Practice Disrupted by Practice of Architecture

How can small architecture firms innovate for a sustainable future?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, we sit down with Carina Coel, Founder and Principal Architect of Restructure Studio, and Alexandra Chaves, Project Manager at the firm. Together, they share how their firm balances custom and pre-designed home offerings, embraces flexible work models, and fosters leadership in architecture.We explore Carina’s journey in launching Restructure Studio, a firm recognized for sustainable residential design and workplace flexibility. To make sustainable design more accessible, she founded Arbor Plans, a platform offering pre-designed, high-efficiency home plans for homeowners and developers.Next, we discuss Restructure Studio’s innovative firm structure, allowing architects to work part-time while maintaining high design standards. Alexandra shares her experience as the firm’s first full-time employee, her advocacy for mentorship, and her leadership in Women in Architecture Austin.Carina and Alexandra also reflect on balancing work, family, and leadership, emphasizing mentorship, inclusivity, and alternative business models for the future of architecture.“We have to rethink how architecture firms support their teams—not just in design, but in how we structure our workplaces.” – Carina CoelGuests: Carina Coel is the Founder and Principal Architect of Restructure Studio, an Austin-based firm specializing in sustainable residential architecture. She is also the creator of Arbor Plans, an initiative aimed at making sustainable home design more accessible. Carina is a dedicated advocate for workplace flexibility and an active leader in AIA Austin’s JEDI Committee.Alexandra Chaves is a Project Manager at Restructure Studio and Chair of Women in Architecture Austin. With experience in residential architecture and a passion for mentorship, Alexandra is committed to supporting women in the profession and expanding access to sustainable design solutions.📍 Show Links:Connect with Carina Coel on LinkedInConnect with Alexandra Chaves on LinkedInLearn more about Restructure StudioExplore Arbor Plans📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | TwitterCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

Reflections on podcasting, leadership, and the future of the profession.Season 10 of Practice Disrupted begins with a twist as host Evelyn Lee shares the microphone with special guest Michele Grace Hottel, architect, advocate, and host of I’ve Never Met a Woman Architect Before. Together, they reflect on the growth of their podcasts, the evolving profession, and the personal stories that shaped their careers.In this candid discussion, Evelyn and Michele discuss their respective journeys into podcasting, highlighting key lessons learned from over 200 interviews and the inspiration behind their shows. The conversation dives into pivotal career decisions, the challenges of balancing work and family life, and the shifts happening in architecture due to technology and generational change.“We have to rethink architecture—not just the design process but the way we build our careers and support each other.” – Evelyn LeeThis episode also explores pressing topics, such as how architects can redefine their roles in a changing industry and the importance of mentorship, flexibility, and work-life balance in achieving long-term success.Guest: Michele Grace Hottel is an architect, advocate, and the host of I’ve Never Met a Woman Architect Before, a podcast celebrating diverse voices in architecture. With decades of experience, Michele has dedicated her career to advancing attainable housing, leadership in design, and equity within the profession.📍 Show Links:Connect with Michele Grace Hottel on LinkedInListen to I’ve Never Met a Woman Architect BeforeFollow Michele’s work 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | TwitterCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

How do you rethink a career in architecture to get unstuck?Guest:Laura Weiss Founder at Design DiplomacyAs a professional coach, facilitator, mediator, and consultant, Laura Weiss helps creative leaders engage in powerful conversations that drive change.A former licensed architect, Laura spent a decade with the global design firm IDEO as a Practice Director and Associate Partner. An expert in service design, she subsequently assumed leadership roles inside a variety of enterprises seeking to build their own capacity for innovation. Today she leads her own practice Design Diplomacy LLC and is an Adjunct Professor at the California College of the Arts.Laura holds a B.Arch. with honors from Cornell University, an M.Arch. from Yale University, and an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management. A lifelong learner, Laura has also earned a Professional Certificate in Mediation and Applied Conflict Studies from Champlain College in Burlington, VT, her CPCC (Certified Professional Co-Active Coach) credential through the Coactive Training Institute and is an ACC (Associate Certified Coach) with The International Coach Federation.How do you rethink a career in architecture to get unstuck?Guest:Laura Weiss Founder at Design DiplomacyAs a professional coach, facilitator, mediator, and consultant, Laura Weiss helps creative leaders engage in powerful conversations that drive change.A former licensed architect, Laura spent a decade with the global design firm IDEO as a Practice Director and Associate Partner. An expert in service design, she subsequently assumed leadership roles inside a variety of enterprises seeking to build their own capacity for innovation. Today she leads her own practice Design Diplomacy LLC and is an Adjunct Professor at the California College of the Arts.Laura holds a B.Arch. with honors from Cornell University, an M.Arch. from Yale University, and an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management. A lifelong learner, Laura has also earned a Professional Certificate in Mediation and Applied Conflict Studies from Champlain College in Burlington, VT, her CPCC (Certified Professional Co-Active Coach) credential through the Coactive Training Institute and is an ACC (Associate Certified Coach) with The International Coach Federation.📍 Show Links:  Evelyn Lee’s LinkedinJe'Nen Chastain Linkedinhttps://lauraweiss.net/Create Your Own Path Forward - and Perhaps Away from Architecture (Architect Magazine)📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | TwitterCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

In this episode of Practice Disrupted, we begin to explore technology as a disruptor to the industry of architectural practice.Guest:Nels Long, Co-Founding Director of RotoLab Nels Long (SCI-Arc ’14) is a designer, strategist and educator with a passion for projects that seek to improve the world through a relationship between technology and the built environment. As an Associate Principal at RoTo Architects, Nels has worked on projects at numerous scales from single family homes and commercial spaces, to large civic projects and masterplans. His approach to practice is the basis for founding RoTo Architects’ innovation studio, RotoLab. Through RotoLab Nels has cofounded companies that each focus on a different relationship between architecture, technology, and neuroscience, specifically focusing on learning through virtual experiences, virtual tooling, and social and competitive spaces for virtual experiences and games.📍 Show Links:     RoTo Architects -- Our curated team of professionals have worked for corporations, government agencies, and individuals on a wide array of projects. We have learned the value of working collaboratively and the benefit of listening with open minds, heightened curiosity, and a sense of great purpose. https://www.rotoark.com/RotoLab - An innovation studio for cross sector innovation in Architecture & Real Estate.http://rotolab.la/Second Studio is an open source collaboration software for architects and designers looking for an immersive VR solution for creating free form models using intuitive virtual tools.https://github.com/SecondStudio/Second-StudioAffinity Space is a grassroots organization in support of resilient futures through the sharing of information, cross-sector collaboration, and online mentoring. It is an online space where life’s challenges are to be presented in a spirit of compassion and domain experts present solutions in support of affected communities. It is a knowledge web in support of learning new skills, making new friends, and creating a better world. https://affinity-space.com/RIOS (formerly Rios Clementi Hale Studio) https://www.rios.com/Read more about RIOS product design: https://www.rios.com/news/#filter=.all-posts.all-brands.productsnotNeutral was born out of the idea that architecture is more than just a building; it is everything in the designed environment. As the design-child of Rios Clementi Hale Studios, notNeutral was a way for our award-winning transdisciplinary design firm to expand its horizons. https://www.notneutral.com/ Evelyn Lee’s LinkedinJe'Nen Chastain LinkedinVisit https://jambcollective.com/ to apply to become a Jamb Groundbreaker📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | TwitterCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

How are architects thinking outside of the box of the traditional practice model? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, we explore lessons from the Practice Innovation Lab and meet a team of architect entrepreneurs who are building a business.Guests:Christian Jordan, Co-Founder of Jamb CollectiveAbi Brown, Co-Founder Jamb CollectiveChristian Jordan is an architect practicing in Philadelphia, PA. As a principal at PJA Architecture, founded by his father, Phillip, he continues to be a tireless advocate for emerging architects and the profession. Having graduated from Jefferson University with a B.Arch in 2005, he has been an adjunct at the university’s College of Architecture since 2006.  He is currently teaching a course on innovation and professional practice.  He was awarded the AIA Pennsylvania’s Emerging Professional award in 2017.  In 2018, he ended a three-year term as the AIA Young Architect Regional Director for Pennsylvania, during which time he established the Firms Fostering Emerging Professional recognition award for firms in Pennsylvania.  In 2017, he co-founded the JAMB Collective with five colleagues during the AIA’s Practice Innovation Lab.  As a managing partner, Christian continues to further JAMB's mission to help small firms stay small, act big, and do good.  Abigail R. Brown, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, is an architect at Hickok Cole in Washington, DC, where she works on urban multifamily residential projects at a variety of scales. Abi is the 2020 Vice Chair and the 2018-2019 Community Director for AIA National’s Young Architects Forum where she uses her passion for building networks and resource sharing to better connect emerging professionals groups around the country. She is a licensed architect in the state of Illinois, a 2020 winner of the AIA Young Architects Award, and a 2016 winner of the AIA|DC Emerging Architect Award.In 2017, she participated in the AIA Practice Innovation Lab where her team started JAMB Collective, a network that helps small and medium-sized architecture firms better compete with larger firms. Abi’s experience leading in her office and professional organizations helps to shape JAMB’s approach to member outreach and culture.JAMB Collective utilizes technology and a decentralized network to connect, support, and open new doors for small to mid-size architecture firms.  From its conception at the AIA’s Practice Innovation Lab in October of 2017 to today, the JAMB Collective has grown from an idea to an ecosystem of 16 architectural firms across 8 states and D.C.  The firms range from sole proprietors to 40+ person firms and include expertise in resiliency, historic preservation/adaptive reuse, and remote practice.  In 2018, JAMB won the Charette Venture Group's Architectural Business Plan Competition for its proposal to democratize networks and resources for small firms.  JAMB is currently part of Trimble's ZeroSixty Accelerator 2019-2020 cohort.📍 Show Links:  Evelyn Lee’s LinkedinJe'Nen Chastain LinkedinVisit https://jambcollective.com/ to apply to become a Jamb Groundbreaker📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | TwitterCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

How does organizational design support an innovative firm culture?Guest:Andrew Cronin, Principal at KieranTimberlakeIn over 15 years as an architect, Andrew has focused on a variety of project types including award winning renovations for university clients, an addition and renovation at a local religious institution, a private home in rural Northern California, and an innovative new education center at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Andrew is currently working on a student residential planning study for a liberal arts college in New England and a precinct planning study for a university in Washington D.C. Andrew takes a holistic approach to design practice. As a Principal at KieranTimberlake, he remains deeply connected to digital design, prototyping, and systems integration and engages project teams across the office by co-leading KieranTimberlake's BIM Practices group and works to spread lessons across the firm through KT’s regular weekly knowledge sharing forums. Andrew supports KieranTimberlake’s pursuit of the 2030 Challenge in his role in the Beyond 2030 working group and leads KieranTimberlake’s internal mentorship program. He is also a jury critic and adjunct faculty member at the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design at Drexel University.  📍 Show Links:  Evelyn Lee’s LinkedinJe'Nen Chastain Linkedinhttps://kierantimberlake.com/📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | TwitterCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

Welcome to the launch of Practice Disrupted! Meet hosts Evelyn Lee and Je’Nen Chastain who will begin to discuss the changing nature of architectural practice.Hosts:Evelyn Lee, Founder of Practice of Architecture & Senior Experience Designer for Slack TechnologiesJe’Nen Chastain, Founder of Apostrophe ConsultingEvelyn M. Lee, AIA, MBA, MPA is a licensed architect in the state of California, with over 15 years of experience working with individuals and companies that are looking to reshape their future. She has been a featured keynote speaker, panelist, and moderator at national conferences and symposiums. Her topics focus on developing knowledge leadership, organizational change management, capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and strategic approaches to put design thinking to work in life and in practice. She also serves on the advisory council to ZeroSixty, an accelerator for the AEC Industry and is the first female Treasurer to AIA National‘s Board of Directors. When not working on the Practice of Architecture, Evelyn works as the first-ever Senior Experience Designer at Slack Technologies.Je’Nen M. Chastain, MBA, Assoc. AIA is a business strategy consultant trained in architecture and business management with expertise in marketing, communications, and leadership development. She founded Apostrophe Consulting with the goal of helping architecture firms win more work, build a culture of leadership and trust within the design studio, and create a pipeline for emerging leaders to grow in our industry. A recipient of the 2017 AIA Associates Award, Je'Nen holds both a B.Arch. and an MBA. She previously spent nearly a decade in the San Francisco Bay Area, collaborating with award-winning architecture firms on design, marketing, and business development efforts. She has spoken across the country on leadership development, career advancement, emerging professionals, mentorship, and women in architecture.📍 Show Links:  Evelyn Lee’s LinkedinJe'Nen Chastain Linkedin📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | TwitterCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

How Can Architects Redefine Leadership and Success in a Changing Profession?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee takes the guest chair as Caitlin Brady, AIA, flips the script for a reflective and thought-provoking season finale. Caitlin, a Project Architect, inclusion advocate, and host of the podcast Architectette, leads this candid discussion about the evolution of career paths in architecture. Together, they explore lessons in leadership, generational dynamics in the workplace, and balancing personal and professional identities.The conversation begins with Evelyn’s reflections on pivotal career moments, including her transition out of traditional practice and into tech, and her current journey as an entrepreneur. Caitlin and Evelyn discuss how architecture professionals can adapt to generational shifts, navigate hybrid work models, and challenge traditional definitions of success. They also delve into the value architects bring to their clients beyond design and explore how innovation can redefine the profession’s future."We have to rethink how architects approach their clients’ needs, not just for new buildings but in the spaces in between." – Evelyn LeeThe episode wraps with Evelyn’s outlook on 2025, including her hopes for architects to embrace flexibility, mentorship, and entrepreneurship as tools for success in an evolving industry.Guest: Caitlin Brady, AIA, LEED BD+CCaitlin Brady is a Project Architect and Associate at Ayers Saint Gross, where she specializes in higher education architecture. With over a decade of experience, she champions inclusion in the profession as an ACE Mentor, AIA volunteer, and host of Architectette, a podcast amplifying women’s voices in AEC. In 2023, Caitlin received the AIA|DC Emerging Architect Award for her contributions to the industry.📍 Show Links:  Connect with Caitlin Brady on LinkedInListen to the Architectette Podcast: ArchitectetteFollow Architectette on Instagram: @ArchitectetteConnect with Architectette on LinkedIn📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | TwitterCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

How Can Architects Use Data and Technology to Build Sustainably?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, we sit down with Sandeep Ahuja, Co-Founder & CEO of CoveTool and co-author of Build Like It’s the End of the World. Known for her innovative contributions to the architecture and sustainability space, Sandeep shares her journey from licensed architect to tech entrepreneur. Together, we explore how data, AI, and a shift in business models are reshaping the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry.We begin by diving into Sandeep’s newly released book, Build Like It’s the End of the World. She discusses the inspiration behind the book, which provides a comprehensive guide to building sustainably in today’s climate. From financial implications to actionable strategies, the book is designed to empower everyone in the AEC industry—from students to seasoned professionals.Next, we discuss CoveTool’s evolution from Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) to Value-as-a-Service (VAS), a shift that reflects the growing complexity of architecture projects. By combining AI-powered tools with consulting services, CoveTool enables firms to tackle challenges ranging from early-stage design to compliance and beyond.Sandeep also shares her vision for how architects can reclaim their role as design leaders, leveraging technology to focus on creativity and problem-solving rather than repetitive tasks. Her insights underscore the importance of collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and embracing innovation to drive meaningful change in the industry.If we want to solve climate change, we need to make data accessible, easy to understand, and actionable. That’s how architects, owners, and the planet win. – Sandeep AhujaTo conclude, Sandeep reflects on her journey as a CEO and shares advice for the next generation of architects. Her story is a testament to the power of passion and resilience in driving innovation and positive impact.Guest: Sandeep AhujaSandeep Ahuja is the Co-Founder and CEO of CoveTool, an award-winning software platform that helps architects and engineers optimize their designs for sustainability. She is also the co-author of Build Like It’s the End of the World, a comprehensive guide to sustainable building practices. With a background in architecture, Sandeep is a passionate advocate for climate action and innovation in the built environment.📍 Show Links:  Connect with Sandeep on LinkedInLearn more about CoveToolBuild Like It’s the End of the World📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | TwitterCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

How can architects use their skills to pivot into tech design and UX strategy successfully?On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we chat with Emily Privot McNamara, a design strategist and researcher at Amazon’s Device Design Group. From designing buildings to designing tech products at Amazon, Emily demonstrates how architects can successfully transition into non-traditional roles. In our conversation, she shares how her architectural background has shaped her approach to the tech world and her vision for the evolving relationship between architecture and technology.First, Emily discusses her path into architecture, her pivot to tech product design, and how the principles of architectural thinking translate to UX strategy. She also highlights her passion for health tech, where her work impacts millions globally.Then, Emily offers a look at working for Amazon, including how she developed her portfolio and balances business goals with customer needs in such a large company. She highlights the value of architectural problem-solving skills and relationship management in tech, offering insights for professionals thinking about similar career moves.The advice is really just to have that confidence and don't be intimidated by these artificial barriers of noncommon denominators. You think that if you are transitioning from architecture to product design, it's a whole new world. And yes, there are different terms and jargon, but ultimately, you are able to apply skills to solve other people's problems. You are able to address the needs of a company through the skills and tools you already have in your toolbox. - Emily Privot McNamaraTo wrap up the conversation, Emily shares advice for architects looking to pivot to tech or other non-traditional roles. She also touches on architecture's intersection with technology and reflects on how this convergence will continue to shape the future of both industries.Tune in next week for an episode with one of the Cove Tool founders to discuss new business models and a new book. Guest:Emily Privot McNamaraEmily moved from DC to San Francisco in the early aughts to join the budding community of sustainable architects and began her career as an architectural designer working on a range of projects from high-end retail environments to local non-profit urban streetscape improvements.  After some years in architecture, she pivoted into design strategy to create different things on different timelines. She has worked in Bay Area consultancies and in-house as both a (UX/ID) researcher and design strategist and remains inordinately passionate about biology, only now through a lens of health tech, specifically for women. In a future chapter of her career, she hopes to serve as a death doula for end-of-life caregiving.📍 Show Links:  Connect with Emily on LinkedIn📚Continue Learning:Eames Design Diagram📚 Past Episodes Referenced:PD #29: Taking the Leap from Architecture into Tech📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | TwitterCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation