Tangents by Out of Architecture

Our guest today, Nate Steinrueck, Product Strategist at Outer Labs, shares his journey from studying anthropology to working in architecture and eventually transitioning into the tech industry. He emphasizes the importance of being a good listener, learner, and helper in his work, and how these qualities have shaped his career. Nate also discusses the similarities between architecture and product strategy, highlighting the value of problem-solving and effective communication in both fields. He offers advice for those looking to make a career change and emphasizes the importance of finding alignment between one's strengths and passions.Listen to the end to hear our highlight from OOA community member, Rachel Gresham, Senior Director, Professional Practice Programs at The American Institute of Architects. Connect with her on Linkedin, and let her know you found her through the Tangents podcast. Highlights:Nate strives to be a listener, learner, and helper in his work, focusing on understanding the needs of others and finding ways to make their work more efficient.His background in architecture has provided him with valuable insights and skills that he applies to his role as a product strategist.Effective communication and problem-solving are essential in both architecture and product strategy.When making a career change, it's important to evaluate your strengths and passions and find alignment with the roles and companies you're considering. (Find out the interesting way Nate went about doing this!) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this Tangents episode, Eric Riggsbee, a project manager at Joyful, shares his unique career path from architecture to the tech industry and back again. He discusses the transferable skills he gained from architecture, such as problem-solving and attention to detail, and how they have helped him succeed in his current role. Eric emphasizes the importance of following happiness rather than sticking to a specific career path, and how architects can bring their creativity and strategic thinking to other industries. He also highlights the need for a strong work-life balance and the value of creating a positive company culture.Highlights: Architects possess transferable skills such as problem-solving, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic that can be applied to various industries.Following happiness and pursuing alternative career paths can lead to fulfilling and rewarding experiences.Architects have the opportunity to create innovative and engaging spaces that promote learning and collaboration.Building a positive work culture requires trust, creativity, and a focus on employee well-being.The future of architecture lies in integrating technology, strategy, and creativity to create meaningful and impactful spaces. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Jody Broccoli Hickey is a 3D computational designer at Adidas. Jody shares how he leveled up his skills and understanding when making a career switch, and the joy of the creative process strengthened from pursuing opportunities that aligned strongly with his interests. Highlights: The importance of spending time to level up your skillsLearning the tribal language needed to communicate in different industriesLet your unique interests be your superpowers and set you apartThe creative snowball effect that can happen when you pursue your passions ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Our guest today is Ben Feicht, Architect and Exhibit Designer at Upswell. Ben shares how and why he transitioned from architecture to exhibit design, the impact of journaling as a tool for exploration, and the exciting future of technology in design.How journaling can help explore ideas, identify interests and find the right career pathNetworking and using LinkedIn can lead to job opportunities in different industriesOffering ideas and showcasing skills during the application process can make you stand outWorking in a small design agency allows for skill-building and collaboration across different disciplines ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this Tangents episode we speak with AKSHAY MEHRA, Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth and Space Sciences at the University of Washington. Akshay's journey from architecture to geosciences highlights the value of curiosity, mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration. His experience demonstrates the potential for architects to contribute to scientific research and engage with complex issues in a rigorous and impactful manner. Highlights:How a background in architecture led to a PhD in geosciencesHow the skills learned in architecture, such as spatial thinking and communication, proved to be valuable in other fields.Reaching out to experts in other fields can lead to fruitful collaborations and new perspectives.Mentors play a crucial role in guiding and supporting career development.Integrating rigorous scientific research into architecture can lead to more impactful and meaningful design solutions.  ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this Tangents episode we speak with STEPHEN DREW, Founder of the Architecture Social. Through his candid and authentic perspective, we explore the importance of embracing change, selling oneself, and the untapped potential architects possess in various industries.Highlights: The importance of selling oneself and leveraging architectural expertise in different industriesAcknowledge the self-doubt and fear that often accompany career transitions. but take control of your professional lifeEmbrace sales and marketing skills to better promote yourself and your workExplore different career paths and do not be afraid to deviate from traditional architecture if it doesn't align with your passionsListen to the end to hear from DAVID BERLEKAMP, AIA from the OOA Community!  ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this Tangents episode, we speak with ELLEN ABRAHAM, Chief Pin Officer at Architect Pins, one of our amazing OOA Advisors and Senior Project Manger and Co-Founder of Equity Design Lab @ SOM.Highlights: SOM’s Equity Design Lab, which focuses on creating equitable and community-focused designsHow architects have the power to be change-makers and make a positive impact on communities“Always Be Pitching” and how an entrepreneurial spirit embraces risk and failing forwardCreating Architect Pins as a way for architects and designers to express   and celebrate their unique journeys and valuesStaying true to yourself, embracing failure, and finding community to support your growth and success ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

On this episode of Tangents, Caitlin Taylor, Architect, Farmer, Food Systems Designer and Managing Director at Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture, shares her experiences developing a passion and career exploring food systems through an architectural lens.  Hear Caitlin’s insights into exploring her interests deeply, finding equally passionate and driven people to work with, and the power that architects have to redesign and rebuild food systems. She describes how she looks at everything from all scales, and views everything she does as an act of love. Listen to the end to hear our highlight on Thomas Musca, Designer, Artist and Founder of Cassius Castings from the OOA community!Highlights: Falling in love with farming while in grad schoolLeading the Food Systems Design Lab at MASS Design GroupOpportunities at Stone Barns Center for Food and AgricultureBalancing passions, a sense of urgency and a long view of timeUnderstanding and curiosity for systems at a range of scales ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

On this episode of Tangents, Anamika Goyal, Director of Operations for Architecture & Construction at Riley Projects and OOA advisor, shares her experiences from working in more traditional architecture firms to innovative startups in the AEC industry (WeWork, Cottage, Riley Projects). Hear Anamika’s insights into leadership, management, and finding a career that fulfills a passion for building without leaving architecture. Check out our show notes below where you’ll find recommended resources from Anamika! And listen to the end to hear Luis Velez, from the OOA community!Highlights: Leader, Problem Solver, ConnectorGetting Started in Architecture Later in LifeReflecting Objectively On Your CareerOut of (Traditional) Architecture But Still BuildingManaging Healthy Teams and PeopleFostering a Culture of Everyday LeadershipThe Right Amount of Autonomy Comes From Good Hiring PracticesAn Architect as a Starting PointRecommended Reading from Anamika:Company of One - Paul Jarvis (Strategic ways to go out on your own)The Goal - Eliyahu Goldratt (If you love this book, you might love an operations-focused role!)Radical Candor - Kim Scott (Management aka helping your team reach its highest potential, with a focus on communication and individuals)High Output Management - Andrew Grove (Management aka helping your team reach its highest potential, with a focus on the business, professional development, and operations) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

On this episode of Tangents, Ana Barros, Creative Director @ BTTR Agency and Architectural Photographer, shares her experiences of building a fulfilling career from her passions and details the skills that enabled her to get there. She talks about the importance of being adaptable and curious and how she used tools to her advantage to further her creative process.Listen to the end to hear from a part of the OOA team and community, Jasmine Hwang!Highlights: Finding something to fulfill your creative needs when your day job is not enoughBuilding a career from the early days of InstagramThe importance of the right mindset Be adaptable, curious and willing to learnLetting tools aid in your creative processFulfill your vision and move forward in the creative process ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★