[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 […]
[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 […]
[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 […]
[215] From Pay Transparency to Shared Leadership, Erin Agdinaoay on WPA’s Model
Erin shares her journey to WPA, drawn initially by their community-focused work and then captivated by their commitment to radical transparency.
[211] Architect, And: Leslie Sydnor on Shifting from Practice to Design Management
About the Episode About the Episode How do you build a career with intention, navigate unsupportive environments, and find the mentors who will champion your growth? This week, we are joined by Leslie Sydnor, an architect and design manager whose journey offers a masterclass in resilience, self-advocacy, and the power of networks. Leslie shares her […]
[207] Architecture, And: Mark Chambers on Designing Systems for Change
What happens when an architect’s skillset is applied not just to buildings, but to the complex systems that shape our cities, policies, and climate?
This week, Evelyn is joined by co-host Larry Fabbroni and his longtime friend and Carnegie Mellon classmate, Mark Chambers, an environmental policy leader and architect who has taken his training from design studios to city halls and the White House.
[204] Understanding True Innovation in Practice
About the Episode About the Episode How can architecture firms move beyond the traditional consultant model to foster truly deep, interdisciplinary collaboration? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee is joined by Dr. Simone Ahuja, keynote speaker, innovation strategist, bestselling author, and founder of Blood Orange. Simone’s path from dentistry to advising Fortune 500 […]
Bonus Episode: AISC’s Architecture Center
About the Episode About the Episode How can a deeper understanding of materials and a closer collaboration with builders reshape the way we design? In this special episode of Practice Disrupted, we spotlight a hidden gem for architects: the Architecture Center at the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC). While AISC has long been a […]
[200] 200 Episodes, Changing Practice, and What Comes Next
What happens when the disruptors pause to reflect on the disruption?
For the 200th episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee welcomes back a very special guest: her original co-creator and former co-host, Je’Nen Chastain.