How can architects maximize their impact on communities through the built environment by leveraging valuable relationships, evolving technology, and sustainability? On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we sit down with Joshua A. Foster, an award-winning community builder, designer, educator, and speaker. As the Founder and CEO of JAF Creative Solutions – a consulting firm dedicated to maximizing community impact in the AEC and real estate industries – Joshua shares his insights on aligning wit...
Nov 14, 2024•48 min•Season 9Ep. 176
How can architects utilize their diverse skill sets outside of the practice to create meaningful, lasting social impact within communities and the built environment? On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we welcome Wayne Mortensen, a leader whose career spans architecture, urban design, and social work. As Vice President of Excel Development Group and founder of Public Square Development Services, Wayne brings an interdisciplinary perspective to community development. In our conversation, we di...
Nov 07, 2024•48 min•Season 9Ep. 175
How can architecture firms develop strong and innovative company values, foster a supportive workplace culture, and continue to grow while making an impact? On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we sit down with the founding team of Modellus Novus – Jonathan Garnett, Creative Director; Preeti Sriratana, Managing Director; and Steven Harper, Operating Director. In our conversation, they discuss the inspiration behind their firm, what sets them apart from others in the industry, and how they're a...
Oct 31, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 9Ep. 174
How can firms effectively leverage knowledge management to stay ahead of the evolving industry? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, we explore the evolution of knowledge management in the AEC industry with Christopher Parsons, founder and CEO of Knowledge Architecture. Christopher’s work centers on developing ways to manage and share knowledge within AEC firms. Together, we discuss the future of knowledge management and how firms can stay ahead of industry shifts. First, Christopher defines k...
Oct 24, 2024•45 min•Season 9Ep. 173
How can leaders build and grow successful firms by integrating strong operational support, continuous learning, and adaptability into their leadership approach? On this episode of Practice Disrupted , we continue to redefine traditional leadership in a conversation with Ellen Bensky, Principal, CEO, and CFO of Turner Fleischer. Ellen's background from psychology to business to architecture leadership has shaped her innovative approach to running a successful design firm. Under her leadership, Tu...
Oct 17, 2024•51 min•Season 9Ep. 172
How can architects use their work and voice to drive social justice, create a positive impact on the community, and inspire the next generation of leaders? On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we celebrate Douglas Ito, the 2024 recipient of the AIA Whitney M. Young Jr. Award. As a managing member of SMR Architects in Seattle, Douglas has been a driving force in the creation of over 2,800 affordable housing units, including 1,300 units dedicated to permanent supportive housing. First, Douglas o...
Oct 10, 2024•52 min•Season 9Ep. 171
How can architectural form inspire innovation in the fashion and product design industries? On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we dive into the intersection of architecture, fashion, and technology with Duane McLemore and Katherine Voorhies, the creatives behind the jewelry brand Xover0. Duane, an architect passionate about digital fabrication, and Katherine, a self-taught graphic artist and fashion designer, discuss how they've blended their backgrounds to build their unique jewelry line. F...
Oct 03, 2024•44 min•Season 9Ep. 170
How can knowledge management promote sustainability, equity, and overall architecture firm excellence? On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we welcome Corey Squire, associate principal and sustainability director at Bora Architecture & Interiors, member of AIA's Strategic Council, and leader of the creation of the AIA Framework for Design Excellence. As a national lecturer on sustainability, Corey offers an expert perspective on using knowledge management to elevate a firm's performance an...
Sep 26, 2024•42 min•Season 9Ep. 169
How can architects protect and monetize their creative work with the help of intellectual property (IP) laws? On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we’re joined by Ana Juneja, an award-winning intellectual property (IP) attorney and founder of Ana Law® – the first law firm offering flat-fee, 100% guaranteed services for patents, trademarks, and copyrights. In our conversation, Ana explores the essential role of IP in the architecture field. First, Ana breaks down the four main types of intellec...
Sep 19, 2024•53 min•Season 9Ep. 168
How can diverse leadership, perspectives, and ideas drive innovation and meaningful change in the AEC industry? On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we have a fascinating conversation with Rolf Provan, the unconventional CEO of Luckett and Farley, an architecture, engineering, and interior design firm. Rolf's unique marketing background in well-known household brands, informs our discussion on innovation, leadership, and opportunities for meaningful change in the AEC industry. First, we explor...
Sep 12, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 9Ep. 167
How can we leverage a background in architecture with soft skills to successfully transition from architecture to product management? On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we chat with Liz Fibleuil, who made an inspiring transition from architecture to product management. With a Master's in Architecture and Sustainable Design and over 10 years of experience, Liz leverages her architectural background with her soft skills to deliver digital solutions at Tanooki Labs. In our conversation, we expl...
Sep 05, 2024•49 min•Season 9Ep. 166
How can AI, automation, and technology democratize custom home design and improve the home building process for both buyers and architects? On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we welcome Marc Minor and Michael Bergin, the co-founders of Higharc. With Marc's passion for combining design and technology and Michael's dedication to improving the built environment through design automation, they created Higharc. Higharc provides software tools to make custom home design more accessible, enabling u...
Aug 29, 2024•51 min•Season 9Ep. 165
How can architects think broadly about their career options and the various ways they can contribute to and grow within the built environment? On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we're joined by Laura Wake-Ramos, a business development manager at Mortenson. As an architect and real estate developer with experience in design-build construction, she brings a unique perspective to the intersection of architecture and construction. In our conversation, Laura shares her journey in the field, insig...
Aug 22, 2024•41 min•Season 9Ep. 164
How can architecture firms grow alongside the future of the practice by exploring other business models and embracing opportunities for innovation? On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we’re excited to introduce Lawrence Fabbroni as our new Chief Innovation Officer at The Practice of Architecture. Larry is an architect with over twenty years of experience and has been involved in many major development projects in the US. Currently, he works as a consultant focusing on strategic pre-developmen...
Aug 15, 2024•50 min•Season 9Ep. 163
How is Quinn Evans embracing sustainability, historic preservation, and equity in their practice to positively impact the future of architecture, environments, and communities? On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we're joined by the next generation of leaders from Quinn Evans, the 2025 AIA Firm of the Year Winner: Julia Siple, Principal and Director of Sustainability, and Senior Associates Nakita Reed and Charles Sparkman. We discuss Quinn Evans' focus on sustainable architecture, their workp...
Aug 08, 2024•51 min•Season 9Ep. 162
How can architects thrive within the future of architecture by embracing the professional business development aspects of the practice? Welcome to Season 9 of Practice Disrupted! In this episode, we are joined by Aya Shlachter, the CEO and owner of MGS Global Group and the host of the "Architect My Business" podcast, where she provides valuable insights for small businesses in the architecture industry. Today, our conversation is focused on various business-related issues within architecture fir...
Aug 01, 2024•58 min•Season 9Ep. 161
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...
Jul 25, 2024•45 min
What should architects understand about the influence of computational design in practice? Technology has prompted a massive change in the way we practice architecture. This week we’ve invited Andrew Heumann to the show to help us take a deep dive into the world of computational design and coding. This episode aims to bridge the gap between those new to the niche of computational design and those embedded in the community. Andrew will share his perspective on the evolution of the digital tools t...
Jul 18, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Why is everyone talking about Monograph? Founded in 2018 by Robert Yuen, Alex Dixon, and Moe Amaya, the initial agency called Dixon & Moe has grown into a 50-person team, now known as Monograph. In their search to build tools and websites for startups and architecture firms, they noticed a recurring challenge—architects and project managers kept complaining about their existing and non-existent project management software. Even more prevalent, there was a disconnect between how projects were...
Jul 11, 2024•57 min
Who is the Architectural Workers United? The Architectural Workers United is organizing towards making architecture more equitable, the profession more just, and our built environment more resilient. Join us as we interview Andrew Daley and Jess Myers to learn more about the architectural labor movement, unions, and the history of labor practices in architecture. What are the biggest misconceptions? What is the benefit? What are the most common questions people ask? We’ll discover all of this an...
Jul 04, 2024•1 hr
Episode 160: Practice Disrupted and the Practice of Architecture What’s next for Evelyn, Je’Nen & Practice Disrupted? On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we welcome Je'Nen M. Chastain back as we wrap up season 8 of the show! If you don’t already know her, Je’Nen is a business strategy consultant, entrepreneur, and podcaster who helps leaders transform their teams and companies. In our conversation, Je'Nen shares what she has been doing during her podcast hiatus while Evelyn opens up about...
Jun 27, 2024•59 min•Season 8Ep. 160
Episode 159: Architecture, And: Senior Product Manager at Higharc How can technology, software, and product management roles transform and expand the traditional architecture practice? On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we sit down with Abe Drechsler, a licensed architect and current product manager at Higharc, to explore the intersection of the architecture practice and evolving technology. Throughout our conversation, Abe explains his role as a product manager, where he leverages digital t...
Jun 20, 2024•35 min•Season 8Ep. 159
Episode 158: Architecture, And: Director of Product at Intelligent City How can architects leverage the evolution of technology and the role of architects to enhance sustainability and innovation within the built environment? On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we are joined by Kristin Slavin, an architect, developer, and product manager who has helped drive national building code changes and an industry-wide shift to more sustainable building practices. Throughout our chat, we focus on the e...
Jun 13, 2024•47 min•Season 8Ep. 158
Episode 157: The Skills Required for a Technology Driven Future What skills do architects need to succeed in a technology-driven future? On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we've invited Andy Robert and Mercedes Carriquiry back on the show to talk about the skills architects need to succeed in a technology-driven future. Andy and Mercedes are the co-founders of slantis, where they partner with architecture firms to provide services such as architecture & production coordination, high-end ...
Jun 06, 2024•40 min•Season 8Ep. 157
Episode 156: Architecture, And: The Anti-Racist Hotdog How can innovative initiatives in the architecture design field and social entrepreneurship foster racial equity, inclusion, and all-encompassing systemic change? On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we chat with Wandile Mthyiyane, an architect known for his work in social entrepreneurship and his innovative initiatives to promote equity, diversity, and inclusive practices that drive meaningful change within the field and beyond. Wandile i...
May 30, 2024•43 min•Season 8Ep. 156
Episode 155: The Evolution of Architecture Education at the Boston Architectural College How can architectural education evolve to better prepare students and non-licensed professionals for the challenges and opportunities of the profession? On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we have an insightful conversation with Beth Lundell Garver, AIA, NOMA Dean and Founding Director of Gateway Office (GO), a community-based design center at the Boston Architectural College (BAC). Today, we discuss the ...
May 23, 2024•49 min•Season 8Ep. 155
Episode 154: Being an Archtivist How can architects embrace activism, innovation, and collaboration to create more inclusive, sustainable, and empathetic environments? On this episode of Practice Disrupted, Nyasha Harper-Michon, an architect, strategist, and advocate for sustainability and inclusion, joins us to discuss the intersection of architecture, activism, and innovation. Nyasha is an 'Archtivist’. This is a term she created for architects and built environment professionals who lead envi...
May 16, 2024•49 min•Season 8Ep. 154
Episode 153: AI and Ethics in Architecture How can architects responsibly use AI image-generation tools in their practice while considering the ethics and concerns? On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we discuss all things AI in architecture and explore the responsible use of AI image generation for design. Joining this conversation is Damon Leverett, an architect, artist, and educator at the University of Arizona. His seminar on AI has been accepted as a workshop at the AIA24 National Confer...
May 09, 2024•49 min•Season 8Ep. 153
Episode 152: Architecture, And: Using Research to Tell The Story of Architecture How can architects use research to advance diversity, equity, and cultural competency within the field while articulating its value to the general public? On this episode of Practice Disrupted, Kendall A. Nicholson, a licensed educator, architectural designer, and Senior Director of Research, Equity, and Education at the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), joins us to discuss equity, research, ...
May 02, 2024•39 min•Season 8Ep. 152
Episode 151: The Built Environment Futures Council How can we thoughtfully integrate AI into the architecture practice and collaboratively shape a sustainable and innovative future for all? On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we explore the work of the Built Environment Futures Council (BEFC) and its mission to thoughtfully integrate artificial intelligence into architecture and infrastructure. We are joined by key members of the BEFC – co-founders Randy Deutsch and Matthew Krissel, along wit...
Apr 25, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 8Ep. 151
