Practice Disrupted by Practice of Architecture

Episode 129: Architecture, And: Waterfront DesignHow do you transform interests into a specialized niche and trailblaze a non-linear path?On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we sit down with Dena Prastos AIA, a waterfront architect with a background in civil engineering and Founder and CEO of Indigo River, a women-owned transdisciplinary design firm focused on progressive waterfront architecture, resiliency, and climate adaptation. We learn about Dena’s upbringing in Alaska and how access to nature influenced the trajectory of her professional path. She also shares how her unique education and experience in both engineering and architecture have informed the creation of her company.“My experience was a unique niche through the engineering lens. Wearing my architecture hat, I saw the opportunity to both be the generalist to gather all the specialists in the room, but also be the specialist that can speak the same language. I leaned into this opportunity to have this larger vision — my relationship with nature, and appreciating both the built fabric as well as what is natural and wild.” - Dena Prastos We also learn about civil engineering, both in relation to architecture and as an industry of its own, and Dena shares what architects should know about climate adaptation, resiliency, and the waterfront. To wrap up the episode, Dena shares advice for anyone in search of the impact they can make in the world while building a career within a specialized niche. This episode offers a unique perspective of the non-linear career path, and the power of approaching areas of growth as another relationship to strengthen. Tune in next week for a conversation with Olivia Asuncion, a Project Architect and advocate for individuals with disabilities.Guests:Dena Prastos, AIA, is the first "waterfront architect," trailblazing a new category in the industry. Indigo River is a women-owned transdisciplinary design firm focused on progressive waterfront architecture, resiliency, and climate adaptation. A leading authority in New York Harbor and beyond, the firm specializes in climate adaptation through waterfront solutions that seamlessly transcend boundaries — guiding and executing projects from ideation through final construction and operations. Indigo River is a certified Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) committed to helping society evolve together with our environment.📍 Show Links: Indigo River Design FirmFollow Indigo River on InstagramFollow Dena on Instagram Connect with Dena on LinkedInFollow Dena on Twitter 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | TwitterCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation!

Episode 128: CO Architects, Leading the Way Through ChangeHow do you shape the next chapter of an established firm, while leading a “practice into perpetuity”?Tune in for a conversation with Jenna Knudsen, Managing Principal at CO Architects, who we had the pleasure of connecting with at this year’s American Institute of Architects Conference on Architecture (A’23). In this episode, we learn about Jenna’s transition into the role of Managing Principal, the challenge of stepping into a new role during COVID, and how continual improvement shows up in the 160 person practice. “Practice into perpetuity. It means that the current partners are really the caretakers of the firm. The goal is to continue to care for this practice for the next generation of leaders. The culture is really about this idea of continual improvement, continually learning and really thinking about growing everyone in the practice.”  - Jenna KnudsenTo wrap up the episode, Jenna shares what career transition challenges taught her about herself, and explains why it’s so important that the future of the practice is more diverse. Tune in next week for a new episode in our Architecture, And series.Guests:Jenna Knudsen, the managing principal of CO Architects, has led award-winning, large-scale academic, laboratory and healthcare projects on university and healthcare campuses across the country. Her groundbreaking projects demonstrate innovation in design, sustainability and project delivery — including early use of BIM and integrated delivery, for which she has been nationally recognized. In addition to her leadership role in the wide adoption of BIM, she has continued to push for the use of tools such as computational design, virtual and augmented reality, and custom applications to advance the work. Within both the practice and the profession, Jenna has been a long-time advocate for equal representation, spearheading initiatives to support and encourage women in architecture. Jenna received a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Southern California and a Master of Science in Architecture and Urban Design at Columbia University.📍 Show Links:  https://coarchitects.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/co-architects/https://vimeo.com/user73627226https://www.instagram.com/coarchitects/https://www.facebook.com/COArchitectshttps://twitter.com/COArchitectsLA📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | TwitterCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation!

Episode 127: NCARB Scholars of Professional PracticeWhat is the NCARB Scholars of Professional Practice?In this episode, we meet some of the individuals who gathered for the fifth annual NCARB Scholars in Professional Practice at Ball State University CAP:INDY. This event is one of the, if not only, places where professors gather to discuss the struggles and opportunities of teaching this course inside the architecture curriculum. We hear participants’ biggest takeaways from the program and explore a range of perspectives from educators, NCARB staff, facilitators, and more.“My first challenge as a teacher is to give my students confidence about what their professional futures look like. To generate excitement about it, to empower them, to say, ‘All of these topics are part of the equation that creates great design, and don't see these as an outlier to the design process.’ Approach this as another set of muscles that you need to develop in order to be the kind of architect you want to be.” - David Hinson, Associate Dean at Auburn UniversityLastly, Evelyn and Je’Nen discuss the “future of practice,” followed by a look at NCARB’s Futures Collaborative. We’ll learn about ways NCARB has started exploring the future of practice — and the role advanced technologies play in benefiting and strengthening the professional model. Tune in next week for a conversation with Jenna Knudsen, the Managing Principal of CO Architects.📍 Show Links:  National Council of Architecture Registration BoardsNCARB Scholars in Professional Practice📚 Continue Learning:NCARB Scholars: Going Further for Architectural EducationNCARB Article on Trends Shaping the Future of ArchitectureArchPaper Article on Practicing Practice📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | TwitterCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation!

Episode 126: Redesigning Professional PracticeHow are Professional Practice professors redesigning their coursework to support architecture students entering an industry in transition?Tune in as we kick off a NEW! podcast series centered on Professional Practice. Karen Williams from the University of Oregon School of Architecture & Environment and Nilou Vakil from the University of Kansas School of Architecture and Design join us to discuss their experiences teaching Professional Practice and the potential for this course to evolve and expand. We’ll introduce the 2022 NCARB Scholars in Professional Practice program — an annual, multi-day professional development intensive dedicated to ensuring that Professional Practice educators have the resources for students to succeed. Karen and Nilou share their thoughts on expanding education to support future architects, illustrate their individual successes in curriculum approach, and detail what questions students should ask of professors to gain further knowledge.“How can we talk about the ethics of what we do within the framework of cultural competencies? That is what gets us jobs or brings repeated clients back. People start to trust you to design something for them that serves them, instead of being sort of an egoistic process. I think that part of it is missing from the conversation of business and Professional Practice.” - Nilou VakilTune in next week for a recap of the 2023 NCARB Scholars of Professional Practice.Guests:Nilou Vakil, AIA, LEED AP BD+C  is the principal at in situ DESIGN and an Associate Professor of Architecture at KU School of Architecture and Design. Nilou has a personal connection to community involvement in shaping the built environment — she witnessed neighborhood destruction in the Middle East during an eight-year war. With over two decades of experience in the field, she is an expert in community-based architecture, housing, and urban design. As an associate professor, Nilou leads design studios, Ethics and Leadership in Professional Practice, and research seminars focusing on community-based partnerships and service learning. Her contributions to academia and architecture have earned her recognition as one of the top 25 most admired architecture professors by Design Intelligence in 2018, and she received the Faculty Fellow award in the KU Honors Program in 2020. Karen Williams, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP is a Project Manager at PIVOT Architecture in Eugene, OR. She is consistently working to educate people about the inner benefits of the architecture community and working toward a more equitable practice. She is a Career Instructor at the University of Oregon where she teaches Professional Practice and Practicum. As a means to be a professional example, Karen reviews architecture programs with NAAB, serves as a member of the Eugene River Guides Board, is a member of the Editorial Committee for ProPEL, and serves as a member of the research and writing team for the AIA Equitable Practice Guides: Justice and Education. 📍 Show Links:  2022 NCARB Scholars in Professional Practicehttps://www.acsa-arch.org/resource/propel/https://arcd.ku.edu/people/nilou-vakilhttps://www.isdarchitecture.com/https://pivotarchitecture.com/ 📚 Continue Learning:Building Design Podcast #14 Diversity and Equity in Architecture feat. Nilou Vakil💻 Learn about our podcast partner:👉 This episode is sponsored by the American Institute of Steel Construction  Interested in using your design training to prompt change in our industry? The AISC is looking for creative architects to help shape how our profession approaches structural steel. They’re building a program to bring industry leaders together to harness structural steel innovations. Learn more at aisc.org/architecture. 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | TwitterCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation!

Leah Alissa Bayer, Sarah Vaccaro, and Kate Conley discuss Architects FORA, a 100% woman-owned design firm. They explore their ownership transition, operating a virtual practice, and how remote working enhances communication and mentorship. They highlight changes in their hiring processes for diversity and inclusion. The guests emphasize the importance of creating an inclusive, diverse, and feminist practice.

Episode 124: Architecture, And: Mental Health in the ProfessionHow can we better support the mental health of architects and designers?Co-hosts Evelyn Lee and Je’Nen Chastain sit down with the moderator of Practice Disrupted’s Season 7 kickoff, Joann Lui, licensed architect turned-marketer and founder of the Women Architects Collective, to discuss how she transitioned from architecture into marketing for tech startups, and why this decision was in support of her passions and her mental health.Joann shares her newest project, the Mental Health Summit, which she created in response to a statistic stating that 97% of architects experience burnout. Joann curated the entire run of show to help attendees find and apply real, actionable strategies to managing their mental health and burnout. Session topics include people-pleasing, journaling, and building a practice that promotes mental health.“I was so unhealthy. I was constantly getting sick and not taking care of my own health. And I just want a profession where while we're building great buildings, and designing for other people, that we take care of ourselves, and we can be happier and just healthier individuals in general.”  Joann further discusses her work as an entrepreneur and illustrates how she has helped architects build their personal digital brands during the pandemic and, in turn, was inspired to create multiple businesses as a way to support the community — ranging from coaching to an online matcha shop. Tune in next week to hear a conversation with Evelyn and Je’Nen with Architects FORA discussing the Feminist Practice Model.Guest:Joann Lui, AIA is an architect, speaker, and the Founder of Women Architects Collective, a digital space where she provides community, conferences and coaching for 4,700+ members. To spread the voice of the community, she hosts annual events such as the Women Architects Festival and the Mental Health in Architecture Summit. Joann developed her professional experience at Gensler NY and transitioned into a Content Marketer role at AEC tech startups such as Monograph and TestFit. You can find her on her website, watch her YouTube channel, and follow her on Instagram or LinkedIn.📍 Show Links:  https://www.joannlui.comWomen Architects CollectiveSign up for the MentalHealthSummit.co📚 Past Episodes Referenced:PD #96 Addressing Mental Health in ArchitectureLeah Bayer:PD #52 Managing a Virtual PracticePD #18 Remote PracticeBen Kasdan:PD #115 Leading a Culture of MentorshipJennifer Matthews:PD #95 Voices of Mothers in Practice📚 Continue Learning:Burnout in Architecture 2021 Survey 💻 Learn about our podcast partner:👉 This episode is sponsored by the American Institute of Steel Construction  Interested in using your design training to prompt change in our industry? The AISC is looking for creative architects to help shape how our profession approaches structural steel. They’re building a program to bring industry leaders together to harness structural steel innovations. Learn more at aisc.org/architecture. 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | TwitterCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation!

Episode 123: Architectural Education: Evolving Curriculum & Alternative PathsHow has the MIT School of Architecture and Planning driven innovation and influenced alternative career paths for students in the field? In response to their listeners’ curiosity on bridging pathways into alternative careers, co-hosts Evelyn Lee and Je’Nen Chastain interview Nicholas de Monchaux, Professor and Head of Architecture at MIT, to discuss the evolution of curriculum at the oldest architecture program in the US. They’ll discuss potential career paths students can take and how Nick created a career that blends architecture, teaching, writing — and even installation work.Learn about the history of MIT and how its architectural program is immersed in both research and entrepreneurial culture, as well as how the history and culture of MIT has influenced graduating students’ ideas of architecture in the world. In this conversation, Nick illustrates how MIT enhances its students’ experience, the types of students MIT attracts, and how moving through unexpected spaces allowed Nick to redefine the possibilities of his career and carve a path of his own.To wrap up the episode, Nick shares advice to students about fusing curiosity and passion into new career pathways as faculty strive to expand the profession, its impact, and who has access to it — all in an effort to find other ways to speak with and to the world.“The architecture of our world is much bigger than bricks, although bricks are very, very important. I'm interested in that largest meaning of architecture, both as a sense of what we describe architecture as being  — which extends far beyond buildings both bigger than them and much smaller than them — and also extends far beyond the traditional notion of practice as well.”Tune in next week to hear a conversation with Evelyn and Je’Nen as they discuss the upcoming Mental Health in Architecture Summit.Guest:Nicholas de Monchaux is Professor and Head of Architecture at MIT, as well as a partner in the architecture practice modem. He is the author of Spacesuit: Fashioning Apollo (MIT Press, 2011), an architectural and urban history of the Apollo Spacesuit, winner of the Eugene Emme award from the American Astronautical Society and shortlisted for the Art Book Prize, as well as Local Code: 3,659 Proposals about Data, Design, and the Nature of Cities (Princeton Architectural Press, Fall 2016). His design work has been exhibited widely, including at the Biennial of the Americas, the Venice Architecture Biennale, The Lisbon Architecture Triennial, SFMOMA, the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, the Storefront for Art and Architecture and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago. He is a Fellow of the American Academy in Rome. Until 2019, he was Craigslist Distinguished Professor of New Media and Professor of Architecture and Urban Design at UC Berkeley.📍 Show Links:  MIT School of Architecture + PlanningMIT Department of Architecture📚 Continue Learning:modemLocal CodeSpacesuit💻 Learn about our podcast partner:👉 This episode is sponsored by the American Institute of Steel Construction Interested in using your design training to prompt change in our industry? The AISC is looking for creative architects to help shape how our profession approaches structural steel. They’re building a program to bring industry leaders together to harness structural steel innovations. Learn more at aisc.org/architecture. 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | TwitterCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation!

Episode 122: Entrepreneurship in Architecture, Apostrophe ConsultingWhat does it take to build a purpose-driven architecture management consulting business?Co-hosts Evelyn Lee and Je’Nen Chastain are back on the mic — except this time, Evelyn is guiding the conversation and interviewing Je’Nen! On this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn and Je’Nen share how they first connected in the architectural design world, and Je’Nen talks about how her entrepreneurial spirit and non-linear career path gave her a unique perspective in her business, Apostrophe Consulting.Apostrophe Consulting is a purpose-driven, woman-owned management consulting practice dedicated to helping architects transform their companies. With expertise in talent development, change management, and business strategy, Je’Nen helps her clients navigate growth in a changing world.To wrap up the episode, Evelyn asks Je’Nen what her hope and vision is for the future of both the field of architecture and Apostrophe Consulting. Stay until the end to hear what Je’Nen has to say, as well as her advice for anyone looking to step into entrepreneurship. “The number one is finance. And the number two is mental health. Those are the two things that I think most entrepreneurs need to be ready to navigate. I don't think you have to have it all figured out at the start — you can transition into this and still be successful. And there's nothing wrong with that.”Tune in next week to hear a conversation with Evelyn and Je’Nen about the MIT School of Architecture and Planning and how the program has driven innovation.Guest:Je’Nen Chastain, MBA, Assoc. AIA is the Founder of Apostrophe Consulting, a practice focused on helping architects and next-gen leaders strengthen their teams and businesses. In addition to consulting with firm leaders on practice management issues, she co-hosts Practice Disrupted, a podcast with a growing audience of over 30k unique listeners. She earned her MBA from Mills College and BArch from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She has received several industry leadership awards, including the 2017 AIA Associates Award and Presidential Citations from AIA California & North Carolina. She wrote the business plan for the AIA Leadership Institute 2015-2020 and served on the AIA national board of directors in 2010.📍 Show Links:  Apostrophe Consulting📚 Related Past Episodes:PD #119 Architecture, And: YouTube, Entrepreneurship, & ArchitecturePD #89 Entrepreneurship in Practice: Taking Risks to Create ValuePD #75 Growing an AEC Startup, The Evolution of a CompanyPD #56 Leading with Finance & EntrepreneurshipPD #26 Climate Action Through Entrepreneurship💻 Learn about our podcast partner:👉 This episode is sponsored by the American Institute of Steel Construction  Interested in using your design training to prompt change in our industry? The AISC is looking for creative architects to help shape how our profession approaches structural steel. They’re building a program to bring industry leaders together to harness structural steel innovations. Learn more at aisc.org/architecture. 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | TwitterCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation!

Episode 121: Season 7 Launch, AMA with the Women Architects CollectiveWhat questions do the Women Architects Collective have for Practice Disrupted?Co-hosts Evelyn Lee and Je’Nen Chastain celebrate Season 7 (happy 3rd birthday, Practice Disrupted!) with an AMA, Ask Me Anything. The conversation is guided by Joann Lui, a friend to the podcast, licensed architect-turned marketer, and founder of the Women Architects Collective. On this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn and Je’Nen answer questions relating to the podcast and their careers. Topics include: Evelyn and Je’Nen’s paths to earn an MBA, how to get involved with the American Institute of Architects (AIA), what architects can learn from other industries, and advice to Evelyn and Je’Nen’s younger selves. To wrap up the episode, Evelyn and Je’Nen share how Disrupted Practice has evolved over seven seasons. They also explain why their approach to the podcast has shifted, and how their favorite types of podcasts serve as inspiration for future episodes. “Intention is important to us. People are really looking for substantial content, so in Season 7 our hope is to bring on interesting people who can deliver on that energy to help us answer how we can really change and evolve practice going forward.”Tune in next week to hear a conversation with Evelyn and Je’Nen about change in the profession, and the work Je’Nen is doing through her company Apostrophe Consulting to support architects with adopting change in their practices.Special Guest:Joann Lui, AIA is an architect, speaker, and the Founder of Women Architects Collective, a digital space where she provides community, conferences and coaching for 4,700+ members. To spread the voice of the community, she hosts annual events such as the Women Architects Festival and the Mental Health in Architecture Summit. Joann developed her professional experience at Gensler NY and transitioned into a Content Marketer role at AEC tech startups such as Monograph and TestFit. You can find her on her website, watch her YouTube channel, and follow her on Instagram or LinkedIn.Co-Hosts:Evelyn Lee, FAIA, NOMA is the Global Head of Workplace Strategy and Innovation at Slack Technologies, and Founder of the Practice of Architecture. She integrates her business and architecture background with a qualitative and quantitative focus to build better experiences for the organization’s employees, clients, and guests. She is widely published, wrote a monthly column for Contract magazine for over three years, and is now a frequent contributor to Architect Magazine. Evelyn has received numerous industry awards, including 2016 40 Under 40 award for Building Design + Construction and the 2014 AIA National Young Architects Award. She served as the first-ever female Treasurer to the AIA National Board in 2020-2021 and will serve as the 101st AIA National President in 2025.Je’Nen Chastain, MBA, Assoc. AIA is the Founder of Apostrophe Consulting, a practice focused on helping architects and next-gen leaders strengthen their teams and businesses. In addition to consulting with firm leaders on practice management issues, she co-hosts Practice Disrupted, a podcast with a growing audience of over 30k unique listeners. She earned her MBA from Mills College and BArch from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She has received several industry leadership awards, including the 2017 AIA Associates Award and Presidential Citations from AIA California & North Carolina. She wrote the business plan for the AIA Leadership Institute 2015-2020 and served on the AIA national board of directors in 2010.📍 Show Links:  https://www.joannlui.comWomen Architects CollectiveMentalHealthSummit.co📚 Past Episodes Referenced:PD #90 Madame Architect: Work, Family, and Everything In Between (featuring Amy Stone)PD #80 Season 4 Finale with Madame Architect (featuring Amy Stone)PD #55 Architecture, And: MBA📚 Continue Learning:Harvard Business ReviewThe Anxious Achiever podcast Adam Grant’s podcastsBrene Brown’s podcasts: Unlocking Us and Dare to Lead📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | TwitterCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation!

Replay: Voices of Mothers in Practice What can architecture firms do to support mothers who are working in practice?Leaders of the profession share diverse perspectives on their identity between practice and motherhood. This discussion aims to explore the experiences of working mothers in diverse career stages who are raising children of different ages.Practice Disrupted is committed to elevating conversations on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion to teach, empower, and build greater awareness across the industry.Guests:Christina Cho Yoo, AIA, PE, LEED AP BD+C is co-founder of Atelier Cho Thompson. She received a BS & MS in civil & structural engineering and construction management at Stanford University and received a masters in architecture at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. She was a structural engineer at the international engineering company Arup, where she was the Structural Sustainability Champion for the Americas & worked on projects such as the LEED-Double Platinum California Academy of Sciences, Contemporary Jewish Museum, Kaiser hospitals, Schroder Overcrossing, and various other projects. She went onto work at architecture firms internationally including Kao Design Group on Richard Branson's Eco-Island, SHoP Architects on the Google HQ, Neri & Hu in Shanghai, Mass Studies in Seoul, and Bohlin Cywinski Jackson on Apple stores, the Apple iAd office, and the Square HQ. Christina is a licensed architect and engineer in California and has been LEED accredited since 2003.Her work has spanned typologies from single-family to multifamily residences, hospitals, labs, museums, innovative workplaces, hospitality and food service, to retail, exhibits, furniture, and graphics for various organizations. Before architecture school, she staged at Tartine Bakery while taking courses at the California Culinary Academy. She has lectured on Green R&D at Harvard and served as a critic at Parsons, Stanford, Harvard, & the California College of the Arts (CCA). She is an Adjunct Professor at the CCA, having taught advanced urban studio on the Post-Retail City and Integrated Building Systems. She served as Design & Innovation Chair of the Stanford Club of SF and currently is on the Board of Directors at Pacific Primary School.Jennifer T. Matthews, Associate AIA, is a full-time remote Architectural Designer at SS&A Design Collective based in Montgomery, Alabama. With eight years of healthcare design experience, Jennifer has worked on architectural projects for multiple healthcare providers and national government entities across the United States. She was awarded the 2018 Healthcare Design Magazine's Educator Honor Award for creating an annual event that introduces architecture students to healthcare design and careers within. Her recent outreach efforts include professional practice seminars and managing her professional development platform, Creative's XP. In 2013, Jennifer graduated from Tuskegee University with a Bachelor of Architecture. In 2020, she acquired a Master of Arts degree in Business Design and Arts Leadership from The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Jennifer served as the 2013-2014 National Vice President of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS). 📍 Show Links:  Atelier Cho ThompsonCreative's XPPractice Disrupted Diversity Series:Episode 009: Voices from the Future of the Profession (Black Architects)Episode 016: Voices from the Future of the Profession (LGBTQIA+ Architects)Episode 035: Asian American ArchitectsEpisode 048: Architecture, Identity, & CultureEpisode 053: Immigrant ArchitectsEpisode 054: Architecture, And: EDI+JEpisode 057: Southeast Asian American ArchitectsEpisode 059: Building the Pipeline Through K-12 EducationEpisode 068: 2022 AIA Whitney M. Young Jr. Honor Award Winners: RIDING THE VORTEXEpisode 070: She Builds Crossover in Three ActsEpisode 079: Increasing Black Women in ArchitectureEpisode 088: Latina Voices in PracticeEpisode 090: Madame Architect: Work, Family, and Everything in BetweenStay tuned for upcoming episodes in this series!📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter