caton, AIA, is an architect, technologist, and founder of Lumi, a pediatric behavioral health startup dedicated to supporting neurodivergent families with real-time, personalized behavioral guidance. A graduate of Pratt Institute, Michael’s multi-faceted career spans international project delivery in the UAE and Switzerland, civic leadership advocacy with AIA New York, enterprise workplace delivery at WeWork, and mass timber product development as the first design hire at Juno. Combining architectural expertise with full-stack software engineering, he is a passionate advocate for outcome-driven design and leveraging technology to strengthen human connections. This episode is especially for you if: ✅ You are curious about how architectural training can open doors to non-traditional, high-impact careers outside conventional firm practice. ✅ You want to explore the compelling case for prioritizing outcomes over outputs to increase client value and professional agency. ✅ You are eager to learn about the counterintuitive challenges and supply-chain realities of scaling mass timber housing startups. ✅ You want to understand how personal lived experience and empathy can drive the creation of human-centered tech startups. ✅ You believe that technology should be leveraged to foster deeper human connections and solve sticky societal problems. How are you prioritizing outcomes over outputs in your practice? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation. 📍 Show Links:Learn more about Michael CatonConnect with Michael on LinkedInLearn more about Lumi 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Instagram | LinkedIn | Youtube Check out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

How can architects move away from billable hours, trade traditional fees for equity, and step into the role of initiators rather than waiting for client calls? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee speaks with Lisa Sauve, co-founder of Synecdoche, a design-make practice based in Detroit. Lisa’s entrance into practice bypassed traditional firm hierarchies entirely. Her firm’s first project came off Craigslist before she finished undergrad, a 110-square-foot office interior for $1,500 that she skipped graduation to build, which ultimately won Architizer and Inc. Magazine's World's Coolest Offices in 2009. As a 22-year-old single mother balancing parenthood and education, Lisa built her business out of necessity. The flexibility of working asynchronously on small projects was the only path forward that allowed her to parent while earning three degrees. For eight years, Synecdoche operated in partnership with architects of record who stamped their drawings. Lisa intentionally delayed licensure to serve as a model for alternative practice, sitting for exams only when defending her model to traditional peers became a distraction from the work itself. The conversation explores how Synecdoche operates without billing time or tracking billable hours. Instead, Lisa focuses on outcome-driven, value-based compensation, taking equity in client ventures, receiving distributions, and structuring creative deals like exchanging formal rent credits for tenant sweat equity during building renovations. She also breaks down her approach to client intake, including asking the fundamental question that most architects overlook: "How did you arrive at that budget?" "We don't track time. We've never billed time. Because the client doesn't care about how much time I spend on things, they care about if they're getting the outcome." - Lisa Sauve This episode offers a fresh perspective on firm ownership, risk, and value creation. By challenging the profession's reliance on time-based billing and rigid operational norms, Lisa demonstrates how architects can expand their agency, align with client goals, and build resilient, multi-stream business models. Guests: Lisa Sauve is the co-founder and CEO of Synecdoche, a Detroit-based architecture and design-make studio working across commercial design, development feasibility, branding, and fabrication. Balancing practice and academia, she serves as an educator and advocate for alternative licensure pathways, code reform, and non-traditional business models in AEC. This episode is especially for you if: ✅ You want to learn how to transition away from billable hours toward value-based pricing and equity-driven compensation models. ✅ You are curious about non-traditional career paths, alternative pathways to firm ownership, and navigating practice as a parent. ✅ You want to understand how to structure creative real estate deals, tenant sweat equity, and passive income streams for your practice. ✅ You are interested in how asking deeper financial questions during client onboarding can align design solutions with business metrics. ✅ You believe architects should act as proactive initiators and instigators rather than passive service providers. What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation. 📍 Show Links:Learn more about SynecdocheConnect with Lisa on LinkedIn 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Instagram | LinkedIn | Youtube Check out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

How can killing the profession’s collective ego unlock new business models, elevate client experience, and modernize business development across the AEC industry? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee welcomes back George Valdes, co-founder of ToolBlocks and marketing and design lead at companies such as Monograph, IrisVR, Paperspace, and WeWork. Five years after his initial appearance on the podcast, George returns to reflect on his non-linear trajectory, from studying landscape architecture at FIU and earning an M.Arch at Columbia GSAPP to navigating the tech startup ecosystem without a traditional coding background. George unpacks how early experiences, including running a design firm prior to graduation and leading accreditation efforts at Columbia that brought him deep inside NAAB and NCARB, shaped his decision to step away from traditional practice and realize that professionals can simply take agency and "just do things". The conversation explores the mechanics of tech adoption, the friction around firm portfolios, and how his latest venture, ToolBlocks, leverages network intelligence and AI agents to collapse non-billable time and streamline business development for AEC firms. The discussion also dives into client experience as the critical battleground for the next decade, pushing firm leaders to challenge received ideas around marketing, fee structures, annual reviews, and compensation models. George advocates for a shift in how architectural education and practice view the "expanded architect," emphasizing that the profession must be willing to dismantle its ego to adapt to changing client expectations and market realities. "It's just this energy of 'you can just do things.' When there's friction or a lack of agency, I'm always questioning why. Who's saying that you can't do something?" - George Valdes This episode serves as a powerful reminder that architectural practice is moving beyond traditional boundaries, requiring firm leaders to align business strategy, client experience, and internal operations. By questioning inherited norms and embracing operational leverage, architects can position themselves for sustainable growth in an evolving industry. Guests: George Valdes is the co-founder of ToolBlocks (now called Zensets), a platform focused on helping AEC firms grow their network, build pipeline, and automate business development workflows. With an academic foundation in landscape architecture from Florida International University and an M.Arch from Columbia University GSAPP, George spent a year leading GSAPP's accreditation process before transitioning into tech. Over the past decade, he has held leadership roles across product, marketing, and strategy at Augmate, IrisVR (acquired by Autodesk), Paperspace (acquired by DigitalOcean), WeWork, and Monograph. This episode is especially for you if: ✅ You are curious about how to navigate non-traditional career paths in AEC, product management, and tech leadership. ✅ You want to learn how relationship mapping and AI tools can modernize business development and collapse non-billable hours. ✅ You are looking to reframe client experience as a primary driver of firm value and differentiation. ✅ You are interested in challenging received ideas around firm operations, performance reviews, and seller-doer compensation models. ✅ You believe architectural education and practice should embrace the concept of the "expanded architect" to stay relevant. What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation. 📍 Show Links:Learn more about ToolblocksLearn more about Studio MarloweLearn more about George ValdesConnect with George on LinkedInListen to a previous episode featuring George Valdes 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Instagram | LinkedIn | Youtube Check out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

How can architecture leaders navigate economic uncertainty, build authentic brand voices, and transform practice operations through live connection and practical AI tools? In the Season 13 premiere of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee opens the season with a dynamic roundtable featuring Aya Shlachter and Nikita Morell. Aya is the founder and CEO of MGS Global Group, the production partner behind more than 500 architecture firms worldwide, and host of the AI for Architects and Architect My Business podcasts. Nikita is an architecture messaging strategist and the founder of Dirt, a brand messaging agency for AEC tech and construction companies. Together, they discuss the state of the industry, why traditional practice models need a fresh approach, and why they co-founded Archicon, the "unboring business conference" landing in Melbourne, Australia. The discussion explores the pressing business challenges facing AEC firms today, from drying pipelines and economic uncertainty to standing out in a crowded market. Rather than relying on traditional formats, Aya and Nikita break down how Archicon flips the standard conference setup by using shorter 15-minute presentations, extended Q&A sessions, candid panels on firm failures and regrets, and a total ban on all-black dress codes. The trio also delves into the operational shifts necessary to build sustainable practices - emphasizing how clear systems, business model refinement, and operational efficiency give leaders the headspace needed to think strategically about their firm's future. "You can be professional and have personality, and you can learn and have fun too. It doesn't have to be so serious." - Nikita Morell Looking toward the future of practice, Evelyn, Aya, and Nikita tackle content creation, personal branding, and the practical implementation of AI. From leveraging dynamic tools like Notion and custom AI agents to guardrail email workflows and record repeatable tasks, they emphasize that technology should support human judgment rather than replace a unique brand voice. They also preview an upcoming masterclass collaboration between Evelyn and Nikita designed to give practitioners actionable, high-impact AI skills for positioning and practice growth. Guests: Nikita Morell is a messaging strategist who has spent over a decade helping architecture firms around the world articulate their value and win better projects. She is the co-founder of Archicon and founder of DIRT, and is widely known for her sharp, thought-provoking insights on branding and business in the AEC industry. Aya Garcia Shlachter is the Founder and CEO of MGS Global Group and co-founder of Archicon, with nearly two decades of experience helping architecture firms grow and scale. A recognized entrepreneur, AI thought leader, and podcast host, she empowers architects to build future-ready practices through strategy, technology, and leadership. This episode is especially for you if: ✅ You want to explore new, "unboring" formats for business development, industry networking, and conferences like Archicon. ✅ You are looking to overcome pipeline slowdowns and differentiate your practice through clear positioning and distinct brand messaging. ✅ You want to streamline practice operations using systems like Notion, ClickUp, and CRMs to reduce mental load and gain strategic headspace. ✅ You want to build authentic trust with potential clients by embracing content creation, personal storytelling, and human-centered marketing. ✅ You are seeking practical, actionable ways to integrate AI, speech-to-text tools, and custom workflows into your firm without losing your unique practice voice. What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation. 📍 Show Links:Learn more about ArchiCon 2026Learn more about Nikita MorellConnect with Nikita on LinkedInConnect with Aya on LinkedInListen to a previous episode featuring Aya Garcia ShlachterListen to a previous episode featuring Nikita Morell 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Instagram | LinkedIn | Youtube Check out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

How can architects expand their role upstream in project decision-making, and what happens when live massing, area data, and cost metrics replace fragmented, slow feasibility workflows? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee explores what it takes for architecture practices to show up earlier with clients, entering the room before the brief is fixed and the budget is locked. She is joined by Brad Sara, Principal and Digital Services Lead, and Anton Shaw, Senior Associate, BIM Manager, and Automation Lead at Warren and Mahoney (WAM), a 70-year-old practice named one of the 10 most innovative architecture firms in the world by Fast Company. Together, they discuss how WAM developed Quick Stack, a feasibility playbook enabled by Arcol that brings real-time cost, area, and zoning metrics directly into massing models. Brad and Anton unpack the traditional friction of early feasibility phases, where teams constantly cycle through disconnected tools like SketchUp or Rhino, Excel spreadsheets, and InDesign reports. This fragmented workflow creates version drift, manual data errors, and delayed answers during fast-paced client negotiations. By implementing Arcol within WAM’s "One Studio" approach, connecting 350 staff across offices in New Zealand and Australia, the firm enables live, single-environment updates. The moment a design or massing shape changes, the numbers update instantly for the entire team and client. The discussion dives into the business and relationship benefits of swimming upstream. Brad and Anton share how co-designing live with clients and cost consultants builds deep trust, eliminates the traditional "starving artist" dynamic, and enables WAM to generate fees for pre-concept feasibility work they previously couldn't capture. "Architects don't need to become developers. They don't need to become cost consultants or software companies. But we do need to become more fluent in the decisions our clients are making before that project becomes a project." - Brad Sara They also share practical advice on change management, explaining how targeted rollouts, solving real workflow pain points, and letting computers handle tedious tasks allow architects to focus on strategic judgment and design quality. Guests:Brad Sara is a Principal and Digital Services Lead at Warren and Mahoney. Over a two-decade career spanning New Zealand, Australia, the UAE, Asia, and the US, he has advocated for digital transformation and strategic client partnerships across all stages of project delivery. Anton Shaw is a Senior Associate, BIM Manager, and Automation Lead at Warren and Mahoney. With a background in technical delivery, he specializes in building internal systems, automation workflows, and digital tools that improve project efficiency and overall design quality. This episode is especially for you if:✅You want to learn how Warren and Mahoney uses ArcOL and Quick Stack to unify massing models, area metrics, and cost data in one live environment. ✅You are interested in "swimming upstream" to engage clients earlier during site selection and pro forma testing before project briefs are locked. ✅You want to explore how live, collaborative feasibility sessions build deep client trust and unlock new revenue streams for early-stage design services. ✅You want practical change management strategies for introducing new technology into multi-office practices without causing friction or tool fatigue. ✅You want to eliminate manual data entry, version drift, and slow iteration loops between modeling software, spreadsheets, and design presentations. What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation. 📍 Show Links:Learn more about Warren and MahoneyLearn more about Arcol 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Instagram | LinkedIn | Youtube Check out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

What does the data tell us about the real path to becoming an architect, and how is NCARB shifting its model to build a more adaptable, modular roadmap for future candidates? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee breaks down the 15th edition of the NCARB by the Numbers report. She is joined by Jenny Kawecki, who leads data analytics and research at NCARB, and Gabriella Bermea, a licensed architect and NCARB volunteer who chaired the Experience Committee. Together, they explore the shifting dynamics of the architectural pipeline, unpacking why the median time to licensure has dropped to 12.3 years and what these statistics mean for the future of the profession. Jenny provides an insider’s view of how NCARB uses this annual data report to track attrition points and actively improve its programs. She highlights major programmatic changes driven by historical data trends, such as retiring the rolling clock and revamping the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) reporting policy to give thousands of candidates their experience credits back. Gabriella adds an on-the-ground perspective, explaining how challenging past assumptions about rigid timelines helps eliminate systemic barriers and re-engages candidates who have stepped away from the path. The conversation also digs deeply into NCARB’s massive "Pathways to Practice" initiative, a multi-year effort to pivot away from a single, rigid route toward a highly modular, competency-based framework. They address critical pipeline pinch points, including firm culture support during the AXP and the stark demographic pass-rate disparities within the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). "Instead of pushing everyone through the same path, how can that path meet the needs of the individual? How can it be customizable almost to the candidate so that it aligns with your background, your career path, your educational path, your social path. We want there to be a licensure path that exists for you." - Jenny Kawecki Finally, they look forward to how a more flexible, customizable licensure path can help mitigate the steep financial burdens of higher education and foster a significantly more diverse, representative body of architects. Guests:Jenny Kawecki is NCARB’s Assistant Vice President of Data, Analytics, and Research, where she leads a team that analyzes industry trends and oversees publications like NCARB by the Numbers and Baseline on Belonging. Before joining NCARB in 2016, she wrote for Barnes & Noble and SparkNotes, and she holds a degree in Media, Culture, and the Arts from The King's College. Gabriella Bermea, AIA, is a Senior Associate and Architect at Perkins Eastman with more than eight years of experience in educational design, stakeholder engagement, and community-focused solutions. A fifth-generation Tejana, she is a passionate advocate for educational equity and community empowerment and currently serves as Chair of NCARB’s Experience Committee. This episode is especially for you if:✅You want to know why the median time to licensure dropped and how policy changes like eliminating the rolling clock shifted the needle. ✅You are curious about NCARB's "Pathways to Practice" initiative and how a modular, competency-based framework will offer diverse alternatives to the traditional degree path. ✅ You want to explore the primary pinch points in the licensure pipeline, from firm culture barriers during the AXP to pass-rate disparities within the ARE. ✅You want to learn how the revised AXP reporting requirements allow candidates to receive 100% credit for hours up to a year and 75% credit indefinitely. ✅You are interested in how scholarship programs through NOMA chapters and state boards are helping candidates facing financial and institutional adversities stay on the path. What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation. 📍 Show Links:Learn more about NCARBLearn more about NCARB by the Numbers reportLearn more about Pathway to Practice 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Instagram | LinkedIn | Youtube Check out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

How can architecture firms unlock decades of buried institutional knowledge, and what happens to the apprenticeship model when every detail the firm has ever drawn is just a single query away? In this bonus episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee dives into a conversation created with Pirros, exploring how technology bridges the gap between historic firm data and daily production workflows. The episode features Ross Wagner, who leads sales at Pirros, alongside Xander Ellenbogen, a senior BIM manager at Clark Nexsen. Together, they explore how firms can transition from hunting through endless subfolders to operating with an intelligent, centralized knowledge base. Ross shares his trajectory from designing high-rise residential projects to riding the technology wave at PlanGrid and Autodesk, eventually joining Pirros to help firms maximize their workflow efficiency. Xander provides an on-the-ground perspective from Clark Nexsen, discussing his evolution from a traditional architect and the firm’s first commercial drone pilot to managing advanced BIM workflows. He explains how his firm used Pirros to adapt to a post-COVID, discipline-based model, allowing team members across multiple offices and states to access vetted, high-quality details instantaneously. The conversation digs deeply into the broader implications of AI in the AECO space, specifically addressing the common comparison to the historical CAD-to-BIM shift. While the CAD-to-BIM transition still resulted in flat 2D drawing deliverables, the guests argue that AI represents a fundamentally different leap focused on data portability and knowledge preservation across an entire firm. They also tackle the crucial element of change management in a trust-driven profession, outlining the "sandwich effect" required to achieve widespread software adoption from leadership down to production staff. "We're not here to flatten creativity and just be a place where you copy and paste. It's a place where you learn, you mentor, but also ensure that you don't go through the tedious tasks of reinventing the wheel each time and basically spend a bunch of hours hunting for something that you are trying to learn from." - Ross Wagner Finally, they look ahead to the future of design with recent tools like Mira, a Revit agentic copilot, and discuss how firms can maintain the critical thinking required in the traditional apprenticeship model while letting AI do the tedious heavy lifting. GuestsRoss Wagner, Assoc. AIA, began his career in architecture before moving into design technology, where he helped scale PlanGrid from under $10M to over $100M in ARR before its acquisition by Autodesk. Now Head of Sales at Pirros, he helps AECO firms improve productivity by transforming historical design content into trusted, accessible knowledge. Xander Ellenbogen, AIA, is a licensed architect and Senior BIM Manager at Clark Nexsen, where he leads BIM standards, Revit workflows, and reality capture initiatives across the firm. With a background spanning architectural design and BIM leadership, he is currently directing a firmwide template rebuild as part of the JMT merger while continuing to serve as an Associate Principal. This episode is especially for you if:✅You want to understand how Pirros captures a firm's historical work into an intelligent, AI-based search engine to prevent team members from redrawing existing details. ✅ You are curious about the "sandwich effect" in change management and how to secure software buy-in from both firm leadership and production staff. ✅ You want to explore why the CAD-to-BIM shift failed to move past 2D deliverables and how the AI shift focuses on data portability instead. ✅ You want to learn how firms can preserve the traditional apprenticeship model by using AI to handle 70% of the baseline work while keeping designers focused on the remaining 30% of critical problem-solving. ✅ You are interested in the potential of agentic workflows in Revit, such as Pirros' recently released chatbot copilot, Mira. What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation. 📍 Show Links:Learn more about PirrosLearn more about Clark Nexsen 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Instagram | LinkedIn | Youtube Check out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

How can early-stage startups drive true transformation in the AECO space, and what happens when AI-native tools are designed to amplify human intent rather than replace the architect? In this bonus episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee explores the intersection of corporate acceleration and cutting-edge startup innovation. The conversation brings together German Aparicio from Trimble Ventures alongside Yiping Goh and Carlos Banon, the co-founders of Formas.AI. German walks listeners through the Trimble 0-60 accelerator program, which was recently named Built World's Accelerator Program of the Year. This 12-week, historically equity-free program invites early-stage startups to build on top of Trimble platforms like SketchUp and showcase their live integrations at Trimble Dimensions in Las Vegas this November. Herman outlines how Trimble acts as a system of record, searching for partners to create systems of action and intelligence across three key pillars: connected data, connected design, and the connected field. He also defines what "early stage" means for the program, targeting companies founded within the last five years, making under $2 million ARR, and operating with a couple of early customers looking to scale. The spotlight then shifts to Formas.AI, a participant in the current cohort operating in the connected design space. Co-founders Yiping and Carlos explain how their AI-native design workspace is bridging the gap between an initial sketch, reference image, or floor plan and a buildable 3D model in hours instead of months. Carlos, an architect and professor, shares how the tool was born out of personal frustration with fragmented interfaces and broken workflows that detach designers from the joy of creating. Yiping provides an entrepreneurial lens on the broader AEC industry, noting that while it represents 13% of global GDP, it remains one of the least digitized sectors, heavily reliant on legacy software and restricted by the slow timeline of physical building processes. Together, the group tackles the critical challenges of technology adoption, highlighting trust as a core barrier for practitioners who have invested heavily in traditional tools. Rather than replacing human designers, the founders argue for a democratization of design through guardrails that preserve creative authorship and intent. As Formas.AI navigates its 12-week acceleration path, they aim to leverage Trimble's ecosystem to deliver a validated, highly precise design experience that brings excitement and joy back to the craft. "We are believing in the future of design being more human led, less or not even about human replaced. That the winners of AI are the ones that really can give people more creative power, not less." - Yiping Goh This episode serves as an inspiring look at how industry giants and agile startups can co-create workflows that amplify human intuition and make design fun again. GuestsGerman Aparicio runs the Zero to 60 accelerator program at Trimble Ventures. As a trained architect, he focuses on scaling early-stage software and hardware innovations that connect data, design, and job sites across the full project lifecycle. Yiping Goh is the co-founder and CEO of Formas.AI. She is a tech entrepreneur currently scaling her fourth company, with a professional background spanning a real estate degree, venture capital, corporate venture building at McKinsey, and multiple successful company exits. Carlos Banon is an architect, computational designer, and professor who has taught design in Singapore for the last 13 years. A self-taught coder since age six, he is the design and technical mind behind Formas.AI, having built its foundational versions to streamline creative workflows. This episode is especially for you if:✅ You want to understand how the Trimble 0-60 accelerator helps early-stage startups scale by integrating directly into established industry platforms like SketchUp. ✅ You are curious about how Formas.AI closes the gap between a rough sketch and a buildable model using natural language and multimodal AI tools. ✅ You want to explore why trust, legacy tools, and authority code submissions present unique adoption challenges within the AEC space. ✅ You believe that AI technology should amplify a designer's creative intent and preserve human authorship rather than generate generic, unmeaningful variations. What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation. 📍 Show Links:Learn more about TrimbleLearn more about 0-60 accelerator Learn more about Formas.AIListen to the previous episode featuring German Aparicio 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Instagram | LinkedIn | Youtube Check out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

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