Practice of Architecture: the Out in Architecture authors on taking up space
June 7, 2026
2026
Hello,
There are weeks I miss being part of an architecture firm. I miss the people more than the work: the hallway conversations, the shared stakes, the sense of rooting for the same outcome. That pull is part of why I stay so engaged with the AIA, and why I count myself lucky to serve as an outside board member at Shepley Bulfinch. Last week we met in Boston and spent our time on what the future of practice looks like. Those are the conversations that get me most excited, and I am grateful the seat lets me bring an outsider's perspective to a table I get to feel part of.
Belonging like that is easy for me to take for granted. This week's episode is about architects for whom it has never been a given.
This week's Practice Disrupted is the second of two conversations marking the release of Out in Architecture Volume II, and like last week's, it is one I listened to rather than hosted. Sarah Woynicz returns to moderate, and this time the room belongs to three of the volume's authors: Gaby Espinosa, an architect at HKS whose chapter is a conversation with the friend who watched her gradual coming out inside a Dallas architecture office; Lisa C. Henry, a design educator who has spent 27 years teaching gender, race, and queer theory; and Kody Chung, a Drexel senior who met the Volume I authors as a student three years ago and returned with a chapter of his own.
Last week was about stewarding other people's stories. This week is the stories themselves, each told in the format its author chose. Gaby names what they are for: once you scratch the surface and realize no two experiences are the same, it opens your eyes to what your future could be.
Where in your firm does someone have to leave part of themselves at the door in order to belong?
Keep learning and growing,
Evelyn M Lee, FAIA | NOMA
Founder, Practice of Architecture
Host, Practice Disrupted & Fractional COO
P.S. As we prepare for AIA 26, I have more free time on my hands than I have in the last two years. Please let me know if you'll be around.
/// PoA Podcast - Practice Disrupted ///
Out in Architecture Volume II: Gestures of Love
In this special episode of Practice Disrupted, the format shifts as host Evelyn Lee steps back to listen, handing the moderation over to Sarah Woynicz. This conversation marks the second of two episodes celebrating the release of Out in Architecture Volume 2 during Pride Month. Sarah sits down with three of the volume’s authors, Gaby Espinosa, Lisa C. Henry, and Kody Chung, who share what happens when storytellers sit in the room together to connect their lived experiences.
