Podcast
Practice Disrupted by Practice of Architecture
Hosted by Evelyn Lee · EN
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. On Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee, FAIA, NOMA, an architect, angel investor, fractional COO, and Founder of Practice of Architecture, sets out to illuminate the future of the profession to help architects remain relevant and valuable in a changing world. She will explore how technology, cultural shifts, and emerging best practices are prompting firm owners to reassess their business models and adjust their studios. Each episode features an industry leader who explores the new frontier of architectural practice.
23episodes
Episodes
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236: The Blueprint of Apparel: Applying Architectural Thinking to Fashion
2d ago00:40:02Tap to summarizeCan the rigorous, systematic process of architectural design be the secret ingredient to disrupting the fashion industry?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Aidan Turner, the founder of The Garment Architect. Aidan, who graduated from the Syracuse School of Architecture just one year ago, is challenging the standard "fast fashion" model by treating apparel design with the same technical precision and systemic discipline typically reserved for buildings.Aidan’s journey began well before his first day of architecture school; he was running a clothing brand as an undergraduate, balancing studio critiques with supply chain management. He explains how he bridges these two worlds by viewing a "tech pack" (the documentation for a garment) as an architectural blueprint. By applying principles like site analysis (market research), structural integrity (fabric testing), and construction sequencing (production), Aidan has created a studio that prioritizes quality and longevity over the rapid-fire releases common in the apparel world.The conversation explores the "architectural mindset" as a transferable skill. Aidan argues that the value architects bring to any industry, whether it's real estate, manufacturing, or fashion, is the ability to see a project through a full, multi-phase lifecycle. They discuss the challenges of being an entrepreneur in a field that often demands 100% of your time, and why Aidan believes the "veil of mystery" surrounding the design process needs to be lifted to better communicate the true value of professional expertise to clients."We communicate through drawings, but our process is definitely not communicated through our deliverables. It's everything that goes on in our brains. I think if architecture can evolve in a way where our skills are valued as highly as they should be, then we would be able to be more entrepreneurial and more business-minded." - Aidan TurnerThis episode is a compelling case study on the versatility of an architectural education. Aidan highlights that when you understand how to design systems and manage complex production, the scale of the object, whether it’s a skyscraper or a jacket, is secondary to the process itself.Guest:Aidan Turner is the founder of The Garment Architect, a Syracuse School of Architecture alumnus, and an entrepreneur who successfully merged his love for fashion and architecture. He is redefining apparel design by implementing professional architectural workflows, including rigorous blueprinting, sourcing, and project management, to create more sustainable and high-quality clothing.This episode is especially for you if:✅ You are curious about how architectural skills and workflows can be applied to fields entirely outside of the built environment.✅ You want to learn how to bridge the gap between "design-focused" creative work and "business-focused" operational work.✅ You are a student or recent graduate wondering how to leverage your education to start a business early in your career.✅ You believe the architecture profession needs to remove the "veil of mystery" and communicate our value more clearly to non-architect clients.✅ You are interested in the parallels between construction documents and technical apparel packs for streamlined production.What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.📍 Show Links:Connect with Aidan on Linkedin Check out The Garment Architect WebsiteFollow The Garment Architect on InstagramFollow The Garment Architect on TikTok📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Instagram | LinkedIn | YoutubeCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation
Transcribe →235: From Trash to Power: Diverting Construction Waste at Industrial Scale
1w ago00:35:20Tap to summarizeHow can the AEC industry turn 41 million tons of annual wood waste into a circular economy powerhouse?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee ventures into the construction and manufacturing side of the built environment to speak with Todd Thomas, founder and CEO of Woodchuck. While the podcast typically focuses on architectural practice, Todd’s work at the intersection of AI and sustainability offers a glimpse into a future where waste is no longer an afterthought, but a valuable commodity.Todd explains the staggering scale of the problem: over 41 million tons of wood are sent to U.S. landfills every year, accounting for nearly 40% of all landfill volume. He details how Woodchuck uses advanced AI platforms to identify, sort, and divert this material at industrial scale. By bridging the gap between construction sites and manufacturing outlets, Todd is building the infrastructure necessary to move the industry away from a "take-make-waste" model and toward a truly circular economy.The conversation also touches on the speed of execution in the tech world versus the slower pace of traditional architectural practice. Todd shares insights into how Woodchuck was "spun up" quickly to meet market demands and why architects need to start thinking about the material life cycle, and deconstruction, long before a project breaks ground."If we don't have a way to divert it, it goes to a landfill. It's that simple. And when it goes to a landfill, it produces methane, which is 80 times more potent than CO2. We have to treat waste as a resource if we want to change the math on sustainability." — Todd ThomasThis episode is a fascinating look at how adjacent industries are solving the problems architects design for. Todd emphasizes that while architects have the vision, they must partner with technologists and "builders" of systems to ensure their sustainable goals are actually met in the field.Guest:Todd Thomas is the founder and CEO of Woodchuck, a technology platform dedicated to wood waste diversion at industrial scale. With a background spanning construction, manufacturing, and emerging technology, Todd has spent his career building AI-driven platforms that solve complex environmental and supply chain challenges. He is a leading voice on the circular economy and the role of tech in scaling sustainability.This episode is especially for you if:✅ You want to understand the true environmental impact of construction waste and why wood is the most overlooked resource in the waste stream.✅ You are curious about how AI and machine learning are being used on the ground to identify and sort materials for reuse.✅ You want to learn how to design for deconstruction and help your clients participate in a circular material economy.✅ You are interested in the speed of tech startups and how their approach to business execution differs from traditional architecture firms.✅ You believe that architectural value should extend beyond the building's completion and into the responsible lifecycle of its materials.What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.📍 Show Links:Learn more about WoodchuckConnect with Todd on LinkedIn📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Instagram | LinkedIn | YoutubeCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation
Transcribe →234: Build the Future You Want: A Builder's Path with German Aparicio
2w ago00:41:31Tap to summarizeHow can architects transition from being passive users of technology to the master builders leading the next wave of industry innovation?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with German Aparicio, a licensed architect who operates at the intersection of architecture, software development, and venture capital. As the lead for early innovation and partner development at Trimble Ventures, German shares his journey from a fifth-grade dream of becoming an architect to building the frameworks that are now reshaping the AECO (Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations) industry.German discusses his early career at Arup, where he first encountered the friction of broken industry systems and "redundant rework," which sparked a lifelong pursuit of better technological frameworks. He recounts his time at MIT and Gehry Technologies, his experience through the Trimble acquisition, and the evolution of G-Team into what is now Trimble Connect. The conversation explores how these experiences led him to co-found 0 to 60, an equity-free accelerator that integrates startups like TestFit, Monograph, and ScaffPlan into the broader technology stack to drive industry-wide change.Beyond corporate innovation, German remains deeply rooted in academia, teaching advanced digital design and entrepreneurship at Cal Poly Pomona. He challenges the traditional "service-for-time" business model and presents a vision for an AI-native design practice, one that leverages natural language and automation to do more with less, allowing architects to reclaim their roles as master builders."I encourage all my students to do the same. Imagine the future you want to see and then go build it. Nobody's going to come and save you." - German AparicioThis episode is a call to action for architects to take ownership of their professional evolution. Whether through building software, designing ecosystems, or rethinking the value of architectural output, German emphasizes that the future of the profession depends on architects leading technology rather than being led by it.Guest:German Aparicio is a licensed architect in California and the project manager for early innovation and partner development at Trimble Ventures. He is the co-founder of the 0 to 60 accelerator and a faculty member at Cal Poly Pomona. With a background from Cal Poly Pomona and a master’s in design and computation from MIT, German has spent his career building systems, software, and ecosystems that bridge the gap between design and construction.This episode is especially for you if:✅ You are interested in how accelerators and venture capital are influencing the development of new tools for architects.✅ You want to understand the potential of an AI-native design practice to shift the industry from a time-based to an output-based business model.✅ You are a student or early-career professional looking for ways to take ownership of your career path outside of traditional firm structures.✅ You want to learn about the history and future of Trimble Connect and how it facilitates better data flow across complex projects.✅ You believe the architecture profession needs to adopt systems thinking to solve long-standing productivity and collaboration challenges.📍 Show Links:Connect with German on LinkedInLearn more about 0-60Learn more about Trimble📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Instagram | LinkedIn | YoutubeCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation
Transcribe →233: Methods and Mindsets: Navigating Practice Transformation in a Shifting Market
3w ago01:06:29Tap to summarizeHow do we manage the rapid transformation of the AECO industry without losing the human systems that make the work possible?In this first-ever live recording of Practice Disrupted, captured at the NASCC Steel Conference in Atlanta, Evelyn Lee is joined by Shelby Morris and Emily Schickner to discuss the "methods and mindsets" required to lead through industry-wide change. From the dramatic shift in the Atlanta real estate market, where zero new office buildings are currently under construction while billions are poured into data centers, the conversation explores how firms must adapt their business lines to remain relevant. The guests discuss how flexibility and a willingness to pivot are no longer just survival tactics but core operational strategies.The episode delves into the nuances of communication, particularly how AI-generated renderings are shifting client expectations and the way architects articulate their value. Beyond technology, the discussion focuses on building a resilient firm culture through "co-creation" rather than top-down mandates. Shelby and Emily share insights on radical transparency in fees, the importance of intentional mentorship, and why viewing the entire AEC industry as a collaborative "family" is essential for raising the profession's standing.This live discussion offers a rare look at how leadership happens in real-time during market volatility. By focusing on the intersection of market data and human capital, Shelby and Emily provide a roadmap for firms to move beyond traditional hierarchies toward a more integrated, transparent, and agile way of working."It's the family culture and environment that should spread across our entire AEC industry because we absolutely are all in this together and we all must support each other to continue being the profession that needs to be respected in the way that it needs to be." - Shelby MorrisThis episode is a masterclass in leading with transparency and empathy. Shelby and Emily emphasize that while the technical requirements of the job will always evolve, the business of architecture is, at its heart, a people business built on trust and shared valuesGuest:Shelby Morris is the Co-Managing Director of Gensler’s Atlanta office and a former AIA Atlanta president. He has led over $3 billion in transformational projects across the Southeast and is a leading voice on office management, market adaptation, and firm-wide diversification.Emily Schickner is a Principal at Harrison Design, the firm’s first female principal, and the past president of AIA Atlanta. She serves as the chair of AIA’s 2025 Women's Leadership Summit and is a sought-after voice on mental health, mentorship, and equity within the profession.This episode is especially for you if:✅ You are curious about how large and small firms are shifting their business models to meet new market demands like data centers and retail.✅ You want to learn strategies for communicating the value of architectural expertise when clients arrive with AI-generated renderings.✅ You are interested in implementing "reverse mentorship" and structured development programs to retain the next generation of talent.✅ You struggle with the transition from being a technical expert to being a leader focused on HR, finance, and relationship management.✅ You want to understand the difference between hiring for "culture fit" versus "culture ad" to build a more diverse and agile practice.What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.📍 Show Links:Learn more about GenslerLearn more about Harrison DesignLearn more about AISCLearn more about NASCC Connect with Shelby on LinkedInConnect with Emily on LinkedIn📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Instagram | LinkedIn | YoutubeCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation
Transcribe →232: The Five Conversations That Drive Growth in Creative Organizations
Apr 2301:24:10Tap to summarizeWhy does the architecture profession’s investment in human capital development still lag so far behind its investment in technology and tools?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee is joined by Laura Weiss, an architect who stepped away from traditional practice thirty years ago to focus on the human systems that make design possible. With a decade-long tenure at IDEO as a practice director and associate partner, where she co-led the original service design practice, and experience as a principal at Korn Ferry, Laura brings a precise, unsentimental perspective to the profession. Now an ICF-certified coach and mediator returning to teach at Yale, she explores why the quality of the conversations we have is the ultimate determinant of a firm's success.The conversation centers on Laura’s framework of the "five conversations" essential for the growth of people, firms, and projects. She breaks down the mechanics of why feedback often collapses in creative organizations and why conflict avoidance is a "leadership strategy" that inevitably leads to higher long-term costs. Laura challenges the industry to rethink its approach to leadership, moving away from the "worker bee" mentality toward a more holistic understanding of agency and influence within the "spider web" of organizational systems."Organizations or systems are like spider webs. You touch one part of it and the whole thing can move. So anyone that thinks, 'I'm just a worker bee,' think a little bit more creatively. If you lean into your own personal sense of power and agency, it will come." - Laura WeissThis episode is a masterclass in the "soft" systems that drive "hard" results. Laura provides a roadmap for architects to reclaim their power, navigate the discomfort of difficult feedback, and build a more resilient professional culture. Whether you are a firm leader looking to evolve your leadership style or a young professional seeking to understand your own influence, this discussion offers a framework for navigating the complex human dynamics of practice.Guest:Laura Weiss is an architect, leadership coach, and facilitator. She spent a decade at IDEO as a Practice Director and Associate Partner, where she helped pioneer the service design practice. She has served as a Principal at Korn Ferry and is currently an ICF-certified coach and mediator. Laura is also a member of the faculty at the Yale School of Architecture, where she teaches on leadership and organizational development.This episode is especially for you if:✅ You want to understand why conflict avoidance in leadership is a strategy that always costs more than it saves.✅ You are curious about why feedback systems often fail in creative environments and how to fix them.✅ You are interested in the "five conversations" framework for fostering growth in people, firms, and projects.✅ You want to learn how to view your firm as a "spider web" of influence where every individual has agency.✅ You are looking for ways to elevate the profession's investment in human capital to match its investment in technology.What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.📍 Show Links:Learn more about Laura on her websiteConnect with Laura on LinkedInListen to the previous Practice Disrupted episode with Laura📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Instagram | LinkedIn | YoutubeCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation
Transcribe →231: Work for What's Next: ThinkLab's Amanda Schneider on the 10 Shifts Reshaping Practice
Apr 1600:55:09Tap to summarizeIf workplace culture is failing, are we brave enough to use Gen Z as the prototype for what comes next?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Amanda Schneider, the founder and president of ThinkLab, joins host Evelyn Lee to discuss her transition from a "designer by degree" to a leading researcher in the built environment. As the author of the upcoming book Work for What’s Next, Amanda explores the uncomfortable truth that current workplace structures are struggling to keep up with the shifting expectations of the modern workforce. She shares insights from her viral research into Gen Z, explaining how this generation is not a "problem to manage," but a vital signal for the digital-first evolution that the architecture and design industry must undergo to remain relevant.The conversation delves into the "trust gap" currently widening between leadership and staff, and the specific role physical space plays in closing it. Amanda breaks down the findings from ThinkLab’s latest research, challenging architects and designers to think beyond traditional ROI and consider how physical environments can foster psychological safety and authentic connection. She discusses the friction between "analog natives" and "digital natives," offering a roadmap for firms to move beyond describing industry problems and toward building a culture that prioritizes people as much as projects."Workplace culture is failing. Gen Z can see why. And if we're willing to use them as a prototype rather than a problem, they show us exactly where the profession needs to go." - Amanda SchneiderBeyond generational shifts, Amanda and Evelyn discuss the business of research itself and the importance of data in shaping the future of practice. From her journey of building and selling a company to her current focus on the "trust survey," Amanda emphasizes that the future of the profession belongs to those who can bridge the gap between digital-first thinking and the irreplaceable value of physical space.Guest:Amanda Schneider is the founder and president of ThinkLab, a premier market research company wholly focused on the built environment (now a part of Sandow). A designer, journalist, and researcher, her work on Gen Z and workplace culture has been featured in Forbes, MIT Sloan Management Review, and a TEDx talk with over half a million views. Her book, Work for What’s Next, focuses on the evolution of professional culture.This episode is especially for you if:✅You want to understand why Gen Z is the "prototype" for the future of work rather than just a generational trend.✅You are a firm leader interested in closing the "trust gap" within your organization.✅You are an "analog native" looking for strategies to pivot toward a digital-first mindset in a design practice.✅You are curious about the evolving ROI of physical office space and how it impacts firm culture.✅You want to hear how market research can be a catalyst for meaningful change in the architecture and design industry.What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.📍 Show Links:Learn more about ThinkLabConnect with Amanda on LinkedInOrder Work for What’s NextJoin in their latest research by taking this surveyListen to Amanda’s podcastWatch Amanda’s TED Talk📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Instagram | LinkedIn | YoutubeCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation
Transcribe →230: Claiming the Room: How FORA Built a Business Architects Kept Walking Past
Apr 900:56:06Tap to summarizeHow much of what architects claim they value actually shows up in how they practice, especially when it comes to community engagement?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee is joined by the leadership team from Architects Fora: Leah Alissa Bayer (President), Kate Conley and Sarah Vaccaro (Principals), and Nicole Little (Community Engagement Lead). Together, they pull back the curtain on how their firm successfully transitioned community engagement from a nebulous, often pro-bono "extra" into a structured, billable service called Engage Fora. Nicole, whose dual background in architecture and urban planning drives this initiative, shares how she leveraged the firm’s unique 20% research-and-passion-time policy to build a full-service practice area that bridges the gap between design and the people it serves.The conversation explores the internal mechanics of a firm that prioritizes "slow-burn" hiring and deep value alignment. Leah, Kate, and Sarah discuss the intentionality behind their remote-first structure and how they empower staff to pursue professional convictions that move the needle for the entire industry. Nicole reflects on her personal history, growing up in housing that actively harmed her family’s health, and how that experience became the professional catalyst for ensuring that community voices are not just heard, but are fundamentally integrated into the architectural process through a sustainable business model."I think our role as young professionals is to bring in that fresh new perspective. To be disruptive and change the field for the better." - Nicole LittleThis episode is a masterclass in aligning firm operations with personal and professional convictions. The team breaks down the logistical challenge of building a community engagement practice from the ground up, including how to define its value to clients who may be used to traditional, top-down delivery methods. Whether you are a firm leader looking to restructure your internal research time or a young architect wondering how to bring your social justice passions into a corporate environment, this discussion provides a tangible framework for creating a practice that is both disruptive and highly effective.Guests:Leah Alissa Bayer is the President of Architects Fora, a fully remote, women-led firm. She is a dedicated advocate for business innovation and equity within the profession, focusing on how firm structures can better support diverse talent and restorative design.Kate Conley and Sarah Vaccaro are Principals at Architects Fora, where they lead complex housing and community-focused projects. They are instrumental in fostering a firm culture that balances rigorous project delivery with a commitment to internal research and professional growth.Nicole Little is the Community Engagement Lead at Architects Fora. With dual master's degrees in Architecture and Urban Planning, she spearheads "Engage Fora," a practice area dedicated to deep, systematic community involvement in the design process.This episode is especially for you if:✅ You want to move beyond "check-the-box" community engagement and learn how to build it into a billable service.✅ You are interested in firm models that dedicate a percentage of staff time to research, pro-bono work, and professional passions.✅ You are a young professional with a dual-degree background looking for ways to integrate multiple disciplines into a single career path.✅ You want to understand how to align your personal values with the project work and operations of your firm.✅ You are curious about how a remote-first office can foster a deep sense of community and collaborative leadership.What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.📍 Show Links:Learn more about Architects FORAExplore Engage FORAConnect with Leah Alissa Bayer on LinkedInConnect with Kate Conley on LinkedInConnect with Sarah Vaccaro on LinkedInConnect with Nicole Little on LinkedInListen to the previous episode featuring Architects FORAListen to the previous episode featuring Leah Alissa Bayer📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Instagram | LinkedIn | YoutubeCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation
Transcribe →229: Amortizing Your Value: A New Model for How Architects Add Value
Apr 200:57:48Tap to summarizeWhat happens when an architect’s greatest professional success is making themselves completely irrelevant to their own firm?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee is joined by William H Dodge, founder and design principal at p-u-b-l-i-k, whose career trajectory defies every standard industry norm. From moving to the island nation of Malta at 19 to escape the perceived threat of Y2K to starting as a janitor at NC State Libraries, William’s path to leadership was anything but linear. He shares the remarkable story of how he helped transform Hanbury’s North Carolina office from a two-person operation into a powerhouse of 49 employees managing $2.5 billion in projects, only to walk away once he realized the systems he built had made his daily presence unnecessary.The conversation explores William’s unique philosophy on growth, talent acquisition, and firm culture. He reflects on the "49 hires in 49 months" period, explaining why he prioritized hiring for potential and culture over specific architectural credentials. William discusses the audacity of taking on high-stakes wayfinding projects for university chancellors while working as a janitor and how that "outsider" perspective allowed him to see opportunities where traditional practitioners saw barriers. He challenges the rigid structures of the profession, advocating for a model of leadership that focuses on empowering others to take over the reins."I don't hire for the portfolio. I hire for the person. You can teach someone how to use the software, but you can't teach them how to care about the work." - William DodgeThis episode is a masterclass in building a practice that thrives on adaptability and intentionality. William breaks down why he chose to leave a major firm at the height of its success to start p-u-b-l-i-k, a design studio focused on high-impact community projects. Whether you are an aspiring architect looking for an alternative career path or a firm leader struggling with succession planning and scale, William’s journey offers a provocative roadmap for reclaiming the "creative" in the business of architecture.Guest:William H Dodge is the founder and design principal at p-u-b-l-i-k. A self-described "non-architect" who has led some of the most successful design teams in the country, William specializes in large-scale institutional projects and urban wayfinding. His career includes a tenure as a principal at Hanbury, where he spearheaded massive regional growth before pivoting to found his own mission-driven studio.This episode is especially for you if:✅ You feel stuck in a traditional career path and want to hear how an unconventional background can lead to the top of the profession.✅ You are interested in the logistics and mindset required to scale a firm office from 2 to 49 people in just four years.✅ You want to understand the philosophy of "leadership through redundancy" and how to build a firm that doesn't rely on your constant oversight.✅ You are a student or recent graduate seeking advice on how to prioritize learning and happiness over "checking the right boxes."✅ You are curious about how a background in wayfinding and system design can be applied to large-scale architectural projects.What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.📍 Show Links:Connect with William on LinkedInFollow William on InstagramLearn more about p-u-b-l-i-kLearn more about a gang of threeLearn more about the vernon pratt projectRead William’s Fast Company article📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Instagram | LinkedIn | YoutubeCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation
Transcribe →228: Architecture, Innovation, and What the Built Environment Needs to Learn
Mar 2600:55:42Tap to summarizeAre architects going to figure out startups first, or will startups figure out architecture first?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee is joined by Bryan Boyer, founding director of the Bachelor of Science in Urban Technology at the University of Michigan's Taubman College and Faculty Director of the University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit, and Larry Fabbroni, architect and innovator, to discuss the critical crossroads facing the built environment. With roughly 165 companies currently vying to sell technology into the AECO supply chain, Bryan and Larry explore the innovation gap in an industry that remains significantly under-innovated compared to analogous sectors. They advocate for a radical shift in architectural education and practice, one that equips architects with the entrepreneurial vocabulary and venture design skills needed to lead the companies of the future.The conversation delves into the rise of Urban Technology and why it is essential for architects to understand the startup and capital landscape. Bryan shares the mission behind his first-of-its-kind degree program, which prepares students to manage the complexity of cities through a lens of product and service design, and explains how that work has evolved into a new master's degree program launching through UMCI, a $250 million innovation hub opening in downtown Detroit in fall 2027. Larry discusses the intimidation many architects feel when entering the startup world and the importance of providing them with the resources to move from passive employees of tech companies to founders and leaders who actually define how our built environment is delivered. "The fastest moving teams are gonna be the ones who have individuals with those deep knowledge expertise, who have the knowledge across the domains and can collaborate with each other faster and better." - Larry Fabbroni This episode is a deep dive into the tension between traditional practice and the rapid influx of venture-backed technology. Brian and Larry break down the mechanics of the "professional intensive" they are building to bridge the gap between design thinking and business innovation. Whether you are curious about the intersection of cities and technology or looking to bring a more entrepreneurial mindset to your own career, this discussion offers a roadmap for architects to reclaim their seat at the head of the table in the digital age.Guests:Brian Boyer is the founding director of the Bachelor of Science in Urban Technology at the University of Michigan's Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning and Faculty Director of the University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit (UMCI), a $250 million initiative bringing multidisciplinary graduate education and workforce development to downtown Detroit. A designer and educator with a background in strategic design and urban informatics, Bryan has spent his career exploring how technology and design can be leveraged to improve the quality of urban life and governance.Larry Fabbroni is an architect with over two decades in practice. He formerly led master planning projects at Ehrenkrantz Eckstut & Kuhn Architects and Strada Architecture, working on some of the largest development projects in the U.S. Today, he serves as a consultant specializing in strategic pre-development services and as CIO for the Practice of Architecture. Larry earned his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, where he focused on entrepreneurship and strategy.This episode is especially for you if:✅ You are curious about the "Urban Tech" landscape and why it is a critical new frontier for architectural practice.✅ You want to understand why the housing sector is considered "10 times under-innovated" and how architects can change that.✅ You are interested in how architecture schools are evolving to teach venture design and entrepreneurial leadership.✅ You are an architect looking to expand your professional vocabulary to include startups, scale-ups, and venture capital.✅ You want to hear a strategic perspective on whether architects will lead the next generation of tech companies or simply work for them.What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.📍 Show Links:Learn more about Bryan on his WebsiteConnect with Bryan on LinkedInConnect with Larry on LinkedInConnect with Evelyn on LinkedInRegister your interest in the courseListen to the previous episode with Brian📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Instagram | LinkedIn | YoutubeCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation
Transcribe →227: Beyond the Tools: What It Actually Takes to Build a Digital Practice
Mar 1900:56:39Tap to summarizeWhy does the architecture profession have a technology adoption problem that has almost nothing to do with technology?This week on Practice Disrupted, Evelyn sits down with Melvin Williams III, a Digital Practice Leader at HKS, to explore the underlying machinery of firm transformation. Melvin shares his unconventional path from being a trainee at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, where he first viewed architecture as a single component within a massive operational system, to founding his own consulting firm and eventually leading digital strategy at one of the world’s largest architecture practices. Together, they discuss why the real barrier to innovation isn't the software we use, but the leadership and culture required to sustain it.The conversation dives deep into the "messy" reality of digital transformation. Melvin reflects on his years as a consultant at Microdesk, where he observed that while firms are often fluent in project execution, they struggle with the "bridge building" needed to evolve their business models. He challenges the industry's historical reliance on 2D artifact production and explains why technology should be viewed as operational leverage rather than just an overhead expense. By shifting the focus from BIM libraries to system-level thinking, Melvin illustrates how firms can move past the "horse and buggy" mentality to embrace a more integrated, data-driven future."Architecture can't really remain centered on artifact production. It has to evolve towards system level thinking about delivery. And when you do that, you start to see that the advantage is going to belong to firms that can design both buildings and the mechanisms by which those buildings are delivered. And that's digital practice, right?" - Melvin Williams IIIThis episode is an essential look at the soft skills required to drive hard changes in AEC. Melvin shares the hard-earned lessons from his own entrepreneurial journey, including the importance of "failing fast", and how those experiences shaped his approach to mentoring leadership on tech adoption. Whether you are a firm leader trying to justify a technology budget or a technologist looking to move from the "help desk" to the board room, this discussion provides a roadmap for building the organizational clarity that makes adoption actually stick.Guest:Melvin Williams III is a Digital Practice Leader at HKS, where he focuses on building the internal culture and systems necessary for true digital transformation. With a career spanning the Port Authority of NY and NJ, his own consulting practice, and years as a specialist at Microdesk, Melvin brings a systems-design perspective to the architecture profession. He is a dedicated advocate for rethinking how technology can strategically align and empower architecture firms.This episode is especially for you if:✅ You are a firm leader struggling to move beyond "traditional" workflows and want to understand the cultural barriers to tech adoption.✅ You are a technologist who feels like "overhead" and wants to learn how to communicate your value as a strategic business partner.✅ You are curious about the difference between project execution and systems design in a large-scale practice.✅ You want to hear an honest perspective on why many digital transformation efforts fail when the "third-party" consultants leave.✅ You are interested in how early career exposure to infrastructure and government agencies can reshape a designer's understanding of buildings.What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.📍 Show Links:Learn more about HKS Connect with Melvin on LinkedIn📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Instagram | LinkedIn | YoutubeCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation
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