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How can treating buildings as configurable products and embracing manufacturing precision rescue off-site construction from decades of unfulfilled promises? This week on Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee explores why factory-built prefabrication has always seemed "almost here" yet perpetually delayed. Evelyn sits down with Alexandra Donovan, Director of Product Design at The American Housing Corporation. Evelyn and Alexandra trace her journey from growing up immersed in the profession to cutting her teeth in Cornell's fabrication shop and helping design Anabel's Grocery, a student-run store addressing food insecurity, where she first designed to a real budget. The conversation dives into Alexandra's time at SHoP Architects and her six-year tenure at Assembly OSM, the modular startup incubated within SHoP. She details the milestone stacking of 147 St. Felix in Fort Greene, where eight modules were stacked in a single day without even needing a site dumpster, alongside the sobering on-site completion challenges she calls "death by a thousand cuts". She also shares how the Design for Freedom Summit, led by Grace Farms Foundation, shaped her work, including a tool built with SHoP that flags forced labor risk in building materials. The discussion examines why prefab struggles to scale against a risk-averse industry, high capital costs, and factory overhead, leading into Alexandra's current work at The American Housing Corporation developing panelized townhome systems using magnesium oxide (MgO) structural insulated panels. Ultimately, Alexandra envisions a future where treating buildings as high-quality products, complete with configurable libraries, continuous improvement cycles, and post-occupancy data, frees architects from tedious grunt work to focus on creative problem-solving. "If some portion of the industry shifts more towards treating buildings as products, not as commodities, but as products where we really invest our time into the design details… I think that the role of the architect will shift more towards managing product libraries." - Alexandra Donovan This episode serves as a vital blueprint for anyone curious about the intersection of design, climate, and manufacturing, showing that the handoff from factory to site, and the people on both sides of it, is where much of the work still lies. Guests: Alexandra Donovan is the Director of Product Design at The American Housing Corporation, where she works on panelized townhome systems designed for missing-middle urban density. Trained as an architect, she started her career at SHoP before spending six years at Assembly OSM, the modular startup incubated within SHoP Architects, starting as a designer across nearly every scope, then owning walls, ceilings and floors as products, before guiding overall product development. An alumna of Cornell University, where she worked in the fabrication shop and helped design the student-run Anabel's Grocery and later joined its leadership team, Alexandra is deeply passionate about systems thinking, ethical sourcing in building material supply chains, and connecting digital design to how things actually get manufactured and built. This episode is especially for you if: ✅ You want to explore why modular and prefabricated housing has historically struggled to scale and what it takes to succeed in factory-built construction. ✅ You are curious about the inner workings of startup-incubated manufacturing like Assembly OSM and panelized housing at The American Housing Corporation. ✅ You want to understand the critical importance of supply chain transparency and combating forced labor in building materials. ✅ You are looking for practical insights on how on-site completion challenges ("death by a thousand cuts") impact off-site construction. ✅ You believe that treating buildings as configurable products can free architects from grunt work and elevate design innovation. What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation. 📍 Show Links:Learn about Alexandra DonovanConnect with Alexandra on LinkedInLearn about The American Housing Corporation Learn about Assembly OSMSee the 147 St Felix projectExplore Chain DrainListen to our Chain Drain episodeRead Alexandra and Allison Bernett's article, Food, clothing, SHELTER 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Instagram | LinkedIn | Youtube Check out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

How can unconventional career journeys, deep community roots, and shared leadership prepare future national presidents to steer the architectural profession through turbulent times? In this special episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee reflects on her year as president of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and compares notes with the two leaders about to take the helm: Yiselle Santos Rivera, who takes the chair in 2027, and Joyce Owens, who follows in 2028. Evelyn sits down with Yiselle and Joyce to explore the winding, non-traditional paths that brought them into the profession, from Yiselle pivoting away from genetics and theology after building immersive art installations in Puerto Rico, to Joyce abandoning veterinary medicine after encountering stainless steel tables and rubber gloves, defying a Catholic high school nun who barred her from a boys' drawing class, and ultimately running practices in both the US and England. The conversation dives into the behind-the-scenes realities of national leadership, including the serendipitous story of how Joyce drove to Naples intending only to say hello to Yiselle, only for Yiselle to spend the happy hour asking everyone what they thought about Joyce running for president. They speak candidly about the heavy operational pressures, the shock of public scrutiny and social media feedback, and the challenging tension between lofty campaign goals and the daily realities of steering a major national institute. The guests reflect on the profound value the AIA has on their careers as a professional village and lifelong support network. By showing up authentically, leading with neurodiversity and diverse perspectives, and building belonging, they encourage emerging professionals to dive in, take up space, and actively shape the future of the profession. "Be present, ask for forgiveness, not for permission, and show up, particularly in leadership positions, in volunteer spaces, exactly how you want to show up, because that is the place where you can test out the kind of leader that you want to be without a ton of fear or risk." - Yiselle Santos Rivera This episode offers a powerful, honest look behind the curtain of architectural leadership. By sharing their vulnerabilities, anxieties, and unwavering passion for design, Yiselle and Joyce demonstrate how embracing one's unique identity can transform the institute and empower the next generation of architects. Guests: Yiselle Santos Rivera, AIA, is the principal and owner of Santos Rivera Advisory, a Washington, D.C. consultancy focused on intercultural experience design, healthcare architecture, and organizational change, and a lecturer in architecture at Howard University. With a background spanning general sciences, architecture, and leadership psychology, she has held several leadership roles within the AIA, received the 2022 AIA Young Architect Award, and was elected 2026 President-elect and 2027 President of the AIA. Joyce Owens, FAIA, RIBA, is the founder and principal of Fort Myers-based Architecture Joyce Owens LLC and Studio AJO, bringing extensive international experience from her decade-long practice in London serving prominent clients like the V&A Museum and Alexander McQueen. Her leadership across the AIA includes serving as president of AIA Florida, sitting on the national Strategic Council, receiving the 2022 AIA Florida Gold Medal, and being elected 2027 AIA President-elect and 2028 AIA President. This episode is especially for you if: ✅ You want to go behind the scenes of national AIA leadership and hear candid reflections from incoming presidents Yiselle Santos Rivera and Joyce Owens. ✅ You are curious about unconventional career entry paths. ✅ You want to explore the real-world pressures, campaign journeys, and strategic visions required to steer a major national institute. ✅ You want to understand how community building, mentorship, and the AIA's professional village create lifelong camaraderie and support. ✅ You believe that vulnerability, authenticity, and diverse leadership are essential for driving meaningful change across the architecture profession. What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation. 📍 Show Links:Learn about AIAConnect with Yiselle Santos RiveraConnect with Joyce OwensLearn more on Yiselle’s WebsiteLearn more on Joyce’s 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 rethinking the handoffs between design, real estate, and construction rescue the built environment from decades of declining productivity? In this special episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee explores the systemic productivity crisis in the built environment through the lens of "Chain Drain", a paper from the University of Michigan. Evelyn sits down with co-authors Bryan Boyer, who teaches architecture at Taubman College and co-founded the studio Dash Marshall, and Greg Lindsay, an urbanist in residence at the University of Toronto School of Cities. Together, they examine how fifty years of falling productivity stems from value and intelligence leaking out at the handoffs between stakeholders, rather than failures within individual firms. The conversation covers how traditional architectural firms face immense pressure, why AI acts like a "microwave" that accelerates existing workflows without solving core strategic problems, and how accountability ultimately rests with the asset owner. The guests detail their four VCR-inspired scenarios - Play, Fast Forward, Eject, and Pause - evaluating how digital transformation, supply chain innovation, and radical reuse will dictate the future of practice. Ultimately, the discussion challenges practitioners to rethink their business models, improve decision-making workflows, and look beyond the traditional atelier. By embracing technical skills and engaging directly with the broader supply chain, professionals can reclaim their agency and help shape a more resilient built environment. "We need to break the addiction to the idea of the architect's identity being an architect who is in, if not leading, an atelier. It's also limiting our ability to meet the needs of society and to produce a high quality built environment if we say that our work can only happen in this one setting." - Bryan Boyer. This episode serves as a vital wake-up call for the AECO industry, proving that addressing structural inefficiencies requires more than better tools, it demands a complete reimagining of how we organize, collaborate, and make decisions. Guest: Bryan Boyer is an architect, educator, and co-founder of the architecture and strategic design studio Dash Marshall. At the University of Michigan, he directs the Master of Urban Technology at Taubman College and is the first faculty director of the U-M Center for Innovation in Detroit. Before Dash Marshall, he co-founded Helsinki Design Lab at the Finnish Innovation Fund, and he started his career in tech, designing and programming user interfaces for early-stage startups. Greg Lindsay is an urbanist, journalist, and urbanist-in-residence at the University of Toronto’s School of Cities. A former senior fellow at Cornell Tech and co-author of Aerotropolis, he writes and researches extensively on the future of cities, technology, and the built environment, frequently collaborating with practitioners to analyze systemic trends. This episode is especially for you if: ✅ You want to understand the systemic causes of declining productivity in the built environment and the concept of "Chain Drain". ✅ You are curious about how AI, productization, and new business models are reshaping the AECO industry. ✅ You want to explore the four VCR-inspired future scenarios - Play, Fast Forward, Eject, and Pause - and what they mean for practices. ✅ You are looking for actionable strategies to move beyond billable hours and redesign decision-making workflows. ✅ You believe that the identity of the architect must evolve to meet the complex social, environmental, and economic needs of society. What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation. This episode is brought to you by our partner, Kestrel Labs. Get their guide, Compliance Isn't a Milestone. 📍 Show Links:Explore Chain DrainConnect with Bryan BoyerConnect with Greg Lindsay 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Instagram | LinkedIn | Youtube Check out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

How can personal narratives and letters to future generations dismantle systemic barriers and pave the way for the thousandth Black female architect? In this special episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee steps back and hands the moderation reins to Christian Joosse, editor, co-author, and curator of Letters to Ms. 1000. This conversation marks the first of a four-part series exploring the powerful collection of letters written to and by Black women in architecture. Christian sits down with three esteemed contributors, Zena Howard, Dominique Hawkins, and Nakita Reed, to discuss their journeys, the realities of navigating a white-male-dominated profession, and the critical importance of representation. The panel reflects on the inspiration behind their letters, sharing who they wrote to, from their younger selves grappling with identity and invisibility to future students following their own unyielding curiosity. They discuss the overwhelming success of the book, which has won multiple independent publishing awards under Christian’s newly founded publishing studio, Paper Vale Studio, serving as a vital time capsule and tool for mid-career mentorship. The conversation tackles the realities of microaggressions in the workplace, such as being mansplained despite being the expert in the room, and how to approach these challenges with optimism, listening first, and maintaining focus on good work. They draw a sharp distinction between a mentor and an advocate, emphasizing that advocates, often unexpected allies, including white male firm leaders, put their own reputations and names on the line to open doors and provide opportunities. Finally, the group addresses the persistent stalls in licensure numbers and what firm leaders must put on the table to move professionals across the line. From financial incentives and bonuses to supporting NOMA’s Project Pipeline summer camps and fostering community-engaged design, the guests share actionable strategies to cultivate the next generation of architects and shape a more inclusive profession by 2040. "Curiosity is the number one ingredient for design. It surpasses talent in my opinion." - Zena Howard. This episode serves as a powerful reminder that increasing diversity is not a passing trend, but the core driver of design excellence. By sharing their stories, demanding institutional support for licensure, and actively advocating for rising talent, these leaders are helping ensure that the thousandth African American woman architect, and every generation after her, finds a welcoming and transformed profession. Guest: Christian Joosse, AIA, serves as the Vice President of NOMA Columbus and is the editor, co-author, and curator of Letters to Ms. 1000. She founded her own publishing studio, Paper Vale Studio, to self-publish the book, which has since won a string of independent publishing awards. She moderates this panel discussion highlighting the stories of Black women in architecture. Zena Howard, FAIA, is a principal and the global cultural and civic practice chair at Perkins and Will. Her visionary work includes culturally significant projects that navigate social issues of equity and justice, such as the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Dominique Hawkins, FAIA, is the founder and managing principal of Preservation Design Partnership in Philadelphia. A pioneer and the first to combine the architecture and historic preservation programs at the University of Pennsylvania, she brings over 30 years of expertise in preservation architecture, planning, and community storytelling. Nakita Reed, AIA, is an award-winning architect specializing in historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and sustainability, and hosts the podcast Tangible Remnants. Holding degrees from the University of Virginia and the University of Pennsylvania, she is a LEED AP and certified Passive House consultant dedicated to following her curiosity across the built environment. This episode is especially for you if: ✅ You want to understand the profound impact of representation and the journey behind Letters to Ms. 1000. ✅ You are curious about the critical distinction between mentorship and advocacy in advancing careers. ✅ You want to explore practical strategies for firm leaders to support licensure and cultivate the professional pipeline. ✅ You are looking for insights on how to navigate microaggressions, maintain focus, and lead with optimism in the AEC industry. ✅ You believe that individual storytelling and diverse perspectives are essential for shaping the future of architecture. What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation. This episode is brought to you by our partner, Kestrel Labs. Get their guide, Compliance Isn't a Milestone. 📍 Show Links:Explore Letters to Ms. 1000Connect with Christian JoosseConnect with Zena HowardConnect with Dominique HawkinsConnect with Nakita Reed 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Instagram | LinkedIn | Youtube Check out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

How can real-time cost data, web-based massing tools, and early contractor collaboration eliminate traditional value engineering and elevate architectural judgment? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee explores what happens when architects, contractors, and owners can see the real-time financial implications of design decisions long before a formal drawing set is created. Evelyn sits down with Andy Wise, Design Phase Manager with the i4 & Innovation team at Mortenson Construction, to discuss the gap between design intent and pre-construction reality, and how tightening the feedback loop around cost can fundamentally change how projects are delivered. Andy reflects on his transition to the builder's side after nearly two decades working in architecture and product design. He details the work of Mortenson’s i4 Innovation team, a dedicated research and development group focused on the "fourth industrial revolution" and viewing buildings as manufactured products. Andy discusses why traditional design intuition struggles to predict second- and third-order cost consequences, pointing to the industry's broken status quo: waiting six to eight weeks for a 70-page cost spreadsheet while dozens of subsequent design choices have already been made. The conversation dives into how web-based design platforms like Arcol are changing early-stage feasibility by putting live cost, area, and program data directly into massing models. Andy outlines three critical problems Arcol addresses: connecting financial consequences directly to model adjustments, demising floor plans to analyze granular program mix, and eliminating slow presentation updates by syncing live model data with presentation boards. He explains how multiplayer access creates "directional confidence" and radical transparency, shifting early team dynamics away from painful, late-stage Value Engineering (VE) towards proactive trade-off conversations. Evelyn and Andy also tackle the broader business and contractual shifts the AEC industry needs. As AI and automation accelerate the commoditization of production drafting and paperwork, Andy urges architects to stop defining their worth by billable hours or document output. Instead, he advocates for leveraging human judgment, spatial reasoning, and strategic problem-solving to deliver value early when decisions have the greatest impact. "Architectural work is going to be more based on human decisions and human judgment and understanding the value of the design. We're gonna be designers again. We're not gonna be the person doing paperwork for eight hours a day." - Andy Wise. This episode is a powerful reminder that bringing cost transparency into early design doesn't restrict creativity; it protects it. By closing the feedback loop early and embracing multi-disciplinary collaboration on day one, architects can eliminate friction, align project goals, and reclaim their role as strategic leaders in the built environment. Guest: Andy Wise is a Design Phase Manager within the i4 & Innovation group at Mortenson Construction, an ENR top-ten contractor. With a background in product design and nearly two decades of experience in traditional architectural practice, Andy sits at the intersection of design, construction, and emerging technology. Within Mortenson's internal R&D arm, he works on early feasibility studies, design exploration, pursuits, and evaluating new technology tools to shorten the distance between ideas and field implementation. This episode is especially for you if: ✅ You are an architect or AEC professional interested in how early-stage cost transparency can improve design outcomes and client trust. ✅ You want to understand how web-based massing tools like Arcol connect live cost, area, and program data to 3D design models. ✅ You are curious about how contractors evaluate early feasibility and how "directional confidence" replaces traditional Value Engineering (VE). ✅ You want to explore how changing business models and automation are shifting architectural value from drafting output to human judgment and strategic leadership. ✅ You believe that early, transparent collaboration between architects, owners, and builders is essential for the future of project delivery. What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation. 📍 Show Links:Connect with Andy on LinkedInLearn more about Mortenson ConstructionLearn 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

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