Design Voice Podcast
The Design Voice Podcast seeks to elevate and amplify those voices of women in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. Each episode features honest conversations with women who shape the built environment - their unique perspectives on the state of their professions, stories about their career journeys, and more. By telling their stories, this podcast hopes to serve as a source of education, inspiration and empowerment.
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#80 Evolutions of Landscape and Practice with Sarah Warto
06/02/2022
#80 Evolutions of Landscape and Practice with Sarah Warto
Sarah Warto is a landscape architect and founder of . Influenced by her mother and grandmother, fellow landscape designers and passionate botanical enthusiasts, Sarah was exposed at a young age to many aspects of the field; igniting her passion for design and its intersection with the natural world. Sarah is a proud New York native who earned her landscape architecture degree from Cornell University, where she learned how to apply rigorous technical skill to a growing appreciation for innovative and humanistic landscapes. Her career began at HOK, working on large-scale and highly-complex international and national planning and landscape projects. Later moving to the private sector, Sarah, was able to apply her appreciation for historical gardens to creating highly personalized, timeless and contextual spaces. In 2012, she started her own practice, Boxleaf Design, a full service landscape architectural firm, focusing on high end residential and commercial work in the Bay Area. Sarah is continually seeking insight and creative rejuvenation from the Bay Area's native and diverse environment, in its purest and most rugged form. In this episode, Sarah talks about how her interest in landscape architecture developed, what landscape architecture school was like, and her first job experiences out of school. Sarah also shares what made her decide to start her own studio, her experience growing and managing a practice, her design process, how landscapes are always evolving and never finite, and advice for those who want to start their own businesses.
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#79 Curating a Career and Spaces that Resonate with Madelynn Ringo
05/04/2022
#79 Curating a Career and Spaces that Resonate with Madelynn Ringo
Madelynn Ringo is an architectural designer specializing in experiential spaces that resound with purposeful beauty. With an insatiable passion for problem-solving and high regard for heartbeat moments, Ringo creates storied environments expressed within a formidable architectural framework. Simply, Ringo scales brand identities to life with a commitment to feel-good originality. Ringo received her Architecture Master’s degree from Yale University and employs her classical training through an intuitive lens that celebrates beauty and architecture as an experiential artform. Her sculptural approach to space powers Ringo’s adventurous use of texture, form, materials and color, pushing functionality into a realm of convention-breaking appeal. Previously, Ringo served as the creative lead on retail experiences for Glossier, designing locations in Miami, Boston, Austin and Atlanta. Immersive experiences for iconic brands such as Studs, Bala, Funny Face Bakery and the Museum of Ice Cream are among her portfolio of designs for beauty, wellness and culturally inclusive lifestyle brands with a focus on collaborative exploration, collective solutions and a strong belief in spaces that resonate. Madelynn is also the Head of Studio Design for aging wellness brand , bringing the customer experience to life through careful consideration for every customer touchpoint. Ringo founded Brooklyn-based in 2020 with a focus on collaborative exploration, collective solutions and a strong belief in spaces that resonate. In this episode, Madelynn shares her experience moving to New York City, navigating the early years of her career and curating her professional experiences before starting her own studio. Madeleynn talks about her design process, why she loves the discovery phase of projects, and how she balances inspiration versus invention in the visually saturated world that we all live in now. We also talk about designing for Gen Z and Millennial audiences, and the desire to create emotional reactions in people when they enter a space. You can also find Madelynn on Instagram .
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#78 Passion and Purpose with Deryl McKissack, President and CEO of McKissack & McKissack
04/24/2022
#78 Passion and Purpose with Deryl McKissack, President and CEO of McKissack & McKissack
Deryl McKissack is the founder, chairwoman and chief executive officer of , a national architecture, engineering, program- and construction-management firm currently working on over $15 billion in projects nationwide. Under her leadership, McKissack has worked for public and private clients in the civic, culture, energy, education, entertainment, healthcare, hospitality, housing, infrastructure, mixed-use and office sectors and grown to over 150 employees with offices in Austin, Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami and Washington, D.C. Deryl is a licensed engineer and the fifth generation of her family to work in design and construction. Her firm is an extension of the nation’s oldest African American design and construction firm, and traces its origin to Moses McKissack, a master builder who was also a slave. Before founding her firm in 1990, Deryl earned a B.S. in civil engineering at Howard University and worked at Turner Construction and Dames & Moore to hone her experience in field work, business development and construction management. Among the many nationally significant projects in McKissack’s portfolio of work today are Museum of African American History and Culture, the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the Obama Presidential Center and the Navy Pier Centennial Projects in Chicago. In this episode, Deryl talks about how she first got her start in the industry by drafting at her father’s architecture firm at the age of 12, her experience managing a large university facilities team by the age of 27, and what ultimately made her want to start her own business. Deryl shares the challenges she’s faced throughout her career as a black woman, how she’s persevered to become the successful business woman she is today, and gives some great advice for those who want to start their own businesses. Deryl also talks about her 7 point plan to combat racism in the AEC industry.
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#77 Paths to Leadership with Liz Leber, Managing Partner, Beyer Blinder Belle
04/07/2022
#77 Paths to Leadership with Liz Leber, Managing Partner, Beyer Blinder Belle
Liz Leber is the Managing Partner at in New York City. Liz is dedicated to advancing mission-based institutions through forward-looking architecture and planning projects. Guided by her astute and inquisitive nature, Liz excels at extracting the core objectives of her clients and their stakeholders and translating the collective needs and mission of institutions into creative architectural solutions. Both within and outside the firm, she is recognized for her ability to approach every challenge with a balance of creativity, pragmatism, and unfailing optimism. In this episode, Liz talks about her experience spending much of career at the same firm, and how she advanced to become Managing Partner. She shares what made her gravitate toward leadership and management roles, how one can learn or hone their leadership skills, and the importance of vulnerability as a leader. Liz also talks about what drew her to adaptive reuse projects, her approach to these projects, and what impact she hopes to leave on the world.
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#76 Productive Collisions with Latoya Nelson Kamdang, Director of NY Operations, Moody Nolan
03/30/2022
#76 Productive Collisions with Latoya Nelson Kamdang, Director of NY Operations, Moody Nolan
Latoya Nelson Kamdang is the Director of New York Operations for . She is also a U.S. Fulbright Senior Scholar, Registered Architect, Certified Interior Designer, and LEED AP BD+C. Her experience spans architecture, planning, exhibit design, industrial and interior design. She has experience in hospitality, retail, museums, workplace, education, and institutional. Latoya was on the design team for the Smithsonian Institute National Museum of African American History and Culture. While practicing, Latoya has been simultaneously working as a Visiting Associate Professor at Pratt Institute. She educates students on interdisciplinary design and material theory. She has a research focus on expanding urban areas, neighborhood gentrification, sustainable technologies, and indigenous architecture. Latoya earned a Master of Architecture from University of Pennsylvania School of Design as well as a Certificate in Real Estate Design & Development from the Wharton School of Business. She has a Master of Fine Arts degree from George Washington University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing from Georgetown University. She currently sits on the board for Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation, The New York State Board of Architecture, The First 500, and the Van Alen Institute VanGuard. In this episode, Latoya shares how she went from being a Fulbright Senior Scholar in Taiwan, to becoming Director of Operations at Moody Nolan in New York. She shares her experience as a professor at Pratt, how she developed her skillset as a professor, her approach to teaching and meeting students where they are. We also discuss the challenges of becoming a working mother, and figuring out how to carve out space for yourself.
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#75 Elevating The Role of Architects Through Technology with Anamika Goyal
03/03/2022
#75 Elevating The Role of Architects Through Technology with Anamika Goyal
Anamika Goyal is a biologist-turned-architect solving for scale in a complex industry with high human impact. She is Head of Design at , a San Francisco based start-up that helps homeowners build Accessory Dwelling Units. Anamika is committed to bringing fresh ideas, pace, and processes to the AEC industry, and made the leap into residential architecture from her former experience in commercial design & construction at WeWork. She has devoted her career to experiments on smarter ways of working within the AEC industry. In this episode, Anamika talks about her journey from being a pre-med student, to working at more traditional architecture firms, to jumping into the start-up world.. She talks about how the design process works at Cottage, what makes them different from a traditional design firm, and other innovations she’d like to see in the building industry We also talk about the difference between professional services and consumer services, how Anamika prepared for leadership roles, and advice for people who want to shift career paths. -- Books Anamika mentions in the episode: -- We want to hear from you! Please send your feedback to and follow the show on Instagram at .
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#74 Becoming CEO with Wendy Rogers, FAIA, CEO of LPA Design Studios
12/15/2021
#74 Becoming CEO with Wendy Rogers, FAIA, CEO of LPA Design Studios
Wendy Rogers is CEO and Chief Talent Officer of , an integrated design firm dedicated to creating projects that innovate, inspire and improve people’s lives. Wendy leads a team of more than 400 architects, engineers, landscape architects and interior designers in California and Texas. As CEO, she handles the day-to-day operations of the firm, with a special focus on increasing the role of LPA's proprietary research unit, LPAred, and expanding LPA's unique informed design approach. As Chief Talent Officer, she is also responsible for developing the culture and lifestyle at the firm to retain and attract people who want to grow and make a difference in the built environment. Wendy is a vocal advocate for sustainable design and the importance of using research to support design strategies. LPA has made energy performance a core value of the firm. For two years in a row, LPA was largest firm in the country to surpass the AIA 2030 Commitment, which establishes annual targets for reducing energy in projects. She is a regular speaker at events advocating for designs that respond to the environment and the needs of the people who use the spaces. A graduate of California Polytechnic State University in Pomona, California, Wendy is a LEED Accredited Professional and a Fellow of the AIA. In this episode Wendy talks about her career journey from starting as an intern at LPA to being named CEO in 2017. Wendy shares her advice for those who want to become leaders in their organizations, how to foster a culture where people can bring their authentic selves to work, and raising your hand for something when you don’t think you’re ready yet. Wendy also talks about being CEO during the pandemic, how she thinks architecture firms will need to evolve in the future, and gives some great advice for working parents.
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#73 Building an Architecture Practice with Marilyn Moedinger, Runcible Studios
12/02/2021
#73 Building an Architecture Practice with Marilyn Moedinger, Runcible Studios
Marilyn Moedinger is the founding principal of . Like the runcible spoon she is happiest operating at the seams between practicality and whimsy, utility and beauty, the esoteric and the mundane. Deeply passionate about the capacity for design to affect positive change in the world, Marilyn’s interest in all aspects of housing, the connections between urban and rural life, the construction process, justice in the built environment, and the overlaps among disciplines, methodologies, and practices fuels Runcible Studios’ mission to be nimble, rigorous, curious, fun, and meaningful. An adjunct professor for over 10 years, she has taught design studios, construction detailing, building science, theory, and design-build and community engagement courses at Boston Architectural College, Wentworth Institute of Technology, and Northeastern University. In addition to her teaching, Marilyn has lectured on her research and served as a guest critic at architecture schools across the country. In this episode, Marilyn talks about all the ins and outs of running your own architecture practice! We cover so many interesting topics in our conversation, from how Marilyn accidentally ended up starting her own business, to how she experiments with her business and is now getting into development, to finding the right clients and not undervaluing your work. We also talk about setting boundaries as a business owner and if you really have to be on all the time.
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#72 Equity in Architecture with Kavitha Mathew, Global Diversity Officer, KPF
11/17/2021
#72 Equity in Architecture with Kavitha Mathew, Global Diversity Officer, KPF
Kavitha Mathew is the Global Diversity Officer at , and leads the firm’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, as well as the development and implementation of the firm’s global Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment. Mathew oversees KPF’s many internal Communities such as KPF Public, KPF Pride, and KPF+, helps guide KPF’s recruitment and resourcing, as well as its philanthropic and volunteer efforts. Leveraging her experience as an architect, Mathew’s work at KPF has a project-focused component, advising on engagement and communication with the community. Kavitha is also the Founder and President of , and the Special Projects Director of the American Institute of the AIANY. Previously Director of Corporate Architectural Services for Ralph Lauren, she has also worked in various architectural roles at firms including KPF, Spacesmith, and Ted Moudis Associates, as well as her own practice. In this episode, Kavitha talks about her career journey, from practicing as an architect, to working on the client side, to now becoming the Global Diversity Officer at KPF. Kavitha shares how her passion for equity and social justice work developed, what she thinks is needed at an organization to make equity and inclusion efforts successful, and her advice for companies who are just beginning equity work. We also talk about Corporate Social Responsibility, and the movement toward transparency. - We want to hear from you! Please send your feedback to and follow the show on Instagram at .
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#71 Pivoting from Architecture to Tech with Kat Dovjenko
11/03/2021
#71 Pivoting from Architecture to Tech with Kat Dovjenko
Kat Dovjenko is the Senior Creative Director at . Inspired by the dynamic energy around architecture and urban planning, Kat believes that the more complex, ambitious, and unsolvable the problem, the better. She drives talented teams to unite and achieve outcomes they would not be able to do individually—at multiple scales and in multiple stages of the design process. She most recently worked at where she oversaw workplace innovation projects. Kat loves navigating speculative pockets of the future and weaving together how they might impact our built spaces. She never shies away from ambiguity, and is skilled at using foresight and storytelling to propel leading edge technologies into real products for the built world and beyond. She studied Finance in Vancouver, Canada, before earning her Masters in Architecture from the University of Toronto. In this episode we talk about: Kat’s role as Senior Creative Director at Muse & Company Her career journey and pivoting from architecture to tech Advice and resources for people who want to work in tech Kat’s experience working at Google How switching careers can often feel like burning off a piece of your identity Why architecture as a profession has such a grip on people’s identities On not tying your identity and self worth to your job The biggest challenges facing the world, and how the architecture profession needs to evolve in order to address them Kat’s predictions for where the future of the architecture profession should head Why we need to make the built world more like manufacturing How architecture tools need a revamp Resources Kat mentions: by Julia Cameron Slack channel - We want to hear from you! Please send your feedback to and follow the show on Instagram at .
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#70 Architect Led Design Build with Stacie Wong, GLUCK+
10/20/2021
#70 Architect Led Design Build with Stacie Wong, GLUCK+
Stacie Wong is a Principal at . Named by Fast Company as a top , the firm is recognized for Architect Led Design Build. Stacie’s considerable design and construction experience began 26 years ago with the design-build of a single-family residence in New Haven. Ever since, she has been involved in educational, commercial and residential work across the United States. Stacie brings expertise in leading strategic planning, research, programming, and community stakeholder engagement with private and public institutional clients, as well as stewarding the design and construction for the successful completion of many technically complex projects. She has been an advocate for architects’ involvement in construction to increase their agency in the building process and impact on the design of the physical environment, including features in Metropolis Magazine, Wallpaper* and Architectural Design (UK). Notable award-winning projects include ONStage at Kaufman Astoria Studios in New York City, Pilkey Lab, a LEED Gold science research building for on their coastal campus; in Upstate New York; and in New York City. Current projects in progress include Van Sinderen Plaza, affordable housing in East New York and City Seminary of New York's campus in Harlem. Stacie received her Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from the University of California at Berkeley and a Master of Architecture from Yale University. In this episode we talk about: Stacie’s desire to become a complete architect, and know how a building actually gets put together, led to her interest in design-build projects How GLUCK+ scaled up its design-build work to include both single-family residences and public institutional work Stacie’s experience working as a Superintendent on a construction site Advice for emerging professionals on navigating construction sites and Construction Administration Why there’s no shame in not knowing everything, and the best way to learn How GLUCK+ is set up so everyone works on both the design and construction side Why there is less liability in design-build than people may think - We want to hear from you! Please send your feedback to and follow the show on Instagram at .
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#69 Striving for the Extraordinary with Angelica Trevino Baccon, SHoP Architects
10/06/2021
#69 Striving for the Extraordinary with Angelica Trevino Baccon, SHoP Architects
Angelica Trevino Baccon is a principal at in New York City. She leverages deep expertise in and a passion for evolving technology to create inspiring, sustainable spaces for people, often in next-generation workplaces. She led the SHoP teams for the new in San Francisco and the in Sydney, as well as several other large-scale projects for major global tech companies. Angelica has great success in meeting fast-paced and far-reaching design and delivery challenges and finding consensus with multi-layered stakeholder groups—in the interest of spatial vitality and community connection—for some of the firm’s most complex projects. She holds a Bachelor in Architecture degree from in Monterrey, Mexico, and a Master of Architecture from Harvard University, where she has also served as a professor. In this episode we talk about: What is was like having a baby during the pandemic, and the importance of flexibility How growing up in Monterrey, Mexico influenced the way Angelica views cities and spaces Seeing a city absorb a project after its completion What the future of work and workspaces will be like, and what elements will draw people to come back into the office Thinking about architecture as experiences rather than iconic forms Leveraging technology to think of space in a different way and to demystify the design process for clients On the patience and perseverance required to be an architect SHoP projects mentioned in the episode: - We want to hear from you! Please send your feedback to and follow the show on Instagram at .
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#68 Designing for Dementia Environments with Jennifer Sodo, Perkins Eastman
09/22/2021
#68 Designing for Dementia Environments with Jennifer Sodo, Perkins Eastman
Jennifer Sodo is a leading expert in the design and planning of dementia living environments. A senior associate with ’s senior living practice in New York City, Jennifer translates her own and others’ research on biophilic design and whole-person wellness into thoughtful designs to create healthy and meaningful places for older adults living with dementia. She speaks regularly at conferences and industry events and has published articles and papers on a variety of topics pertaining to senior living. Jennifer is also co-host of Perkins Eastman’s new podcast, a show that explores uncommon thinking in design for dementia through interviews with industry leaders. In this episode, Jennifer shares how, like many others in the field, her personal experiences drew her to the senior living practice. She talks about innovations and the guiding principles in the design of these spaces, and gives her pitch on why emerging professionals should join this area of work. We also have a super interesting conversation about podcasting! Not many architecture firms have produced their own podcasts, and Jennifer and her co-host’s show was the first of its kind at Perkins Eastman. Jennifer shares her experience with creating the show, if others at Perkins Eastman will be following suit, and her thoughts on if more firms should start producing their own podcasts. Resources / Links: - We want to hear from you! Please send your feedback to [email protected] and follow the show on Instagram at
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#67 Pivoting from Architecture to Real Estate
09/01/2021
#67 Pivoting from Architecture to Real Estate
This episode features three women who all left architecture for the real estate world! Chi-Chi Lin, Danlu Li, and Yi Li all studied architecture and practiced for a few years before realizing that they wanted to do something else. After leaving the profession and getting MSRED degrees, they now all work in different areas of the real estate industry in New York City. In our conversation, Chi Chi, Danlu and Yi Li share when each of them realized they didn’t want to practice architecture anymore, how they transitioned to their new careers, what they miss about architecture, but what they love about their new work. They also give great advice for people who want to pivot from architecture to something else. We also talk about the challenges of being a woman in real estate, finding a firm that has your same values, and how both architects and people in real estate are inherently futurists.
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#66 Designing for Inclusion with Lilian Asperin, Partner at WRNS Studio
08/18/2021
#66 Designing for Inclusion with Lilian Asperin, Partner at WRNS Studio
Lilian Asperin is a partner at , where she helps lead the design process and build teams that deliver aspirational outcomes. Lilian values a firm culture that embraces collaboration, connection to the community, risk taking, and fostering talent. Lilian attended the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned her BA in Environmental Design and graduated with honors. After completing her studies, Lilian worked at architecture firms around the Bay Area, including Stanley Saitowitz, the City of San Francisco’s Bureau of Architecture, SOM, and NBBJ. Recently completed projects include the Salk Institute for Biological Studies Master Plan, the Center for Science and Innovation at USF, and UC Merced’s 2020’s Public-Private-Partnership (P3) project. A leader within the , she organized the first-ever Hackathon for MOOC’s as part of the Pacific Regional Conference and will be continuing her involvement with the organization as 2018-2021 Pacific Regional Chair. Lilian utilizes her experience as a practice leader and licensed architect to develop synergistic relationships with leaders throughout the architectural and educational communities. Deeply involved with the local community, Lilian works to raise awareness and help break the cycle of poverty in the Bay Area through her work as a Tipping Point Community Partner. Lilian also acts as a Board Director of and is the Co-Chair of the Committee, a call to action for everyone to realize the goal of equitable practice and communicate the value of design to society. In this episode, Lilian shares how her personal experience as a first generation Latinx student has informed her career and passion for the higher education sector. We also talk about inclusive design, how architects should re-think the timeline of the project process, how to map out your career goals with post-its and poster boards, normalizing mental wellness in the profession, and the importance of inviting everyone’s full lives into the office.
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#65 Artistry and Magic with Cecilia Cuff
08/04/2021
#65 Artistry and Magic with Cecilia Cuff
Cecilia Cuff is a 20-year veteran of the hospitality scene and the Founder and Managing Principal of , a hospitality design and project management agency. Cecilia has established herself as a pacemaker in the hospitality design industry, focusing on art and efficiency-inspired design, inclusivity, community development and sustainability. Cecilia has managed hospitality openings and brand launches for companies like Hyatt Hotels & Resorts all over North & South America, Ski Resort and Adventure Resort Renovations for companies like Taos Ski Valley and M Vacation Resorts & Properties. Her involvement and enthusiasm for corporate brand development is always guided using community development, food sustainability and minority inclusion as a moral compass. Regenerative farming practices, local ingredient sourcing and at-risk youth professional development are common threads that link her work and programming that remain strong long after she has developed a project. As a part of a career dedicated to flawless and carefully executed hospitality service, Cecilia’s career client list brags seamlessly handling celebrities from Sheryl Crow, Lil Wayne, Emeril Lagasse, Snoop Dog, Rihanna, Kanye West, Seal, Brad Pitt & Angela Jolie. Elevated hospitality experiences in event production has remained her differentiator, creating and curating large scale wine festivals all over the United States, as well as aiding in the production of multi day music festivals and experiences. Cecilia now operates her own firm, The Nascent Group, acting as an ally to urban planners and community developers to create more inclusive economic design, as well as aiding businesses with hotel and restaurant openings, operation brand launches and design. She also operates , a multidisciplinary art space offering art residencies and space for underrepresented communities and mentorship for at-risk youth with sister branches in New Orleans, San Francisco, New York and Mexico. In this episode, Cecilia shares her career journey in the hospitality industry, using her entrepreneurial spirit as a force for good, and pushing for inclusivity in her work with developers. We also talk about how the hospitality industry has the power to change the trajectory of people’s lives, and the magic of walking into a space and having your breath taken away.
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#64 Practice Disrupted with Evelyn Lee and Je'Nen Chastain
07/21/2021
#64 Practice Disrupted with Evelyn Lee and Je'Nen Chastain
It’s a special podcast crossover episode, featuring Practice Disrupted! The evolution of architectural practice has been relatively slow towards change, yet modern shifts in business and design management have prompted today’s leading architects to rethink how they work. podcast addresses how technology, cultural shifts, and emerging best practices in business are prompting industry disruption and transformation. The series features thought leaders on business, innovation, entrepreneurship, and/or architecture. About the Practice Disrupted Hosts: Evelyn M. Lee, FAIA, MBA, MPA is a licensed architect in the state of California, with over 15 years of experience working with individuals and companies that are looking to reshape their future. She is the founder of , the first-ever Senior Experience Designer at , and the first female Treasurer to ‘s Board of Directors. Je’Nen M. Chastain, MBA, Assoc. AIA is trained in architecture and business management with a decade of experience working with award-winning architects. She founded to help architects improve firm culture, and strengthen their teams and businesses. She specializes in talent development, change management, and business strategy, including marketing and communication. In this episode, Evelyn and Je’Nen share some great insights on how to push for change within an organization, how to know when to stay or leave your current job, the value of having an entrepreneurial mindset even if you work for someone else, what services architects should be offering but aren’t, and more! Check out more episodes of Practice Disrupted at: https://practiceofarchitecture.com/podcast/
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#63 Lessons in Leadership with Lauren Schmidt, Principal at KPF
07/08/2021
#63 Lessons in Leadership with Lauren Schmidt, Principal at KPF
Lauren Schmidt is a Principal at in New York City. The youngest woman in KPF’s history to be named Principal, Lauren is invaluable to projects of all types, coordinating with multiple stakeholders, consultants and design teams, and overseeing projects through all phases. Lauren has served as designer and manager for some of KPF’s most notable and complex New York City projects. She collaborated to develop the design for , a national AIA award-winning residential building situated over several active subway lines. Lauren managed , a large-scale, transit-oriented office building that features a unique, finely-crafted wall system. The building’s irregular structure incorporates a ventilation building for the subway station below, requiring detailed coordination with the MTA and city stakeholders. Much of Lauren’s work focuses on maximizing the potential of underutilized or outdated buildings through repositioning. She has contributed management expertise to adaptive reuse projects such as , which adds 17 stories above a former warehouse creating state-of-the-art office space; , a reimagining of a traditional suburban office building in New Jersey; and , for which a new, custom glass curtain wall façade maximizes occupant comfort while reducing energy consumption. Lauren also plays an integral role in the operations of the firm itself overseeing recruitment, staffing, and mentorship alongside KPF’s senior leadership. She holds a board seat on the Design Futures Council, and was named one of . Lauren helped launch KPF’s Educational Program, actively participates in the ACE mentorship program, and has taught Architect Registration Examination courses at the New York Center for Architecture. In this episode, Lauren talks about her experience of moving up through the ranks at KPF, how architecture is a group effort, and the importance of communication and collaboration. She shares some great advice on what makes someone a good leader, how to develop and hone their leadership skills, and how one can differentiate themselves at a larger, international firm. Lauren also talks about how being an athlete has informed who she is as a person and the importance of having an outlet in your life that isn’t architecture related. - We want to hear from you! Please send your feedback to [email protected] and follow the show on Instagram at
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#62 Heroic Imaginations of the Future with J. Meejin Yoon, Dean at the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP) at Cornell University
06/23/2021
#62 Heroic Imaginations of the Future with J. Meejin Yoon, Dean at the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP) at Cornell University
J. Meejin Yoon, AIA FAAR, is the Gale and Ira Drukier Dean at the and cofounder of , an award-winning design studio engaged in projects across the U.S. and around the world. An architect, designer, and educator, Meejin is committed to advancing pedagogy, research, and practice to expand new knowledge across fields and disciplines, and to bringing deep expertise to the urgent environmental and social challenges facing our cities and communities. In this episode, Meejin talks about her journey to becoming Dean at Cornell AAP, why she always wanted to maintain a creative practice alongside teaching, and what qualities she thinks makes someone a good architecture professor. Meejin also talks about how making the architecture discipline more accessible will make it more impactful, and how our disciplines in the built environment have to step up at this moment to address climate change, justice and equity in ways we haven’t before. Visit the Cornell AAP website here: - We want to hear from you! Please send your feedback to and follow the show on Instagram at
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#61 Mentorship, Inclusion, and Self-Advocacy with Saakshi Terway
06/09/2021
#61 Mentorship, Inclusion, and Self-Advocacy with Saakshi Terway
Saakshi Terway is a Designer at Wiencek + Associates in Washington DC.
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#60 Building Science Fight Club with Christine Williamson
05/19/2021
#60 Building Science Fight Club with Christine Williamson
Christine Williamson is the founder of the Building Science Fight Club, an Instagram community dedicated to teaching building science and construction to architects and other building professionals. She also provides technical design consulting services to architects, developers, and contractors, assisting with design development and reviewing details and specifications to improve durability, comfort, and energy efficiency. In this episode, Christine and I talk about how building science is design, pushing through the painful early years of your career where you feel like you don’t know anything yet, how Christine ended up teaching architects about building science and creating an online course. Christine also shares why she started the Building Science Fight Club, and gives a behind the scenes look at how she creates content for account. Learn more about Christine at - We want to hear from you! Please send your feedback to and follow the show on Instagram at
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#59 Looking Inward and Outward with Janet Tam, FAIA
05/05/2021
#59 Looking Inward and Outward with Janet Tam, FAIA
Janet Tam is a founder and Principal of Noll and Tam Architects. Janet grew up in Richmond, California, and studied architecture at UC Berkeley in the 1970s and early 80’s, when the university was a pioneer of socially responsible design. There, she encountered groundbreaking courses on social factors and user needs, and was drawn to the power of architecture to enrich people’s lives by serving the public good. Janet and her business partner, Chris Noll, founded their firm in 1992, to establish a talented studio of architects that pursued the ideal of active community involvement and environmentally responsive design. Since its founding, the Berkeley-based firm has become a leader in Bay Area public architecture, and is noted for championing women in leadership roles. Janet’s work, and that of the firm, is regarded for its emphasis on recognizing and articulating shared community values with projects that bind people together in a common vision for the future. In this episode, Janet talks about: her experience of starting a practice while raising two daughters; how introspection and surrounding yourself with experts is key to building a healthy firm; working with a firm therapist; how the strength of the firm’s culture helped them get through the pandemic; what it means to stay “fresh” in the architecture profession; succession planning, letting things go, and passing on knowledge; and how architects never retire but morph into something else. We want to hear from you! Please send your feedback to and follow the show on Instagram @designvoicepodcast.
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#58 Supporting the Next Generation of Architects with Primaverarch
04/21/2021
#58 Supporting the Next Generation of Architects with Primaverarch
Primaverarch is an organization dedicated to stimulating change for the recognition of women in the architectural profession. Inspired by the renaissance era and the symbolic idea of spring, Primaverarch is a movement of rebirth, revival, and renewal. Primaverarch was created by Nadeen Hassan, Chaerin Kim, and Soany Marquez, three minority-women who recently graduated from the Spitzer School of Architecture at the City College of New York. Throughout their studies, they experienced a lack of professional support, mentorship, and recognition, and so decided to start Primavera. Primaverarch is a catalyst movement that is dedicated to creating a seat at the table for all women in the field. Learn more about Primaverarch at: In this episode we talk about: why Nadeen, Chaerin, and Soany started Primaverarch; on giving their interviewees a space to feel empowered, and feel like they have a voice; Primaverarch’s goal of showcasing diverse voices, and that white women do not represent all women; how amplifying black voices should not just be a trend, but is something you’re supposed to be doing constantly; the long term goals for Primaverarch, and creating not just a platform but a space for opportunities and a support system for emerging professionals; on infiltrating national organizations like AIA to push for change; being conditioned in architecture school to just accept the status quo, and the need to push back and question who is being taught or amplified; why the lack of statistics on Middle Eastern or Arab architects is problematic; and how Nadeen, Chaerin, and Soany provide a support system for each other, have each others backs, and push each other forward We want to hear from you! Please send your feedback to and follow the show on Instagram @designvoicepodcast.
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#57 Designing an Organization with Kate Thatcher, CEO of A+I, Architecture Plus Information
04/07/2021
#57 Designing an Organization with Kate Thatcher, CEO of A+I, Architecture Plus Information
Kate Thatcher is the Chief Executive Officer of Architecture + Information (A+I), a strategy-led architecture and experience design agency based in New York.
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#56 A Career of Joy, Fearlessness, and Serendipity with Sylvia Kwan, FAIA
03/30/2021
#56 A Career of Joy, Fearlessness, and Serendipity with Sylvia Kwan, FAIA
Sylvia Kwan, FAIA is a principal based out of DLR Group’s San Francisco office. She has practiced in San Francisco for more than 40 years and her past and present designs continue to impact the built environment in the Bay Area. Sylvia founded Kwan Henmi Architecture in 1980, and in 2017 Kwan Henmi joined DLR Group, where Sylvia continues to focus on the transportation and higher education sectors. She takes great pride in building relationships with clients and exceeding their expectations.
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#55 This is What an Engineer Looks Like with Liz Brack, Structural Engineer at DLR Group
03/23/2021
#55 This is What an Engineer Looks Like with Liz Brack, Structural Engineer at DLR Group
Liz Brack is a structural engineer based out of DLR Group’s Phoenix office, where she is actively involved in a diverse range of building types with a focus on K through 12 projects.
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#54 Always Moving Forward with Elaine Molinar, Partner and Managing Director at Snohetta
03/18/2021
#54 Always Moving Forward with Elaine Molinar, Partner and Managing Director at Snohetta
Elaine Molinar is a Partner and Managing Director at Snohetta. She began her career as a designer of the Alexandria Library in Egypt after participating in the initial conception for Snøhetta’s winning competition entry. Throughout her time with Snøhetta, Elaine has held key positions in major cultural projects and competitions in Canada, the Middle East, Europe and the United States including the award-winning Norwegian National Opera & Ballet and James B. Hunt Jr Library at NCSU.
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#53 Inspiring Change in Justice Architecture with Erica Loynd, FAIA, Principal at DLR Group
03/16/2021
#53 Inspiring Change in Justice Architecture with Erica Loynd, FAIA, Principal at DLR Group
Erica Loynd, FAIA is a Principal based out of DLR Group’s Seattle office, and is a Justice and Civic Studio Sector Leader. Erica is particularly passionate about sustainability, restorative justice, and the impact of the built environment on human wellness. She is an expert at leading teams to elevate conditions for disenfranchised people, and setting innovative justice standards that support wellness, equity, and transformative programs to successfully return people to their communities.
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#52 Building a Career With Heart with Qeturah Williams, AIA, Senior Architect at DLR Group
03/09/2021
#52 Building a Career With Heart with Qeturah Williams, AIA, Senior Architect at DLR Group
Qeturah Williams is a Senior Architect based out of DLR Group’s Houston office. As a Project Manager and Senior Architect with 16+ years of design and construction experience, her expertise lies in the management of all phases of the architectural design process - from direct collaboration with new and existing clients to visioning, programming, design, and construction administration.
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#51 - Building a Collaborative Design Practice with Natasha Espada, AIA, Founder of Studio ENEE
03/04/2021
#51 - Building a Collaborative Design Practice with Natasha Espada, AIA, Founder of Studio ENEE
Natasha Espada, AIA, NOMA, LEED AP BD+C is the founder and Principal of . She has over 25 years of design and construction expertise in both renovation and new construction for institutional, civic, and commercial clients. Natasha served as the 2020 President of the Boston Society for Architecture. Her platform focused on equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice in the profession, as well as working to make Boston a Design City by bringing art and design to all neighborhoods in Boston. She has been a speaker on Equity and Practice at the AIA Grassroots Conference in Washington, D.C., AIA Connecticut’s Equity Summit, and AIA New Hampshire’s The Future of Practice Conference. She is also an Adjunct Professor at Northeastern University and has been a design critic and lecturer at Harvard GSD, MIT, Yale, Wentworth, Roger Williams, and the BAC. Since 2012, she has served on the Committee for Green Communities and the board of the Permanent Public Building Committee in Needham, MA. Natasha is a graduate of University of Florida and holds a master’s degree in architecture from the University of Virginia with a certificate in American Urbanism. In this episode you’ll hear: When Natasha decided she was ready to start her own firm The prep that went into it before she made the jump The biggest challenge of starting the practice On forming a new, collaborating type of design practice Her goals for the firm, and what the ideal size is Natasha’s experience as an adjunct professor The idea of code switching and feeling like you need to hide your true self at work When Natasha realized she could be herself Advice for emerging professionals who feel like they still have to mask themselves at work Natasha’s work as the 2020 President of BSA, and what she plans to do next -- LEARN more at FOLLOW the show on Instagram EMAIL us at [email protected]
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