Practice Disrupted by Practice of Architecture 203: Interdisciplinary by Design: How FIFTEEN Builds with Purpose
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.
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