[225]Small Firm, Big Commitment: Rethinking How Architecture Invests in Diverse Talent
About the Episode About the Episode What does it look like when a firm stops just talking about diversity and starts building a tangible pathway for the next generation of architects? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee is joined by Leah Alissa Bayer, founding principal of Architects Fora, and Gabriella Vaz de Freitas, the firm’s Technology Lead and a former recipient of the “FORAship.” Leah shares how her fully […]
[224] The Architecture of Systems: Building a Self-Running Firm
How can better business systems protect your firm’s profitability and your sanity?
In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee is joined by Darguin Fortuna, founding principal of Flow Design Architects and chair of the AIA Small Firm Exchange. Darguin shares his incredible journey from moving to the United States from the Dominican Republic in 2010, learning English while working night shifts at Wendy’s, to passing all six ARE exams in just over a year and earning his license the same day his daughter was born.
[223] Architect, And: Joann Lui on Matcha, Marketing, and the Portfolio Career
In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Joann Lui, an architect-turned-entrepreneur who is redefining what a career in architecture can look like. Joann shares her journey from traditional practice at Gensler to content marketing for tech startups like Monograph and Testfit, and reveals her latest venture: co-founding OIKA, a matcha company that has become the largest matcha refinery in the United States.
[222] Telling Architecture’s Story Differently
About the Episode About the Episode Can a 60-Second video change who enters the architecture profession? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Gabriella Bermea, a Senior Associate at Perkins Eastman and the voice behind the growing social media platform “Architect Big Sis.” Together, they explore the power of storytelling outside […]
[221] Reclaiming Value: Transforming the Business of Architecture with Tyler Suomala
To kick off Season 12 of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee returns from her term as AIA President with a special episode, turning the tables to be interviewed by Tyler Suomala, founder of Growthitect. In this candid conversation, they reflect on Evelyn’s year of travel and leadership, discussing the often unseen advocacy work of the AIA and the disconnect between national efforts and local members’ perceptions.
[220] Next Generation Leadership: How the AIAS Presidents Are Building a More Human Profession
In a special episode marking the end of her term as AIA President, Evelyn Lee hosts a candid conversation about the future of architectural leadership with two emerging voices: Gilberto Lozada Baez, the 69th president of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), and Jordan Luther, the immediate past president of AIAS and the student director on the AIA board.
[219] 2025 AIA Gold Medal Award Medal Winner Deborah Berke
About the Episode About the Episode What does it mean to design for the greater good? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee steps back to listen as two remarkable architects have a thoughtful, candid, and deeply human conversation. You will hear from Deborah Berke, FAIA, architect, educator, founder of TenBerke, Dean of the […]
[218] A Founder’s View on AI and the Next Era of Architecture
Brandon brings a unique blend of two decades in technology leadership and a lifelong connection to construction through his family’s business.
[217] Designing the Future: How Etch Built a Practice That Embraces AI + Autonomy
This week, we’re joined by Jessica Nelson and Stephanie Lindsay, the co-founders of Etch Design Group and the new venture AI for Interiors. They share their 10-year journey of building Etch into a celebrated Austin-based studio, driven by a “yin and yang” partnership and a desire to create a firm culture centered on autonomy, trust, and a sustainable work-life rhythm.
[216] The Art of Drawing in the Digital Age with Mark Collins
Mark shares the origin story of Morfolio, born from a group of architects at Columbia who saw the revolutionary potential of the iPad as a creative tool.