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Episode 107: Architecture, And: Business Development How do architects leverage their skillset to become better at sales? This week on Practice Disrupted, we follow the career path of an architect turned architechie who landed in the business development side of a tech company, Monograph. If you are interested in learning more about other roles that architects can have in tech, this one is for you!  We take a deep dive with our guest, Tyler Suomala, on all things in architecture, the realities of burnout running your own practice, entrepreneurship, the search for an architecturally adjacent career, parenthood, and more.  The conversation also goes into different roles in sales, identifying the difference between sales development and account executive roles, how sales differ from his new role in marketing, how important ongoing talent development support has been for his career, and Monograph’s famous 4-day work week. We also talk about his growth as a content creator on LinkedIn and how he has grown an audience of over 15,000 followers. Guest: Tyler Suomala is an architechie and business development professional at Monograph. He helps architects better communicate their unique value through his fun and popular weekly newsletter, Tyler Tactics. 📍 Show Links:   Join Tyler Tactics Tyler on LinkedIn Monograph Other Episodes with individuals from Monograph: 075 - Growing an AEC Startup, The Evolution of a Company 034 - Investing in What’s Next, The Spatial Syndicate 013 - Architecture, And: Entrepreneurship 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter

Episode 106: Open Architecture Collaborative Pathways to Equity How are designers centering equity and racial justice in architecture and design practices? Open Architecture Collaborative is a global learning community mobilizing architects, designers, and a diverse range of professionals who shape the built environment with technical skills to build capacity with communities experiencing systemic racism and marginalization. Pathways to Equity is a design leadership experience for social equity. The program aims to create transformative learning experiences, shifting the field towards anti-racism and equitable outcomes. P2E introduces designers to methods for equity in practice, historical and systemic racism within the buit environment, self-reflective and community building practices, and strategies for community engagement. Consider enrolling in Pathways to Equity for 2023! P2E Virtual is a 10-week online introductory course happening April 11th-June 13th, 2023. Community members, firm principals, and individual volunteers are encouraged to apply. Guests: Shalini Agrawal is trained in architecture and is founder of Public Design for Equity. She is director for Pathways to Equity, a leadership program of Open Architecture Collaborative that trains architects and designers in racial justice workshops. She works with interdisciplinary practitioners, firms and organizations to address equity in the workplace and community engagement. She is Associate Professor in Critical Ethnic Studies at California College of the Arts, teaching curricula that aims to decolonize design and architecture practices. 📍 Show Links:   Apply to Pathways to Equity 📚 Continue Learning: Learn more about the Open Architecture Collaborative Public Design for Equity 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter

Episode 105: Podcast Live: AIA|LA People, Processes, and Practice: Technology + The Business of Design How can technology elevate the business of design? AIA Los Angeles invited Practice Disrupted Co-Hosts Evelyn Lee and Je’Nen Chastain to present the opening keynote at their annual technology conference in February. More about the conference:  Digital transformation is revolutionizing the AECO industry, offering new ways to develop and construct the built environment. The use of cloud, data, and artificial intelligence is maximizing the creative potential of architects and engineers by augmenting their ability to rapidly create, analyze, and optimize designs while streamlining processes and revealing actionable project insights. However, this rapid advancement of technological trends sometimes creates more questions than answers. How can we better engage with clients using technology? How can we best manage practices? How can we build better and more efficiently? This conference gathers the AECO community to discuss how technology is reshaping the industry and provides a platform for designers, architects, and built environment professionals to embrace the new possibilities of digital and explore innovative solutions for their clients. A special thank you to: Brian Skowvron, Assoc. AIA, Nicole Buhles, Assoc. AIA, Lauren Coles, AIA, Will Wright, Hon. AIA|LA, & Carlo Caccavale, Hon. AIA|LA Co-Hosts: Evelyn Lee is the Global Head of Workplace Strategy and Innovation at Slack Technologies, and Founder of the Practice of Architecture. She integrates her business and architecture background with a qualitative and quantitative focus to build better experiences for the organization’s employees, clients, and guests. She is widely published, wrote a monthly column for Contract magazine for over three years, and is now a frequent contributor to Architect Magazine. Evelyn has received numerous industry awards, including 2016 40 Under 40 award for Building Design + Construction and the 2014 AIA National Young Architects Award. She recently served as the first-ever female Treasurer to the AIA National Board in 2020-2021. Je’Nen Chastain is the founder of Apostrophe Consulting, a practice focused on helping architects and next-gen leaders strengthen their teams and businesses. In addition to consulting with firm leaders on practice management issues, she mentors architects on career development, leadership, and strategy. She specializes in facilitating conversations that engage multi-generational teams and has designed, developed, and presented dozens of training programs that inspire next-gen leaders. Je’Nen received the 2017 AIA National Associates Award, an Associates Award from AIA California in 2012, and an Emerging Professionals Award from AIA San Francisco in 2017. She served on the AIA National Board in 2010. 📍 Show Links:  More about the conference PD Technology Playlist 📚 Continue Learning: Future Forum AIA Los Angeles 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Facebook |

Episode 104: Empowering Student Voices, Ideas, & Actions What is the AIAS, and how are they advancing leadership, design, and service among architecture students? The American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) is an independent, nonprofit, student-run organization dedicated to providing unmatched progressive programs, information, and resources on issues critical to architecture and the experience of education. This week we speak with the 2022-2023 National President and Vice President of the AIAS to learn more about their work and what is top mind for their members. Guests: Cooper Moore, AIAS, Assoc. AIA, NOMA, GRP, is the 66th President of the American Institute of Architecture Students. A graduate of Kent State University, Cooper previously served as the AIAS Midwest Quadrant Director and is currently the Student Representative on the AIA Board of Directors. Raised on the Great Lakes and an avid naturalist, he is passionate about sustainable design, and is a certified Green Roof Professional. Cooper lives and works in Washington, DC. Nicole Bass is the 2022-2023 National Vice President of the American Institute of Architecture Students. She holds a Bachelor's degree in architecture from City College of New York. Born and raised in New York City, Nicole had an interest in the built environment  inspired by traveling to different neighborhoods to visit family in her youth. In high school and college, she pursued internships and programming related to architecture, art, policy, and advocacy. At the Bernard and Ann Spitzer School of Architecture, Nicole held leadership positions in AIAS, NOMAS, FAME, and Student Government to better understand the world of academia, host impactful events, and advocate for the architecture student voice. She looks forward to continuing the good work of make the profession a better place. 📍 Show Links:  https://www.aias.org/  📚 Continue Learning: March 2023 Quad Conferences Sponsor an AIAS Member Chapter Takeover In Studio Blog  Chapter Leader of the Month  Freedom By Design Ask An Architect Model Learning Teaching Culture Policy Partner with the AIAS For intrested or questions on career expos, please email president@aias.org or vicepresident@aias.org  📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Facebook |

Episode 103: Enhancing Workflow with Artificial Intelligence How can artificial intelligence help architects improve their productivity? AI has recently emerged as a powerful tool for creating written text that is both accurate and informative. From automated news reports to automated customer support chatbots and beyond, AI has enabled the production of content that was unthinkable only a few years ago. This document is a direct example of this trend, as it has been created entirely by AI-powered text generation software. It is our hope that today’s episode will demonstrate the potential of AI and inspire listeners to explore the possibilities this technology presents. This week we’ve invited Jason Kuperberg on the show to discuss AI, ChatGPT, and a powerful AI writing tool his company created called HyperWrite. Hyperwrite uses a combination of AI-driven analysis and human editing to create content that is both efficient and accurate. Hyperwrite's algorithms are able to quickly analyze a user's writing style and suggest edits that improve the overall clarity of the text.  Guest: Jason Kuperberg is the co-founder of OthersideAI, an applied AI company that specializes in building writing and communication tools using advanced AI systems such as GPT-3. The company's flagship product, HyperWrite, is one of the first generative AI writing platforms and a leading Chrome extension known for its innovative use of AI technology and focus on user experience and interface. 📍 Show Links:  Try HyperWrite for free Get the HyperWrite Chrome Extension Use the discount code TRYHYPERWRITE to get 50% off your first month. Connect with Jason on LinkedIn

Episode 102: Architecture, And: An Evolving Career in Tech How are individuals using their training in architecture to explore diverse career paths? Our ongoing series “Architecture, And:” follows the careers of professionals using their education and training in architecture to expand their current role in practice or apply their skills in an entirely new field. These interviews help us understand how an architectural education prepares people for diverse career opportunities. Past interviews include: [073] - Architecture, And: Civic Leadership [067] - Architecture, And: The Future of Workplace [066] - Architecture, And: Technology [055] – Architecture, And: MBA [054] – Architecture, And: EDI+J [045] – Architecture, And: Publishing [043] – Architecture, And: Nonprofit Design Education [039] – Architecture, And: Customer Success [036] – Architecture, And: Robotics [025] – Architecture, And: Tech [019] – Architecture, And: Film [015] – Architecture, And: Social Impact [013] – Architecture, And: Entrepreneurship Special Guest: Nick Caravella, AIA, NCARB, NOMA is a registered architect who has transitioned from traditional practice to a focus on working on and with industry technology solutions that help improve the way we work and deliver better outcomes. Nick started his career in technology as he started to wonder how he could make a bigger impact on the profession by helping firms rather than within one. Since starting this journey, Nick has worked in a variety of Sales, Marketing, and Product roles that enabled him to leverage his experience as an architect paired with his training as one to create value for the profession. Today Nick works at Avicado Construction Technology Services and helps Owners with the creative technology solutions they need to better manage their program. In his off hours, you’ll find him contributing to Method Group as an Operations Specialist contributing to rethinking the way we deliver projects using the processes he’s picked up on while working in tech. 📍 Show Links:

Episode 101: Season 6 Launch with Getting Back Into Place Welcome back to season 6 of Practice Disrupted!  Co-hosts Evelyn Lee and Je’Nen Chastain sit down with writer and fellow podcaster Sean Joyner of Getting Back Into Place to kick off the first episode of 2023. The discussion includes highlights on what’s ahead for season 6, how the market dip has impacted the tech sector, recommendations for how individuals and firms can prepare for a Recession, and more. Sean shares more about his career path from architecture into writing, and his latest project in podcasting. We discuss his article published on Archinect in 2022, “Debunking Architecture’s Mythological Work Culture.” Special Guest: Sean Joyner is a writer and essayist based in Los Angeles. He formerly worked as a full-time Editor and Staff Writer at Archinect. His essays and articles typically explore themes spanning history, pop culture, and philosophy and how they connect to architectural discourse and the experience of architecture. 📍 Show Links:   Listen to Getting Back Into Place, Hosted by Sean Joyner 📚 Continue Learning: “Debunking Architecture’s Mythological Work Culture” by Sean Joyner, Archinect AIAU 2023 Economic Update 1 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter

Replay: Immigrant Architects Leaders of the profession share diverse perspectives on equity and architecture. Expanding our diversity series, this week we learn about the lived experiences of individuals who immigrated to the United States. Guests: Originally from Colombia, Graciela Carrillo, AIA, LEED AP, immigrated to the United States in 2003. She recently joined Nassau BOCES Facilities Services as a Senior Manager where she is managing school operational and capital projects. Graciela has committed a decade of volunteer leadership service to the AIA. Currently she is serving as the President 2020-2021 as well as the Chapter’s Women In Architecture Co-Founder and Co-Chair. Graciela was the past 2017-2018 NY Regional Director (YARD) for the Young Architects Forum (YAF). She is also the Co-Founder of the Immigrant Architects Coalition, a group committed to helping and providing resources for immigrant architects to achieve a prosperous career in the US. In 2019, Graciela was the recipient of the AIA NYS Young Architect Award. Gloria Kloter, AIA, NCARB, CODIA, is founder and CEO of Glow Architects. A practicing architect both in her home country of the Dominican Republic and in the US, she has dedicated her career to helping other young architects grow. She is the founder of the Foreign Architects, a private community in Facebook where she mentors young and aspiring immigrant architects on how to obtain their architect license in the United States. Gloria also serves as the Architect Licensing Advisor of the State of Florida through AIA Florida. She is a part of the Board of Directors of the AIA Tampa Bay where she is the chairperson of the Women in Architecture committee. She was also honored for the 2019 Sho-Ping Ching Women’s Leadership Summit Scholarship, a recognition to mid-career women architects who are advancing toward leadership roles and are making a positive impact within their communities.  Shahad Sadeq, Assoc. AIA is an Iraqi immigrant architectural designer at Smithgroup. She is an active member of the AIA in her local chapter in Dallas, Texas. Shahad is passionate about amplifying diverse voices in the profession and developing sustainable workplace culture. She currently is co-leading the immigrant architect coalition and sits on the J.E.D.I. committee board of Smithgroup. She previously helped found an Equity in Architecture effort through the AIA Kansas City Chapter. Yu-Ngok Lo, FAIA, CDT, LEED AP is the founding principal of YNL Architects, Inc. His work received numerous design awards such as the NAHB Best of American Living Awards, Gold Nugget Awards, Aurora Awards, American Residential Design Awards, and various AIA Design Awards. The projects of his firm have been published in ArchDaily, Hinge Magazine, CONDE, CommArch Magazine, and Hospitality-Interiors Magazine. Yu-Ngok is a past recipient of the AIBD Designer of the Year, AIA Presidential Citation, AIA National Young Architects Award, BD+C 40 Under 40, 2015 ENR 20 Under 40, and the AIACC Young Architect Award. He was elevated to the AIA College of Fellows in 2020. Show Links: 📍 Immigrant Architects Coalition 📍

Replay: Architecture, Identity, & Culture How are architects exploring identity and culture through practice? An architect at Vines Architecture, Vershaé has dedicated her career to the exploration of culture in the built environment. A rising design leader in the southeast, Vershaé has contributed to major cultural projects including the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Motown Museum Renovation and Addition in Detroit, the Martin Luther King Jr. Central Branch Public Library in Washington, DC, the Gregg Museum of Art and Design Expansion at North Carolina State University, and leads both the Emily Krzyzewski Center Expansion in Durham, NC and Henrietta Lacks Building in Baltimore, MD.  Vershaé helps her clients navigate and design in response to cultural narrative. Through research, storytelling, service, and advocacy she is raising the visibility and representation of historically underrepresented voices. In addition to her project leadership, she contributes to advancing the profession through volunteer service with AIA and NOMA. Guest: Vershaé Hite, AIA, NOMA is a licensed architect and Associate at Vines Architecture. Since 2004, Vershaé’s academic and professional career have exposed her to a range of unique experiences throughout the United States, China, Israel and Palestine that have carefully constructed her crafted, compassionate perspectives on the relationship between design and the human condition. Her role as an architect and project leader is founded on her theoretical interests regarding the interconnectedness of culture, community, and art to architecture. For Vershaé, this emerges from a unique framework that she developed while obtaining her master's degree in London. The deeply rooted meanings in her work are extensions of well-crafted, honest stories - are a direct result of both her sensitivity to diverse social and cultural landscapes and an investigative process that looks to film, literature, and experimental art. As such, her professional portfolio is characterized by complex cultural projects, historic renovations, libraries and higher education projects. As an Architect with award-winning firms like The Freelon Group, Perkins+Will, Andre Johnson Architect, and Vines Architecture, she is well versed in working with complex cultural matters through architectural design and execution.  Show Links: Vines Architecture National Museum of African American History & Culture SAY IT LOUD - North Carolina Beyond Black Emily K Center NCNOMA 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter

Replay: Asian American Architects Leaders of the profession share diverse perspectives on race, equity, and architecture. Against the backdrop of recent acts of hate and violence towards the Asian American community, we are amplifying five stories of Asian American Architects who are actively leading the profession of architecture forward. Practice Disrupted is committed to elevating conversations on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion to teach, empower, and build greater awareness across the industry.  Guests: 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 Practice of Architecture, a co-host on this podcast, Practice Disrupted, the first-ever Senior Experience Designer at Slack Technologies, and the first female Treasurer to AIA National‘s Board of Directors. 📍Follow Evelyn: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter Susan Chin, FAIA, Hon. ASLA is a principal of DesignConnects and an accomplished architect, urbanist, and civic leader. She formed an independent consultancy on art, architecture, landscape, and urban design in 2020 and provides leadership and advises government, developers and non-profits on design, planning, and policy. Until 2019, she led the Design Trust for Public Space.  📍Follow Susan: LinkedIn Annie Chu, FAIA, IIDA is an architect, interior designer, and educator with over 30 years of experience at a dozen architectural and design schools across the country and abroad. As a founding principal of Chu+Gooding Architects, Annie has worked extensively with world-renowned museums, cultural facilities, and arts-related institutions. 📍Follow Annie: Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter Ming Thompson, AIA, NOMA is co-founder of Atelier Cho Thompson, a New Haven- and San Francisco-based multidisciplinary practice working between architecture, interiors, graphics, and strategy. Ming was a recipient of the AIA Young Architect Award in 2020. Her firm has been the recipient of numerous national and regional design honors, including the IIDA Foundation Visionary Award.  📍Follow Ming: Instagram |

Replay: Voices from the Future of the Profession Future leaders of the profession share diverse perspectives on architecture and the LGBTIQ+ community. Guests: Ryan Gann, Designer at Ross Barney Architects A.L. Hu, Design Initiatives Manager at Ascendant Neighborhood Development Lora Teagarden, Architect at RATIO Yiselle Santos Rivera, Firmwide Director of Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion at HKS Amy Rosen, Sociospatial Designer at PLASTARC Ryan Gann, Assoc. AIA Ryan Gann has blazed a trail founded on service, leadership, and design. From his time as an engaged student leader to his expanding contributions to the built environment, Ryan has managed to stay ambitious while having fun along the way. As a designer at Ross Barney Architects he has worked on some of the studio’s most ambitious civic projects. These architectural and urban design investigations have allowed him to collaborate with communities across Chicago and the world, expressing the role public space plays in everyday life. Ryan is the recipient of the 2018 AIA Associates Award, Schiff Foundation Fellowship from the Art Institute of Chicago, and was the inaugural Architect-in-Residence at the Hyde Park Art Center. Ryan previously served on the national boards of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), and the American Institute of Architects (AIA). A.L. Hu, Assoc. AIA A.L. Hu is a queer, trans, nonbinary Taiwanese-American architect, organizer, and facilitator who lives and works in New York City. Their practice synthesizes organizing for racial, class, and gender justice with world-building and design; rethinks the architect’s role in facilitating accessible spaces; and manifests in design, visual media, and collaborative cultural work. They are a 2019-2021 Enterprise Rose Architectural Fellow and Design Initiatives Manager at Ascendant Neighborhood Development in East Harlem. They shared their experiences on a panel of queer architects at the AIA National Conference on Architecture in 2019; was a Thought Leader at the AIASF Equity by Design Symposium in 2018; and received the 2018 AIANY Emerging New York Architects ARE Scholarship. They received a Master of Architecture from Columbia University GSAPP in 2017, and a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture with a minor in Sustainable Design from UC Berkeley in 2012. Lora Teagarden, AIA, LEED AP BD+C Lora is an Architect at RATIO, headquartered in Indianapolis, and the founder of L² Design, LLC. A published author and creator of #AREsketches, her passion for the profession drives her to mentor young professionals and volunteer in her community. She is a 2017 Young Architect Award winner, the 2019 Chair of the Young Architects Forum, 2020 AIA Indianapolis President, and was recently elected as an At-Large Representative on the AIA National Strategic Council. Her website and blog offer unique insights into professional practice, together with inspiration and tips for young architects. Yiselle Santos Rivera, AIA, NOMA, LSSYB, WELL AP, LEED AP Yiselle Santos Rivera is a medical planner and the Firmwide Director of Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion at HKS, Inc. With national and international experience on a broad range of healthcare, institutional, and commercial/mixed-use projects, she thrives on building belonging and designing for inclusion. Seeking to empower the next generation of leaders, she co-founded the Latin American Interior Designers, Engineers, and Architects (LA.IDEA) DC Committee and founded the “Women Inspiring Emerging Leaders in Design” (WIELD) event, recipient of the 2019 AIA Diversity Program Recognition Award. Mrs. Santos currently serves...

Replay: Voices from the Future of the Profession Future leaders of the profession share diverse perspectives on race, equity, and architecture. Guests: Leslie Epps, NOMA Student Representative, AIAS & NOMAS Leader at The City College of New York Sarah Curry, AIAS, Assoc. AIA, NOMA Beresford Pratt, AIA, NOMA Melanie Ray, AIA, NOMA, LEED Green Associate, NCARB, Fitwel Amb. Kendall A. Nicholson, Ed.D, Assoc. AIA, NOMA, LEED GA Leslie Epps, NOMA Student Representative, AIAS & NOMAS Leader at The City College of New York Leslie Epps is an accomplished rising fifth year architecture student at the Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture. She has been passionate about architecture for half of her life and is eager to learn more and enact change moving forward in her career. Awarded NOMA Student Member of the Year 2019, Leslie Epps founded the CCNY NOMAS Chapter in 2018 and served as President until early 2020. Epps also received the title of NOMA Student Representative and serves on the NOMA Board of Directors for the role. In the future she aspires to combine architecture with urban planning in an effort to address social issues and ultimately better society.  Sarah Curry, AIAS, Assoc. AIA, NOMA Sarah Curry just finished an exhilarating year of living and working in Washington, DC as the 2019-2020 President of the American Institute of Architecture Students. No matter what her next chapter of life holds, she intends to explore and practice her passions for evidence-based and equitable design while pursuing licensure. None of that work would feel fulfilling though, if she is unable to continue advocating for the underserved and supporting design students and others who are interested in designing responsibly for those who need it the most. Originally from outside of Atlanta, Sarah earned her B.Arch in 2018 from Auburn University and completed her Thesis Design-Build Project at Rural Studio the following year. Her very flexible life plans include going to graduate school, teaching, and eventually enjoying nontraditional practice in the vast field of architecture. Beresford Pratt, AIA, NOMA Beresford Pratt is a licensed architect and Associate at Ayers Saint Gross in Baltimore, MD where he has worked on a multitude of education/institutional projects. He is passionate about active learning environments and pipeline initiatives, and he enjoys this cross pollination with his professional work. He is currently serving his second year in the AIA as the Mid Atlantic Young Architects Regional Director in the Young Architects Forum (YAF), and he is currently an editor for the YAF’s publication Connection. Beresford is also a co-founder of Baltimore’s local chapter of The National Organization of Minority Architects (Bmore NOMA). Beresford sits on the board and is the Communications Chair/Director. Outside of the industry, if he is not playing soccer, he enjoys volunteering his time with the United Way Central Maryland, and he currently sits on the Emerging Leaders United Council. Melanie Ray, AIA, NOMA, LEED Green Associate, NCARB, Fitwel Amb. Melanie Ray is a licensed architect and Associate in the Housing/Mixed-Use studio at Hord Coplan Macht in Baltimore, MD. Since graduating from Penn State’s architecture program in 2015, she has worked on various mixed-use and affordable housing projects, as well as community development projects in Baltimore city and beyond. She is the 424th living black woman licensed in the US to practice architecture and seeks to be an active mentor to promote the goal of doubling the number of licensed black architects by 2030. She currently serves as the Vice President of the Baltimore Chapter of NOMA, Bmore NOMA, and the Northeast University Liaison for NOMA National. In addition to her work at HCM, Melanie is a regular volunteer for pro bono design projects through such organizations as The...

Sponsored Episode: NCARB and the Future of Practice How is NCARB addressing industry change and transformation? In this bonus episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee and Je’Nen Chastain sit down with Patricia Ramallo and Jared N. Zurn, AIA, NCARB of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) to learn how NCARB is responding to wide-reaching industry change and transformation. We’ll discuss NCARB’s role in advancing equity in architecture, including the Baseline of Belonging Report, as well as the adoption of new policies intended to strengthen the pipeline of diverse talent into the profession. We’ll also discuss NCARB’s innovation team and the recent Analysis of Practice study. Learn how research studies like NCARB by the Numbers yield new insight into our industry, and how you can continue to share your ideas with NCARB to champion industry transformation. Guests: Patricia Ramallo started working at NCARB in 2015 as part of the Experience + Education team. In her current role as assistant vice president of innovation, she leads the design and implementation of innovative strategies throughout the Council and supports transformational initiatives such as strengthening international relations.  Before joining NCARB, Patricia dedicated 14 years to the architecture field, fulfilling various design, management, and construction administration functions. She worked in Michigan, Kentucky, and New York on projects nationwide ranging from residential and multifamily to religious, commercial, and mixed-use buildings. Patricia also serves as an adjunct faculty instructor at the Boston Architectural College, where she teaches two graduate courses in professional practice. Patricia holds a Master of Architecture degree from Lawrence Technological University and is licensed to practice architecture in Argentina, Kentucky, and New Jersey. She is a member of the American Institute of Architects, holds LEED AP® Homes & BD+C credentials, and the NCARB Certificate for national reciprocity. In 2019 she obtained a Diversity and Inclusion Certificate from Cornell University, and in 2021 she earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation. Jared N. Zurn, AIA, NCARB, Vice President, Examination joined the Council in 2008 as assistant director, ARE development. He has been involved with all aspects of the examination including development, operations, security, and implementation of ARE 5.0. Promoted to vice president in 2013, Zurn is an advocate for transparency into the examination with a focus on refining the efficiency of the process while maintaining high standards and measurement quality. Before joining NCARB, Zurn operated a sole proprietorship in northwest Minnesota. He also served as faculty of the Architectural Technology program and division chair at Minnesota State Community and Technical College where he led the Architectural Technology program in the areas of curriculum development, course assessment, and program outcome assessment. Zurn earned his professional degree from North Dakota State University. 📍 Show Links:  Learn more about the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards 📚 Continue Learning: NCARB by the Numbers NCARB’s Baseline on Belonging Reports Overview Report

Episode 100: Best of Practice Disrupted How has Practice Disrupted grown and evolved over 100 episodes? Co-hosts Evelyn Lee and Je’Nen Chastain celebrate the 100th episode of Practice Disrupted by revisiting their favorite past episodes, some of the most popular episodes, and listener favorites. On this “best of” mixed tape, we’ll revisit re-occurring themes from the series related to: architectural practice, studio culture, technology, EDI+J, career pivots, and entrepreneurship.  While this episode won’t capture every single one of our favorite quotes across 100 episodes, we hope it captures what has made this series so special. For those who want to dive deeper into conversations featured in this episode, we pulled clips from the following episodes: Practice Episode 010: Organizational Design, Process, and Innovation Episode 062: 2022 AIA Gold Medal Winners: Brooks + Scarpa Episode 086: A Large Firm Perspective on Innovation & Transformation Episode 087: Designing New Workplace Policies Culture Episode 042: Building a Great Place to Work Episode 047: Talent Development in Practice Episode 091: How the Future Works Technology Episode 018: Remote Practice Episode 074: Exploring the Evolution of Computational Design EDI+J Episode 009: Voices from the Future of the Profession (Black Architects) Episode 095: Voices of Mothers in Practice Career Pivots Episode 007: [Re] Creating Your Career in Architecture Episode 080: Season 4 Finale with Madame Architect Episode 029: Taking the Leap from Architecture to Tech Episode 019: Architecture, And:...

Episode 099: Critiquing Architecture School What is the present-day student perspective of architecture school? In his docuseries, Critiquing Architecture School, Alvin Zhu captures what it's like being in architecture school one semester at a time. Along the way, he is also collecting the voices and experiences of his classmates who are all attending the University of New South Wales. Ultimately the series is about creating greater transparency around the educational system and the resulting culture that architecture studio creates. In this episode, we interview Alvin and one of his producers Sana Tabbsum. Sana joined us on a previous episode and is based in London. She completed her Master's at the University of Greenwich. In the conversation, all four of us found shared experiences of what was happening in studio culture globally, and we collectively reflected on - what we would change about architecture education and what we would keep the same. Guests: Alvin Zhu is an aspiring filmmaker pursuing a Master of Architecture at the University of New South Wales. Shortly after graduating from undergrad in 2018, he founded a social media network for architecture students & graduates called “ProjectsbyPeople,” connecting a global community without being bound by physical limitations.   Alvin began volunteering for the Australian Institute of Architects, SONA student body, and created 2 video series catered towards helping the next generation of students.  In 2021, he was awarded the “Student Prize for the Advancement of Architecture” by the Australian Institute of Architects in recognition of his dedication to serving the wider community. This year, he also undertook the role of SONA Vice-President. Sana Tabassum is a social entrepreneur, content creator, and final year MArch student at the University of Greenwich. She founded :scale (to-scale) in 2019, an architecture blog and platform for students and young designers, to create an inclusive and collaborative archi-community that champions a balance between well-being and productivity. Since beginning her content-creating journey, Sana has led a team to self-publish an architecture magazine, curated the world’s first virtual architecture convention, and developed a cohort-based course to help architecture students build their skills during the summer. 📍 Show Links:   Critiquing Architecture School Episode 1 - Getting Started | Critiquing Architecture School Episode 2 - Transparency from the University? | Critiquing Architecture School Critiquing Architecture School on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/critiquingarchischool 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter

What is the next RIBA President’s view on the future of architecture? When Muyiwa Oki steps into the RIBA presidency, he will be the first black architect to hold the position and the youngest. The path to his election is unique and a result of a careful and considered campaign with a clear vision for the future and a call to change how things have been done for a long time. We speak to him to learn more about his vision for the RIBA and the impact he hopes to have on the architectural community. Guest: Muyiwa Oki, RIBA, The Millennial RIBA president-elect (president 2023-2025). Elected on a campaign to speak up for the future. With the responsibility and privilege of raising the profile of the architect in the UK and globally, his ambitions are to advocate for his campaign priorities of equity, transparency, and innovation in architecture. As an Architect at Mace Group, he focuses on technology and innovation, working on Modern Means of Construction projects. During his time at Grimshaw Architects, he was the founder and Chair of the MEGA (Multi-Ethnic Group and Allies) network that drove global cultural change for colleagues. Muyiwa is an ambassador, speaker and mentor for aspiring architects in programmes such as Mayor of London Design Challenge, Scale Rule, and the Grimshaw Foundation, which exists to encourage greater social mobility within the industry. 📍 Show Links:  ‘Architect worker’ Muyiwa Oki wins RIBA presidential election, Architects’ Journal Muyiwa Oki elected as the next president of RIBA, The Architect’s Newspaper Muyiwa Oki elected first Black president of the RIBA, dezeen Muyiwa Oki Elected as RIBA President, archdaily 📚 Continue Learning: Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter

Episode 097: EntreArchitect Annual Meeting Recap What topics are important to small firm owners? In November 2022, the EntreArchitect Community came together for the very first time in Austin, Texas. This active and growing online community launched in 2012, bringing together a global community of small firm entrepreneur architects. On any given day, you can jump into the EntreArchitect Community Facebook group and see small firm owners sharing real-world advice, mentorship, and collaborating across time zones to support one another. In this episode, we’ll document our experience participating in this first-of-its-kind event. Featured guests: Bolanle Williams-Olley, Mancini Duffy Katelyn Parker, Bungalow Roots Jennifer Kretschmer, J. Kretschmer Architect Randy Wilburn, Zweig Group Robert Yuen, Monograph Mark R. LePage, EntreArchitect A special thank you to the EntreArchitect musicians featured in this episode: Dave Lockhart - Lead Guitar/Vocals Teigen Eilertsen - Guitar/Vocals Jennifer Kretschmer - Ukelele/Vocals James Polk - Mandolin/Vocals (of Rough Draft Hattiesburg) 📍 Show Links:  The EntreArchitect Community Annual Meeting Join the EntreArchitect Community on Facebook 📚 Continue Learning: Participate in daily learning conversations with Context & Clarity Practice Disrupted Episode 056: Leading with Finance & Entrepreneurship featuring Bolanle Williams-Olley 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter

Episode 096: Addressing Mental Health in Architecture How do we expand mental health support to professionals across the industry of architecture? Peter Exley, FAIA, RIBA, NOMA, a former AIA National President, Gregg A. Garmisa, J.D., Principal and General Counsel at Studio Gang, and Korey D. White, AIA, NCARB, Senior Associate at DLR Group and a member of the AIA Strategic Council join us to address the growing concerns related to the mental health and well-being of individuals working in the profession of architecture.  “As the industry continues to transform and grapple with inequities, workforce diversity, labor challenges and climate change, among other current issues, we challenge our colleagues to join in a collective and inclusive commitment to expand mental health support throughout our profession.” – Peter Exley, Gregg Garmisa, and Korey White, “We Need a Safe Place to Address Our Mental Health,” Chicago Architect, Summer 2022.  In this episode, we’ll discuss the problem we’re facing related to mental health in the profession of architecture and steps we can take to start to address this challenge. This episode is dedicated to anyone who is currently or has previously struggled with burnout, mental health, addiction, substance abuse, or related mental health challenges. You are not alone. There is a community of allies who seek to destigmatize, raise awareness, build acceptance, and build better overall well-being practices within our profession. Guests: Peter Exley’s career is committed to an equitable and inclusive built environment for children, families, and communities. As co-founder of Architecture Is Fun, he uses the power of design to build places and spaces that reflect the values, ambitions, and purpose of every stakeholder on myriad civic, cultural, private, and not-for-profit agencies. As a teacher, he is nurturing future architects as the primary and credible resource with the explicit training and qualification to lead the creation of healthy and equitable net-zero place-making. As the 97th President of the American Institute of Architects, he led AIA’s delegation to COP26 in Glasgow, and advanced the AIA Headquarters renewal project embodying the urgent need for climate action alongside a dramatic transformation for workplace, member, and community experience. Gregg Garmisa is Principal and General Counsel at Studio Gang, based in the Studio’s Chicago office. Gregg interacts with clients, consultants, and our design teams on all projects to establish and maintain productive and collegial professional relationships. Immediately prior to joining the Studio, Gregg was Vice President and General Counsel at a national engineering and sustainability consulting firm, where he became one of Studio Gang’s earliest collaborators. Before that, he practiced law and provided public policy guidance to clients in Washington, DC, and Chicago, and served as a legislative advisor to a US senator on Capitol Hill. Gregg is an invited member of the Society of Illinois Construction Attorneys, a former board member of the American Institute of Architects Chicago, and a former trustee of the Chicago Architecture Center. He is an experienced lecturer on current topics at the intersection of the design profession and the law, which he...

Episode 095: Voices of Mothers in Practice  What can architecture firms do to support mothers who are working in practice? Leaders of the profession share diverse perspectives on their identity between practice and motherhood. This discussion aims to explore the experiences of working mothers in diverse career stages who are raising children of different ages. Practice Disrupted is committed to elevating conversations on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion to teach, empower, and build greater awareness across the industry. Guests: Christina Cho Yoo, AIA, PE, LEED AP BD+C is co-founder of Atelier Cho Thompson. She received a BS & MS in civil & structural engineering and construction management at Stanford University and received a masters in architecture at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. She was a structural engineer at the international engineering company Arup, where she was the Structural Sustainability Champion for the Americas & worked on projects such as the LEED-Double Platinum California Academy of Sciences, Contemporary Jewish Museum, Kaiser hospitals, Schroder Overcrossing, and various other projects. She went onto work at architecture firms internationally including Kao Design Group on Richard Branson's Eco-Island, SHoP Architects on the Google HQ, Neri & Hu in Shanghai, Mass Studies in Seoul, and Bohlin Cywinski Jackson on Apple stores, the Apple iAd office, and the Square HQ. Christina is a licensed architect and engineer in California and has been LEED accredited since 2003. Her work has spanned typologies from single-family to multifamily residences, hospitals, labs, museums, innovative workplaces, hospitality and food service, to retail, exhibits, furniture, and graphics for various organizations. Before architecture school, she staged at Tartine Bakery while taking courses at the California Culinary Academy. She has lectured on Green R&D at Harvard and served as a critic at Parsons, Stanford, Harvard, & the California College of the Arts (CCA). She is an Adjunct Professor at the CCA, having taught advanced urban studio on the Post-Retail City and Integrated Building Systems. She served as Design & Innovation Chair of the Stanford Club of SF and currently is on the Board of Directors at Pacific Primary School. Jennifer T. Matthews, Associate AIA, is a full-time remote Architectural Designer at SS&A Design Collective based in Montgomery, Alabama. With eight years of healthcare design experience, Jennifer has worked on...

Episode 094: The Design for Freedom Movement How can architects eliminate forced labor in building material supply chains to create a more equitable future? “Over the past few decades, substantive strides have been compounding to sustainably design and construct with less harm to nature; yet there is a startling blind spot in terms of the entropic brutality forced upon the workers who are critical to the production of the very materials we source. Their suffering should not be built into our construction”  – Sharon Prince, CEO and Founder of Grace Farms Foundation The $12 trillion construction industry is the #1 industrial sector at risk of forced labor. Sharon joins us to discuss the new Design for Freedom Toolkit and her work to help implement ethical, forced labor-free material sourcing strategies across the AEC industry.  Guest: Sharon Prince is the CEO and Founder of Grace Farms Foundation and commissioned SANAA to design Grace Farms in New Canaan, Connecticut. The Foundation’s interdisciplinary humanitarian mission is to pursue peace through nature, arts, justice, community, faith, and Design for Freedom, a new movement to eliminate forced labor from the building materials supply chain. The open, porous architecture of the River building at Grace Farms is embedded into 80 acres of natural landscape. The building, designed to break down barriers between people and sectors, invites all to pause and reflect, while also encouraging engagement with its initiatives, creating new outcomes. 📍 Show Links:  https://gracefarms.org/ 📚 Continue Learning: Learn about the comprehensive resources for design and construction professionals to help ensure ethical material sourcing strategies: https://www.designforfreedom.org/ https://www.fastcompany.com/90762815/sharon-prince-grace-farms-most-creative-people-2022 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter