This episode features three women who all left architecture for the real estate world! Chi-Chi Lin, Danlu Li, and Yi Li all studied architecture and practiced for a few years before realizing that they wanted to do something else. After leaving the profession and getting MSRED degrees, they now all work in different areas of the real estate industry in New York City. In our conversation, Chi Chi, Danlu and Yi Li share when each of them realized they didn’t want to practice architecture anymore, how they transitioned to their new careers, what they miss about architecture, but what they love about their new work. They also give great advice for people who want to pivot from architecture to something else. We also talk about the challenges of being a woman in real estate, finding a firm that has your same values, and how both architects and people in real estate are inherently futurists.

Design Voice Podcast

#67 Pivoting from Architecture to Real Estate

Stacie Wong is a Principal at GLUCK+. Named by Fast Company as a top 10 most innovative companies in architecture, the firm is recognized for Architect Led Design Build. Stacie’s considerable design and construction experience began 26 years ago with the Yale Building Project's design-build of a single-family residence in New Haven. Ever since, she has been involved in educational, commercial and residential work across the United States. Stacie brings expertise in leading strategic planning, research, programming, and community stakeholder engagement with private and public institutional clients, as well as stewarding the design and construction for the successful completion of many technically complex projects. She has been an advocate for architects’ involvement in construction to increase their agency in the building process and impact on the design of the physical environment, including features in Metropolis Magazine, Wallpaper* and Architectural Design (UK). Notable award-winning projects include ONStage at Kaufman Astoria Studios in New York City, Pilkey Lab, a LEED Gold science research building for Duke University Marine Laboratory on their coastal campus; Artist Retreat in Upstate New York; and The East Harlem School in New York City. Current projects in progress include Van Sinderen Plaza, affordable housing in East New York and City Seminary of New York's campus in Harlem. Stacie received her Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from the University of California at Berkeley and a Master of Architecture from Yale University.   In this episode we talk about: Stacie’s desire to become a complete architect, and know how a building actually gets put together, led to her interest in design-build projects How GLUCK+ scaled up its design-build work to include both single-family residences and public institutional work Stacie’s experience working as a Superintendent on a construction site Advice for emerging professionals on navigating construction sites and Construction Administration  Why there’s no shame in not knowing everything, and the best way to learn How GLUCK+ is set up so everyone works on both the design and construction side Why there is less liability in design-build than people may think - We want to hear from you! Please send your feedback to hello@designvoicepodcast.com and follow the show on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/designvoicepodcast.

#70 Architect Led Design Build with Stacie Wong, GLUCK+

Angelica Trevino Baccon is a principal at SHoP Architects in New York City. She leverages deep expertise in and a passion for evolving technology to create inspiring, sustainable spaces for people, often in next-generation workplaces. She led the SHoP teams for the new Uber Headquarters in San Francisco and the Atlassian Headquarters in Sydney, as well as several other large-scale projects for major global tech companies. Angelica has great success in meeting fast-paced and far-reaching design and delivery challenges and  finding consensus with multi-layered stakeholder groups—in the interest of spatial vitality and community connection—for some of the firm’s most complex projects. She holds a Bachelor in Architecture degree from ITESM in Monterrey, Mexico, and a Master of Architecture from Harvard University, where she has also served as a professor. In this episode we talk about: What is was like having a baby during the pandemic, and the importance of flexibility How growing up in Monterrey, Mexico influenced the way Angelica views cities and spaces Seeing a city absorb a project after its completion What the future of work and workspaces will be like, and what elements will draw people to come back into the office Thinking about architecture as experiences rather than iconic forms Leveraging technology to think of space in a different way and to demystify the design process for clients On the patience and perseverance required to be an architect SHoP projects mentioned in the episode: Uber Headquarters Atlassian Headquarters East River Waterfront Domino Sugar Master Plan Essex Market - We want to hear from you! Please send your feedback to hello@designvoicepodcast.com and follow the show on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/designvoicepodcast.

#69 Striving for the Extraordinary with Angelica Trevino Baccon, SHoP Architects

Jennifer Sodo is a leading expert in the design and planning of dementia living environments. A senior associate with Perkins Eastman’s senior living practice in New York City, Jennifer translates her own and others’ research on biophilic design and whole-person wellness into thoughtful designs to create healthy and meaningful places for older adults living with dementia. She speaks regularly at conferences and industry events and has published articles and papers on a variety of topics pertaining to senior living. Jennifer is also co-host of Perkins Eastman’s new Shaping Dementia Environments podcast, a show that explores uncommon thinking in design for dementia through interviews with industry leaders. In this episode, Jennifer shares how, like many others in the field, her personal experiences drew her to the senior living practice. She talks about innovations and the guiding principals in the design of these spaces, and gives her pitch on why emerging professionals should join this area of work. We also have a super interesting conversation about podcasting! Not many architecture firms have produced their own podcasts, and Jennifer and her co-host’s show was the first of its kind at Perkins Eastman. Jennifer shares her experience with creating the show, if others at Perkins Eastman will be following suit, and her thoughts on if more firms should start producing their own podcasts. Resources / Links: Shaping Dementia Environments Podcast Missing Main Street: Reconnecting Older Adults with Dementia to the Fabric of Authentic Living Hogewey: The Un-Model Model Being Mortal, by Atul Gawande - We want to hear from you! Please send your feedback to hello@designvoicepodcast.com and follow the show on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/designvoicepodcast

#68 Designing for Dementia Environments with Jennifer Sodo, Perkins Eastman

Lilian Asperin is a partner at WRNS Studio, where she helps lead the design process and build teams that deliver aspirational outcomes. Lilian values a firm culture that embraces collaboration, connection to the community, risk taking, and fostering talent.  Lilian attended the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned her BA in Environmental Design and graduated with honors. After completing her studies, Lilian worked at architecture firms around the Bay Area, including Stanley Saitowitz, the City of San Francisco’s Bureau of Architecture, SOM, and NBBJ. Recently completed projects include the Salk Institute for Biological Studies Master Plan, the Center for Science and Innovation at USF, and UC Merced’s 2020’s Public-Private-Partnership (P3) project. A leader within the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP), she organized the first-ever Hackathon for MOOC’s as part of the Pacific Regional Conference and will be continuing her involvement with the organization as 2018-2021 Pacific Regional Chair. Lilian utilizes her experience as a practice leader and licensed architect to develop synergistic relationships with leaders throughout the architectural and educational communities. Deeply involved with the local community, Lilian works to raise awareness and help break the cycle of poverty in the Bay Area through her work as a Tipping Point Community Partner. Lilian also acts as a Board Director of AIA San Francisco and is the Co-Chair of the Equity by Design Committee, a call to action for everyone to realize the goal of equitable practice and communicate the value of design to society. In this episode, Lilian shares how her personal experience as a first generation Latinx student has informed her career and passion for the higher education sector. We also talk about inclusive design, how architects should re-think the timeline of the project process, how to map out your career goals with post-its and poster boards, normalizing mental wellness in the profession, and the importance of inviting everyone’s full lives into the office.

#66 Designing for Inclusion with Lilian Asperin, Partner at WRNS Studio

Cecilia Cuff is a 20-year veteran of the hospitality scene and the Founder and Managing Principal of The Nascent Group, a hospitality design and project management agency. Cecilia has established herself as a pacemaker in the hospitality design industry, focusing on art and efficiency-inspired design, inclusivity, community  development and sustainability.   Cecilia has managed hospitality openings and brand launches for companies like Hyatt Hotels & Resorts all over North & South America, Ski Resort and Adventure Resort Renovations for companies like Taos Ski Valley and M Vacation Resorts & Properties. Her involvement and enthusiasm for corporate brand development is always guided using  community development, food sustainability and minority inclusion as a moral compass. Regenerative farming practices, local ingredient sourcing and at-risk youth professional development are common threads that link her work and programming that remain strong long after she has developed a project.   As a part of a career dedicated to flawless and carefully executed hospitality service, Cecilia’s career client  list brags seamlessly handling celebrities from Sheryl Crow, Lil Wayne, Emeril Lagasse, Snoop Dog,  Rihanna, Kanye West, Seal, Brad Pitt & Angela Jolie. Elevated hospitality experiences in event production  has remained her differentiator, creating and curating large scale wine festivals all over the United States, as well as aiding in the production of multi day music festivals and experiences. Cecilia now operates her own firm, The Nascent Group, acting as an ally to urban planners and community developers to create more inclusive economic design, as well as aiding businesses with hotel and restaurant openings, operation brand launches and design. She also operates Parse SECO, a multidisciplinary art space offering art residencies  and space for underrepresented communities and mentorship for at-risk youth with sister branches in  New Orleans, San Francisco, New York and Mexico.   In this episode, Cecilia shares her career journey in the hospitality industry, using her entrepreneurial spirit as a force for good, and pushing for inclusivity in her work with developers. We also talk about how the hospitality industry has the power to change the trajectory of people’s lives, and the magic of walking into a space and having your breath taken away.

#65 Artistry and Magic with Cecilia Cuff

It’s a special podcast crossover episode, featuring Practice Disrupted!  The evolution of architectural practice has been relatively slow towards change, yet modern shifts in business and design management have prompted today’s leading architects to rethink how they work. The Practice Disrupted podcast addresses how technology, cultural shifts, and emerging best practices in business are prompting industry disruption and transformation. The series features thought leaders on business, innovation, entrepreneurship, and/or architecture.    About the Practice Disrupted Hosts: Evelyn M. Lee, FAIA, MBA, MPA is a licensed architect in the state of California, with over 15 years of experience working with individuals and companies that are looking to reshape their future. She is the founder of Practice of Architecture, the first-ever Senior Experience Designer at Slack Technologies, and the first female Treasurer to AIA National‘s Board of Directors.   Je’Nen M. Chastain, MBA, Assoc. AIA is trained in architecture and business management with a decade of experience working with award-winning architects. She founded Apostrophe Consulting to help architects improve firm culture, and strengthen their teams and businesses. She specializes in talent development, change management, and business strategy, including marketing and communication.   In this episode, Evelyn and Je’Nen share some great insights on how to push for change within an organization, how to know when to stay or leave your current job, the value of having an entrepreneurial mindset even if you work for someone else, what services architects should be offering but aren’t, and more!   Check out more episodes of Practice Disrupted at: https://practiceofarchitecture.com/podcast/

#64 Practice Disrupted with Evelyn Lee and Je'Nen Chastain

Lauren Schmidt is a Principal at KPF in New York City.  The youngest woman in KPF’s history to be named Principal, Lauren is invaluable to projects of all types, coordinating with multiple stakeholders, consultants and design teams, and overseeing projects through all phases.   Lauren has served as designer and manager for some of KPF’s most notable and complex New York City projects. She collaborated to develop the design for One Jackson Square, a national AIA award-winning residential building situated over several active subway lines. Lauren managed 55 Hudson Yards, a large-scale, transit-oriented office building that features a unique, finely-crafted wall system. The building’s irregular structure incorporates a ventilation building for the subway station below, requiring detailed coordination with the MTA and city stakeholders.   Much of Lauren’s work focuses on maximizing the potential of underutilized or outdated buildings through repositioning. She has contributed management expertise to adaptive reuse projects such as Hudson Commons, which adds 17 stories above a former warehouse creating state-of-the-art office space; 175 Park, a reimagining of a traditional suburban office building in New Jersey; and 660 Fifth Avenue, for which a new, custom glass curtain wall façade maximizes occupant comfort while reducing energy consumption.   Lauren also plays an integral role in the operations of the firm itself overseeing recruitment, staffing, and mentorship alongside KPF’s senior leadership. She holds a board seat on the Design Futures Council, and was named one of PWC’s 20 Under 40 Outstanding Women in Construction. Lauren helped launch KPF’s Educational Program, actively participates in the ACE mentorship program, and has taught Architect Registration Examination courses at the New York Center for Architecture.   In this episode, Lauren talks about her experience of moving up through the ranks at KPF, how architecture is a group effort, and the importance of communication and collaboration. She shares some great advice on what makes someone a good leader, how to develop and hone their leadership skills, and how one can differentiate themselves at a larger, international firm. Lauren also talks about how being an athlete has informed who she is as a person and the importance of having an outlet in your life that isn’t architecture related. - We want to hear from you! Please send your feedback to hello@designvoicepodcast.com and follow the show on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/designvoicepodcast

#63 Lessons in Leadership with Lauren Schmidt, Principal at KPF

J. Meejin Yoon, AIA FAAR, is the Gale and Ira Drukier Dean at the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP) at Cornell University and cofounder of Höweler + Yoon, an award-winning design studio engaged in projects across the U.S. and around the world. An architect, designer, and educator, Meejin is committed to advancing pedagogy, research, and practice to expand new knowledge across fields and disciplines, and to bringing deep expertise to the urgent environmental and social challenges facing our cities and communities. In this episode, Meejin talks about her journey to becoming Dean at Cornell AAP, why she always wanted to maintain a creative practice alongside teaching, and what qualities she thinks makes someone a good architecture professor. Meejin also talks about how making the architecture discipline more accessible will make it more impactful, and how our disciplines in the built environment have to step up at this moment to address climate change, justice and equity in ways we haven’t before. Visit the Cornell AAP website here: https://aap.cornell.edu/ - We want to hear from you! Please send your feedback to hello@designvoicepodcast.com and follow the show on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/designvoicepodcast  

#62 Heroic Imaginations of the Future with J. Meejin Yoon, Dean at the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP) at Cornell University

Saakshi Terway is a Designer at Wiencek + Associates in Washington DC. She is especially interested  in responsible and sustainable architecture that has a social impact on local and global communities, and seeks to produce work that allows architecture and design to become a tool in empowering communities. In this episode, we talk about job search advice for recent grads, finding a mentor (and why you need multiple mentors), figuring out what you want to do, and advocating for yourself. Saakshi also talks about the challenges and biases many immigrants face in the AEC profession, and why speaking out and sharing your story is so important. -- We want to hear from you! Please send your feedback to hello@designvoicepodcast.com and follow the show on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/designvoicepodcast.  

#61 Mentorship, Inclusion, and Self-Advocacy with Saakshi Terway

Christine Williamson is the founder of the Building Science Fight Club, an Instagram community dedicated to teaching building science and construction to architects and other building professionals. She also provides technical design consulting services to architects, developers, and contractors, assisting with design development and reviewing details and specifications to improve durability, comfort, and energy efficiency.     In this episode, Christine and I talk about how building science is design, pushing through the painful early years of your career where you feel like you don’t know anything yet, how Christine ended up teaching architects about building science and creating an online course. Christine also shares why she started the Building Science Fight Club,  and gives a behind the scenes look at how she creates content for account.   Learn more about Christine at https://www.christine-williamson.com/   -   We want to hear from you! Please send your feedback to hello@designvoicepodcast.com and follow the show on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/designvoicepodcast

#60 Building Science Fight Club with Christine Williamson

Janet Tam is a founder and Principal of Noll and Tam Architects. Janet grew up in Richmond, California, and studied architecture at UC Berkeley in the 1970s and early 80’s, when the university was a pioneer of socially responsible design. There, she encountered groundbreaking courses on social factors and user needs, and was drawn to the power of architecture to enrich people’s lives by serving the public good. Janet and her business partner, Chris Noll, founded their firm in 1992, to establish a talented studio of architects that pursued the ideal of active community involvement and environmentally responsive design. Since its founding, the Berkeley-based firm has become a leader in Bay Area public architecture, and is noted for championing women in leadership roles. Janet’s work, and that of the firm, is regarded for its emphasis on recognizing and articulating shared community values with projects that bind people together in a common vision for the future.   In this episode, Janet talks about: her experience of starting a practice while raising two daughters; how introspection and surrounding yourself with experts is key to building a healthy firm; working with a firm therapist; how the strength of the firm’s culture helped them get through the pandemic; what it means to stay “fresh” in the architecture profession; succession planning, letting things go, and passing on knowledge; and how architects never retire but morph into something else.   We want to hear from you! Please send your feedback to hello@designvoicepodcast.com and follow the show on Instagram @designvoicepodcast.

#59 Looking Inward and Outward with Janet Tam, FAIA

Primaverarch is an organization dedicated to stimulating change for the recognition of women in the architectural profession. Inspired by the renaissance era and the symbolic idea of spring, Primaverarch is a movement of rebirth, revival, and renewal. Primaverarch was created by Nadeen Hassan, Chaerin Kim, and Soany Marquez, three minority-women who recently graduated from the Spitzer School of Architecture at the City College of New York. Throughout their studies, they experienced a lack of professional support, mentorship, and recognition, and so decided to start Primavera. Primaverarch is a catalyst movement that is dedicated to creating a seat at the table for all women in the field. Learn more about Primaverarch at: https://www.primaverarch.org/ In this episode we talk about: Why Nadeen, Chaerin, and Soany started Primaverarch On giving their interviewees a space to feel empowered, and feel like they have a voice Primaverarch’s goal of showcasing diverse voices, and that white women do not represent all women. How amplifying black voices should not just be a trend, but is something you’re supposed to be doing constantly. The long term goals for Primaverarch, and creating not just a platform but a space for opportunities and a support system for emerging professionals Expanding nationally and internationally, collaborating with NOMA and AIA On infiltrating national organizations like AIA to push for change Creating a space for people to ask regular questions, and fighting against the perception that architects are snobby Being conditioned in architecture school to just accept the status quo, and the need to push back and question who is being taught or amplified The lack of statistics on Middle Eastern or Arab architects is problematic How Nadeen, Chaerin, and Soany provide a support system for each other, have each others backs, and push each other forward   LISTEN to other episodes at www.designvoicepodcast.com FOLLOW the show on Instagram @designvoicepodcast EMAIL us at hello@designvoicepodcast.com

#58 Supporting the Next Generation of Architects with Primaverarch

Kate Thatcher is the Chief Executive Officer of Architecture + Information (A+I), a strategy-led architecture and experience design agency based in New York. As CEO, Thatcher drives the acceleration of innovation, collaboration between teams and subject areas, and further development of culture and inclusion initiatives within A+I. Kate first began her career at A+I in 2004, returning again in 2011 upon completion of her Masters in Architecture degree from Yale University. At A+I, Kate has led design teams creating spaces for world-class companies like Equinox, Chanel, and Horizon Media. She became a principal at A+I in 2018 and was named the agency’s first CEO in 2020. Her innovative project experience and unique perspective having worked up the ranks of the organization inform her leadership style. A tireless advocate for equity within the architecture and design professions, Kate is responsible for the launch, in 2020, of the firm's +IMPACT initiative, a platform for A+I’s employees to leverage their talents and expertise on opportunities at the intersection of design and social impact.  In this episode we talk about: How Kate became the first ever CEO of A+I, what she did to prepare for the role, and her advice for younger professionals on how to develop their leadership skills Challenging the status quo narrative of the lone starchitect Nonlinear career paths, and not regretting the forks in the road Why it can be difficult to leave things behind as you advance in your career, but not being afraid of the new opportunities it may bring How her role as CEO is like a design exercise What a strategy-led integrated design agency is, and how A+I is different from traditional architecture firms The alignment of an institution’s vision, the space they occupy, and the people that inhabit that space What a strategist does, and how they are equal parts data scientist and spatial storyteller Kate’s experience as a parent during the pandemic, and her hope for what the future post-pandemic work-life might be like 

#57 Designing an Organization with Kate Thatcher, CEO of A+I, Architecture Plus Information

Sylvia Kwan, FAIA is a principal based out of DLR Group’s San Francisco office. She has practiced in San Francisco for more than 40 years and her past and present designs continue to impact the built environment in the Bay Area. Sylvia founded Kwan Henmi Architecture in 1980, and in 2017 Kwan Henmi joined DLR Group, where Sylvia continues to focus on the transportation and higher education sectors. She takes great pride in building relationships with clients and exceeding their expectations.   Sylvia is an AIA Fellow, and has served on AIA boards at both national and local chapter levels. She has received numerous awards and personal recognitions for her design and business achievements, including the San Francisco Business Times’ 75 Most Influential Women in Business. In this episode we talk about: Sylvia’s experience of starting her own firm in her 20’s, and what she attributes to her success On relinquishing control as the size of your firm grows Going into full rainmaker mode, and how Sylvia honed her business development skills over the years Business development tips, and advice for public speaking On building relationships with decision makers and developing your reputation Sylvia’s experience of running her practice while raising two sons Kwan Henmi’s merger with DLR Group  Sylvia’s goals for this next phase of her career after being in the profession for 40+ years Her career highlight How Sylvia ended up being cast on Survivor Fiji!   Special thanks to Drew Henmi for this episode’s intro song. Check out the full version of the song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4K7uFzRNNk   LISTEN to other episodes at www.designvoicepodcast.com FOLLOW the show on Instagram @designvoicepodcast EMAIL us at hello@designvoicepodcast.com

#56 A Career of Joy, Fearlessness, and Serendipity with Sylvia Kwan, FAIA

The Design Voice Podcast seeks to elevate and amplify those voices of women in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. Each episode features honest conversations with women who shape the built environment - their unique perspectives on the state of their professions, stories about their career journeys, and more. By telling their stories, this podcast hopes to serve as a source of education, inspiration and empowerment. Season 2 starts Fall 2019 - stay tuned!