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. The ...
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197: Marywood University’s New Degree in Virtual Architecture
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41:49How 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 crea…
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196: Architecture, And: Kate Aoki on Exhibition Design
31:49
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31:49How can architects redefine experience through storytelling and space? This week on Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee talks with Kate Aoki, architect, educator, and founding partner of Golden Egg Creative, to explore how designers can blend architecture, storytelling, and community to create immersive, intentional experiences. With a career path that’…
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195: Saving Modernism: George Smart’s Mission to Preserve Design History
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34:51How does a personal passion project become the world's largest archive for modernist residential design? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with George Smart, founder and CEO of USModernist, to explore how a personal interest blossomed into a vital national resource for architecture enthusiasts and professionals alike. Geor…
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194: Architecture, And: Bridging Design and Industry with Nima Balasubramanian
31:07
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31:07How can architects build better relationships with materials - and each other? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Nima Balasubramanian, Director of Architecture at the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), to explore how architects can deepen their material knowledge, challenge industry norms, and find joy i…
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193: Architecture, And: Rochelle Mills, Shaping Community Stories
1:12:47
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1:12:47How can architecture build dignity, belonging, and home? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Rochelle Mills, President and CEO of Innovative Housing Opportunities (IHO), to explore how architecture and development intersect with justice, memory, and transformation. Rochelle’s story weaves together the worlds of design, …
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192: Architecture Needs Radical Transparency
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47:57How can radical transparency redefine leadership in architecture? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee reconnects with Robert Yuen, CEO and co-founder of Monograph, to explore what he calls radical transparency - a bold leadership approach that challenges firm owners to rethink how they share information, build trust, and lead with cla…
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191: Architect, And: Clarence Kwan Architect turned Lifestyle Concierge
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45:32How can mid-career architects redesign their lives around joy and curiosity? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee talks with Clarence Kwan, an architect-turned-entrepreneur who spent three decades building a career in architecture and tech before pivoting to launch his own lifestyle concierge business, CK Curated. Together, they explor…
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190: Running a Regenerative Business Practice
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56:05What does it truly mean to run a regenerative business, not just design regenerative buildings? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Matthew Broderick, President and CEO of Ashley McGraw Architects, Susanne Angarano, Principal at Ashley McGraw and Founder of Vaysen Studio, and Josie Plaut, Associate Director of the Insti…
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189: Architecture, And: Rico Quirindongo, Public Servant
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40:26How can architects shape cities through public service? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Rico Quirindongo, Director of the Office of Planning and Community Development for the City of Seattle. After spending 27 years in architectural practice, Rico transitioned into civic leadership, where he now influences urban pol…
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188: Amplifying Women’s Stories in Architecture with Jadyn Anderson
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28:47How can storytelling empower women in architecture? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee talks with Jadyn Anderson about the power of storytelling and advocacy in architecture. As a Master of Architecture student at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and junior designer at Zimmerman Architectural Studios, Jadyn is deeply invested in…
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187: Architecture, And: A New Language for Material Decision-Making
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42:49How a non-technical founder built a tech solution to transform material selection for architects. In the latest episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Vardhan Mehta, co-founder of AceLab, an AI-powered platform transforming how architects research and specify building materials. Vardhan shares his journey from practicing architect…
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186: CannonDesign’s Billie, An AI Companion Transforming Architectural Workflows
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42:55How can AI transform knowledge sharing and efficiency in architecture? In the latest episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping workflows in architecture firms. She is joined by Emily Lotterer, National Marketing Operations Leader at CannonDesign, and Joel Yow, Director of Digital Products, to discus…
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185: Architecture, And: Michael Ford on Hip Hop, Innovation, and Representation in Practice
48:11
48:11
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48:11How can hip hop and architecture create a more inclusive future? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Michael Ford, architect, entrepreneur, and founder of the Hip Hop Architecture Camp. Known as "The Hip Hop Architect," Michael has dedicated his career to increasing diversity in architecture by using hip-hop as a tool f…
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184: Lattice over Ladder, A New Model for Leadership in Design
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47:50How can firms rethink leadership to create more equitable career paths? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, we explore a new approach to leadership development in architecture with the team from FIFTEEN Architecture & Design. Firm founders and team members share how they’ve challenged traditional hierarchies by implementing a flexible, inclusive…
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183: Architecture, And: Creative Director Obiekwe Okolo
43:24
43:24
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43:24How does an architectural background shape a career in creative direction? Architecture teaches more than just how to design buildings—it shapes the way we see, think, and create. In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Obiekwe "Obi" Okolo, a Nigerian-American photographer, multimedia artist, and creative director at Bitter…
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182: Rethinking Firm Structure & Sustainable Home Design
55:32
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55:32How can small architecture firms innovate for a sustainable future? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, we sit down with Carina Coel, Founder and Principal Architect of Restructure Studio, and Alexandra Chaves, Project Manager at the firm. Together, they share how their firm balances custom and pre-designed home offerings, embraces flexible work…
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181: Architects, Innovators, Podcasters with Michele Grace Hottel
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45:20Reflections on podcasting, leadership, and the future of the profession. Season 10 of Practice Disrupted begins with a twist as host Evelyn Lee shares the microphone with special guest Michele Grace Hottel, architect, advocate, and host of I’ve Never Met a Woman Architect Before. Together, they reflect on the growth of their podcasts, the evolving …
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Bonus Replay: [Re] Creating Your Career in Architecture
49:11
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49:11How do you rethink a career in architecture to get unstuck? Guest: Laura Weiss Founder at Design Diplomacy As a professional coach, facilitator, mediator, and consultant, Laura Weiss helps creative leaders engage in powerful conversations that drive change. A former licensed architect, Laura spent a decade with the global design firm IDEO as a Prac…
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In this episode of Practice Disrupted, we begin to explore technology as a disruptor to the industry of architectural practice. Guest: Nels Long, Co-Founding Director of RotoLab Nels Long (SCI-Arc ’14) is a designer, strategist and educator with a passion for projects that seek to improve the world through a relationship between technology and the …
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Bonus Replay: The Next Generation of Practice
1:03:36
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1:03:36How are architects thinking outside of the box of the traditional practice model? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, we explore lessons from the Practice Innovation Lab and meet a team of architect entrepreneurs who are building a business. Guests: Christian Jordan, Co-Founder of Jamb Collective Abi Brown, Co-Founder Jamb Collective Christian J…
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Bonus Replay: Organizational Design, Process, and Innovation
1:10:27
1:10:27
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1:10:27How does organizational design support an innovative firm culture? Guest: Andrew Cronin, Principal at KieranTimberlake In over 15 years as an architect, Andrew has focused on a variety of project types including award winning renovations for university clients, an addition and renovation at a local religious institution, a private home in rural Nor…
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Welcome to the launch of Practice Disrupted! Meet hosts Evelyn Lee and Je’Nen Chastain who will begin to discuss the changing nature of architectural practice. Hosts: Evelyn Lee, Founder of Practice of Architecture & Senior Experience Designer for Slack Technologies Je’Nen Chastain, Founder of Apostrophe Consulting Evelyn M. Lee, AIA, MBA, MPA is a…
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180: Architectette takes on Practice Disrupted
47:40
47:40
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47:40How Can Architects Redefine Leadership and Success in a Changing Profession? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee takes the guest chair as Caitlin Brady, AIA, flips the script for a reflective and thought-provoking season finale. Caitlin, a Project Architect, inclusion advocate, and host of the podcast Architectette, leads this candid …
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179: Cove.Tool, A New Era of Architectural Consulting
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33:26How Can Architects Use Data and Technology to Build Sustainably? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, we sit down with Sandeep Ahuja, Co-Founder & CEO of CoveTool and co-author of Build Like It’s the End of the World. Known for her innovative contributions to the architecture and sustainability space, Sandeep shares her journey from licensed arch…
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How can architects use their skills to pivot into tech design and UX strategy successfully? On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we chat with Emily Privot McNamara, a design strategist and researcher at Amazon’s Device Design Group. From designing buildings to designing tech products at Amazon, Emily demonstrates how architects can successfully t…
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177: Designing a Successful Hybrid Practice
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43:40How can architecture firms successfully transition to a hybrid work model that balances flexibility, connection, and structure? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, we explore hybrid work models in architecture firms, using the firm Shepley Bulfinch as an example. We’re joined by three leaders from Shepley Bulfinch: Jenn Zagarella, Vice President…
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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 Sol…
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175: Architecture, And: Affordable Housing and Community Development
48:26
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48:26How 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…
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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, Operat…
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173: Future of Knowledge Management in AEC Firms
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45:24How 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 w…
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172: The Unconventional CEO, The Psychologist Turned Firm Leader
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50:37
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50:37How 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 fr…
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171: 2024 Whitney M. Young Jr. Award Honoree Douglas Ito, FAIA
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51:32
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51:32How 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 d…
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170: Xover0 Mixing Fashion, Design, and Technology
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44:03How 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,…
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169: How Knowledge Management Drives Firm Excellence
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41:51
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41:51How 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 Excelle…
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168: Intellectual Property and the Future of Practice
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52:49How 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 co…
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167: The Unconventional CEO: From Global Marketer to Insightful Design Leader
1:08:32
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1:08:32How 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-k…
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166: Architecture, And: Tanooki Labs Product Manager, Liz Fibleuil
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49:18How 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 …
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165: The Future of Housing with the Co-Founders of Higharc
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51:10How 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 bui…
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164: Architect, And: Construction BD Manager Laura Wake-Ramos
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41:24How 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, s…
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163: Practice of Architecture’s New CIO, Larry Fabbroni
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50:15
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50:15How 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 e…
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162: 2025 AIA Firm Award Winner, Quinn Evans
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50:33
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50:33How 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 Dire…
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161: Season 9, Architect My Business Podcast
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57:44
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57:44How 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 ins…
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Bonus Replay: Addressing Mental Health in Architecture
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45:10How 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 …
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Bonus Replay: Exploring the Evolution of Computational Design
1:00:48
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1:00:48What 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 n…
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Bonus Replay: Growing an AEC Startup / The Evolution of a Company
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57:00Why 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 co…
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Bonus Replay: Understanding the Architecture Labor Movement
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59:46Who 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 i…
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160: Practice Disrupted and the Practice of Architecture
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59:29
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59:29Episode 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 tra…
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159: Architecture, And: Senior Product Manager at Higharc
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34:42Episode 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 th…
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158: Architecture, And: Director of Product at Intelligent City
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46:54Episode 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…
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157: The Skills Required for a Technology Driven Future
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40:06Episode 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 th…
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