Episodes
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On today’s episode of Architectette we welcome Chrissie Davis.
Chrissie is a general contractor and founder of San Jose based, Incorage. She partners with developers, subcontractors, and the larger development community to build multi-family and mixed-use housing across the Bay Area.
In this episode, we also explore her previous role as President of CORE Builders, where she led the company to triple its business, making it the 25th largest general contractor in Silicon Valley and the “best residential contractor to work for with under 50 employees” in 2023. As President, Chrissie was proud of cultivating a diverse team, comprised of 50% women and 75% people of color, and aims to create a similar environment of success and inclusion as she expands Incorage.
We talk about:
- Chrissie’s career as a general contractor and how she grew from Assistant Project Manager to President.
- Chrissie elaborates on her strategies for growth including system implementation, market expansion, and business development that helped CORE Builders grow from $30 million to $100 million in revenue.
- We next talk about how the lack of diversity and representation of women leadership of general contracting firms in the Bay Area influenced her to start her own company.
- We hear about Chrissie’s passion for affordable housing, landing Incorage’s first project, managing her routine and workload as a solopreneur, and the power of gratitude, journaling, and Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In.
Links:
Connect with Chrissie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissie-davis-general-contractor/
Books mentioned on the podcast: Architectette Bookshop
Architectette Podcast Website: www.architectette.com
Connect with the pod on LinkedIn, Instagram (@architectette), and TikTok (@architectette)
Exclusive Content on our Newsletter: www.architectette.com
Support the podcast on Patreon: https://patreon.com/Architectette?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link
Music by AlexGrohl from Pixabay.
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On today’s episode of Architectette we talk with Darla Powell. Darla is an award-winning interior designer, podcast host, social media speaker, and former police detective. But she is also the founder of Wingnut Social; a marketing firm that specializes in strategic planning, social media management, and SEO for interior designers.
We talk about:
- The ins and outs of Darla’s career progression from starting in law enforcement, transitioning to interior designer, and then becoming a social media marketing firm owner.
- We talk about using Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn as outreach tools and why content-driven marketing and consistent posting are cornerstones of every successful brand.
- We next discuss the organic founding of and rapid growth of Wingnut Social. Darla walks us through the experience of being her client and how her team works with each company to identify their unique style, voice, and goals to craft impactful, personalized branding.
- Finally, we discuss a few case studies where Wingnut Social’s advice has transformed a small interior design business into a viral phenomenon. We chat about the impact of Wingnut Social’s podcast- Designed by Wingnut Social, and the importance of infusing personality when speaking to online audiences.
Links:
Website: https://wingnutsocial.com
Wingnut Social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wingnutsocial/
Darla Powell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedarlapowell/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wingnutsocial
Architectette Podcast Website: www.architectette.com
Connect with the pod on LinkedIn, Instagram (@architectette), and TikTok (@architectette)
Exclusive Content on our Newsletter: www.architectette.com
Support the podcast on Patreon: https://patreon.com/Architectette?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link
Music by AlexGrohl from Pixabay.
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Missing episodes?
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On today’s episode of Architectette we are joined by Ming Thompson and Christina Cho Yoo, the founders of Atelier Cho Thompson (ACT), a New Haven and San Francisco based multidisciplinary practice working between architecture, interiors, graphics, and strategy.
ACT's work frequently blurs the boundaries between typologies, as they draw inspiration from their work in schools, museums, offices, restaurants, and homes around the world. The firm has been awarded numerous national and regional design honors and has been featured in Metropolis, Architect Magazine, Interior Design Magazine, and at the Venice Architecture Biennale.
We talk about:
- The origin story of ACT and how Ming and Christina were inspired by a Parking Day collaboration to start their own firm to pursue projects that complemented their diverse sets of skills and passions.
- Entrepreneurship and Motherhood: Ming and Christina talk about establishing a business while growing their families and how even though they themselves didn’t take maternity leave, we talk about how each founder works hard to make sure their employees are able to do so.
- The catalyst for expanding their San Francisco practice with an office in New Haven, CT. We talk about virtual collaboration, expanding in a new market, and how the firm was well-prepared for the hybrid shift that caught so many businesses off guard during the pandemic.
- We end by discussing Ming and Christina’s work to advance women and the AAPI community, their favorite projects, impactful pro bono work, public art installations, and how the firm has established and expanded their reputation for gorgeous, design-rich spaces
Links:
ACT's Website: www.chothompson.com
Architectette Podcast Website: www.architectette.com
Connect with the pod on LinkedIn, Instagram (@architectette), and TikTok (@architectette)
Exclusive Content on our Newsletter: www.architectette.com
Support the podcast on Patreon: https://patreon.com/Architectette?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link
Music by AlexGrohl from Pixabay.
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On today’s episode of Architectette we welcome guest Maria Killam. Maria is a decorator, stylist, educator on all things colour, and pioneer in the design industry with over 500,000 followers online. Maria’s brand is built on the solid foundation of timeless design principles and her groundbreaking system for identifying and describing colour. She’s been a featured colour expert everywhere from House Beautiful and HGTV to Apartment Therapy and the Washington Post.
We talk about:
- How Maria’s business evolved from an ad in the Yellow Pages to a thriving global business with over 8 streams of income ranging from digital products to e-design services.
- Maria shares about her color expertise and how her tools have revolutionized how designers and homeowners pick the perfect neutrals and whites.
- We next discuss timeless design vs trends. Maria shares her opinion on the resurgence of beige, why stark black and white exteriors are on the decline, and how she advises on creating long lasting and loved spaces.
- We end with an exclusive look at Maria’s personal design choices for her home- a property she bought in recent years and has been renovating. We chat about her strategy for layering lamps, her unexpected choices of cheetah and leopard carpet, and other ways she has customized her colorful and cozy home.
Links:
Maria's Website: https://mariakillam.com/
Connect with Maria: https://www.instagram.com/mariakillam/
Architectette Podcast Website: www.architectette.com
Connect with the pod on LinkedIn, Instagram (@architectette), and TikTok (@architectette)
Exclusive Content on our Newsletter: www.architectette.com
Support the podcast on Patreon: https://patreon.com/Architectette?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link
Music by AlexGrohl from Pixabay.
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This week on Architectette, we’re spotlighting the voices of recent graduates from architecture programs across the globe. We asked all of our guests the same questions to gain insight into their unique experiences as they transition from academia to professional practice.
From how the pandemic shaped their academic experience to the movie that best describes their studio life, we dive deep into the highs and lows of their time in school. You'll hear some of the best pieces of advice they received during critiques, their thoughts on navigating internships, and the challenges of job hunting. We also asked about the surprises they encountered when they first entered the workplace, mentorship and management, and how they're learning in hybrid environments.
Finally, we asked our guests to look toward the future: we chat about how they plan to approach their AREs, what advice they'd give to the next class of graduates, and what they hope their legacy will be when they retire.
Joanna Smerina is an architectural designer actively pursuing licensure. As a graduate of Drexel University’s 2+4 Architecture program, she earned a Bachelor’s in Architecture with a minor in Construction Management, completed her AXP hours, and is now preparing for her Architectural Registration Exams. She has received awards for her leadership and design skills and was President of Drexel’s AIAS Chapter.
Here's what we asked:
1. Introductions: what is your name, where did you go to school, when did you graduate?
2. How did the pandemic affect your academic experience?
3. If you had to describe your studio experience as a movie, which would you pick and why?
4. What was an impactful critique or piece of advice you received during a crit?
5. Did you intern during school?
6. Describe the job application process. Do you have tips for others regarding reaching out, interview questions, portfolio preparation, or software readiness?
7. When applying to firms, what factors were most important to you?
8. Did you negotiate any aspects of your offer? (salary, PTO, schedule?)
9. Once working, what is something about the practice of architecture that surprised you? What is something that you had to overcome?
10. Is it challenging to learn in a hybrid environment? How do you learn/ interact with colleagues?
11. If you were a manager of recent grads, how would you mentor them?
12. Do you plan on taking your AREs? What is your timeline? Did you accrue AXP hours during school?
13. What advice would you give to next year's graduates?
14. 40 years from now, when you retire, what do you hope is highlighted in your career description?
Links:
Learn more about Joanna’s work:
https://issuu.com/aia_philadelphia/docs/fall_2021_context_issue
https://issuu.com/joannasmerina/docs/smerina_j_2024archseniorproj
https://www.instagram.com/artworkby_joannasmerina/
Connect with Joanna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-smerina-48547a192/
New Work Design Architects: https://www.newyorkdesign.com/
Architectette Podcast Website: www.architectette.com
Connect with the pod on LinkedIn, Instagram (@architectette), and TikTok (@architectette)
Exclusive Content on our Newsletter: www.architectette.com
Support the podcast on Patreon: https://patreon.com/Architectette?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link
Music by AlexGrohl from Pixabay.
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This week on Architectette, we’re spotlighting the voices of recent graduates from architecture programs across the globe. We asked all of our guests the same questions to gain insight into their unique experiences as they transition from academia to professional practice.
From how the pandemic shaped their academic experience to the movie that best describes their studio life, we dive deep into the highs and lows of their time in school. You'll hear some of the best pieces of advice they received during critiques, their thoughts on navigating internships, and the challenges of job hunting. We also asked about the surprises they encountered when they first entered the workplace, mentorship and management, and how they're learning in hybrid environments.
Finally, we asked our guests to look toward the future: we chat about how they plan to approach their AREs, what advice they'd give to the next class of graduates, and what they hope their legacy will be when they retire.
Maithili Awasarikar is a passionate architectural designer and planner in the healthcare sector. She strives to design healthcare facilities beyond the medical program, integrating human well-being with innovative medical planning. She graduated from Clemson and works in Philadelphia.
Here's what we asked:
1. Introductions: what is your name, where did you go to school, when did you graduate?
2. How did the pandemic affect your academic experience?
3. If you had to describe your studio experience as a movie, which would you pick and why?
4. What was an impactful critique or piece of advice you received during a crit?
5. Did you intern during school?
6. Describe the job application process. Do you have tips for others regarding reaching out, interview questions, portfolio preparation, or software readiness?
7. When applying to firms, what factors were most important to you?
8. Did you negotiate any aspects of your offer? (salary, PTO, schedule?)
9. Once working, what is something about the practice of architecture that surprised you? What is something that you had to overcome?
10. Is it challenging to learn in a hybrid environment? How do you learn/ interact with colleagues?
11. If you were a manager of recent grads, how would you mentor them?
12. Do you plan on taking your AREs? What is your timeline? Did you accrue AXP hours during school?
13. What advice would you give to next year's graduates?
14. 40 years from now, when you retire, what do you hope is highlighted in your career description?
Links:
Connect with Maithili on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maithiliawasarikar/
Architectette Podcast Website: www.architectette.com
Connect with the pod on LinkedIn, Instagram (@architectette), and TikTok (@architectette)
Exclusive Content on our Newsletter: www.architectette.com
Support the podcast on Patreon: https://patreon.com/Architectette?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link
Music by AlexGrohl from Pixabay.
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This week on Architectette, we’re spotlighting the voices of recent graduates from architecture programs across the globe. We asked all of our guests the same questions to gain insight into their unique experiences as they transition from academia to professional practice.
From how the pandemic shaped their academic experience to the movie that best describes their studio life, we dive deep into the highs and lows of their time in school. You'll hear some of the best pieces of advice they received during critiques, their thoughts on navigating internships, and the challenges of job hunting. We also asked about the surprises they encountered when they first entered the workplace, mentorship and management, and how they're learning in hybrid environments.
Finally, we asked our guests to look toward the future: we chat about how they plan to approach their AREs, what advice they'd give to the next class of graduates, and what they hope their legacy will be when they retire.
Victoria Clarke holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Oregon, where she focused on advanced building technologies and sustainability. Now working at The Miller Hull Partnership in Seattle, she continues to develop her interest and skills in high performance design across project types.
Here's what we asked:
1. Introductions: what is your name, where did you go to school, when did you graduate?
2. How did the pandemic affect your academic experience?
3. If you had to describe your studio experience as a movie, which would you pick and why?
4. What was an impactful critique or piece of advice you received during a crit?
5. Did you intern during school?
6. Describe the job application process. Do you have tips for others regarding reaching out, interview questions, portfolio preparation, or software readiness?
7. When applying to firms, what factors were most important to you?
8. Did you negotiate any aspects of your offer? (salary, PTO, schedule?)
9. Once working, what is something about the practice of architecture that surprised you? What is something that you had to overcome?
10. Is it challenging to learn in a hybrid environment? How do you learn/ interact with colleagues?
11. If you were a manager of recent grads, how would you mentor them?
12. Do you plan on taking your AREs? What is your timeline? Did you accrue AXP hours during school?
13. What advice would you give to next year's graduates?
14. 40 years from now, when you retire, what do you hope is highlighted in your career description?
Links:
Connect with Tori on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriamclarke/
Architectette Podcast Website: www.architectette.com
Connect with the pod on LinkedIn, Instagram (@architectette), and TikTok (@architectette)
Exclusive Content on our Newsletter: www.architectette.com
Support the podcast on Patreon: https://patreon.com/Architectette?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link
Music by AlexGrohl from Pixabay.
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This week on Architectette, we’re spotlighting the voices of recent graduates from architecture programs across the globe. We asked all of our guests the same questions to gain insight into their unique experiences as they transition from academia to professional practice.
From how the pandemic shaped their academic experience to the movie that best describes their studio life, we dive deep into the highs and lows of their time in school. You'll hear some of the best pieces of advice they received during critiques, their thoughts on navigating internships, and the challenges of job hunting. We also asked about the surprises they encountered when they first entered the workplace, mentorship and management, and how they're learning in hybrid environments.
Finally, we asked our guests to look toward the future: we chat about how they plan to approach their AREs, what advice they'd give to the next class of graduates, and what they hope their legacy will be when they retire.
Lauren Maloney recently graduated from the University of Kansas as a part of their 5-year Master of Architecture program. While there, she developed a focus in Health and Wellness architecture and looks forward to making a difference in healthcare settings as an Associate at a firm in the Midwest.
Here's what we asked:
1. Introductions: what is your name, where did you go to school, when did you graduate?
2. How did the pandemic affect your academic experience?
3. If you had to describe your studio experience as a movie, which would you pick and why?
4. What was an impactful critique or piece of advice you received during a crit?
5. Did you intern during school?
6. Describe the job application process. Do you have tips for others regarding reaching out, interview questions, portfolio preparation, or software readiness?
7. When applying to firms, what factors were most important to you?
8. Did you negotiate any aspects of your offer? (salary, PTO, schedule?)
9. Once working, what is something about the practice of architecture that surprised you? What is something that you had to overcome?
10. Is it challenging to learn in a hybrid environment? How do you learn/ interact with colleagues?
11. If you were a manager of recent grads, how would you mentor them?
12. Do you plan on taking your AREs? What is your timeline? Did you accrue AXP hours during school?
13. What advice would you give to next year's graduates?
14. 40 years from now, when you retire, what do you hope is highlighted in your career description?
Links:
Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/laurenmaloney38
Architectette Podcast Website: www.architectette.com
Connect with the pod on LinkedIn, Instagram (@architectette), and TikTok (@architectette)
Exclusive Content on our Newsletter: www.architectette.com
Support the podcast on Patreon: https://patreon.com/Architectette?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link
Music by AlexGrohl from Pixabay.
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This week on Architectette, we’re spotlighting the voices of recent graduates from architecture programs across the globe. We asked all of our guests the same questions to gain insight into their unique experiences as they transition from academia to professional practice.
From how the pandemic shaped their academic experience to the movie that best describes their studio life, we dive deep into the highs and lows of their time in school. You'll hear some of the best pieces of advice they received during critiques, their thoughts on navigating internships, and the challenges of job hunting. We also asked about the surprises they encountered when they first entered the workplace, mentorship and management, and how they're learning in hybrid environments.
Finally, we asked our guests to look toward the future: we chat about how they plan to approach their AREs, what advice they'd give to the next class of graduates, and what they hope their legacy will be when they retire.
Sofia Daly is a recent Master of Architecture graduate from the University of Oregon. After feeling unfulfilled in business school and isolated during the pandemic, Sofia decided to make a major career shift with hopes of establishing close client relationships and promoting empathy through design. Sofia is now navigating the architecture field through single-family residential projects at a design/build firm in Eugene, OR.
Here's what we asked:
1. Introductions: what is your name, where did you go to school, when did you graduate?
2. How did the pandemic affect your academic experience?
3. If you had to describe your studio experience as a movie, which would you pick and why?
4. What was an impactful critique or piece of advice you received during a crit?
5. Did you intern during school?
6. Describe the job application process. Do you have tips for others regarding reaching out, interview questions, portfolio preparation, or software readiness?
7. When applying to firms, what factors were most important to you?
8. Did you negotiate any aspects of your offer? (salary, PTO, schedule?)
9. Once working, what is something about the practice of architecture that surprised you? What is something that you had to overcome?
10. Is it challenging to learn in a hybrid environment? How do you learn/ interact with colleagues?
11. If you were a manager of recent grads, how would you mentor them?
12. Do you plan on taking your AREs? What is your timeline? Did you accrue AXP hours during school?
13. What advice would you give to next year's graduates?
14. 40 years from now, when you retire, what do you hope is highlighted in your career description?
Links:
Architectette Podcast Website: www.architectette.com
Connect with the pod on LinkedIn, Instagram (@architectette), and TikTok (@architectette)
Exclusive Content on our Newsletter: www.architectette.com
Support the podcast on Patreon: https://patreon.com/Architectette?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link
Music by AlexGrohl from Pixabay.
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This week on Architectette, we’re spotlighting the voices of recent graduates from architecture programs across the globe. We asked all of our guests the same questions to gain insight into their unique experiences as they transition from academia to professional practice.
From how the pandemic shaped their academic experience to the movie that best describes their studio life, we dive deep into the highs and lows of their time in school. You'll hear some of the best pieces of advice they received during critiques, their thoughts on navigating internships, and the challenges of job hunting. We also asked about the surprises they encountered when they first entered the workplace, mentorship and management, and how they're learning in hybrid environments.
Finally, we asked our guests to look toward the future: we chat about how they plan to approach their AREs, what advice they'd give to the next class of graduates, and what they hope their legacy will be when they retire.
Nikita Daptardar is an architect and artist who graduated this year from BNCA, Pune, with a focus on digital architecture and computation. She likes to blend traditional Indian techniques with modern design trends.
Here's what we asked:
1. Introductions: what is your name, where did you go to school, when did you graduate?
2. How did the pandemic affect your academic experience?
3. If you had to describe your studio experience as a movie, which would you pick and why?
4. What was an impactful critique or piece of advice you received during a crit?
5. Did you intern during school?
6. Describe the job application process. Do you have tips for others regarding reaching out, interview questions, portfolio preparation, or software readiness?
7. When applying to firms, what factors were most important to you?
8. Did you negotiate any aspects of your offer? (salary, PTO, schedule?)
9. Once working, what is something about the practice of architecture that surprised you? What is something that you had to overcome?
10. Is it challenging to learn in a hybrid environment? How do you learn/ interact with colleagues?
11. If you were a manager of recent grads, how would you mentor them?
12. Do you plan on taking your AREs? What is your timeline? Did you accrue AXP hours during school?
13. What advice would you give to next year's graduates?
14. 40 years from now, when you retire, what do you hope is highlighted in your career description?
Links:
Connect with Nikita on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikugraphy/?hl=en
Connect with Nikita on LinkedIn: https://in.linkedin.com/in/nikita-daptardar-660211248
Architectette Podcast Website: www.architectette.com
Connect with the pod on LinkedIn, Instagram (@architectette), and TikTok (@architectette)
Exclusive Content on our Newsletter: www.architectette.com
Support the podcast on Patreon: https://patreon.com/Architectette?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link
Music by AlexGrohl from Pixabay.
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On today’s episode of Architectette we are joined by Katerina Burianova.
Katerina is a licensed architect in California, owner of Katerina Burianova Architecture Inc, and host of the From the Honeycomb podcast which features discussions about architecture, design, and women’s stories. She studied at the Illinois Institute of Technology after which she moved back to Orange County and joined a small high-end residential firm. In 2022 Katerina obtained her architecture license and in 2023, she became a firm owner.
We talk about:
- Katerina’s transition from being let go to launching her architecture firm. She talks about the importance of humility, the first steps she took as a business owner, and the strategies that helped her secure her first clients.
- We explore Katerina’s strategies as a business owner to overcome age/ gender biases. She shares her approach to networking, setting fees, and standing out in a competitive field.
- We also chat about Katerina’s podcast, From the Honeycomb. She shares how it has encouraged her to connect with like-minded women, but it has helped her diversify her income and build professional connections.
Links:
Work with Katerina: https://www.kbarchitectinc.com/
Connect with Katerina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthehoneycombpodcast/
Download The Mindful Blueprint for Launching your Architecture Firm (use 'CAITLIN10' for 10% off!): https://www.kbarchitectinc.com/product-page/the-mindful-blueprint-for-launching-your-architecture-firm
Architectette Podcast Website: www.architectette.com
Connect with the pod on LinkedIn, Instagram (@architectette), and TikTok (@architectette)
Exclusive Content on our Newsletter: www.architectette.com
Support the pod on Patreon: https://patreon.com/Architectette?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink
Music by AlexGrohl from Pixabay.
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On today’s episode of Architectette we chat with Jes Deaver.
Jes is an architect at Nick Deaver Jes Deaver Architecture. She grew up in New England and Texas which encouraged her to develop an interest in people’s place and the environment. She holds a Master of Architecture Degree from the University of Houston Graduate School of Architecture and Design and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Radio-TV-Film from the University of Texas at Austin. She currently lectures on the craft of storytelling and film-making to elevate new and underrepresented voices within the design community. She was the 2020 AIA Austin Women in Architecture Committee Chair and has served on the Texas Society of Architects Public Outreach Task Force. Jes will join the Huckabee College of Architecture as H. Deane Pierce Endowed Visiting Assistant Professor for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Our episode today takes on a special format as we focus our conversation on Jes’ recent project, OFFBeat. We’ll jump right into the episode to talk about this gorgeous residence in Austin, Texas, but be sure to check out the show notes where you can read more about the project, check out photos, and follow along with our conversation.
Project Information:
Name: OFFBeat
Location: Austin, Texas
Size: 2,128 Sf
Completed: 11/2023
Architect: Nick Deaver Jes Deaver Architects
Builder: Form to Finish
Landscape Architecture: Studio 8sc
Structural Engineer: Steinman Luevano Structures
Photography: Leonid Furmansky, Raymond Castro
Project Description: A retired couple from Palo Alto dreamed of building a new home in Austin and becoming part of a central city, pedestrian-focused neighborhood where modest homes intertwine with nature. The 1930’s structure, located at the crook of a gently rising street, was uninhabited for over a decade. A pair of old live oaks occupy the center of the rhombus-shaped property, and the quirky, storybook style cottage was perched 4 feet above a deceptively sloping ground plane.
The single-story design reimagines the 1,192 sf original house as a portal from the romantic cottage landscapes into elemental spaces participating with nature. The sequence of interior space begins with a rectangular entry revealing the idiosyncrasies of the gabled roof above. New living spaces are a destination past saddlebag offices and the owner’s suite. A white steel and natural timber carport and rear arbor, in concert with a screen porch of cypress sticks and a 35’ cantilevered concrete bench, link the architecture to the urban forest beyond. Inside, matte white gallery walls contrasting rough and smooth cypress elements along with natural and designed light, make the art ordinary and the ordinary art. Narrow rooms with slender openings direct air through the spaces.
Links:
Connect with Jes on LinkedIn
OFFBeat on Firm Website
NDJD Instagram
OFFBeat in Residential Design Magazine
Tour OFFBeat with AIA Austin! (October 26-27, 2024)
Architectette Podcast Website: www.architectette.com
Connect with the pod on LinkedIn, Instagram (@architectette), and TikTok (@architectette)
Exclusive Content on our Newsletter: www.architectette.com
Music by AlexGrohl from Pixabay.
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On today’s episode of Architectette we welcome Melissa R. Daniel.
Melissa is a Facilities Project Manager in Maryland and is the creator/ host of the Architecture is Political Podcast, where Black and Brown folks discuss architecture. She received the 2022 AIA Whitney M Young Award and the 2018 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Associates Award. Melissa serves as past Chair for AIA Housing and Community Development Knowledge Community and is a Steering Committee Member to the DC Legacy Project, Barry Farm-Hillsdale.
We talk about:
- Growing up in Tyler House, a public housing complex in Washington DC and how Melissa’s childhood experiences led her to become an architect and later establish her podcast, Architecture is Political
- We do a deep dive on recent development in DC and why it is important for new construction and urban renewal to be rooted in place and history, discussing a few specific examples like the Wharf in DC
- We touch on Melissa’s extensive volunteer experience, the progress made by women in architecture, and how she would like to see changes manifested within the profession
- Lastly, we focus on the Architecture is Political podcast. Melissa shares a bit about her favorite conversations, how she studies and sources interview topics, and why she prefers to have non-architect guests.
Links:
Melissa's Website: https://www.melissardaniel.design/
Podcast Website: https://www.archispolly.online/
Podcast Socials: https://www.instagram.com/archispolly/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjOH86rBS83bCGodn9ibEbg
Architectette Podcast Website: www.architectette.com
Connect with the pod on LinkedIn, Instagram (@architectette), and TikTok (@architectette)
Exclusive Content on our Newsletter: www.architectette.com
Music by AlexGrohl from Pixabay.
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On today’s episode of Architectette we talk with The Healthy Architect, Morgan Chawaga.
Morgan is a licensed architect turned stress management consultant. After experiencing the stress and exhaustion known by many in the industry, she developed stress management tools that she now shares with architects that help them DESIGN and BUILD a healthier relationship with their careers.
We talk about:
- Morgan's background working for both architecture firms and owners and how her experiences in the industry impacted her.
- The origin of her company, The Healthy Architect, and how a nights and weekends effort became her full-time job recently.
- Morgan shares some of her mental health philosophies: how motherhood makes women skillful managers and empathetic collaborators, the power of habit stacking (hint: you can do a lot while Revit syncs!), and essential ways to advocate for yourself in the workplace. We also share a short breathing exercise- join us!
- We end with Morgan’s home office decor- what she keeps on the wall as a reminder of where she’s been and where she is going.
Links:
The Healthy Architect Website
@the_healthy_architect_
Connect with Morgan on LinkedIn
Architectette Podcast Website: www.architectette.com
Connect with the pod on LinkedIn, Instagram (@architectette), and TikTok (@architectette)
Exclusive Content on our Newsletter: www.architectette.com
Music by AlexGrohl from Pixabay.
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On today’s episode of Architectette we meet with Olivia Asuncion, AIA. Olivia is an architect, design researcher, and accessibility advocate based in Oakland, California. She was appointed to the US Access Board and recently completed a Fullbright Fellowship.
The Access Board is an independent federal agency that promotes equality for people with disabilities through leadership in accessible design and the development of accessibility guidelines and standards. The Access Board develops and maintains design criteria for the built environment, transit vehicles, public right-of-way, information and communication technology, and medical diagnostic equipment under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and other laws.
We talk about:
- Olivia's first understandings of accessibility inequality when she moved from the Philippines to the United States and encountered a higher baseline of accessibility that greatly benefitted her day to day living.
- The importance of accessible spaces in architecture and how accessibility allows folks to do tasks- both large and small- with dignity and independence.
- The research behind her Fullbright Fellowship- what legislation inspired her, what her experience was once she was in the Philippines, and what still needs to be done.
- Olivia also shares her experience surrounding architecture school and job applications: how she felt pressure to perform at a high level and how she requested accommodations.
- How advances in virtual work during the pandemic benefitted folks with disabilities.
- The US Access Board! What is it? Who is on it? What do they do?
Links:
Connect with Olivia
The US Access Board - Recent Work
Olivia's YAF Article
Centering Disability in Design Panel
Architectette Podcast Website: www.architectette.com
Connect with the pod on LinkedIn, Instagram (@architectette), and TikTok (@architectette)
Exclusive Content on our Newsletter: www.architectette.com
Music by AlexGrohl from Pixabay.
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On today’s episode of Architectette we welcome the current and past presidents of NAWIC, the National Association of Women in Construction.
NAWIC has over 115 chapters throughout the United States that provide its members with opportunities for professional development, education, networking, leadership training, public service and more. NAWIC advocates for the value and impact of women builders, professionals and tradeswomen in all aspects of the construction industry.
Our guests today are Karen Hager and Lauline Mitchell. Karen Hager is the NAWIC National President, based in Orlando Florida. She is an Account Manager at A.B. Design Group, LLC. Lauline Mitchell is the Immediate Past National President, with a home base in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is the Director of Pre-Construction at BBI Construction.
We talk about:
- How Karen and Lauline came to work in the construction industry, despite having non-construction backgrounds.
- How both women became involved with NAWIC and ended up in the presidential role. Karen and Lauline each share about their unique term initiatives and areas of focus.
- We next discuss some of the gender equity and pay statistics of women in construction industries, then bridging to the challenges that women face when working in construction.
- Lastly, we talk about Karen and Lauline’s favorite events, scholarship opportunities for women in construction, and the impact NAWIC on their careers.
Links:
Connect with Karen on LinkedIn
Connect with Lauline on LinkedIn
NAWIC Board of Directors Page
NAWIC Website
NAWIC Scholarships
NAWIC Regions and Chapters
Architectette Podcast Website: www.architectette.com
Connect with the pod on LinkedIn, Instagram (@architectette), and TikTok (@architectette)
Exclusive Content on our Newsletter: www.architectette.com
Music by AlexGrohl from Pixabay.
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On today’s episode of Architectette we share a conversation with Jill Bergman, FAIA, FACHA. Jill is a Senior Health Strategist at HDR, based in San Francisco, California. She has focused on healthcare facility design for her entire career, mostly working on large projects and medical planning.
We talk about:
- The power of focusing her career on one specific project type and how her after-work involvement helped her deepen her knowledge of healthcare architecture, build a strong community, and expand her impact.
- Her recent elevation to FAIA and why she was advised to consider applying as a milestone, rather than a lifetime achievement (fun fact: it’s both!).
- We next talk about Jill’s early career experience as a mentee and how she draws from that experience as she heads the AIA Academy of Architecture for Health, Colleague 2 Colleague Mentorship Program.
- We talk a bit about applying the “yes, and...” principles of improv to architecture and Jill shares a few specific lessons from her incredible standing-room only 2023 Women’s Leadership Summit Session.
- We end by discussing how data analytics and benchmarking as well as in-person shadowing experiences in the hospital have influenced her work as an architect.
Links:
Connect with Jill on LinkedIn
HDR's Website
Doctor for a Day
Academy of Architecture for Health
Jill Elevated to AIA College of Fellows
Architectette Podcast Website: www.architectette.com
Connect with the pod on LinkedIn, Instagram (@architectette), and TikTok (@architectette)
Exclusive Content on our Newsletter: www.architectette.com
Music by AlexGrohl from Pixabay.
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Happy Pride Month!
On this week’s episode of Architectette we feature an interview with Tracy J Passarella.
Tracy is a Senior Project Manager at Gilbane Building Company and a member of the New York Chapter of the Build Out Alliance which promotes and advocates for the LGBTQIA community within the building design and construction industry.
We talk about:
- Her early experiences in the construction industry and how her gender in a male-majority industry played a role in her career development and opportunities for advancement.
- We next talk about her transition to Gilbane: how the company led with examples of inclusive leadership and fostered a work environment where Tracy felt she could be her whole self.
- We talk about the energy that goes into concealing a portion of yourself that may not be accepted in a construction work environment and how it wears on you over time, impacting your ability to thrive at work.
- Tracy shares some stories from her work in construction: how she uses her leadership to create a respectful work environment and finds connections with her construction teams regardless of their personal differences.
- Tracy reflects on the impact of motherhood, emphasizing how her outlook on her professional and personal life has shifted after welcoming a baby with her wife.
- We chat about Tracy’s involvement in the Build Out Alliance, the community she has built, and her experience coordinating the 2023 Pride Parade and Float.
- We end the episode with Tracy’s sage advice for emerging leaders in the construction industry.
Links:
Connect with Tracy on LinkedIn
Build Out Alliance
Architectette Podcast Website: www.architectette.com
Connect with the pod on LinkedIn, Instagram (@architectette), and TikTok (@architectette)
Exclusive Content on our Newsletter: www.architectette.com
Music by AlexGrohl from Pixabay.
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On today’s episode of Architectette we welcome a dynamic duo! Aya Shlachter and Jing Lauengco are two outstanding women who connected over their mutual tenacity for entrepreneurship, design, and storytelling. Both women are business owners, entrepreneurs, and podcasters.
Aya Shlachter is the CEO and founder of MGS Global Group, a company that accelerates growth for architecture and design firms worldwide by providing architectural support and staffing services internationally. Her team provides Revit, ArchiCAD, AutoCAD, and 3D Visualization services to architects and interior designers. Aya is a keynote speaker and the host of the Architect My Business Podcast – a business growth podcast for architects.
Jing Lauengco is an award-winning Brand and Business Strategist and Producer and Host of NEXT THING WITH JING, a podcast exploring next chapters in the new now. Jing teaches modern entrepreneurs how to connect, convert, and engage using signature storytelling and brand building to drive growth.
We talk about:
- How Aya and Jing came to be friends and collaborators through their local entrepreneur community and how it has impacted their personal and professional lives.
- We talk about the challenges, uncertainties, and pivots of being serial founders and how each woman has built their own architecture and design industry businesses and have grown through each success, failure, or experiment.
- The power of storytelling: how understanding your story and being able to convey it to others can enrich your ability to connect, market, and grow.
- We also talk about their experiences as podcast hosts: favorite topics, guests, rebranding, and community building.
Links:
Aya on LinkedIn
MGS Global Group
Architect My Life Podcast
Aya on Instagram
Jing on LinkedIn
Consulting- Jing Inc
Other Brown Girl
Next Thing with Jing Podcast
Jing on Instagram
Architectette Podcast Website: www.architectette.com
Connect with the pod on LinkedIn, Instagram (@architectette), and TikTok (@architectette)
Exclusive Content on our Newsletter: www.architectette.com
Music by AlexGrohl from Pixabay.
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Welcome to a very special Part 2 Episode of Architectette! We continue our conversation with Denise Scott Brown.
Denise Scott Brown is an architect; planner & urban designer; and a theorist, writer and educator whose projects, research, and writing have influenced designers and architects since the 1960s. Her writings have changed the practice of architecture as we know it and her built work spans several continents. Some of her notable writings include Learning from Las Vegas, Having Words, and Architecture as Signs and Systems. She was a long-standing principal of the firm Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates.
Many of the topics we cover are influenced from the recently published book, Denise Scott Brown in Other Eyes: Portraits of an Architect edited by Frida Grahn.
Check out our social media @architectette on Instagram, the Architectette Podcast Page on LinkedIn, and our newsletter at architectette.com for behind the scenes exclusives and clips from the recording.
We talk about:
- The challenges of balancing community and developer needs for Philadelphia’s South Street and how racial politics influenced the process.
- Denise's design process for the Provincial Capitol Building in Toulouse. She explains her inspiration for the building’s iconic diagonal and other aesthetic elements.
- Inspiration for her article: Sexism and the Star System which talks about gender and architecture. We hear from her first hand what it was like to be seen as a lesser partner to Robert Venturi and how she dealt with being overlooked, rejected from the Pritzker Prize, or not acknowledged for her significant contributions.
- In addition to her illustrious career, Denise was a mom! She shares about her son, Jimmy, and the realities of balancing career and parenthood.
- How Denise became interested in photography to document and study urban conditions and she shares the influences and experience behind that ICONIC photo of her and Bob (Venturi) with the Las Vegas Strip in the background.
- We end with the National Gallery- sign the petition to save the building!
I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I enjoyed interviewing Denise. (Denise, Emma, and Nyma - THANK YOU!)
Links:
Studio Architecture's Gift to Academe
Denise Scott Brown in Other Eyes: Portraits of an Architect
Venturi Scott Brown Website
Learning from Las Vegas (article summary)
Aperture Article (Photos of Denise's Home)
Stop Current Sainsbury Wing Renovation
Photo: Denise Scott Brown, 2023, photograph by Nyamsuren Erdenebayar
Architectette Podcast Website: www.architectette.com
Connect with the pod on LinkedIn, Instagram (@architectette), and TikTok (@architectette)
Exclusive Content on our Newsletter: www.architectette.com
Music by AlexGrohl from Pixabay.
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