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

If workplace culture is failing, are we brave enough to use Gen Z as the prototype for what comes next? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Amanda Schneider, the founder and president of ThinkLab, joins host Evelyn Lee to discuss her transition from a "designer by degree" to a leading researcher in the built environment. As the author of the upcoming book Work for What’s Next, Amanda explores the uncomfortable truth that current workplace structures are struggling to keep up with the shifting expectations of the modern workforce. She shares insights from her viral research into Gen Z, explaining how this generation is not a "problem to manage," but a vital signal for the digital-first evolution that the architecture and design industry must undergo to remain relevant. The conversation delves into the "trust gap" currently widening between leadership and staff, and the specific role physical space plays in closing it. Amanda breaks down the findings from ThinkLab’s latest research, challenging architects and designers to think beyond traditional ROI and consider how physical environments can foster psychological safety and authentic connection. She discusses the friction between "analog natives" and "digital natives," offering a roadmap for firms to move beyond describing industry problems and toward building a culture that prioritizes people as much as projects. "Workplace culture is failing. Gen Z can see why. And if we're willing to use them as a prototype rather than a problem, they show us exactly where the profession needs to go." - Amanda Schneider Beyond generational shifts, Amanda and Evelyn discuss the business of research itself and the importance of data in shaping the future of practice. From her journey of building and selling a company to her current focus on the "trust survey," Amanda emphasizes that the future of the profession belongs to those who can bridge the gap between digital-first thinking and the irreplaceable value of physical space. Guest:Amanda Schneider is the founder and president of ThinkLab, a premier market research company wholly focused on the built environment (now a part of Sandow). A designer, journalist, and researcher, her work on Gen Z and workplace culture has been featured in Forbes, MIT Sloan Management Review, and a TEDx talk with over half a million views. Her book, Work for What’s Next, focuses on the evolution of professional culture. This episode is especially for you if:✅You want to understand why Gen Z is the "prototype" for the future of work rather than just a generational trend. ✅You are a firm leader interested in closing the "trust gap" within your organization. ✅You are an "analog native" looking for strategies to pivot toward a digital-first mindset in a design practice. ✅You are curious about the evolving ROI of physical office space and how it impacts firm culture. ✅You want to hear how market research can be a catalyst for meaningful change in the architecture and design industry. What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation. 📍 Show Links:Learn more about ThinkLabConnect with Amanda on LinkedInOrder Work for What’s NextJoin in their latest research by taking this surveyListen to Amanda’s podcastWatch Amanda’s TED Talk 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Instagram | LinkedIn | Youtube Check out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

How much of what architects claim they value actually shows up in how they practice, especially when it comes to community engagement? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee is joined by the leadership team from Architects Fora: Leah Alissa Bayer (President), Kate Conley and Sarah Vaccaro (Principals), and Nicole Little (Community Engagement Lead). Together, they pull back the curtain on how their firm successfully transitioned community engagement from a nebulous, often pro-bono "extra" into a structured, billable service called Engage Fora. Nicole, whose dual background in architecture and urban planning drives this initiative, shares how she leveraged the firm’s unique 20% research-and-passion-time policy to build a full-service practice area that bridges the gap between design and the people it serves. The conversation explores the internal mechanics of a firm that prioritizes "slow-burn" hiring and deep value alignment. Leah, Kate, and Sarah discuss the intentionality behind their remote-first structure and how they empower staff to pursue professional convictions that move the needle for the entire industry. Nicole reflects on her personal history, growing up in housing that actively harmed her family’s health, and how that experience became the professional catalyst for ensuring that community voices are not just heard, but are fundamentally integrated into the architectural process through a sustainable business model. "I think our role as young professionals is to bring in that fresh new perspective. To be disruptive and change the field for the better." - Nicole Little This episode is a masterclass in aligning firm operations with personal and professional convictions. The team breaks down the logistical challenge of building a community engagement practice from the ground up, including how to define its value to clients who may be used to traditional, top-down delivery methods. Whether you are a firm leader looking to restructure your internal research time or a young architect wondering how to bring your social justice passions into a corporate environment, this discussion provides a tangible framework for creating a practice that is both disruptive and highly effective. Guests:Leah Alissa Bayer is the President of Architects Fora, a fully remote, women-led firm. She is a dedicated advocate for business innovation and equity within the profession, focusing on how firm structures can better support diverse talent and restorative design. Kate Conley and Sarah Vaccaro are Principals at Architects Fora, where they lead complex housing and community-focused projects. They are instrumental in fostering a firm culture that balances rigorous project delivery with a commitment to internal research and professional growth. Nicole Little is the Community Engagement Lead at Architects Fora. With dual master's degrees in Architecture and Urban Planning, she spearheads "Engage Fora," a practice area dedicated to deep, systematic community involvement in the design process. This episode is especially for you if:✅ You want to move beyond "check-the-box" community engagement and learn how to build it into a billable service. ✅ You are interested in firm models that dedicate a percentage of staff time to research, pro-bono work, and professional passions. ✅ You are a young professional with a dual-degree background looking for ways to integrate multiple disciplines into a single career path. ✅ You want to understand how to align your personal values with the project work and operations of your firm. ✅ You are curious about how a remote-first office can foster a deep sense of community and collaborative leadership. What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation. 📍 Show Links:Learn more about Architects FORAExplore Engage FORAConnect with Leah Alissa Bayer on LinkedInConnect with Kate Conley on LinkedInConnect with Sarah Vaccaro on LinkedInConnect with Nicole Little on LinkedInListen to the previous episode featuring Architects FORAListen to the previous episode featuring Leah Alissa Bayer 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Instagram | LinkedIn | Youtube Check out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

What happens when an architect’s greatest professional success is making themselves completely irrelevant to their own firm? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee is joined by William H Dodge, founder and design principal at p-u-b-l-i-k, whose career trajectory defies every standard industry norm. From moving to the island nation of Malta at 19 to escape the perceived threat of Y2K to starting as a janitor at NC State Libraries, William’s path to leadership was anything but linear. He shares the remarkable story of how he helped transform Hanbury’s North Carolina office from a two-person operation into a powerhouse of 49 employees managing $2.5 billion in projects, only to walk away once he realized the systems he built had made his daily presence unnecessary. The conversation explores William’s unique philosophy on growth, talent acquisition, and firm culture. He reflects on the "49 hires in 49 months" period, explaining why he prioritized hiring for potential and culture over specific architectural credentials. William discusses the audacity of taking on high-stakes wayfinding projects for university chancellors while working as a janitor and how that "outsider" perspective allowed him to see opportunities where traditional practitioners saw barriers. He challenges the rigid structures of the profession, advocating for a model of leadership that focuses on empowering others to take over the reins. "I don't hire for the portfolio. I hire for the person. You can teach someone how to use the software, but you can't teach them how to care about the work." - William Dodge This episode is a masterclass in building a practice that thrives on adaptability and intentionality. William breaks down why he chose to leave a major firm at the height of its success to start p-u-b-l-i-k, a design studio focused on high-impact community projects. Whether you are an aspiring architect looking for an alternative career path or a firm leader struggling with succession planning and scale, William’s journey offers a provocative roadmap for reclaiming the "creative" in the business of architecture. Guest:William H Dodge is the founder and design principal at p-u-b-l-i-k. A self-described "non-architect" who has led some of the most successful design teams in the country, William specializes in large-scale institutional projects and urban wayfinding. His career includes a tenure as a principal at Hanbury, where he spearheaded massive regional growth before pivoting to found his own mission-driven studio. This episode is especially for you if:✅ You feel stuck in a traditional career path and want to hear how an unconventional background can lead to the top of the profession. ✅ You are interested in the logistics and mindset required to scale a firm office from 2 to 49 people in just four years. ✅ You want to understand the philosophy of "leadership through redundancy" and how to build a firm that doesn't rely on your constant oversight. ✅ You are a student or recent graduate seeking advice on how to prioritize learning and happiness over "checking the right boxes." ✅ You are curious about how a background in wayfinding and system design can be applied to large-scale architectural projects. What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation. 📍 Show Links:Connect with William on LinkedInFollow William on InstagramLearn more about p-u-b-l-i-kLearn more about a gang of threeLearn more about the vernon pratt projectRead William’s Fast Company article 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Instagram | LinkedIn | Youtube Check out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

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

Why does the architecture profession have a technology adoption problem that has almost nothing to do with technology? This week on Practice Disrupted, Evelyn sits down with Melvin Williams III, a Digital Practice Leader at HKS, to explore the underlying machinery of firm transformation. Melvin shares his unconventional path from being a trainee at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, where he first viewed architecture as a single component within a massive operational system, to founding his own consulting firm and eventually leading digital strategy at one of the world’s largest architecture practices. Together, they discuss why the real barrier to innovation isn't the software we use, but the leadership and culture required to sustain it. The conversation dives deep into the "messy" reality of digital transformation. Melvin reflects on his years as a consultant at Microdesk, where he observed that while firms are often fluent in project execution, they struggle with the "bridge building" needed to evolve their business models. He challenges the industry's historical reliance on 2D artifact production and explains why technology should be viewed as operational leverage rather than just an overhead expense. By shifting the focus from BIM libraries to system-level thinking, Melvin illustrates how firms can move past the "horse and buggy" mentality to embrace a more integrated, data-driven future. "Architecture can't really remain centered on artifact production. It has to evolve towards system level thinking about delivery. And when you do that, you start to see that the advantage is going to belong to firms that can design both buildings and the mechanisms by which those buildings are delivered. And that's digital practice, right?" - Melvin Williams III This episode is an essential look at the soft skills required to drive hard changes in AEC. Melvin shares the hard-earned lessons from his own entrepreneurial journey, including the importance of "failing fast", and how those experiences shaped his approach to mentoring leadership on tech adoption. Whether you are a firm leader trying to justify a technology budget or a technologist looking to move from the "help desk" to the board room, this discussion provides a roadmap for building the organizational clarity that makes adoption actually stick. Guest:Melvin Williams III is a Digital Practice Leader at HKS, where he focuses on building the internal culture and systems necessary for true digital transformation. With a career spanning the Port Authority of NY and NJ, his own consulting practice, and years as a specialist at Microdesk, Melvin brings a systems-design perspective to the architecture profession. He is a dedicated advocate for rethinking how technology can strategically align and empower architecture firms. This episode is especially for you if:✅ You are a firm leader struggling to move beyond "traditional" workflows and want to understand the cultural barriers to tech adoption. ✅ You are a technologist who feels like "overhead" and wants to learn how to communicate your value as a strategic business partner. ✅ You are curious about the difference between project execution and systems design in a large-scale practice. ✅ You want to hear an honest perspective on why many digital transformation efforts fail when the "third-party" consultants leave. ✅ You are interested in how early career exposure to infrastructure and government agencies can reshape a designer's understanding of buildings. What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation. 📍 Show Links:Learn more about HKS Connect with Melvin 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 architects move beyond the traditional service model and embrace a future where they build products instead of just selling hours? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee is joined by Larry Sass, a Professor of Architecture at MIT and lead of the Design Fabrication Group. Larry reflects on a 30-year journey that began with a desire to remain in traditional practice but shifted when he realized the industry’s initial resistance to digital tools. Today, he is a leading voice in digital fabrication and 3D printing, advocating for a radical shift in how architects are trained and how they operate in a world increasingly defined by technology, automation, and the need for new business models. The conversation explores Larry’s conviction that the architecture profession is at a crossroads. He discusses the friction between the slow-moving "service" model of architecture and the fast-paced world of digital innovation. Larry introduces the concept of the "third practice", a path where architects use their design expertise to create software, products, or new fabrication methods rather than simply billing for time. He shares insights from his work at MIT, including the DesignX program, which encourages students to approach architecture with an entrepreneurial mindset to solve industry-wide problems. "Try and figure out how to teach people how to start new businesses around the industry of architecture. Reinvent it and rethink it." - Larry Sass This episode is a masterclass in rethinking the value of an architectural education. Larry breaks down why the industry has struggled to fully adopt digital fabrication and what it will take for the next generation to reclaim their role as innovators. From the limitations of current BIM tools to the potential for 3D printing to revolutionize housing, Larry’s perspective challenges the traditional boundaries of the profession and offers a roadmap for those looking to disrupt the status quo from both inside and outside academia. Guest:Larry Sass is a professor of architecture at MIT, where he leads the Design Fabrication Group. With a PhD from MIT and decades of experience in both academia and practice, his research focuses on the intersection of computing and construction. He is dedicated to exploring how 3D printing and digital fabrication can lead to new forms of architectural practice and more efficient housing production. This episode is especially for you if: ✅ You are curious about the "Third Practice" and how architects can pivot toward product-based or entrepreneurial business models. ✅ You want to understand why digital fabrication has not yet fully disrupted traditional architectural practice as once predicted. ✅ You are an educator or student looking for ways to integrate business ideation and entrepreneurship into the architecture curriculum. ✅ You are interested in the future of 3D printing and its potential to address global housing needs through "printed" architecture. ✅ You want to hear from a veteran of MIT who has spent 30 years bridging the gap between high-tech research and the reality of the profession. What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation. 📍 Show Links:Learn more about Larry Sass Explore the MIT DesignX ProgramConnect with Larry on LinkedInFollow Larry on Instagram 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Instagram | LinkedIn | Youtube Check out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

What does it look like when a firm stops just talking about diversity and starts building a tangible pathway for the next generation of architects? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee is joined by Leah Alissa Bayer, founding principal of Architects Fora, and Gabriella Vaz de Freitas, the firm’s Technology Lead and a former recipient of the "FORAship." Leah shares how her fully remote, women-owned firm moved beyond industry-wide conversations about the "pipeline problem" to create a structured, year-long scholarship and internship program. Gabriella, who moved from São Paulo to California, provides a firsthand account of how the program’s financial support and intentional mentorship allowed her to transition from a student to a leader in AI-enabled design and firm technology. The conversation explores the mechanics of the FORAship, an immersive experience designed specifically for underrepresented students. Unlike traditional internships, this program integrates students into business management conversations and specialty research, ensuring they have a seat at the table from day one. Leah discusses the strategic advantage of investing in international students and entry-level talent, while Gabriella explains how she leveraged her role to spearhead the firm’s adoption of generative design tools and new visualization workflows. "Our profession is only as strong as those that are coming into it after us. And it's our job to make the space and support system for that to happen." - Leah Alissa Bayer Beyond the logistics of the scholarship, the episode delves into the benefits of a fully remote practice for mentorship and firm culture. Leah shares her "five-year goal" of creating a cohort of small firms to rotate internships, making the process more manageable for employers and more impactful for students. For those navigating the transition to practice, especially international students requiring visa sponsorship, Gabriella’s journey offers a roadmap for finding firms whose missions truly align with their personal and professional values. Guests:Leah Alissa Bayer, AIA, NOMA, NCARB is a founding principal of Architects Fora, a fully remote, women-owned firm focused almost exclusively on affordable and restorative housing design. A former local AIA component president, she is dedicated to creating better work environments where diverse populations can succeed. Gabriella Vaz de Freitas is the Technology Lead at Architects Fora and a former Fora Ship recipient. Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, she graduated from Cal Poly and now specializes in AI-enabled design processes, graphic communication, and the implementation of generative tools. This episode is especially for you if: ✅ You are tired of "token gestures" and want to see how a small firm can build a legitimate program around equity and belonging. ✅ You want to understand the logistics of running a combined scholarship and paid internship program. ✅ You are an international student seeking advice on finding firms that support non-U.S. citizen applicants and visa sponsorship. ✅ You are curious about how to manage and mentor entry-level staff effectively in a fully remote environment. ✅ You want to hear how a new graduate can lead technology research and AI implementation within a firm. What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation. 📍 Show Links:Learn more about Architects ForaLearn more about FORAshipConnect with Leah Elizabeth on LinkedInConnect with Gabriella on LinkedInListen to the previous Practice Disrupted episode with Leah 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Instagram | LinkedIn | Youtube Check out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

How can better business systems protect your firm's profitability, and your sanity? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee is joined by Darguin Fortuna, founding principal of Flow Design Architects and chair of the AIA Small Firm Exchange. Darguin shares his incredible journey from moving to the United States from the Dominican Republic in 2010, learning English while working night shifts at Wendy's, to passing all six ARE exams in just over a year and earning his license the same day his daughter was born. Darguin's frustration with traditional architecture practice didn't stem solely from long hours; it also stemmed from the lack of transparency around business operations, the constant scope creep, and the inability to establish a healthy work-life balance. Determined to build something different, he and his partner, Marcos Severino, founded Flow with rigorous systems designed to protect profitability and empower their staff. They share how they categorize their services into three distinct levels, Ionic, Doric, and Corinthian, charge for initial consultations, and use a fictional office manager to handle difficult financial conversations. "Every line is a source of good, and it's worth money. If I draw a map to a treasure that has billions of dollars of gold, how much is that map worth? You can't get the gold without the map." - Darguin Fortuna This episode is a masterclass in treating an architecture firm as a business first. Darguin explains his obsessive focus on process, from recording client meetings and creating standard email templates to building a vast library of internal training videos that enable the firm to run autonomously. Whether you are a firm owner struggling with profitability or a young architect looking to carve your own path, Darguin's story is a powerful reminder that you have the agency to design a career and a life on your own terms. Guest:Darguin Fortuna is the founding principal of Flow Design Architects in Salem, Massachusetts, and the first Dominican-born recipient of the AIA Young Architect Award. After immigrating to the U.S. and completing his architecture degree at the Boston Architectural College, Darguin became licensed and quickly recognized the flaws in traditional practice models. At Flow, he has pioneered highly systematic, business-first approaches to architecture, focusing on profitability, clear client communication, and robust internal training. He is also an entrepreneur with ventures in short-term rentals and childcare. This episode is especially for you if: ✅ You are tired of scope creep and want to learn how to ensure you are paid for every service you provide. ✅ You want to understand how to implement tiered service offerings (like Flow's Ionic, Doric, and Corinthian models) to manage client expectations. ✅ You struggle with setting boundaries with clients and want strategies for maintaining work-life balance. ✅ You are interested in how to build internal training systems (SOPs) so your firm can operate without your constant oversight. ✅ You want to hear an inspiring story of resilience, entrepreneurship, and carving out a unique path in the architecture profession. What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation. 📍 Show Links:Learn more about Flow Design ArchitectsConnect with Flow Design Architects on LinkedInConnect with Darguin on LinkedIn 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Instagram | LinkedIn | Youtube Check out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

Can You Be an Architect, a Tech Marketer, and a Business Owner All at Once? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Joann Lui, an architect-turned-entrepreneur who is redefining what a career in architecture can look like. Joann shares her journey from traditional practice at Gensler to content marketing for tech startups like Monograph and Testfit, and reveals her latest venture: co-founding OIKA, a matcha company that has become the largest matcha refinery in the United States. Joann opens up about her early realization that she never wanted to start her own architecture firm, a decision that freed her to explore other passions. She discusses how she applies her architectural mindset to designing cafes and building businesses, treating each venture as a design problem to be solved. The conversation dives into the challenges of opening a brick-and-mortar business, from navigating permits and renovations to learning entirely new operational systems on the fly. "I don't think there is a work life balance. I'm always working, but I really do love it. Burnout comes when you're doing work that's not aligned with your values." - Joann Lui Evelyn and Joann also explore the concept of a "portfolio career", discussing how Joann balances her multiple roles, from leading the Women Architects Collective to consulting on content marketing, without succumbing to burnout. Whether you are interested in entrepreneurship, side hustles, or simply curious about how architectural skills translate to other industries, this episode offers an inspiring look at building a career on your own terms. Guest:Joann Lui is an architect, content marketer, and entrepreneur. After spending over a decade in traditional architecture practice, she pivoted to the tech world, leading marketing for startups such as Monograph and Testfit. She is the founder of the Women Architects Collective, a community of over 5,000 members, and the co-founder of OIKA, a single-origin matcha company based in New Jersey. This episode is especially for you if: ✅ You are an architect interested in entrepreneurship or starting a business outside of traditional practice. ✅ You want to learn about "portfolio careers" and how to balance multiple professional passions. ✅ You are curious about the intersection of design, branding, and brick-and-mortar business operations. ✅ You are looking for inspiration on how to leverage your architectural skills in new industries like tech or retail. What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation. 📍 Show Links:Learn more about OIKALearn more about Joann LuiConnect with Joann on LinkedIn 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Instagram | LinkedIn | Youtube Check out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

Can a 60-Second video change who enters the architecture profession?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Gabriella Bermea, a Senior Associate at Perkins Eastman and the voice behind the growing social media platform "Architect Big Sis." Together, they explore the power of storytelling outside traditional portfolios, discussing how short-form video and personal narrative can demystify the profession for the next generation. Gabriella shares her journey as a "border kid" from Eagle Pass, Texas, where careers were often inherited rather than discovered. She opens up about the resilience required to navigate architecture school and licensure, revealing she took 16 ARE exams (failing 10) before becoming the first in her class to get licensed. Now, she uses those experiences to create content that answers the questions she had as a student, offering a transparent look at salaries, career progression, and the reality of studio culture. "If your best people are afraid to speak, you're not protecting that professionalism, you're just protecting your control over them." - Gabriella Bermea The conversation also addresses the business side of content creation. Gabriella explains why metrics like "saves" and "shares" are more valuable than views, and why firms should view employee advocacy as an asset rather than a liability. Whether you are a student looking for guidance or a firm leader navigating the creator economy, this episode challenges the industry to stop hiding behind polished images and start sharing the unfiltered truth. Guest:Gabriella Bermea is a Senior Associate at Perkins Eastman and a 2024 AIA Young Architects Award recipient. Growing up on the Texas-Mexico border, she didn't know what an architect was until high school. Today, she is a recognized "trend disruptor" and advocate for equity in the profession, using her social media presence to mentor students and emerging professionals globally. This episode is especially for you if: ✅ You are an emerging professional or student looking for honest advice on exams, salaries, and career growth. ✅ You are interested in starting a social media channel but struggle with perfectionism or fear of criticism. ✅ You are a firm leader trying to understand how to support employees who want to build personal brands. ✅ You want to learn how to use digital storytelling to reach a broader, more diverse audience. ✅ You are curious about the metrics that actually matter when building a community online. What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation. 📍 Show Links:Connect with Gabriella on LinkedInFollow Gabriella on InstagramLearn more about Perkins Eastman 📍 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 Ditch the 'Starving Artist' Mentality and Design a More Profitable Future? To kick off Season 12 of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee returns from her term as AIA President with a special episode, turning the tables to be interviewed by Tyler Suomala, founder of Growthitect. In this candid conversation, they reflect on Evelyn's year of travel and leadership, discussing the often unseen advocacy work of the AIA and the disconnect between national efforts and local members' perceptions. Evelyn and Tyler examine the core challenges facing the architecture profession, particularly the limitations of the traditional fee-for-service business model. They argue that the industry's "starving artist" mentality and reliance on slim margins are hindering innovation and the ability to offer competitive benefits such as parental leave. The discussion explores practical ways architects can capture more value, from rethinking "pre-design" and "post-occupancy" services to exploring subscription models for long-term building maintenance. "You don't build your business first and then your life second. You have to build a business around the life that you want." - Tyler Suomala Both leaders emphasize that transformation starts at the individual level. They challenge listeners to stop waiting for permission or industry-wide change and instead take ownership of their careers by raising fees, embracing new skills like sales and marketing, and carving out dedicated time for strategic thinking. Whether you are a firm owner or an emerging professional, this episode offers a roadmap for building a more sustainable, profitable, and human-centric practice. Guest:Tyler Suomala is the founder of Growthitect, where he helps architects and designers master sales, marketing, and business development. After starting his own design studio early in his career and realizing the gaps in his business knowledge, Tyler pivoted to learn these essential skills in other industries. He is now dedicated to bringing those lessons back to the architecture profession, helping firm owners escape the "feast or famine" cycle and build thriving businesses. Is This Episode for You?This episode is for you if: ✅ You are frustrated by the "starving artist" narrative in architecture and want to build a more profitable business. ✅ You are curious about alternative business models, such as subscription services or productizing your expertise. ✅ You want to understand the value of national advocacy and professional organizations like the AIA. ✅ You are looking for strategies to balance design excellence with business operations and personal well-being. ✅ You are ready to stop waiting for the industry to change and start making moves in your own career today. What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation. 📍 Show Links:Connect with Tyler on LinkedInFollow with Tyler on InstagramLearn more about Growthitect 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter Check out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

How can technology, innovation, and sustainable practices transform the architecture, engineering, and construction industry? On this episode of Practice Disrupted, I chat with Dave Lemont, the past CEO of Revit and the Executive Chairman of Acelab with over 30 years of experience in high-tech startup companies. In our conversation, Dave shares his invaluable insights on scaling software companies, revolutionizing the architecture industry, and the massive potential in the future of digital tools. First, Dave discusses how his passion for photography and architecture influenced his career path. He also highlights how his entrepreneurial mindset and desire to innovate the industry immensely helped him grow and lead his companies. Dave's expertise lies in identifying product-market fit and creating solutions that address broader market needs rather than niche segments. As the executive chairman of Acelab, Dave is dedicated to revolutionizing material management in the AEC space, allowing architects to access sustainable building materials efficiently. He touches on the potential of these digital tools in architecture and explains why architects need to be engaged in the evolution of AI. Architecture is an opportunity to do something for people in the world. Not all the software that I've managed or sold in my life had that potential impact. How this room feels affects me all day. Where you go to school, the efficiency of that building, and how our museums look or how we feel when we walk in – all of those things affect our lives. It's a privilege to be involved in technology that can make that more efficient. - Dave Lemont To wrap up the episode, Dave shares his recommendations on building your pipeline and adjusting workflow to keep your business afloat amidst the ever-changing and often confusing landscape architects operate within. Dave also shares his perspective on bridging the gap between traditional architectural practices and digital innovation while advising young architects to use a grassroots approach to incorporate new technology into their companies. Tune in next week for an episode about using people analytics to improve employee engagement. Guest: David Lemont David Lemont is an accomplished business leader, go-to-market strategist, and advisor with over 30 years of experience in high-tech startup companies. David has extensive experience in SaaS business applications with keen expertise in construction tech. Helped five companies to successful exits to high-tech leaders such as Autodesk, Trimble, HP, Oracle, etc. He is best known for his role as CEO of Revit; the predominant way buildings are designed in 3D today. Dave is currently the Executive Chairman of Acelab. 📍 Show Links: Connect with Dave on LinkedIn Explore Acelab’s free specification workflow tools 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter Check out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

Episode 117: Towards an Equitable and Inclusive Future: LGBTQIA+ ArchitectsWhat would an equitable future for LGBTQIA+ people look like? What’s the role of architecture in designing an equitable future? Expanding our equity, diversity, and inclusion series, episode 117 explores the perspectives of LGBTQIA+ architects and designers working to create a more equitable future for all. One of the earliest episodes in this series, “Voices from the Future of the Profession,” episode 016, was recorded in 2020. Since that recording date, a number of anti-LGBTQIA+ bills and legislation have been passed across the United States - risking protections against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. As architects and designers, we believe there is much more we can do to create safe and inclusive policies and spaces in the built environment and within our communities. We’ve invited leaders to share their stories and discuss what matters most in this moment of change. Guest Moderator: Dedicated to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and visibility of LGBTQIA+ architects, architecture adjacent, and design professionals, Sarah Nelson-Woynicz, AIA, is the Founder of Pride by Design. As a Project Architect with HKS, Inc in Atlanta, Georgia, Sarah’s professional practice focuses on commercial, mixed-use, and multi-family markets, while also amplifying and engaging in HKS’ justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion work. Sarah has served on the AIA Atlanta Board of Directors and currently serves at the AIA Young Architects Forum Advisory Committee, Community Director. Guests: Rajas Karnik is a Project Architect with over 20 years of varied project experience in urban design, transportation, commercial and residential buildings. Raj grew up in India, where he was surrounded by a family of artists. As a child, he spent many days in his father's architecture office and felt it was his destiny to follow in his footsteps. He attended the Academy of Architecture in Mumbai, his father's alma mater, before moving to the United States to pursue his Master of Architecture at Texas A&M University. Raj believes a strong team drives a successful project. It's a combination of personality and communication, but mostly it's about respect. Architecture is one of the few professions where you are literally learning new every day—from different building parameters, to changing client needs and goals, and new consultant teams. He feels that you have to form personal relationships and learn from everyone, so treating everyone equally and with respect is most important. Rajas is also the co-founder and Past President of Build Out Alliance, a non-profit organization that promotes and advocates for the LGBTQ+ community within the building design and construction industry. Through this group he helps create visibility for Out LGBTQ professionals and create a safe environment for them to celebrate who they are. Beau Frail is a poet, artist, and architect. Beau is passionate about community-engaged design and advancing equity and justice, including within the LGBTQIA+ community. Beau has served on the Texas Society of Architects (TxA) Board of Directors, where he helped launch the EDI Committee, and on the AIA National Associates Committee. He helped start LGBTQIA+ Alliances at AIA Austin and AIA New York. Beau was honored with the 2020 TxA Presidential Citation and the 2018 AIA Austin Honor Award for Community Service. Beau was selected as a Next City Vanguard, an AIA Design Justice Fellow, and an Association for Community Design Fellow. While his poetry manuscript has been rejected by publishers many times, he remains steadfast and had the honor of being one of Rupi Kaur’s opening acts last year during her poetry world tour. He is a Project Architect at Fox Fox Studio and has his own consulting firm, Activate Architecture. He currently lives/works between Brooklyn, NY and Austin, TX. K Kaczmarek is an interior designer who designs spaces by first considering the people who will interact with and use them. K works collaboratively with architects and built environment teams to create beautiful, barrier-free, inclusive spaces. As a member of the transgender and disabled communities, K is passionate about equitable design. They have a unique perspective on why spaces work well and which spaces could be improved to serve all potential users. K is particularly inspired by bold, vibrant interiors that promote thinking outside the box. Their recent project work has centered around designing with neurodiverse communities for inclusive workplaces, and conducting research about belongingness at work. Their proudest work is found in their research project, Designing Beyond the Binary, a critical study on the relationship between gender and the built environment. K works at Mithun, located in Seattle, WA. 📍 Learn more about the programs these leaders support: Pride by Design Build Out Alliance AIA Austin's LGBTQIA Alliance Designing Beyond the Binary 📚 Continue Learning: Practice Disrupted Episode 016: Voices from the Future of the Profession Related Links: HKS, Inc Gensler Mithun Active Architecture Fox Fox Studio Gay Poet 📍 Follow our Guests on Social: Beau on Instagram Sarah on Instagram Designing Beyond the Binary 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter

Episode 078: Leading on Climate Action for a Positive FutureHow can architects address the challenge of global warming? Planetary warming is one of the biggest disruptions of our time. In this special crossover episode focused on climate action, our friends from Design the Future podcast will join us to discuss the evolution of the sustainable design movement and where it is heading. What can architects do to be part of the solution? The Design the Future podcast is hosted by Lindsay Baker and Kira Gould, two women working at the intersection of the built environment and climate change. Kira and Lindsay will share how they've seen architects leading on climate action, and where the opportunities exist for new leaders to join this work. Guests: Kira Gould is a writer, consultant, and convenor, working from multiple perspectives. As a writer and member of the design media, on staff at and as a consultant to firms, and as a volunteer leader at AIA, she has led the redefinition of design excellence as inclusive of climate action, health, and equity, and emphasized that human and leadership diversity is crucial to advancing all those goals. She is a member of the AIA Committee on the Environment's national Leadership Group. She is a Senior Fellow with Architecture 2030, and was named an Honorary Member of the AIA in 2022. She co-authored Women in Green: Voices of Sustainable Design with Lance Hosey (Ecotone, 2007). As CEO of the International Living Future Institute, Lindsay Baker is the organization’s chief strategist, charged with delivering on its mission to lead the transformation toward a civilization that is socially just, culturally rich, and ecologically restorative. Lindsay is a climate entrepreneur, experienced in launching and growing innovative businesses. Her introduction to the green building movement began at the Southface Institute in Atlanta, where she interned before entering Oberlin College to earn a BA in Environmental Studies. She was one of the first 40 staff members at the U.S. Green Building Council, working to develop consensus about what the LEED rating system would become. She then earned an MS from the University of California at Berkeley in Architecture, with a focus on Building Science, and spent five years as a building science researcher at the UC Berkeley Center for the Built Environment. Lindsay applied her experience around the study of heat, light, and human interactions in buildings to a role with Google’s Green Team, and later co-founded a smart buildings start-up called Comfy, which grew over five years to 75 employees and a global portfolio of clients. She was the first Global Head of Sustainability and Impact at WeWork, where she built the corporate sustainability team and programs from scratch. Lindsay is a Senior Fellow at the Rocky Mountain Institute, and a lecturer at UC Berkeley. She serves on several non-profit boards, and is an advisor and board member for numerous climate tech startups. 📍 Show Links: Kira Gould Connect International Living Future Institute Listen to Design the Future Podcast 📚 Continue Learning: Architecture 2030 AIA Sustainability The 2030 Commitment Materials Pledge AIA Resilience and Adaptation Certification Series Framework for Design Excellence U.S. Green Building Council Rocky Mountain Institute 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter