[178] Architecture, And: UX Strategist

How can architects use their skills to pivot into tech design and UX 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 McNamara

To 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 McNamara

Emily 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