182: Rethinking Firm Structure & Sustainable Home Design

Practice Disrupted by Practice of Architecture

How 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 models, and fosters leadership in architecture.

We explore Carina’s journey in launching Restructure Studio, a firm recognized for sustainable residential design and workplace flexibility. To make sustainable design more accessible, she founded Arbor Plans, a platform offering pre-designed, high-efficiency home plans for homeowners and developers.

Next, we discuss Restructure Studio’s innovative firm structure, allowing architects to work part-time while maintaining high design standards. Alexandra shares her experience as the firm’s first full-time employee, her advocacy for mentorship, and her leadership in Women in Architecture Austin.

Carina and Alexandra also reflect on balancing work, family, and leadership, emphasizing mentorship, inclusivity, and alternative business models for the future of architecture.

“We have to rethink how architecture firms support their teams—not just in design, but in how we structure our workplaces.” – Carina Coel

Guests:

Carina Coel is the Founder and Principal Architect of Restructure Studio, an Austin-based firm specializing in sustainable residential architecture. She is also the creator of Arbor Plans, an initiative aimed at making sustainable home design more accessible. Carina is a dedicated advocate for workplace flexibility and an active leader in AIA Austin’s JEDI Committee.

Alexandra Chaves is a Project Manager at Restructure Studio and Chair of Women in Architecture Austin. With experience in residential architecture and a passion for mentorship, Alexandra is committed to supporting women in the profession and expanding access to sustainable design solutions.

📍 Show Links:

Connect with Carina Coel on LinkedIn

Connect with Alexandra Chaves on LinkedIn

Learn more about Restructure Studio

Explore Arbor Plans

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