The Power of Architects as Change Makers with SOM’s Ellen Abraham

In this Tangents episode, we speak with ELLEN ABRAHAM, Chief Pin Officer at Architect Pins, one of our amazing OOA Advisors and Senior Project Manager and Co-Founder of Equity Design Lab @ SOM.

In this episode, Ellen Abraham discusses the power of architects as change makers and the importance of thinking beyond traditional roles in the industry. She shares her background in architecture, from growing up in Dominica to pursuing her education and career in New York. Ellen also highlights her current role as a Senior Project Manager at SOM and the founding of the Equity Design Lab, which focuses on community-first and equitable design practices. She emphasizes the need for architects to consider the impact of their designs on communities and the importance of measuring success in terms of social equity, economic equity, and ecology.

Highlights:

• Architects have the power to be change makers and positively impact communities through their designs.
• The Equity Design Lab at SOM focuses on creating equitable and community-focused design practices.
• Conversations, empathy, and education are key to overcoming resistance and implementing change in the industry.
• Architects should think beyond their traditional roles and consider the long-term effects of their designs on communities.
• Failing forward is essential for personal and professional growth, and embracing failure can lead to new opportunities.

Want to chat further with Ellen? Book some time with her here: https://www.outofarchitecture.com/scheduling