Practice Disrupted By Practice Of Architecture podcast

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29:56

Learn how to dodge scams to protect your money, then understand how to compare robo vs. traditional investment risks. What should you do if your credit card is compromised in a scam? Are robo-advisors riskier than traditional brokerage accounts? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss how to spot and respond to identity theft and dig into how robo-advisors stack up to traditional investing platforms to help you protect your financial life. They kick off Smart Money’s new Scam Stories series by welcoming guest Scramble Hughes, a circus performer and scam victim, who shares a real-life experience with credit card fraud. They discuss tips and tricks on recognizing red flags like mass spam messages, acting fast by calling the number on your card (not clicking links), and filing credit freezes with all three credit bureaus. Then, investing Nerd Bella Avila joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss how robo-advisors compare to traditional brokerage accounts. They discuss risk levels in automated portfolios, SIPC insurance protections, and key factors to consider when choosing a platform like account minimums, platform stability, and user experience. See NerdWallet’s top picks for the best robo-advisors of 2025 here: https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/investing/robo-advisors Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: credit card fraud, how to report identity theft, robo advisor vs brokerage account, SIPC insurance limits, credit freeze Experian, how to freeze your credit, credit card scams TikTok, how to know if a text is a scam, what is a robo advisor, tax loss harvesting robo advisor, ETF risk robo advisor, ETF diversification, FDIC vs SIPC, how to block spam texts, freeze credit TransUnion, safest robo advisors 2025, best robo advisor for ETFs, hacked credit card reader, RFID credit card theft, how to recover from identity theft, difference between SIPC and FDIC, scams targeting small business owners, how to secure your investment accounts, how to protect credit card information, email spam after identity theft, what to do after credit card theft, how long do fraud refunds take, when to freeze credit, best practices after identity theft, and comparing investment platform safety. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com . Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Practice Disrupted by Practice of Architecture

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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. On Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee, an architect, design strategist, and Senior Experience Designer at Slack, and architecture business strategy consultant, Je’Nen Chastain, set out to illuminate the future of the profession to help architects remain relevant and valuable in a changing world. They will explore how technology, cultural shifts, and emerging best practices are prompting firm owners to assess their business models and make adjustments in their studios. Each episode features an industry leader, and together our hosts will explore the new frontier of architectural practice.

205 episodes

Practice Disrupted by Practice of Architecture

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205 episodes

#Careers #Entrepreneur #Arts #Business #Graphic Design #Gābl Media // Evelyn Lee and Je'Nen Chastain #Gābl Media // Evelyn Lee #JeNen Chastain

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Practice Disrupted by Practice of Architecture

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205: Cove, Redefining Architecture for a Smarter Future 51:16

4 days ago51:16

51:16

What happens when a software startup becomes a full-service, AI-powered architecture firm? This week on Practice Disrupted , Evelyn Lee is joined by Patrick Chopson, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Cove Architecture (formerly Cove Tool). What began as a mission to provide architects with performance analysis tools has evolved into Cove Architecture, the first AI-driven practice reimagining how buildings are conceived, coordinated, and delivered. Patrick shares the story of Cove’s evolution, from its roots as a SaaS platform to its pivot into consultancy, and now into a full-service design studio backed by over $36 million in venture funding. Their debut project, a multifamily complex in Atlanta’s West End, was designed in just 15 days, demonstrating how AI can accelerate timelines by 60%, improve cost accuracy, and cut iteration expenses nearly in half. Beyond efficiency, Patrick envisions AI as a force for design excellence. By offloading code checks, zoning analysis, and cost modeling, architects are freed to focus on creativity, meaning, and beauty. He reflects on how Cove integrates human expertise with machine intelligence, how AI supports senior architects in elevating design, and why training and mentorship must adapt in this new era. The conversation also touches on the business model of architecture: how venture capital is reshaping practice, what “AI-powered but human-centered” really means, and how these tools might democratize design for firms of all sizes. “Being AI-powered doesn’t mean removing the human from the process. It means empowering the expert architect to do what they do best: elevate design, mentor the next generation, and create lasting impact.” - Patrick Chopson This episode concludes with a reflection on the future of practice: from profitability and scale to sustainability and mentorship. Patrick challenges architects to see AI not as a threat, but as an opportunity to design more bespoke, more sustainable, and more beautiful buildings, and to build a profession that is more resilient for generations to come. Guest: Patrick Chopson, AIA is Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Cove Architecture. With a background in mechanical engineering, high-performance building design, and sustainability consulting, Patrick has over 20 years of experience advancing tools that merge technology with design excellence. At Cove Architecture, he leads the charge in creating an AI-powered, human-centered model of practice. Is This Episode for You? This episode is for you if: ✅ You’re curious about how AI is transforming architectural practice ✅ You want to learn how venture-backed firms are reshaping the field ✅ You’re navigating mentorship and training in an AI-powered environment ✅ You believe architecture must evolve to deliver sustainable, bespoke design What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation. 📍 Show Links: Connect with Patrick on LinkedIn Visit Cove’s Website 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter Check out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation…

Practice Disrupted by Practice of Architecture

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204: Understanding True Innovation in Practice 41:09

11 days ago41:09

41:09

What happens when innovation isn’t just a lofty ideal, but an everyday discipline accessible to everyone in an organization? In this episode of Practice Disrupted , Evelyn Lee is joined by Dr. Simone Ahuja, keynote speaker, innovation strategist, bestselling author, and founder of Blood Orange. Simone’s path from dentistry to advising Fortune 500 companies on frugal innovation is anything but ordinary. Drawing on her research into jugaad innovation - a mindset of resourcefulness rooted in doing more with what you have - she helps leaders cut through “innovation theater” and focus on creating real, tangible value. Together, they explore how constraints can actually spark creativity, why the democratization of innovation matters, and how leaders can foster cultures of problem solving that scale from the grassroots up. Simone shares practical frameworks for managing up, influencing decision-makers, and breaking big challenges into small, testable experiments, whether you’re in a small firm or a multinational corporation. The conversation connects back to architecture, where creative thinking often thrives in design work but lags in business operations. Simone challenges firms to think beyond client deliverables and embrace strategic abandonment, distributed innovation, and leadership practices that create space for both reflection and experimentation. Her message is clear: innovation is not reserved for R&D teams. It’s a discipline, a mindset, and a shared responsibility across every level of an organization. “Innovation is some of the best training out there for leaders for navigating uncertainty, because you’re thinking about what problems exist, how to rigorously prioritize, how to move forward and learn from that, and how to influence others along the way." - Dr. Simone Ahuja This episode closes with a reminder that disruption brings opportunity to those willing to reframe problems, leverage existing assets, and learn from other industries. Innovation doesn’t have to be big, or expensive, it just has to add new value. Guest: Dr. Simone Ahuja is the founder of Blood Orange, a Minneapolis-based innovation strategy firm, and the author of Disrupt-It-Yourself and co-author of Jugaad Innovation . She works with organizations like Target, 3M, and Stanley Black & Decker to help leaders and teams innovate smarter without overcomplicating the process. Drawing on her background in dentistry, improv comedy, and grassroots entrepreneurship research, Simone champions resourceful problem solving and the democratization of innovation. Is This Episode for You? This episode is for you if: ✅ You want to move beyond “innovation theater” into real, measurable change ✅ You’re looking for practical tools to foster innovation in your team or firm ✅ You believe constraints can be a catalyst for creativity ✅ You want to make problem solving a shared discipline across your organization What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation. 📍 Show Links: Connect with Simone on LinkedIn Visit Simone’s Website 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter Check out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation…

Practice Disrupted by Practice of Architecture

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203: Interdisciplinary by Design: How FIFTEEN Builds with Purpose 38:43

18 days ago38:43

38:43

How can architecture firms move beyond the traditional consultant model to foster truly deep, interdisciplinary collaboration? This week, we welcome Ximena Valle, founder of the Philadelphia-based architecture firm FIFTEEN, and one of her longtime collaborators, Mikael Avery. Ximena founded FIFTEEN to address the gaps she observed in the profession, from talent leaving the industry to a disconnect between designers and end-users. Inspired by her experience on a multi-disciplinary archaeological dig where geologists, mythologists, and chemists worked together to solve a complex problem, she built her firm around a "Collaborator Network." This intentional shift in language, from "consultant" to "collaborator", reflects a profound difference in process. Mikael Avery, whose background spans architecture, landscape architecture, and occupational therapy, is a prime example of the unique expertise FIFTEEN brings to the table. Collaborators are not just brought in for a "nugget of information"; they are integrated into the team from the earliest visioning sessions, contributing to a holistic process where the solution emerges from the group dynamic. Ximena and Mikael share how this model has transformed projects, turning a public space design into a community incubator for startups and workforce development, and evolving a healthcare facility presentation into a fully experiential workshop co-designed with the client. They also discuss the practical challenges of this approach, from creating new financial models to educating clients on the value of a truly integrated team. “The more voices we can get in the room that will misinterpret what we say, if you will, the more opportunities we have to have these ideas bubble up. That is the most exciting part about design… when it doesn’t come from one person, but it comes from the conversation around something. And then all of a sudden, wait, that’s actually the answer right there. It didn’t come from me. It didn’t come from you. It came from the process.” - Mikael Avery This episode concludes with a reminder that meaningful innovation in architecture doesn’t come from sticking to traditional roles, it comes from rethinking the process entirely. Ximena and Mikael leave us with a clear call to action: open the door, invite in new voices, and trust the collaborative process. Whether you’re leading a firm or just starting out, the future of design lies in embracing complexity together. Guests: Ximena Valle is the founder of Fifteen, a Philadelphia-based architecture firm that is redefining collaboration in practice. She founded the firm to address what she saw as critical gaps in the profession, building a new practice model centered on integrating diverse, interdisciplinary expertise into the core design process. Mikael Avery is a designer, educator, and healthcare professional working at the intersection of architecture, product design, and health. He is a longtime collaborator with Fifteen, and also teaches at the University of Pennsylvania and brings a human-centered perspective to projects ranging from healthcare environments to medical device design. Is This Episode for You? This episode is for you if: ✅ You are interested in new, more inclusive models of collaboration in architecture. ✅ You are a firm leader looking for ways to integrate expertise from outside the traditional AEC industry. ✅ You want to learn how to better advocate for the value of a truly interdisciplinary design process with clients. ✅ You are a professional with a non-traditional background who wants to engage with architectural projects in a meaningful way. ✅ You want practical advice on how to foster a culture where the best ideas can come from anyone in the room. What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation. 📍 Show Links: Connect with Ximena on LinkedIn Connect with Mike LinkedIn Visit FIFTEEN’s Website 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter Check out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation…

Practice Disrupted by Practice of Architecture

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202: Designing with Purpose: Pascale Sablan on Advocacy, Joy, and Justice 55:03

25 days ago55:03

55:03

What does it look like when advocacy is embedded into the DNA of how one practices? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee is joined by Pascale Sablan, architect, activist, and the 2023-2024 President of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA). As the founder and Executive Director of Beyond the Built Environment, Pascale has spent her career not only designing spaces, but designing platforms for visibility, equity, and justice in architecture. Together, they explore Pascale’s path into the profession, from being one of the few Black women in her architecture school cohort to becoming a nationally recognized leader in advocacy-driven practice. She shares the origin story behind Beyond the Built, her reflections on the labor of representation, and the importance of documenting and uplifting the voices of BIPOC designers across time and space. The conversation also delves into the systems that uphold exclusion in architecture, and how Pascale works to dismantle them through action: challenging AIA policies, creating traveling exhibitions, and supporting youth pipeline initiatives. Her message is clear: architecture must move beyond statements and toward systems of accountability. "To advocate is not just to speak! It’s to act, It’s to move, to challenge, to build. Advocacy is a verb." - Pascale Sablan This episode concludes with a reflection on legacy, lineage, and the responsibility of naming, and remembering those who have been historically erased. It’s a call to not just imagine a more equitable profession, but to build it. Guest: Pascale Sablan, FAIA, NOMAC, LEED AP is the 2023–2024 President of the National Organization of Minority Architects and the Founder & Executive Director of Beyond the Built Environment. A Principal at Adjaye Associates, Pascale is an award-winning architect, advocate, and historian whose work challenges systemic injustice and promotes visibility for marginalized designers. She is the 315th living Black woman licensed to practice architecture in the United States. Is This Episode for You? This episode is for you if: ✅ You want to integrate advocacy into your design practice ✅ You’re looking for models of leadership grounded in justice ✅ You’re committed to making the profession more inclusive ✅ You believe in honoring history while building a more equitable future What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation. 📍 Show Links: Connect with Pascale on LinkedIn Visit Pascale’s Website Visit NOMA’s Website Learn more about Beyond The Built 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter Check out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation…

Practice Disrupted by Practice of Architecture

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201: Season 11 Opener with the Most Podern Podcast 1:01:14

5 weeks ago1:01:14

1:01:14

What does it mean to be an architect today, and is the traditional path still the most valuable one? To kick off Season 11, we welcome the three hosts of the Most Podern Podcast: Alex Yuen, Minkoo Kang, and Libo Li. They are three friends who, since their architectural education, have forged distinct, non-traditional careers that challenge the conventional definition of practice. The episode delves into their journeys as an architect-developer, an OMA designer turned developer and MIT instructor, and a self-proclaimed "career job changer" now working as a data engineer at Meta. The conversation starts by exploring the complex relationship between title and identity. How do you introduce yourself when your work spans architecture, development, academia, and big tech? This question opens up a candid discussion about the profession's insecurities, the value of an architectural education versus its real-world blind spots (like economics and finance), and the constant struggle to define and advocate for the value architects provide. The hosts debate whether people like them, who have stepped outside the traditional lines, make it harder to define that value, or if they are simply responding to a profession in need of new models. They tackle the "rule books" architects often ignore, the ones written by capitalism and market forces, and question the cultural mindset that often prevents practitioners from adapting. "The hypothesis should be - design is not valuable and you should try to disprove that, which is a totally different way of looking at the problem." - Libo Li This episode is packed with invaluable advice for both aspiring architects and fed-up mid-career professionals. From questioning your professors to getting comfortable with discomfort and learning to code, the hosts share actionable steps for anyone looking to make a change. Finally, they look to the future, discussing the end of the "Starkitect" era, the potential for AI to create single-person powerhouse firms, and why finding a support network is critical to making any leap. Guests: Alex Yuen is a licensed architect, educator, and co-founder of Co, a California-based design and development firm focused on affordable housing. He also teaches urban design at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. Minkoo Kang is an architect-turned-developer and an instructor at MIT's Center for Real Estate. A former designer at OMA, his work now focuses on understanding the financial forces that shape the built environment. He is the co-author of the newly released book, Value of Design. Libo Li is a data engineer at Meta and the author of the newsletter Building Probable, which explores data and the built environment. A self-described "career job changer," his path has taken him from architecture to data engineering, startups, and now big tech, driven by a desire to learn from different industries. Is This Episode for You? This episode is for you if: ✅ You are navigating a non-traditional career with an architecture degree. ✅ You question the traditional definition of architectural value. ✅ You are a student considering a career in architecture and want a realistic perspective. ✅ You are a mid-career professional feeling "fed up" and contemplating a change. ✅ You are curious about how economics, tech, and AI are reshaping the future of practice. What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation. 📍 Show Links: Connect with Alex Yuen on LinkedIn Connect with Minkoo Kang on LinkedIn Connect with Libo Li on LinkedIn Listen to the Most Podern Podcast Connect with Most Podern on LinkedIn Subscribe to Most Podern on Youtube Visit Most Podern Website Get Minkoo's book Value of Design Read Libo's newsletter Building Probable 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter Check out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation…

Practice Disrupted by Practice of Architecture

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Bonus Replay: Architecture, And: MBA 1:15:34

6 weeks ago1:15:34

1:15:34

Episode 055: Architecture, And: MBA What is the value of an MBA paired with an education in architecture? This week’s episode is a group discussion between our co-hosts and two fellow MBAs in the profession. Each participant has a foundation in architecture education and training, and is at a different stage in the process of pursuing an MBA. Three of our guests are licensed architects, with the last guest through IDP. Together they’ll demystify the MBA and discuss how they pursued and use their business education in their careers. Learn from these personal experiences to better understand what they’ve gained, what they wish they knew, and their recommendations to others who are considering going to school for business. We also discuss how architects can leverage the talents of someone with an MBA to improve their business operations and performance. Guests: Korey White is driven by her zest for the built environment, bringing open-mindedness and creativity to her role as an architect and urban planner. She applies her dual master’s degrees in architecture and urban and regional planning to an interdisciplinary approach that creates impactful outcomes for her clients and the community. Korey currently works for DLR Group in the Chicago office, focused primarily on educational facility master planning for K-12 school districts. Korey is recognized for her leadership within architecture by her recent election to the AIA Strategic Council as 2022 Moderator-elect and has been awarded the AIA Young Architects Award, the BD+C 40 under 40 and the AIA Colorado Leadership Award. She is currently enrolled at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the iMBA program . She is a Forte Fellow and will graduate with her MBA in Fall 2022. Keith Kato is an architect and MBA based in Honolulu, Hawai’i. He’s worked on a variety of project types including small & large custom homes, K-12, and higher education. Keith is interested in how business innovations can expand the market for architecture and how our communities can grow stronger by unleashing hidden potential. While in school, he was fortunate to participate and then lead the AIAS club Freedom by Design that delivered projects that served seniors and houseless individuals. Keith is currently participating in the great resignation and exploring possibilities aligned with his values. Show Links: 📍 For more information on University of Illinois’ iMBA program, visit: https://onlinemba.illinois.edu/get-info/ 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter…

Practice Disrupted by Practice of Architecture

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Bonus Replay: Architecture, And: Nonprofit Design Education 45:25

7 weeks ago45:25

45:25

Episode 043: Architecture, And: Nonprofit Design Education How are individuals using their training in architecture to explore diverse career paths? This week, we revisit the world of social impact design and the work of a rising, mission-driven entrepreneur. Maya Bird-Murphy joins us to share her story of designing and growing her nonprofit, Chicago Mobile Makers . The organization is on a mission to make design education accessible to everybody through youth design-thinking and problem-solving workshops across the greater Chicago community. According to the 2020 NCARB by the Numbers report, 83% of newly licensed architects were white, and 65% were male. Those who are currently not represented need support and guidance for a clearer path to careers in design. Chicago Mobile Makers seek to expand the variety of people entering the field of architecture to create more diverse workplaces, leading to more equitable decision-making and design. After converting a former USPS van into a mobile classroom, the Mobile Makerspace allows Maya’s team to bring the design studio directly into diverse communities, inspiring and lifting the next generation of design talent. Guest: Maya Bird-Murphy is an architectural designer, educator, and maker from Oak Park, Illinois. She is also the founder and Executive Director of Chicago Mobile Makers , an award-winning nonprofit organization bringing design-focused skill-building workshops to underrepresented communities. Maya believes that architecture should not be a privilege and must expand to accommodate more people through teaching and community engagement. She loves Chicago and hopes to make her mark by making it a more equitable place to live. In her free time, she can be found outside in nature with her two dogs. Show Links: Check out Chicago Mobile Makers Support their work! Featured on Dwell ‘ A Delivery Van-Turned-Mobile Classroom for Kids Hits the Streets of Chicago ’ by Duncan Nielsen / Photos by Tom Harris 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter…

Practice Disrupted by Practice of Architecture

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Bonus Replay: Architecture, And: Robotics 54:16

8 weeks ago54:16

54:16

Episode 036: Architecture, And: Robotics How are individuals using their training in architecture to explore diverse career paths? Continuing our on-going series “Architecture, And”, we invite Brian Ringley onto the show to discuss his role as a construction technologist at Boston Dynamics . Brian is part of the team developing Spot , an agile mobile robot that navigates terrain with unprecedented mobility. In this episode we’ll learn more about Spot, Boston Dynamics, and how Brian’s passion for technology and architecture led him to this innovative company. Guest: Brian Ringley is a construction technologist at Boston Dynamics where he promotes new value-add autonomous capabilities for construction project delivery and works to expand the construction application ecosystem with the Spot SDK. Prior to Boston Dynamics, he was a Senior Construction Automation Researcher at WeWork where he managed the construction robotics research program and contributed to initiatives in design automation, unitized prefabrication, and construction site progress monitoring. He has also taught architecture courses for many years, most recently at Pratt GAUD where he led seminars in computational fabrication and industrial robotic automation for industrialized construction. Show Links: Boston Dynamics Boston Dynamics, 'Do You Love Me?' Meet Spot ‘Beyond the Master Builder: How Robots Can Really Transform the Role of the Architect’ by Brian Ringley, published in Architect ‘Boston Dynamics: Inside the workshop where robots of the future are being built’ , 60 Minutes 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter…

Practice Disrupted by Practice of Architecture

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Bonus Replay: Architecture, And: Film 51:55

9 weeks ago51:55

51:55

Episode 019: Architecture, And: Film How are individuals using their training in architecture to explore diverse career paths? Guest: Rebekah Bukhbinder Rebekah Bukbinder is an Art Director working in film and television. She has collaborated on notable productions including The Mandalorian, Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker, and The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. A graduate of SciArc with a Master of Architecture, Rebekah’s background in architecture and fascination with the ephemeral has led her into the world of filmmaking and ultimately has informed a career in set design and world building. Her work in television and film transports audiences into imaginary worlds for people to experience. She believes her career has been a balance of taking risks, and serendipitous moments that led her to where she was meant to be. You can see more of Rebekah’s work on October 30 when Season 2 of The Mandalorian airs. Show Links: https://tinyurl.com/disneyplusTheMandalorian https://tinyurl.com/disneyplusTheRiseofSkywalker https://tinyurl.com/netflixTheDarkCrystal…

Practice Disrupted by Practice of Architecture

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Bonus Episode: AISC Architecture Center 42:09

10 weeks ago42:09

42:09

How can a deeper understanding of materials and a closer collaboration with builders reshape the way we design? In this special episode of Practice Disrupted, we spotlight a hidden gem for architects: the Architecture Center at the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC). While AISC has long been a technical hub for engineers, the Architecture Center is working to change that perception, offering architects the tools, knowledge, and support to innovate with steel. Evelyn is joined by Nima Balasubramanian, Director of Architecture at the AISC Architecture Center, and Parke MacDowell, an Associate Principal and the Director of Fabrication at Payette Architects. Nima details the Center's mission to be a resource "for architects, by architects," bridging the gap between design and fabrication by making technical information more accessible and fostering connections with the fabrication industry. Parke offers a compelling perspective from the world of practice, sharing how Payette's in-house fabrication group uses physical models and prototypes to foster shared agency, accelerate decision-making, and expand the role of the architect. He argues that embedding fabrication into a firm's process starts not with expensive tools, but with a cultural shift and by building direct relationships with specialty trade fabricators. "For me the architecture center is all about forging connections, and that’s connections between the designer and the builders who execute their ideas. It’s about establishing a common language and a common knowledge base. It’s that shared territory which accelerates innovation." - Parke MacDowell The conversation also touches on practical concerns, including steel supply chains and project costs, and explores the future of the profession. Nima shares the Architecture Center's upcoming initiatives, such as hands-on welding workshops and steel mill tours, designed to give architects tangible experience with the material they specify. Parke concludes with a powerful call for architects to recognize the agency they have to shape a more equitable built environment for everyone. Guests: Nima Balasubramanian is the Director of Architecture at the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), where she leads the Architecture Center. A former practicing architect, she is now focused on building out the center's mission to provide architects with the resources, knowledge, and support they need to work more effectively and efficiently with structural steel, bridging the gap between design and fabrication. Parke MacDowell is an Associate Principal and the Director of Fabrication at Payette Architects in Boston. As both a licensed architect and a fabricator with a background in welding, his work sits at the intersection of craft and community. He uses fabrication to drive design excellence, foster shared agency among project teams, and broaden the role of the architect in the building process. Is This Episode for You? This episode is for you if: ✅ You want to learn about the resources the AISC Architecture Center provides for architects. ✅ You are interested in how to better integrate fabrication and making into your design process. ✅ You are a small firm owner wondering how to collaborate more effectively with builders and fabricators. ✅ You are curious about hybrid steel-timber structural systems. ✅ You believe architects have a responsibility to broaden their agency and reclaim territory in the building process. What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation. 📍 Show Links: Learn more about AISC Architecture Center Connect with Parke on LinkedIn Follow Parke on Instagram Connect with Nima on LinkedIn 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter Check out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation…

Practice Disrupted by Practice of Architecture

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200: 200 Episodes, Changing Practice, and What Comes Next 54:48

11 weeks ago54:48

54:48

What happens when the disruptors pause to reflect on the disruption? For the 200th episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee welcomes back a very special guest: her original co-creator and former co-host, Je’Nen Chastain. Five years after they launched the podcast to challenge the conventions of architectural practice, they reunite for a milestone conversation about how their paths have evolved, the inflection points facing the profession, and why the work of changing the industry is more urgent than ever. Since stepping away from the microphone, Je’Nen has been building Apostrophe Consulting, a practice dedicated to helping AEC firms implement the real, substantial change they often only talk about. She shares how her work focuses on treating firm evolution as a design problem, addressing critical challenges like leadership transition, knowledge transfer, and the immense pressure on the "stretched thin" middle managers holding the gap between senior leaders and emerging staff. The conversation goes deep into the core issues plaguing the profession, from the "hollowing out" of the talent pipeline due to multiple recessions to the ongoing debate about where business education fits into an architect's training. Je’Nen and Evelyn also get personal, sharing candid reflections on identity, belonging, and the emotional toll of diverging from the traditional career path, and why they are each tackling the industry's problems from their unique perspectives. “Essentially at the core of it, what I'm really trying to change is the culture of how we develop and cultivate architecture firms. One of the things we argued on this podcast over and over again was that the business model was outdated. And I think the reason it's outdated is because culture was never taken into consideration as a design variable in building it." - Je’Nen Chastain The episode concludes with a look at how Evelyn is leveraging AI as a "teammate" to streamline operations, and a heartfelt congratulations on 200 episodes of creating a platform for the voices shaping the future of practice. Guest: Je’Nen Chastain is the original co-creator and former co-host of the Practice Disrupted podcast. She is the founder of Apostrophe Consulting, where she works with AEC firms to navigate complex challenges including leadership transitions, organizational design, knowledge transfer, and culture change. With a background in architecture and an MBA, Je’Nen combines design thinking with business strategy to help leaders implement meaningful and lasting transformation within their practices. Her mission is to help firms build healthier, more resilient business models where people can thrive. Is This Episode for You? This episode is for you if: ✅ You're a long-time listener curious about the origins of the podcast ✅ You are navigating a non-traditional career path in architecture ✅ You are a firm leader or middle manager dealing with talent gaps and knowledge transfer ✅ You believe firm culture is a critical component of a healthy business model ✅ You are wrestling with your own sense of identity and belonging within the profession What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation. 📍 Show Links: Connect with Je’Nen on LinkedIn Learn more about Apostrophe Consulting Follow Apostrophe Consulting on Instagram 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter Check out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation…

Practice Disrupted by Practice of Architecture

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199: Architecture, And: Niknaz Aftahi on Tech, Equity, and Transformation 43:43

12 weeks ago43:43

43:43

How can architects build more equitable, accessible, and tech-forward tools for the profession? This week on Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Niknaz Aftahi, architect, technologist, and founder of AEC+Tech, to explore how design and technology intersect, and how a background in architecture can lead to reimagining the future of AEC innovation. From early experiences with educational inequality in Iran to launching a platform that connects professionals with emerging tools and workflows, Niknaz shares a career defined by persistence, creativity, and service. Niknaz reflects on the formative role of her underground architectural education in Iran, where she was denied access to public universities due to her religious beliefs. After pursuing graduate studies at UC Berkeley, she worked in Bay Area firms and became increasingly interested in the inefficiencies she saw in traditional design practice. That curiosity led her to create AEC+Tech, a community-centered innovation platform built to democratize access to AEC tools, surface real-world case studies, and connect isolated parts of the industry. Evelyn and Niknaz discuss how small firms can navigate emerging technologies, why inclusive innovation matters, and how AEC+Tech has evolved from a simple database into a growing network of architects, engineers, and builders who are ready to experiment. They also touch on mentorship, knowledge sharing, and why Niknaz believes firm culture, and ultimately, the industry, can be transformed through collective learning. “Once you have a vision and you believe in a project or a goal, you don’t need to know what the final product is going to be. But with perseverance, consistency, and belief, you will make it work.” - Niknaz Aftahi The episode concludes with a reflection on rethinking career paths in architecture and the power of showing up with intention, even when the route ahead is uncertain. Guest: Niknaz Aftahi is the CEO and founder of AEC+Tech, an innovation platform that helps connect AEC professionals with emerging tools and technologies. Trained as an architect, she previously led design and technology initiatives at ELS Architecture and Urban Design and co-founded their internal Design Technology Committee. She currently serves on AIA San Francisco’s Design Technology Committee and teaches online architecture courses to Baha’i students in Iran through the Bahá’í Institute for Higher Education. Her work centers equity, access, and knowledge sharing in the built environment. Is This Episode for You? This episode is for you if: ✅ You’re curious about the intersection of architecture and technology ✅ You want to explore alternative career paths beyond firm life ✅ You’re passionate about building community and sharing knowledge ✅ You’re navigating how to introduce innovation inside (or outside) traditional systems What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation. 📍 Show Links: Connect with Niknaz on LinkedIn Follow Niknaz on Instagram Learn more about AEC+Tech 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter Check out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation…

Practice Disrupted by Practice of Architecture

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198: Architecture, And: Henry Gao is Empowering Creatives with Digital Tools 48:34

13 weeks ago48:34

48:34

How can architects build creative careers in the creator economy? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee speaks with Henry Gao, architect turned digital creator, educator, and founder of Draw With Gao, a platform that teaches architects and designers how to leverage iPad sketching as both a creative outlet and a new revenue stream. Henry’s path offers a rare glimpse into how an architectural background can evolve beyond the profession into entrepreneurship, storytelling, and scalable creative business. Henry shares his journey from sketching historical buildings as a child in China to navigating a traditional architecture education in Canada and the U.S., and eventually stepping away from firm life after realizing it didn’t align with his values. Along the way, he experimented with freelance renderings, ran an Etsy shop, studied architectural photography, and slowly built an ecosystem of content that now supports a global audience of designers. Together, Evelyn and Henry explore the challenges of leaving the traditional architecture path, the role of mentors and paid coaching, and what it takes to build a sustainable business around content, courses, and community. They also discuss Henry’s evolution from side hustles to a full-time educational platform, the power of standard operating procedures (SOPs), and why he believes teaching is a form of service that architects are well-equipped to offer. “When I stopped trying to fit into traditional architecture roles, I started to see all the ways my training could serve people. Teaching, drawing, storytelling, those are still architectural skills. But now I use them to empower others, and in doing so, I’ve built a business that’s both creative and sustainable.” - Henry Gao The episode concludes with a reflection on ikigai - the Japanese concept of purpose, and how Henry’s work sits at the intersection of what he loves, what he’s good at, what people need, and what can be monetized. It’s a conversation about reimagining the future of architecture as something broader than buildings - something designed to fit the life you want to live. Guest: Henry Gao is a designer, educator, and the founder of Draw With Gao, an online platform offering courses, tools, and coaching for architects and creatives interested in mastering digital hand drawing. Trained in architecture at Carleton University and Cornell, Henry transitioned from working in design firms to building a business rooted in teaching and storytelling. His work focuses on helping creatives turn their skills into impactful, scalable offerings in the creator economy. Is This Episode for You? This episode is for you if: ✅ You’re an architect curious about alternative career paths ✅ You want to learn how to monetize creative skills beyond the billable hour ✅ You’ve considered launching an online course, product, or content platform ✅ You’re exploring ways to build freedom and sustainability into your design career What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation. 📍 Show Links: Connect with Henry on LinkedIn Follow Henry on Instagram Learn more about Draw with Gao Subscribe to Henry’s Youtube Channel 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter Check out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation…

Practice Disrupted by Practice of Architecture

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197: Marywood University’s New Degree in Virtual Architecture 41:49

14 weeks ago41:49

41:49

How can virtual architecture expand the role of the architect? In this week’s episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee talks with Ryan Scavnicky, better known as Scav, about the future of architectural education, immersive digital environments, and redefining what it means to design space. As the Assistant Professor at Marywood University and creator of its new Bachelor of Virtual Architecture (BVA) program, Scav is imagining an architectural education rooted in video games, virtual reality, live streaming, and spatial storytelling. Dubbed the “Godfather of Architecture Memes” by Architectural Digest, Scav’s journey is anything but traditional. After training at the University of Cincinnati and working internationally at firms like Coop Himmelb(l)au, he pivoted to academia and new media, exploring how digital space can be as meaningful and architectural as physical buildings. He shares how Twitch streaming, immersive crit sessions, and real-time collaboration have reshaped his understanding of design and pedagogy. Evelyn and Scav explore the implications of this new degree program and what it means for the future of practice. They discuss how architecture has historically overlooked virtual space, how the profession might embrace new tools without losing its critical rigor, and how graduates of this program might expand into careers in game design, XR, storytelling, and tech, while still thinking like architects. The episode also examines the deeper cultural implications of space in games and film, and how architects can reclaim authorship in those expanding frontiers. “To me, this is still just architecture. We’re reaching a new medium of space, one that lives on screens, through headsets, inside games - and we have the tools to shape that with the same intentionality and care we bring to buildings.” - Ryan Scavnicky The episode concludes with a reflection on accessibility, immersion, and how virtual environments can be both technically and emotionally meaningful. Scav offers insight into how the profession can evolve, starting in the studio, and why it’s time to take digital spatial design seriously as a legitimate architectural practice. Guest: Ryan Scavnicky (Scav) is a designer, educator, content creator, and Assistant Professor at Marywood University, where he leads the newly launched Bachelor of Virtual Architecture program. With a background spanning traditional architecture, theory, memes, and digital media, Scav is known for translating architectural thinking into new formats, including Twitch, TikTok, and game engines. His work reclaims virtual environments as spaces for critical design, connection, and immersive storytelling. Is This Episode for You? This episode is for you if: ✅ You’re curious about the intersection of architecture and video games ✅ You’re an educator thinking about how to evolve studio culture ✅ You’re wondering what the future of licensure, pedagogy, or spatial experience might look like ✅ You believe architecture should expand beyond buildings and engage new mediums What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation. 📍 Show Links: Connect with Scav on LinkedIn Follow Scav on Instagram Learn more about Marywood’s Virtual Architecture Program 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter Check out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation…

Practice Disrupted by Practice of Architecture

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196: Architecture, And: Kate Aoki on Exhibition Design 31:49

15 weeks ago31:49