Practice Disrupted by Practice of Architecture

Who is the Architectural Workers United? The Architectural Workers United is organizing towards making architecture more equitable, the profession more just, and our built environment more resilient. Join us as we interview Andrew Daley and Jess Myers to learn more about the architectural labor movement, unions, and the history of labor practices in architecture. What are the biggest misconceptions? What is the benefit? What are the most common questions people ask? We’ll discover all of this and more as we discuss why there is a growing group of advocates standing behind AWU.Guests:Andrew Daley is an organizer, activist, and licensed architect living and working in Brooklyn. He is currently working with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) on organizing efforts within the architecture industry. He has 12 years of experience working for a number of offices in multiple states, most recently for 7 years at SHoP Architects as a Project Director working on US embassies worldwide.Jess Myers is an assistant professor in Rhode Island School for Design’s architecture department. Her podcast Here There Be Dragons offers an in-depth look into the intersection of identity politics and security policy in public space through the eyes of New Yorkers, Parisians and Stockholmers. Her work can be found in The Architect’s Newspaper, The Funambulist Magazine, Failed Architecture, Dwell and l’Architecture d’Aujourd’hui. (Read more about Jess on Madame Architect.)📍 Show Links:  AWU WebsiteAWU FAQ PageAWU How to UnionizeAWU InstagramAWU TwitterAWU Contact: architectural.workers.united@gmail.com📚 Continue Learning:Labor ResourcesDPE Data SheetEPI Productivity-Pay GapEPI Union Density-Top 10% IncomeDOL Employee RightsNLRB WebsiteNational Labor Relations ActNYC Central Labor CouncilArchitecture Labor ResourcesThe Architecture Lobby Union Pamphlet (downloadable pamphlet)Architecture and Anti-Trust ArticleWhy Don’t Architects Have Unions? (by Jess Myers)Architecture and Labor (review of book by Peggy Deamer)NCARB DemographicsAIA Bias ReportFAECT Article (by Mardges Bacon)Press about AWU (selected)New York Times ArticleCurbed ArticleNew York Review of Architecture ArticleArchitectural Record ArticleArchitect’s Newspaper ArticlePress about Overwork/Burnout/StressHarvard Business Review Article (about long hours)Salon Article (about 40 hour work week)Gallup Union Support PollCNBC Article (about long hours)Wall Street Journal Article (about overtime)World Economic Forum (about employees leaving)National Bureau of Economic Research (union job satisfaction study)Recent Professional Unions (Non-Exhaustive, there are 6,000,000 professional union members)VICE Media Union (est. 2017) - WGA EastVOX Media Union (est. 2018) - WGA EastThe New Yorker Union (est. 2018) - News GuildNew York Magazine Union (est. 2018) - News GuildWirecutter Union - (est. 2019) - News GuildNew Museum Union - (est. 2019) - UAWWhitney Museum Union - (est. 2020) - UAWGuggenheim Union - (est. 2021) - UAWACLU Lawyers - (est. 2021) - IFTPE📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | TwitterCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

Je’Nen Chastain, a business strategy consultant and the founder of Apostrophe Consulting, joins the conversation to discuss transformative practices in architecture. She and Evelyn explore the need for innovation and cultural evolution in architectural firms. They share insights on navigating career transitions and the importance of mental health. They also dive into the role of AI in business operations and the potential for creating supportive communities in the architectural field, emphasizing collaboration and empowering women in tech.

Episode 159: Architecture, And: Senior Product Manager at HigharcHow can technology, software, and product management roles transform and expand the traditional architecture practice?On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we sit down with Abe Drechsler, a licensed architect and current product manager at Higharc, to explore the intersection of the architecture practice and evolving technology. Throughout our conversation, Abe explains his role as a product manager, where he leverages digital tools to automate and streamline design processes and compares the traditional architecture practice to one that prioritizes tech. First, Abe shares why he transitioned from traditional architecture practice to product management and highlights the potential of tech-oriented roles within architectural firms. We touch on the workplace culture at Higharc and the pros and cons of the architecture industry-wide call back to working in person in the office.Then, Abe discusses the impact of technology on automating tasks, allowing architects to focus on design and other human-centric aspects of the practice. He also notes the differences between architecture and product management, including the physical nature of architecture as opposed to the digital divide and flexibility of tech.In architecture, there's a clear understanding of what you're trying to build and what the client wants, at the end of the day. It's very obvious that if a client wants a hospital, chances are they're going to expect the hospital four years later. But in tech, there's a whole lot more exploration because you are not really sure what the final solution is going to be when you start off. You have to have the conversations and you can build something wildly different depending on how the initial conversations go. - Abe Drechsler To wrap up the conversation, Abe offers his advice to recent architectural graduates who are considering non-traditional career paths. He emphasizes the influence of alternative practices on the future of built environments and outlines the opportunities they present in the field.Tune in next week for an episode where I'm going in the interview seat and we have a special guest back on the podcast.Guest:Abe Drechsler, AIAAbe is a Product Manager and Licensed Architect with a passion for design and digital technologies. As a product manager at Higharc, he develops methods for systematizing and automating the design and documentation of homes. Previously as an Architect at KieranTimberlake and Ballinger he has worked on a variety of project types and scales. Throughout his career he’s focused on expanding the value of architecture and making design more accessible.📍 Show Links:  Connect with Abe on LinkedinCheck out Higharc Within Formal Cities TrailerArchitechie Slack Workspace 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | TwitterCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

Episode 158: Architecture, And: Director of Product at Intelligent CityHow can architects leverage the evolution of technology and the role of architects to enhance sustainability and innovation within the built environment?On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we are joined by Kristin Slavin, an architect, developer, and product manager who has helped drive national building code changes and an industry-wide shift to more sustainable building practices. Throughout our chat, we focus on the evolving roles of architects in sustainable practices. Kristin currently serves as Director of Product at Intelligent City, a company working to lead a sustainable future using mass timber technology and set new standards in affordable, carbon-neutral, urban living.First, Kristin shares her background in architecture and her exploration of various career paths, eventually transitioning into production design and management. She also discusses the limitations the founders of Intelligent City saw with traditional architectural methods and how that translated into the company's conception.Then, Kristin discusses the evolution of Intelligent City, explains the construction technologies they use, and emphasizes the design and quality of their solutions. She also highlights their internal culture and professional development, the benefits of diverse teams and remote work, and the intersection of architecture and construction industries.I think small teams can be really efficient. Often in the traditional practice of architecture, we may underestimate people's capabilities, and try to hold things more tightly than we need to sometimes. If you can give people the freedom to explore and grow within their role or even outside of their role, people will surprise you. So I think there's a lot of power in that. - Kristin Slavin To wrap up the conversation, Kristin encourages new architects to seek innovative firms and opportunities, emphasizing confidence, decisiveness, and the acceptance of their mistakes. She also explains her vision for the future, where architects embrace new technologies and materials for sustainable solutions and work with AI companies to create efficient, market-responsive designs. Tune in next week for an episode about a different take on Product Management. Guest:Kristin SlavinKristin Slavin is Director of Product/Architect, bringing her expertise and thought leadership in mass timber construction and low carbon building design to the team. Her extensive experience as an architect, developer, and product manager of mass timber buildings and prefabricated building products has helped drive national building code changes and an industry wide shift to more sustainable building practices. Her built work includes Carbon12, the tallest CLT building in the US at completion.📍 Show Links:  Connect with Kristin on LinkedinCheck out Intelligent City📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | TwitterCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

Episode 157: The Skills Required for a Technology Driven FutureWhat skills do architects need to succeed in a technology-driven future?On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we've invited Andy Robert and Mercedes Carriquiry back on the show to talk about the skills architects need to succeed in a technology-driven future. Andy and Mercedes are the co-founders of slantis, where they partner with architecture firms to provide services such as architecture & production coordination, high-end visualization, workflow automation, and architecture for the metaverse to support teams and empower them to incorporate smart tech into their projects. First, Andy and Mercedes discuss slantis' mission and why they felt the need to create this company as licensed architects to transform the industry. They touch on how they've shifted their offerings in the era of AI to align with the significant changes they see within the industry. Then, we explore the importance of a collaborative culture within architecture firms to foster innovation, highlighting the importance of a strong culture and employees willing to tackle tech-driven challenges. They explain how the offerings at slantis help to solve these issues within firms, keeping them up to date with technological advances, communicating effectively, and enhancing team and client collaboration and interactions.We've experienced firsthand how technology can really improve the quality of life of architects, impact the buildings we are designing, and the people that are using and operating those buildings. So if we can figure out how technology can speed it up and make architects happier, then I think we kind of checked the box. Technology is a huge game changer and biggest enabler. We want to accomplish a better quality of life for our profession which can translate into designing better buildings in the end - Andy RobertTo wrap up the conversation, Andy and Mercedes share their vision for the future of slantis, advice on connecting with people from various industries to stay ahead of the technology, and tips for young leaders who have the desire for change within their firms.Tune in next week for an episode about the expanding roles of architects within the built environment.Guests:Andy RobertAndy Robert is a professional architect from ORT University in Uruguay. She lived in Germany and pursued graduate studies in Dessau, where the former Bauhaus was located. Today she is CEO of /slantis, co-founded in 2016 with her lifelong friend Mercedes Carriquiry, and willing to disrupt the way architecture Very energetic, curious, and entrepreneurial, she is actively involved in events that advocate for women as leaders.She’s Beltrán and Jaime’s mum, a vegan and a life-long learner.Mercedes CarriquiryMercedes Carriquiry is a licensed architect and entrepreneur specializing in innovation and technology. She received her degree from the Faculty of Architecture UDELAR in Uruguay and also studied at the ENSAG in Grenoble, France. Additionally, she graduated in digital fabrication from MIT Fabacademy. After working at Jean Nouvel's studio in Paris and leading multiple developments in Montevideo, she co-founded /slantis in 2016 with her lifelong friend Andy, where leads innovation, operations and strategy. When she's not working, she enjoys art, skating, and spending time with her family.📍 Show Links:  Connect with Andy on LinkedinConnect with Mercedes on LinkedinCheck out slantis📚Continue Learning:The Fall of the Human Intellect by A. Parthasarathy The Psychology of Money by Morgan HouselJack: Straight from the Gut by Jack Welch 📚Past Related Episodes: PD #92: /slantis, Enabling Technology in 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 156: Architecture, And: The Anti-Racist HotdogHow can innovative initiatives in the architecture design field and social entrepreneurship foster racial equity, inclusion, and all-encompassing systemic change? On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we chat with Wandile Mthyiyane, an architect known for his work in social entrepreneurship and his innovative initiatives to promote equity, diversity, and inclusive practices that drive meaningful change within the field and beyond. Wandile is an Obama Leader and TEDx Fellow, the founder and CEO of Ubuntu Design Group (UDG), The Anti-Racist Hotdog, and the creator of the new peer-to-peer inclusion rating platform, GrindTea.com. First, Wandile discusses his architectural design background and his motivation to become an architect. He views the practice as an opportunity to address social issues, challenge the conventional view of architecture, and use it as a tool for a better future for everyone. Wandile also shares an in-depth explanation of his various initiatives rooted in justice and equality.I didn't choose to be an architect so that I could be a chair or do skyscrapers and stuff, I could care less. I chose to do architecture because I see it as a vehicle to solve a very real problem that I grew up with – the lack of dignified housing because of racial injustice systems. - Wandile MthiyaneThen, Wandile shares his personal experiences with racism and how those specifically inspired his work. He highlights his passion for food, music, and constructive dialogue and explains how each of these mediums can bridge cultural divides and promote inclusion. Plus, we unpack his perspective on using AI in the architecture space and how these tools can make architecture more accessible to a broader group of people.To wrap up the conversation, Wandile offers advice and wisdom to young architects who aspire to be voices of change in their workplaces and aim to promote inclusive and equitable practices in a wide array of industries, even beyond architecture. Tune in next week for an episode about the skills required for a technology-driven future. Guest:Wandile MthiyaneWandile Mthiyane is an Obama Leader, TedxFellow, architectural designer, social entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Ubuntu Design Group (UDG) and The Anti-Racist Hotdog. He is proud to introduce The Tea, a peer-to-peer inclusion rating platform.📍 Show Links:  Connect with Wandile on LinkedinCheck out Ubuntu Design GroupCheck out grindtea.comCheck out The Anti-racist Hot Dog   📚Continue Learning:Wandile is the founder of Anti-Racist Hot Dog and GrindTea.comReject or Reclaim: Untangling the Tension Between Classical Architecture and Black IdentitySpill The Tea: How Architects Can Transform Workplace Culture and Call Out Toxic Office Environments📚Past Related Episodes: PD #151: Built Environment Futures Council📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | TwitterCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

Episode 155: The Evolution of Architecture Education at the Boston Architectural College How can architectural education evolve to better prepare students and non-licensed professionals for the challenges and opportunities of the profession?On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we have an insightful conversation with Beth Lundell Garver, AIA, NOMA Dean and Founding Director of Gateway Office (GO), a community-based design center at the Boston Architectural College (BAC). Today, we discuss the future of architectural education, the need to bridge the gap between academia and the real-world application of architecture, and how BAC is working towards positive change in the field. First, Beth reflects on balancing work and motherhood and advocates for recognizing women's unique challenges in the profession. She then explains her concept of "architectural advocates," that highlights the crucial role of non-licensed professionals in advancing design and social justice in the architectural field.Then, we dive into the importance of empowering architectural advocates to broaden the definition of architecture beyond building design and into relationships and community engagement. Beth touches on the landscape of architectural education and emphasizes the need for more hands-on experience and career support for students.Empower people to support and recommend policies that inform the built environment and acknowledge the critical nature of that. Architecture cannot just be about new construction anymore…really urgently has to start being more about redesigning spaces, taking pieces apart, and reusing them in ways that are different. Architectural advocates can help us a lot with that. - Beth Lundell GarverTo wrap up the conversation, Beth addresses the everyday stresses on young architects, such as design studio culture, the state of helplessness, and the lack of salary data. She shares how we can work towards change in these areas by prioritizing diversity and inclusion and fostering a sense of connection within the field to help pave the way for the future. Tune in next week for an episode with returning guest Wandlie Mithiyane to learn more about his two most recent endeavors, The Anti-Racist Hotdog and The Tea.Guest:Beth Lundell Garver, AIA, NOMABethany Lundell Garver, AIA, NOMA, is Dean and Faculty of Practice and Founding Director of Gateway Office (GO), the community-based design uncenter at the Boston Architectural College. She leads college-wide efforts to connect education with practice through distinguished reflective assessment and experiential learning initiatives. Her research and teaching focus on community engagement, professional practice, construction administration, and urban design.📍 Show Links:  Connect with Beth on Linkedin📚Continue Learning:Gateway OfficeBoston Architectural College American Institute of Architecture StudentsHigher education linked to greater wellbeing, job fit and societal progress, Lumina-Gallup study findsBuilding a High-Development Culture Through Your Employee Engagement Strategy📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | TwitterCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

Episode 154: Being an ArchtivistHow can architects embrace activism, innovation, and collaboration to create more inclusive, sustainable, and empathetic environments?On this episode of Practice Disrupted, Nyasha Harper-Michon, an architect, strategist, and advocate for sustainability and inclusion, joins us to discuss the intersection of architecture, activism, and innovation. Nyasha is an 'Archtivist’. This is a term she created for architects and built environment professionals who lead environmental, social, and economic reform to foster positive societal changes. First, Nyasha explains the relationship between activism and architecture, which challenges the traditional practice and promotes innovation. She shares her strategies for implementing collaboration and integrated solutions into the practice to work towards more inclusive designs. Then, Nyasha critiques the ‘Reference Man’ of design, explains why designers need to consider various perspectives and identities in their planning, and shares her advice for fostering a more diverse built environment. Plus, she shares how her nomadic childhood shaped her perspective on empathy and cultural awareness in the architectural practice.I think one tangible thing that we can all do is to dismantle and challenge the idea of, of  ‘Reference Man’ being the center of all that we do. I think if we do that, it will really influence our environmental work, our social work, and all of the work that we do...‘Reference Man’ is very exclusive. It doesn't represent anyone. I think that when we design for this guy, or when we think about this guy, we are creating something that is just not going to be able to address the challenges that we face today. - Nyasha Harper-MichonTo wrap up the conversation, Nyasha reflects on the transformative experience of being a new mother to twins, which deepened her commitment to creating a better future through her practice. She relates her process of training the twins to sleep through the night to how architects can be active participants in built environment issues by changing their mindset and using their agency despite feeling powerless at times. Tune in next week for an episode about the history and enduring legacy of the Boston Architectural College. Guest:Nyasha Harper-MichonNyasha Harper-Michon is a purpose-driven architect, built environment expert, business strategist and inclusion & sustainability advocate who thrives at the intersection of cities, design, inclusion, sustainability, and technology. She is a self-proclaimed 'Archtivist'—a term she coined for architecture and built environment professionals and enthusiasts driving environmental, social, and economic reform to foster positive changes in society and within the built environment sector. 📍 Show Links:  Connect with Nyasha on LinkedinFollow Nyasha on InstagramCheck out Nyasha’s Website📚Continue Learning:Archtivists EssayMadame Architect Interview📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | TwitterCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

Episode 153: AI and Ethics in ArchitectureHow can architects responsibly use AI image-generation tools in their practice while considering the ethics and concerns? On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we discuss all things AI in architecture and explore the responsible use of AI image generation for design. Joining this conversation is Damon Leverett, an architect, artist, and educator at the University of Arizona. His seminar on AI has been accepted as a workshop at the AIA24 National Conference on Architecture in Washington, DC. Today, Damon shares his expert insights on how architects can leverage AI capabilities with the risks that come with it.First, Damon addresses the common question of whether AI will replace architects or enhance their efficiency. He explains why he believes AI tools will streamline tasks and give architects more time for creativity. Damon also highlights the practical applications of AI for image creation in design as well as its limitations.Then, we talk about the concerns and anxieties surrounding the use of AI in architecture, daily life, and literature. Damon suggests that architects should actively engage in the development of AI to ensure that their voices are heard and that it serves the field most efficiently. I think the uniqueness of AI that sets it apart is that AI is an imagination machine. It has, sort of, this infinite potential. So, if you look at a tool, say, for creating database drafting, there are so many limitations that may seem fairly large. But in my view, the limits of AI in the context of designers and architects are infinite. There are so many things that can be created. -Damon Leverett To wrap up the episode, Damon offers advice to young architects on integrating new tools into their practice and stresses the importance of resilience in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of architecture and technology. He also shares his vision for the future of this technology, where the demands of rapid population growth and the need for more city infrastructure can be met efficiently with the help of AI. Tune in next week for an episode with Nyasha Harper-Michon about being an archtivist, a term she coined for architecture and built environment professionals and enthusiasts driving environmental, social, and economic reform to foster positive changes in society and within the built environment sector. Guest:Damon Leverett, AIA, NOMADamon is an architect, artist, and educator based in the southwest region of the United States. He is a former senior lecturer at the School of Architecture and a current adjunct lecturer at the College of Information at the University of Arizona, where he teaches architecture design, building technologies, installation design, and computing in the arts. Damon is also a co-lead for the University of Arizona’s Artificial Intelligence Industry Working Group, which focuses on the university’s interaction in AI education, training, and collaborative activities.📍 Show Links:  Connect with Damon on LinkedInFollow Damon on InstagramLeverett Arts📚Continue Learning:Artificial Intelligence Presents New Possibilities, Considerations and Challenges for Architecture and ConstructionDALL-EStable Diffusion ChatGPTLeonardo Google GeminiMicrosoft Copilot Midjourney📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | TwitterCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

Episode 152: Architecture, And: Using Research to Tell The Story of ArchitectureHow can architects use research to advance diversity, equity, and cultural competency within the field while articulating its value to the general public?On this episode of Practice Disrupted, Kendall A. Nicholson, a licensed educator, architectural designer, and Senior Director of Research, Equity, and Education at the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), joins us to discuss equity, research, and social justice in architecture. Throughout, he emphasizes the need for diversity and cultural competency in the field and highlights the value of architecture to the world. First, Kendall opens up about his career journey, which began with studying architecture, then moving on to teaching, real estate development, and eventually back to architecture. He shares his belief that architecture and design should be viewed as a combination of art and science. Then, he stresses the importance of cultural research and representation in the field. Kendall talks about his "Where My People?'' series, which brings attention to the challenges faced by different racial groups in the architecture industry. We also dive into ACSA's efforts to advance equity in architecture, including fellowship programs and accessible resources. Social and ecological justice is for the betterment of everyone. When I talk about diversity, cultural competency, or implicit bias, I'm talking about the byproducts of shifting the way we understand and interact as a culture. We often describe architects as world makers or world builders. If we're literally building the world to be a permanent thing, we need to make sure that we've accounted for everyone – the systems that are in play, currently and historically, have not done that. - Kendall A. NicholsonTo wrap up the conversation, we discuss how things like climate change, artificial intelligence, racism, and sexism affect how architects understand and perform their role now and in the future. He also shares his advice for architects looking to further utilize research in their institutions and explains how we can continue to be more inclusive as designers moving forward.Tune in next week for an episode about AI and ethics in architecture. Guest:Kendall A. NicholsonKendall A. Nicholson is a licensed educator, trained architectural designer, and an avid researcher. He works as the Senior Director of Research, Equity, and Education at the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA). He is a graduate of the School of Architecture at the University of Virginia and the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University, winning the M.Des Publics award for outstanding research. His design work, Critical Architectural Practice is focused on the confluence of race, architecture, and education. He has presented research internationally and his research interests surround plantation landscapes, racialized epistemologies, as well as education and curriculum within the discipline of architecture.📍 Show Links:  Connect with Kendall on LinkedInCheck out ACSA📚Continue Learning:ACSA Social Justice ShiftWhere Are My People? Black in ArchitectureACSA Faculty Fellowship to Advance Equity in ArchitectureMaybe I'll be an Architect by Tenille Bettenhausen 📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | TwitterCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation