What does it mean to design for the greater good?

In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee steps back to listen as two remarkable architects have a thoughtful, candid, and deeply human conversation. You will hear from Deborah Berke, FAIA, architect, educator, founder of Tenberg, Dean of the Yale School of Architecture, and the 2025 recipient of the AIA Gold Medal. You will also hear from Arthi Krishnamoorthy, a Principal at Tenberg, whose work spans mission-driven institutions, foundations, and major academic projects.

Together, they reflect on the arc of Deborah’s career, from discovering architecture at age 13 to shaping a practice grounded in collaboration, authenticity, and optimism. They explore what it means to design for the greater good, how architecture must respond to the increasing complexity of today, and why optimism remains an essential creative act. Arthi shares her own global perspective informed by her upbringing in Singapore and her deep community involvement in Queens, and how she and Deborah lead with shared values and a belief in the power of architecture to create meaningful and joyful spaces.

Woven throughout the conversation is the story of Tenberg, a New York-based firm defined by its humanist approach and commitment to design that is "authentic, simple, clear, and relevant." Deborah and Arthi discuss the firm's growth, from a solo practitioner to a collective of 55 people, and the critical role that a diverse, collaborative culture plays in their success. They emphasize the responsibility of the architect to be a voice of optimism and possibility, particularly when tackling complex problems like climate change and social equity.

"I'm fundamentally optimistic. And I think to be an architect, you have to be optimistic. You have to believe in the future. You have to believe in the ability to change things for the better, because otherwise you can't be doing what we're doing. It's a huge creative act, but it's also an act of optimism." - Deborah Berke

The episode concludes with a look at the future of practice, affirming that architecture remains a discipline of both beauty and responsibility. Deborah and Arthi’s conversation is a powerful reminder that enduring design is rooted in shared values, authenticity, and a sustained, optimistic belief in what buildings can do for people and communities.

Guests

Deborah Berke, FAIA, LEED AP, is the founder of the New York-based firm Tenberg (formerly Deborah Berke Partners) and the Dean of the Yale School of Architecture. She is the 2025 recipient of the AIA Gold Medal, recognizing her distinguished career focused on humane, authentic, and context-driven design.

Arthi Krishnamoorthy, AIA, LEED AP, is a Principal at Tenberg. Her work focuses on mission-driven projects for institutions and foundations, reflecting the firm's core values of community and design for the greater good. She is actively involved in community initiatives in Queens, New York.

Is This Episode for You?

This episode is for you if:

✅ You are inspired by the career of the 2025 AIA Gold Medal recipient, Deborah Berke.

✅ You are interested in how to foster a collaborative, values-driven culture in a growing firm.

✅ You want to understand the role of optimism and authenticity in architectural practice.

✅ You believe in the power of design to serve the "greater good" and create meaningful spaces.

✅ You are interested in the evolution of a successful firm from solo practice to a collective.

What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.

📍 Show Links:

Learn more about Deborah on Wikipedia
Connect with Deborah on LinkedIn
Read the Gold Medal Award 2025 AIA article
Connect with Arthi on LinkedIn
Learn more about TenBerke

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