Tangents by Out of Architecture (Out of Architecture)

On this episode of Tangents, Erin Pellegrino, Principal at Matter, and Co-Founder of Out of Architecture, shares her journey of balancing making and thinking in architecture, leading to a fulfilling and impactful career. From rebellious tomboy to successful architect, she discusses her approach to challenging the status quo and overcoming roadblocks by adopting a mindset of perseverance and continuous improvement. 

Erin's stories of building an Alpine shelter in the Alps and transforming a mid-century modern house's kitchen highlight the power of architecture to create meaningful spaces. From starting her own practice to co-founding Out of Architecture, Erin's experiences offer valuable insights into thriving as a creative professional.

Key Takeaways:

• Erin emphasizes the importance of remaining curious, ambitious, and optimistic to navigate the challenges of the architecture field.
• Building a career in architecture involves a balance between making and thinking, while striving to make a positive impact on the world.
• Overcoming insecurities and fears is crucial in pursuing one's career goals, along with seeking mentorship and support from experienced professionals.
• Responding to "no" by reframing it as an opportunity for refinement and improvement can lead to transformative outcomes in projects and career endeavors.
• Engaging in socially engaged work, such as projects for the unhoused, showcases the immense potential of architecture to address social issues and create meaningful change.

Highlights:

• Ambitious, Curious, Striving to be an Optimist
• Eri Berry Woman Drink Recipe
• Falling in Love with the Folk Art Museum
• Doing It All: From Teaching, To Practicing and More
• Professional Practice: Expectations Vs. Reality
• Creating Out of Architecture
• Overcoming Feelings of Inadequacy
• What Success Feels Like
• Architecture is an Inherently Optimistic Act
• Advice for Starting Your Own Practice
• Get Comfortable Asking for What You Want
• Figuring Out How To Get Things Done
• Then Challenging How Things Are Done
• Building A Wave of Change

On this episode of Tangents, Jake Rudin, Senior Manager Digital Technologies at Adidas shares his experiences and advice on how to translate your architectural experience to your future career path. 

Highlights:

• Designer, Educator, Maker
• Following A Passion for Architecture
• Not Being Limited by Job Descriptions
• Communicating Your Abilities in Resumes and Interviews
• Confidence is Key
• Treat Your Career Like a Design Problem
• Demand for Out of Architecture Advice
• The Power of Visual Representation
• Get Started with Out of Architecture
• Defining An Architect and Redefining Yourself

Our guest today is Chi Bhatia, VP of Strategy & Growth at One Plan, a SaaS start-up that builds 2D & 3D technology for events & venues. Chi is also part of the amazing career consultant team at Out of Architecture.

Hear Chi share his journey from international student to completing LA’s first NFL stadium to now working at a tech startup providing support to the 2024 Paris Olympics.

On this episode of Tangents, Chi Bhatia of OnePlan, and Out of Architecture Career Consultant, shares his experiences transitioning from an Senior Designer to VP Strategy and Growth. Hear how being in Los Angeles, California impacted the trajectory of Chi’s career, and how he systematically approached each step of his journey, using his passion of sports as a driver for his success. 

Highlights:

• Curious, Systematic, Calm
• Taking advantage of your environment
• Impact of studying architecture in LA
• Being focused on finding work as an international student
• How software proficiency matters in your job search
• Unique Sports Studio at HKS evolving architecture
• Career pivots influenced by passion and expertise
• Why Architecture is an underrated profession

https://www.outofarchitecture.com/bio-chi-bhatia

On this episode of Tangents, Zach Soflin, CEO at Layer shares his journey which began with creating a solution as an architect for one of his project’s to sharing that solution with the rest of the AEC industry as CEO of a tech startup.

Highlights:

• Tinkerer, Designer, Divergent
• How the solution to a project led to running a company
• Stepping away from a traditional path in architecture
• The brave steps that an Architecture Firm took
• Progression of a CEO’s day to day
• Rely on data and trusting your gut
• Being a CEO is actually less stressful than being an architect
• Advice for your younger self
• Find focus and your community
• Change only comes from disrupting the status quo

Our guest today is Jake Rudin, Senior Manager Digital Technologies at Adidas, and Co-Founder of Out of Architecture. 

In this episode, Jake Rudin discusses his journey from architecture to leading digital innovation at Adidas, emphasizing the importance of confidence in showcasing one's skills in job interviews. He shares insights on translating architectural skills into various industries, the power of visual representation in presentations, and the significance of treating your career like a design problem. Jake also delves into the founding of Out of Architecture and the impact it has had on helping individuals navigate career transitions.

Jake provides valuable advice on redefining oneself, embracing career changes, and utilizing architectural skills in diverse contexts, inspiring listeners to explore new paths beyond traditional practice. The episode touches on the essence of being an architect as a dreamer and problem solver, capable of making a positive impact in various spheres.

Highlights:

• Designer, Educator, Maker
• Following A Passion for Architecture
• Not Being Limited by Job Descriptions
• Communicating Your Abilities in Resumes and Interviews
• Confidence is Key
• Treat Your Career Like a Design Problem
• Demand for Out of Architecture Advice
• The Power of Visual Representation
• Get Started with Out of Architecture
• Defining An Architect and Redefining Yourself

William Dodge shares his unique career journey, from applying to architecture school multiple times, working as a janitor, and eventually becoming a managing principal at a major architecture firm.He discusses his approach to architecture - creating community-focused spaces rather than just facilitating buildings. William talks about starting his own practice, Public, to do great work with wonderful people while getting paid his value. He also runs a public art firm called A Gang of Three. Throughout the conversation, William offers advice on being fearless, hustling, and doing your best work with what you have. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity, resilience, and creating situations where everyone wins rather than winners/losers.

Highlights:

• Architects often become facilitators of buildings rather than builders of community-focused spaces.
• Take jobs and risks - you immediately fail by not trying. Rejection is not the end.
• Find how your unique skills and talents can provide value, even if you're not the best at one particular thing.
• Do what you love, work with great people, make a difference - you should be able to do these without sacrificing pay.
• Life is too short to work for "assholes." Build a culture where people are valued and encouraged to eventually move on.
• Show up, be yourself, do your best work - this attracts the right clients and opportunities.

• Alluvial Decoder
  The award-winning project William discusses. Built for $50k
  https://www.agangofthree.com/howwework
• Documentary on Vernon Pratt (Jake’s artist Grandfather)
  https://www.pbs.org/video/all-the-possibilities-zuvjrs/
• Gwen Jorgenson (Unlikely Olympic gold medalist that William mentioned)
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gwen_Jorgensen

Guest Bio:
William H. Dodge is a multidisciplinary designer, design strategist and conceptual artist based in North Carolina (USA). He is Founder and Design Principal of p-u-b-l-i-c, Co-founder of A Gang of three (public art), and Founder and Director of The Vernon Pratt Project (art non-profit). He has both led and collaborated on projects at nearly every scale and has served as a key advisor to some of the world’s premier design firms. He regularly serves as a visiting critic and guest lecturer on the subjects of art, architecture, design, technology, and innovation at various institutions internationally.

On this episode of Tangents, Saba Ghole, Co-Founder & Chief Creative Director at NuVu shares her experiences on how she brings the studio model of learning that we are familiar from our architectural studies and applies it to k-12 learning.

Highlights:

• Creative, Optimist, Listener
• The architecture studio as a model for education and learning
• Creating a space for critique, feedback and a process oriented approach in education
• The periods of growth and reflection as an entrepreneur 
• Learning how to scale an atypical educational model
• The benefits of using your skills and talents in a different context
• Holding onto a spirit for optimism 
• Architects as agile, open-minded and Problem solving minded

On this episode of Tangents, Adrianne Ngam of Airtable shares her experiences transitioning from an architectural designer to a product designer. Hear the similarities and differences between the two industries and how Adrianne’s background in architecture led her to designing low code tools today. Adrianne shares why she doesn’t believe in imposter syndrome and how to find work where you can make an impact.

Highlights:

• Adaptable, Discerning, Very Ready To Be Wrong
• Recognizing When and Why to Switch
• Shedding Your Identity
• How to Have the Most Impact
• Embracing Changing Interests Over Time
• Courage to Meander Off the Path
• Respect and Admiration for Architects
• The Weight of Decisions in Architecture vs Tech
• Looking for Constraints in Product Design
• Opportunity to Grow, Not Imposter Syndrome

In this Tangents episode, we speak with ELLEN ABRAHAM, Chief Pin Officer at Architect Pins, one of our amazing OOA Advisors and Senior Project Manager and Co-Founder of Equity Design Lab @ SOM.

In this episode, Ellen Abraham discusses the power of architects as change makers and the importance of thinking beyond traditional roles in the industry. She shares her background in architecture, from growing up in Dominica to pursuing her education and career in New York. Ellen also highlights her current role as a Senior Project Manager at SOM and the founding of the Equity Design Lab, which focuses on community-first and equitable design practices. She emphasizes the need for architects to consider the impact of their designs on communities and the importance of measuring success in terms of social equity, economic equity, and ecology.

Highlights:

• Architects have the power to be change makers and positively impact communities through their designs.
• The Equity Design Lab at SOM focuses on creating equitable and community-focused design practices.
• Conversations, empathy, and education are key to overcoming resistance and implementing change in the industry.
• Architects should think beyond their traditional roles and consider the long-term effects of their designs on communities.
• Failing forward is essential for personal and professional growth, and embracing failure can lead to new opportunities.

Want to chat further with Ellen? Book some time with her here: https://www.outofarchitecture.com/scheduling

What can you do with an architecture degree besides traditional practice? Is it possible to blend your design skills with other passions? 

Elliot Felix, Founder and CEO of brightspot Strategy, is an architect turned higher education strategist, shares his journey from architecture school to running his own consulting firm. 

Elliot talks about how an influential middle school teacher inspired him to study architecture, and how that led him to get his undergraduate architecture degree from UVA and a Master's from MIT. 

After practicing at a large firm for several years, Elliot realized he wanted to better understand the people that architecture serves, so he pivoted to strategy consulting focused on workplace and education. This eventually led him to found his own firm Brightspot, which was acquired by the larger firm Buro Happold. Brightspot focuses on research, vision and strategy for higher ed institutions to improve the student experience.

Elliot shares insights on making career transitions, finding meaningful work, taking risks, dealing with challenges, and building support networks. He also discusses his recent book "How to Get the Most Out of College" which contains evidence-based advice for student success.

Key Takeaways:

• Inspiring teachers can spark a career direction from a young age
• Architecture school teaches you to be a creative problem solver
• "Design thinking" skills are valuable in many fields beyond architecture 
• Making career transitions involves experimenting and testing out options
• Find opportunities to "prototype" new roles to get a feel for the day-to-day
• It's important to understand the people you're designing for
• Strategy consulting can complement architectural design 
• Look for personal role models to guide your career journey
• Concrete goals like "I want to be like X person" are most useful
• Develop a growth mindset to take risks and handle setbacks
• Build your support network before you need it

Links:

• Learn more about brightspot Strategy: https://www.brightspotstrategy.com/
• Buy Elliot’s book: https://www.amazon.com/How-Get-Most-Out-College/dp/193634257X

Guest Bio:
Elliot founded and leads brightspot, now a Buro Happold Company. brightspot is a strategy consultancy on a mission to transform the higher education experience with smart strategy that better connects people, programs, and places – on campus and online – to increase student success, improve research support, and enable staff productivity.He is an accomplished strategist, facilitator, and sense-maker who has helped transform over 100 colleges and universities, including Carnegie Mellon University, Georgia Tech, Harvard, MIT, NC State University, New York University, UCLA, University of Michigan, University of Minnesota, and University of Virginia.Elliot is a prolific speaker and writer on reimagining higher education, having presented at conferences including EDUCAUSE, SXSW, SCUP, and Tradeline; having been cited in publications such as Fast Company and Forbes; and written dozens of articles in publications such as Planning for Higher Education, Library Journal, Business Officer Magazine, and Touchpoint: The Journal of Service Design.His book How to Get the Most Out of College was published in January 2022 and provides 127 evidence-based tips for success in college and beyond. It received a blue star from Kirkus Reviews, calling it "A knowledgeable, enthusiastic guide packed with strategies and encouragement."

Our guest today, Rafael Robles, Founder at Duo Development, shares his experiences answering the question for himself of who gets to make the decisions? His journey from real estate, to development, to business strategy consulting led Rafael to found his own innovation studio, Duo, where he practices multi-contextual design, amplifying the impact a built project can have. 

Thank you for listening and I hope you feel empowered to take your own steps forward into your windy career path.

Highlights:

• Creative, Resilient, Caring
• The transition to running your own innovation studio
• Exploring the Concept of Multi Contextual Design
• Challenging Traditional Architectural Practices with Norm-making and Form-making
• Insights from Working in Business Strategy
• Establishing Duo and Its Ethical Approach
• Creating New Realities through Multi Contextual Design
• Working with Clients and Own Projects at Duo
• Understanding the Community's Needs and Preferences
• Incorporating a Local Restaurant into the Health Clinic
• Securing a Federal Grant for Senior Services
• The Concept of a Building that Shares Profits with Local Residents
• Designing Starling: A Space for Liberation
• The Importance of Context and Flexibility in Design
• The Value of Architectural Education
• The Challenges and Rewards of Starting a Company
• Advice for Taking Control of Your Career Path
• The Importance of Asking for Advice

Learn more about Duo Development

Guest Bio:
Rafa Robles is the co-founder and director of Duo. An innovation studio/lab that works to create built environment innovations for the benefit of society, Duo partners with organizations of all types through design, strategy, and innovation services, and by launching ethical real estate development and related ventures. Duo’s multicontextual design approach investigates and activates knowledge, wisdom, and beauty across a generative and evaluative process that explores Norm/Form-making. Their studio applies the lenses of economics, ecology, technology, culture, and ethics to enrich their practice and ensure that their innovations provide a societal benefit. Prior to Duo, Rafa’s work spanned design and innovation at Doblin (a Deloitte business), real estate development at Ranquist Development Group, and architecture at Studio Gang Architects. Since 2011, Rafa has produced numerous projects ranging from research to implementation across contexts and scales. His diverse body of work spans and crosses the boundaries of innovation, design, and business strategy, real estate development, urban planning, building and spatial design, digital ecosystems, visual and graphics, user experiences, and service design.

In this Tangents episode we speak with AKSHAY MEHRA, Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth and Space Sciences at the University of Washington. Akshay's journey from architecture to geosciences highlights the value of curiosity, mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration. His experience demonstrates the potential for architects to contribute to scientific research and engage with complex issues in a rigorous and impactful manner. 

Highlights:

• How a background in architecture led to a PhD in geosciences
• How the skills learned in architecture, such as spatial thinking and communication, proved to be valuable in other fields.
• Reaching out to experts in other fields can lead to fruitful collaborations and new perspectives.
• Mentors play a crucial role in guiding and supporting career development.
• Integrating rigorous scientific research into architecture can lead to more impactful and meaningful design solutions. 

Our guest today, Nate Steinrueck, Product Strategist at Outer Labs, shares his journey from studying anthropology to working in architecture and eventually transitioning into the tech industry. He emphasizes the importance of being a good listener, learner, and helper in his work, and how these qualities have shaped his career. Nate also discusses the similarities between architecture and product strategy, highlighting the value of problem-solving and effective communication in both fields. He offers advice for those looking to make a career change and emphasizes the importance of finding alignment between one's strengths and passions.

Listen to the end to hear our highlight from OOA community member, Rachel Gresham, Senior Director, Professional Practice Programs at The American Institute of Architects. Connect with her on Linkedin, and let her know you found her through the Tangents podcast.

Highlights:

• Nate strives to be a listener, learner, and helper in his work, focusing on understanding the needs of others and finding ways to make their work more efficient.
• His background in architecture has provided him with valuable insights and skills that he applies to his role as a product strategist.
• Effective communication and problem-solving are essential in both architecture and product strategy.
• When making a career change, it's important to evaluate your strengths and passions and find alignment with the roles and companies you're considering. (Find out the interesting way Nate went about doing this!)

Hear unique stories from those that created a unique career path for themselves from the variety of skills and talents they developed in and out of architecture.

On this episode of Tangents, Wandile Mthiyane, Founder & CEO of Anti-Racist Hot Dog & CEO of Ubuntu Design Group shares his experiences using architecture as a way to build spaces and places of belonging for folks within the workplace and the community.

Highlights:

• Resilient, Faith, Optimistic
• Architecture as a Vehicle for Dignified Housing
• Home as an Economic Space
• Going Back To Your Roots to Drive Your Passions Forward
• Advice for When You’re In The Middle of Your Process
• Finding Different Mentors
• From Houses to Hot Dogs
• Anti-Racism in the Workplace

In this episode, Jacki Schaefer shares her journey in architecture, highlighting the challenges faced during her career, the importance of job security, and the impact of curiosity on personal and professional growth. She discusses the value of architecture education in developing critical thinking skills and self-awareness. Jacki emphasizes the need for individuals to align their career choices with their values and passions for long-term fulfilment.

Key insights include reflections on the architecture industry, the significance of finding one's identity beyond a profession, and the transformational power of self-exploration and authenticity in career decisions.

Highlights:

• The importance of job security and the need for individuals to explore diverse career paths within and outside the architecture industry.
• Architecture education instills critical thinking and self-reflection skills that can transcend the profession and benefit personal growth.
• Curiosity is a powerful driver for success, enabling individuals to seek opportunities aligned with their values and interests.
• Finding one's identity beyond a specific profession is crucial for long-term career satisfaction and personal fulfillment.
• Networking and seeking diverse experiences contribute to self-discovery and lead to a deeper understanding of individual goals and aspirations.

Learn more about Jacki here: https://www.outofarchitecture.com/bio-jacki-schaefer

In this engrossing discussion, Abraham Burickson elaborates on how his journey in the world of architecture led him to develop the concept of experience design. 

Having worked in various architecture firms and conducted research, Abraham discovered a gap between the promise of architecture and its practice. From tangible architectural projects to uniquely curated experiences called Odyssey Works, Abraham redefines the conventional understanding of architecture. 

Discussing his one-person tailored experiences approach, Abraham delves into the philosophy behind embracing a client's life and empathizing with their reality to create designs that reflect their authentic aspirations.

Highlights:

• Exploring Indigenous Architecture in the Amazon
• Frustrations with Traditional Architecture Practice
• The Birth of Odyssey Works: Personalized Experiences
• Impact of Odyssey Works on Participants
• Reflections on the Power of Personalized Design
• Long Architecture Project and Phase 0
• Connecting to our Humanity and Our Community
• Digging deeper to get to the WHY
• Finding Our North Star
• The Life-Changing Power of Connection
• Experience Design Certificate Program
• Experience Design, a Participatory Manifesto

Links: 

• Preorder Abraham's book: Experience Design: A Participatory Manifesto
• Experience Design Certificate Program: Odyssey Works
• Long Architecture Project
• TEDx Talks: Design Experiences, Not Things 

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Guest Bio:
Abraham Burickson, Co-Founder of Odyssey Works and Co-Director of the Experience Design Certificate Program, has spent more than two decades exploring the relationship between what we make and how it is experienced. Trained in architecture at Cornell University and in poetry and playwriting at the Michener Center for Writers, he has also studied the transformative power of designed experience with the Whirling Dervishes of Turkey, the Shuar of the Ecuadorian Amazon, and with countless artists, designers, and students through Odyssey Works. He is also the founder of The Long Architecture Project, which rethinks architectural practice from the perspective of Experience Design. He has won prizes, lectured and taught widely, given a TEDxtalk, and was once hired by German television to kidnap an American skateboarding champion. His book Experience Design, A Participatory Manifesto, is now available from Yale University Press.

On this episode of Tangents, architect Manon Paquet shares her experiences transitioning from a traditional architecture office to a tech startup. Discover what can and cannot be challenged and changed when architecture meets tech, and how technology can be part of the answer to the housing crisis. If you ever felt like you wanted to improve parts of the profession but hit a wall, this episode is for you. Hear Manon share how she defends the craft but also when you know it's time to get out of architecture. 

Highlights: 

• Determined, Honest, Observant
• Getting a Foot in the Door with LinkedIn
• More than Architects in the Room
• What Is An Architecture Startup
• Using Your Time Where It Matters
• The Value of An Architect
• Change the Process In How You Build
• Architecture for the Other 99%
• Guiding Clients Through The Process
• Transparency and Knowledge Sharing to Save Time
• Making the Switch
• Many Different Hats

This week, we switch things up a little bit where where our host Silvia Lee is interviewed by Out of Architecture's very own Jake Rudin!

Silvia Lee is the Director of Customer Success at Layer, an adjunct instructor at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, and the host of this Tangents podcast by Out of Architecture. With a background in architecture and a passion for enabling others to achieve their dreams, Silvia brings a unique perspective to her various roles. Her ability to communicate effectively and create connections with people has led to successful collaborations and a fulfilling career journey. By embracing new opportunities and being open to change, Silvia has been able to thrive in roles that allow her to leverage her diverse skill set and make a meaningful impact.

Highlights:

• Navigating Architectural Careers and Finding Personal Strengths
• The importance of leveraging transferable skills in varied industries
• The value of following one's passions, enabling others, and maintaining authenticity in career pursuits
• The power of effective communication, building connections, and embracing new opportunities for growth and development
• Finding Joy and Connection in Podcasting and Passion Projects

Find out more at:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/silviaxlee/
https://layer.team/

Our guest today, Lauren Kimball, Experience Design Director @ Edelman, shares her journey from architecture to advertising. She emphasizes the importance of being honest and open in client meetings and offers advice for architecture students looking to explore alternative career paths. Lauren also discusses her platform, Find by Design, which showcases black designers across various disciplines. Through her experiences, she highlights the power of collaboration and the value of pursuing work that you are passionate about.

Highlights:

• Architecture students have an amazing foundation in human-centered design thinking that is applicable across industries.
• Having a diverse range of experiences, saying yes to new opportunities, and working on passion projects outside of work can open new career doors.
• The advertising industry moves at a much faster pace than architecture which allows for more experimentation and learning.
• Being honest about what you do and don't know builds trust - it's ok to say you'll find the answer and get back to people.
• Hire people smarter than you and find partners who complement your skills rather than trying to do everything

Guest Bio:

Lauren’s experience has been rooted in design since the beginning. Having started her career in sports and entertainment architecture, her world has blended digital and physical to tell brand stories in impactful ways. She has made a career developing teams across the many facets of the design process, including consumer research, experience design, creative technology, and production. She's led interdisciplinary creatives through the design of sprawling music festivals, Olympic master plans, and digital shopping experiences, all to help clients understand their why, and how that translates to an effective design solution. In 2023, Lauren launched FIND By DESIGN, a space created to make it easier to find and support Black designers. The carefully curated directory allows anyone to find talented designers across the graphics and illustration industries, and the platform has already expanded to the UK + Ireland.
www.findbydesign.org

Our guest today is Ramesh Pari, Head of Design + BIM at Ocado Group. He highlights the importance of pragmatism, lifelong learning, and leveraging architectural skills in new ways. This episode explores the dynamics of tech culture, the benefits of cross-industry skills, and the courage needed to pursue fulfilling career changes. Tune in to gain insights on balancing professional aspirations with personal growth.

Ramesh is a prime example of how career pivots can lead to incredible success. After spending a decade as a project architect in the residential and commercial sectors, specializing in technical design, he made the bold decision to transition into the tech industry. Now, with six years leading the design and BIM functions at the UK tech firm Ocado, Ramesh has advanced to Head of Design, managing global projects across 10 countries with teams based in the UK and Poland. Passionate about guiding others through similar transitions, Ramesh is dedicated to empowering professionals from traditional fields to thrive in new, dynamic careers.

Highlights:

• Career Transition: Ramesh discusses the challenges and rewards of transitioning from architecture to the tech sector, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and pragmatism.
• Skill Utilization: Key architectural skills such as visionary problem-solving and storytelling have been crucial to Ramesh’s success in tech.
• Tech Culture: The supportive and flexible nature of tech industry culture contrasts with the rigid structures of traditional architecture, fostering innovation and collaboration.
• Importance of Communication: Effective communication and understanding commercial realities are pivotal in driving projects and achieving buy-in from stakeholders.
• Future Planning: Ramesh advocates for adaptability and openness to change, encouraging professionals to redefine success and explore new opportunities beyond traditional career paths.

On this episode of Tangents, Rachael Hymas, Founder of If Not Now, Then When (INNTW) shares her experiences stemming from her background in architecture that led her to meet so many amazing people along the way. Hear Rachael speak honestly about finding your path, even as it’s evolving as you grow.

Highlights:

• The journey of a multi-disciplinary creative that gets bored easily
• Helping individuals and companies get down to who they are
• How networking and mentors can change the direction of your career
• Creating INNTW to provide access for those looking to move into creative roles
• Being thankful for all opportunities
• Moving out of architecture and being open that you have not failed
• The importance of building relationships with people
• Using fear and self doubt to guide you and grow
• Being proud of pushing yourself through challenges
• Ask honest questions that you care about when meeting people
• Defining success for yourself
• Architecture is the backbone for numerous opportunities if you want it to be

On this episode of Tangents, Ana Barros, Creative Director @ BTTR Agency and Architectural Photographer, shares her experiences of building a fulfilling career from her passions and details the skills that enabled her to get there. She talks about the importance of being adaptable and curious and how she used tools to her advantage to further her creative process.

Listen to the end to hear from a part of the OOA team and community, Jasmine Hwang!

Highlights: 

• Finding something to fulfill your creative needs when your day job is not enough
• Building a career from the early days of Instagram
• The importance of the right mindset 
• Be adaptable, curious and willing to learn
• Letting tools aid in your creative process
• Fulfill your vision and move forward in the creative process

On this episode of Tangents, Iben Falconer, Global Marketing & Business Development Leader and Senior Associate Principal @ SOM shares advice from her own experiences changing roles throughout her career and how not being afraid of change has opened up new opportunities for her.

Listen to the end to hear from a part of the OOA team and community, Noura Alhariri!

Highlights: 

• Curious, Driven, Empathetic
• Not being afraid to change roles and careers
• Finding purpose in your role
• Make a list of what you want in your career
• Business Development as everything that brings in work
• Strategy and Storytelling

Our guest today, Nate Steinrueck, Product Strategist at Outer Labs, shares his journey from studying anthropology to working in architecture and eventually transitioning into the tech industry. He emphasizes the importance of being a good listener, learner, and helper in his work, and how these qualities have shaped his career. Nate also discusses the similarities between architecture and product strategy, highlighting the value of problem-solving and effective communication in both fields. He offers advice for those looking to make a career change and emphasizes the importance of finding alignment between one's strengths and passions.

Listen to the end to hear our highlight from OOA community member, Rachel Gresham, Senior Director, Professional Practice Programs at The American Institute of Architects. Connect with her on Linkedin, and let her know you found her through the Tangents podcast.

Highlights:

• Nate strives to be a listener, learner, and helper in his work, focusing on understanding the needs of others and finding ways to make their work more efficient.
• His background in architecture has provided him with valuable insights and skills that he applies to his role as a product strategist.
• Effective communication and problem-solving are essential in both architecture and product strategy.
• When making a career change, it's important to evaluate your strengths and passions and find alignment with the roles and companies you're considering. (Find out the interesting way Nate went about doing this!)

On this episode of Tangents, Caitlin Taylor, Architect, Farmer, Food Systems Designer and Managing Director at Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture, shares her experiences developing a passion and career exploring food systems through an architectural lens. 

Hear Caitlin’s insights into exploring her interests deeply, finding equally passionate and driven people to work with, and the power that architects have to redesign and rebuild food systems. She describes how she looks at everything from all scales, and views everything she does as an act of love.

Listen to the end to hear our highlight on Thomas Musca, Designer, Artist and Founder of Cassius Castings from the OOA community!

Highlights: 

• Falling in love with farming while in grad school
• Leading the Food Systems Design Lab at MASS Design Group
• Opportunities at Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture
• Balancing passions, a sense of urgency and a long view of time
• Understanding and curiosity for systems at a range of scales

Sam Anderson is an architectural visualization specialist who has carved out a unique career path beyond traditional practice. Sam shares her journey from pursuing architecture at the University of Texas to realizing her true passion lies in visualization. She discusses her experiences working in various roles, including at architecture firms, Epic Games, and ultimately starting her own visualization studio.

Sam emphasizes the importance of storytelling and using real-time rendering technology to showcase designs in more immersive ways. She highlights the potential of these tools to empower architects and democratize design by giving a voice to those who may not have access to traditional architectural education. Throughout the conversation, Sam emphasizes the value of kindness, resourcefulness, and adaptability in navigating career transitions.

Highlights:

• Real-time rendering tools provide architects with new avenues for creative expression and design communication.
• Exploring industries beyond architecture can lead to unexpected opportunities and growth.
• Maintaining a positive and resourceful mindset is crucial when navigating career pivots and new challenges.
• Showing kindness and making genuine connections can open doors and leave lasting impressions.
• It's essential to find a balance between professional pursuits and personal priorities for overall well-being.

Guest Bio:
Sam Anderson, creator of Studio Ladder, is a 3D artist based in NYC and LA. Sam is passionate about visual communication for design. Previously, Sam was a Senior Technical Marketing Manager at Epic Games where she produced new release content for Unreal Engine and Twinmotion as well as educational content for conferences and online tutorials. Prior to Epic Games, Sam was a visualization specialist at SHoP Architects. Other work experiences include an internship at JAJA Architects in Copenhagen and an architectural designer at Workshop/APD in New York. Sam studied at the University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture and at Ecole Nationale Superieure d’Architecture de Paris-Belleville. From each experience, Sam has developed an eye for high-quality design and communicating in a highly personable, yet professional manner. Talk to her long enough, and she will have you saying '“y’all” as if you were also born and raised in Texas.

Our guest today is Ben Feicht, Architect and Exhibit Designer at Upswell. Ben shares how and why he transitioned from architecture to exhibit design, the impact of journaling as a tool for exploration, and the exciting future of technology in design.

• How journaling can help explore ideas, identify interests and find the right career path
• Networking and using LinkedIn can lead to job opportunities in different industries
• Offering ideas and showcasing skills during the application process can make you stand out
• Working in a small design agency allows for skill-building and collaboration across different disciplines

Our guest, Charlie Edmonds, Co-Founder of Future Architects Front, calls for collective action to address exploitative practices and envisions a world where architecture prioritizes social needs over capital interests.

Charlie is the co-founder of Future Architects Front (FAF), a grassroots organization working to address issues like unpaid overtime, low fees, and poor construction quality in the architecture industry.

Charlie discusses how he and co-founder Priti became frustrated with the exploitative conditions in architecture and started FAF to advocate for wider political and economic shifts to prioritize social and ecological needs over capital interests.

He shares how FAF takes a systems view to trace architecture's problems back to neoliberal policies, and says the Covid pandemic helped reveal many of these flawed structures. Charlie believes organizing labor collectively is key to creating change, and worker unions have historically been powerful forces in achieving better conditions.

Highlights:

• The architecture industry has endemic issues like unpaid overtime, low fees, and poor construction quality.
• These problems can be traced back to neoliberal policies that prioritized profits over social needs.
• The pandemic exposed many flaws in work practices and productivity beliefs.
• Collective labor organizing through unions is a powerful way to create societal change.
• Architectural skills like visualization can be useful tools for political and social justice campaigns.
• Solidarity is a crucial concept in driving collective action and working towards a more equitable and sustainable future.

Further Reading/Info:

• Future Architects Front (FAF)
• Death to the Calling by Marisa Cortwright 
• All Design Is Political, Not All Politics Is Design by Leijia Hanrahan
• The Funambulist Magazine
• The Architecture Lobby
• Architectural Workers United

Guest Bio:

Charlie is a London-based designer and writer working across the fields of architecture, climate transition, and political economy. He is a graduate of the University of Cambridge where he co-founded Future Architects Front with Priti Mohandas. Charlie is a systems designer at CIVIC SQUARE in Birmingham where he works to demonstrate the necessity for a devolved urban climate transition.Through FAF and CIVIC SQUARE, Charlie’s work seeks to establish emergent forms of anti-capitalist organising situated within the (re)production of the built environment.

Get ready for Season 4 of Tangents to kick off in two weeks!

On this episode of Tangents, Chrisoula Kapelonis, Design Strategist at Google shares her experiences asking questions about what the intersection between architecture and technology is and can be. 

Highlights:

• Architect, Technologist, Strategist
• The Intersection of Architecture & Technology
• Deciding to Pursue Architecture or Not
• How Explorations Can Guide Your Path and Moving Beyond Academia
• Choosing to Be Uncomfortable
• Building A Home As A Technologist
• Programming Space Independent of the Physical Building
• 4D Simulations of Space With Time
• The Greatest Impact With Technology During Post Occupancy
• What Does Success Look Like
• Working with Translations Between Mediums
• Architects Are Those That Question Spaces That People Dwell In
• Evolving Questions on the Home and Workplace

Jeffrey Yoo Warren, is a multidisciplinary artist, educator, and crafter whose work explores themes of cultural heritage, identity, and community. Jeffrey shares his unique journey from studying architecture to finding his calling in artistic practices deeply rooted in historical research and traditional craftsmanship.

Through his residency at the Library of Congress, Jeffrey talks about the reconstruction of early Asian American communities and neighbourhoods, creating immersive virtual and physical models that invite viewers to experience and connect with these often-overlooked histories. 

He also shares his passion for woodworking, papermaking, and learning traditional Korean crafts, allowing him to forge a tangible link with his ancestral roots and cultural inheritance.

Highlights:

• Embracing the personal and specific aspects of one's identity and cultural background can lead to a deeper, more meaningful artistic practice, challenging the concept of universality as a design goal.
• Finding joy and fulfilment in the creative process is essential, and recognizing when work no longer aligns with one's passions is a valuable lesson.
• Collaboration and building community connections, especially within diasporic or underrepresented groups, can foster a profound sense of belonging and inspire new ideas.
• Trusting one's instincts and exploring seemingly tangential interests can uncover unexpected paths to self-discovery and artistic expression.
• Preserving and reviving traditional crafts and practices can serve as a powerful means of reconnecting with cultural heritage and transmitting ancestral knowledge.

Guest Bio:
Jeffrey Yoo Warren (he/him) is a Korean American artist educator, illustrator, community scientist and researcher in Providence, RI, whose recent work combines ancestral craft practices and creative work with diasporic memory through virtual collaborative worldbuilding. He has spent years creating collaborative community science projects which decenter dominant culture in environmental knowledge production. Jeff is an educator with Movement Education Outdoors and AS220, and part of the New Old art collective with Aisha Jandosova, hosting art-making and storytelling events with older adults; he is also the 2023 Innovator in Residence at the Library of Congress for my ongoing project Seeing Lost Enclaves: Relational reconstructions of erased historic neighborhoods of color.
His current artistic practice investigates how people build identity and strength through their interactions with artifacts and histories, and the ways that objects can tell stories that people can be part of in the present.

Jody Broccoli Hickey is a 3D computational designer at Adidas. Jody shares how he leveled up his skills and understanding when making a career switch, and the joy of the creative process strengthened from pursuing opportunities that aligned strongly with his interests. 

Highlights: 

• The importance of spending time to level up your skills
• Learning the tribal language needed to communicate in different industries
• Let your unique interests be your superpowers and set you apart
• The creative snowball effect that can happen when you pursue your passions

In this Tangents episode we speak with STEPHEN DREW, Founder of the Architecture Social. Through his candid and authentic perspective, we explore the importance of embracing change, selling oneself, and the untapped potential architects possess in various industries.

Highlights: 

• The importance of selling oneself and leveraging architectural expertise in different industries
• Acknowledge the self-doubt and fear that often accompany career transitions. but take control of your professional life
• Embrace sales and marketing skills to better promote yourself and your work
• Explore different career paths and do not be afraid to deviate from traditional architecture if it doesn't align with your passions

Listen to the end to hear from DAVID BERLEKAMP, AIA from the OOA Community! 

In this Tangents episode, we speak with ELLEN ABRAHAM, Chief Pin Officer at Architect Pins, one of our amazing OOA Advisors and Senior Project Manger and Co-Founder of Equity Design Lab @ SOM.

Highlights: 

• SOM’s Equity Design Lab, which focuses on creating equitable and community-focused designs
• How architects have the power to be change-makers and make a positive impact on communities
• “Always Be Pitching” and how an entrepreneurial spirit embraces risk and failing forward
• Creating Architect Pins as a way for architects and designers to express   and celebrate their unique journeys and values
• Staying true to yourself, embracing failure, and finding community to support your growth and success

On this episode of Tangents, Erin Pellegrino, Principal at Matter, and Co-Founder of Out of Architecture, shares her experiences creating her own path for herself in Architecture. Hear how never taking no for an answer helped shape her career as an educator, a business owner, and creating Out of Architecture where she helps guide others on their career journeys.

Highlights:

• Ambitious, Curious, Striving to be an Optimist
• Eri Berry Woman Drink Recipe
• Falling in Love with the Folk Art Museum
• Doing It All: From Teaching, To Practicing and More
• Professional Practice: Expectations Vs. Reality
• Creating Out of Architecture
• Overcoming Feelings of Inadequacy
• What Success Feels Like
• Architecture is an Inherently Optimistic Act
• Advice for Starting Your Own Practice
• Get Comfortable Asking for What You Want
• Figuring Out How To Get Things Done
• Then Challenging How Things Are Done
• Building A Wave of Change

On this episode of Tangents, Chi Bhatia of OnePlan, and Out of Architecture Career Consultant, shares his experiences transitioning from an Senior Designer to VP Strategy and Growth. Hear how being in Los Angeles, California impacted the trajectory of Chi’s career, and how he systematically approached each step of his journey, using his passion of sports as a driver for his success. 

Highlights:

• Curious, Systematic, Calm
• Taking advantage of your environment
• Impact of studying architecture in LA
• Being focused on finding work as an international student
• How software proficiency matters in your job search
• Unique Sports Studio at HKS evolving architecture
• Career pivots influenced by passion and expertise
• Why Architecture is an underrated profession

Our guest today, Benjamin Llewellyn joins me to share his winding journey from graduating with an architecture degree to becoming a freelance illustrator and background artist for animated television shows. Though architecture and illustration seem different, Benjamin finds his architectural background gives him an edge in creating realistic environments and backgrounds. He enjoys the constant variety and creativity of freelance work.
 
See Ben's work here: https://www.vagabondsketchbook.com

Highlights:

• Benjamin's journey from architecture school to working odd jobs before breaking into animation
• Building a portfolio and networking to make connections in new industries
• The Challenges and Rewards of Freelancing
• The Art of Background Design in Animation
• The Power of Storytelling in Design
• Embracing your inner "weirdo" rather than a traditional career path

Check out OOA's other podcast Redlines

Guest Bio:
Ben Llewellyn is an architecturally-focused concept artist and background designer with an knack for balancing utility and fantasy.

On this episode of Tangents, Joann Lui, Content Marketing Manager at TestFit and the founder of Women Architects Collective shares her experiences transitioning her interests and passions into a unplanned career switch and how personal branding helped create opportunities and time for reflection.

Listen to the end to hear from a part of the OOA team and community, Cristy Fedelai!
 

Highlights: 

• Introvert, Relatable, Ambitious 
• Transitioning through side hustles
• Share with others your accomplishments
• Building communities to bring people together
• Founding Women Architects Collective
• Trusting your gut and transitioning
• Letting go of your identity
• Personal branding as personal development
• Balancing your energy as an introvert
• Juggling many things and getting them done
• Stay ready for opportunity
• Architects combine creativity and logic
• What success is as you grow

Bonus Episode! Tangents, meet Redlines - our new podcast by Out of Architecture. 

This episode shines a light on the withholding of critical information by architecture firms to create an uneven power dynamic as firms hold visa sponsorship over young, foreign workers.

Our storyteller this week is Cat - a pseudonym - who shares their personal experience with the H1B visa process in the United States and the challenges they faced while working at a reputable architecture firm. 

Cat discusses the lack of transparency, exploitation, and the difficulty of seeking a life in the US versus other countries. 

“I asked my employer, can I have my receipt number so I can go into USCIS system to look up whether or not I got selected this time. They told me that there is no longer such a thing as a receipt number. But this contradict with the official statement that USC has put out on their own website, this number obviously exists. It's just my employer decided not to disclose it.”

Key takeaways:

1. The path to sponsorship can take years with uncertain results
2. Lack of transparency in the H1B visa selection process
3. Employers can legally withhold sponsorship information from workers
4. Risk in the visa process creates opportunities to take advantage of sponsored workers
5. There are many countries that provide better options for young architects

Redlines on Spotify
Redlines on Apple Podcasts
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We're taking a break from Tangents this week for the holidays so we wanted to share with you the latest episode from Redlines, Out of Architecture's podcast where we dive deeper into the core issues that plague the design profession, and evaluate how they result in everyday conflict, discomfort, and workplace turmoil.

You'll hear from Chris (not his real name) and how he faced a series of traumatic and unfair experiences over the course of his architecture career. Despite his lifelong passion for architecture, Chris dealt with difficult bosses, excessive overwork, sexual harassment, lack of appreciation, and ultimately wrongful dismissal. His story highlights the need for positive change in architecture's problematic power dynamics, management issues, and lack of work-life balance.

Find out more about Redlines here
Or listen to the rest of Tangents here

Adrian Maldonado, Career Advisor at Out of Architecture, is a seasoned professional with a background in architecture who made a successful transition into the field of UX design. With a passion for design and a knack for problem-solving, Adrian brings a unique perspective to his role as a lead UX designer. He is dedicated to helping individuals navigate career transitions, leveraging his experience to guide others towards fulfilling and meaningful professional paths.

Highlights:

• The importance of networking and strategic planning in transitioning from architecture to UX design.
• The value of transferable skills and the impact of attitude and work ethic in career transitions.
• The role of perseverance and grit in overcoming challenges and achieving professional growth.
• The exploration of design principles, problem-solving approaches, and human-centered perspectives offers valuable insights for aspiring UX designers.

Learn more about Adrian here: https://www.outofarchitecture.com/bio-adrian-maldonado

Danny Rupp (he/him) is a web development team lead who has been lucky enough to work-from-home in Maryland since 2010. With a bachelor's degree in Architecture from the University of Maryland he started his career as an architectural designer, but slowly transitioned on the job into working as a full stack web developer on software for office space planning. In 2020 he made the jump out of architecture and into full time web development as a Drupal developer and team lead.

In this enriching episode of Tangents, host Silvia welcomes Danny Rupp, a versatile expert who has navigated a unique pathway from architecture to web development. Danny describes himself using three distinctive words: extroverted, empathic, and curious. He delves into his career beginnings, highlighting his tenure at a small architecture firm in Maryland and his adaptation during the 2008 financial crisis. Danny's pivot to web development, driven by his passion for coding and problem-solving, emerges as a central theme. He reflects on his dual role in architectural federal contracting and web development, emphasizing the value of continuous learning and adaptation.

The episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone contemplating a career shift from architecture to the tech industry. Danny's journey underscores the importance of leveraging diverse skills and remaining open to new opportunities. He shares practical advice on how to approach job transitions, the significance of showcasing one's learning mindset on resumes, and the benefits of working from home. With key takeaways focusing on problem-solving, iterative design, and effective project management, this episode is a must-listen for aspiring architects and tech enthusiasts alike.

Highlights:

• Adaptability in Career Shifts: Danny's transition from architecture to web development illustrates the value of leveraging diverse skill sets and staying open to new learning opportunities.
• Continuous Learning: Highlighting the importance of curiosity, Danny emphasizes the value of always pursuing new knowledge and adapting to industry changes.
• Effective Project Management: Danny shares insights on the significance of good project management, particularly the benefits of prioritizing tasks and transparent communication.
• Working from Home: Danny discusses his long-term experience with remote work, the productivity benefits, and maintaining a good work-life balance.
• Connecting with Peers: The episode underscores the importance of networking and learning from friends and colleagues across various industries to foster career growth.

Mentioned in the episode: 

• https://www.archcareersguide.com/
• https://www.codecademy.com/

On this episode of Tangents, Anamika Goyal, Director of Operations for Architecture & Construction at Riley Projects and OOA advisor, shares her experiences from working in more traditional architecture firms to innovative startups in the AEC industry (WeWork, Cottage, Riley Projects). Hear Anamika’s insights into leadership, management, and finding a career that fulfills a passion for building without leaving architecture.

Check out our show notes below where you’ll find recommended resources from Anamika! And listen to the end to hear Luis Velez, from the OOA community!

Highlights: 

• Leader, Problem Solver, Connector
• Getting Started in Architecture Later in Life
• Reflecting Objectively On Your Career
• Out of (Traditional) Architecture But Still Building
• Managing Healthy Teams and People
• Fostering a Culture of Everyday Leadership
• The Right Amount of Autonomy Comes From Good Hiring Practices
• An Architect as a Starting Point

Recommended Reading from Anamika:

• Company of One - Paul Jarvis (Strategic ways to go out on your own)
• The Goal - Eliyahu Goldratt (If you love this book, you might love an operations-focused role!)
• Radical Candor - Kim Scott (Management aka helping your team reach its highest potential, with a focus on communication and individuals)
• High Output Management - Andrew Grove (Management aka helping your team reach its highest potential, with a focus on the business, professional development, and operations)

On this episode of Tangents, Helen Lummis of Monograph shares her experiences transitioning from architecture to tech. Learn from her lessons and discover all the communication and people skills you already have as an architect. Hear Helen share how important it is to have an outside perspective on your career journey, people rooting for you in your corner, and how to create a balanced life for yourself. 

Highlights: 

• Honest, Friendly, A Thinker
• From Art to Architecture to Tech
• Making Things Better
• A Cabin In the Woods
• Blood, Sweat & Tears
• Don't Do What I Did

Ever feel traditional architecture moves too slowly to tackle crises like housing shortages?

Our latest guest Kristin set out to transform delivery for faster, quality sustainable housing. Her winding path from design into development, prefab and product led her to a mass timber housing startup reimagining solutions.

We cover:

• Kristin's career from architecture to a hands-on developer role empowering new mass timber construction
• Transitioning into modular construction and product development at a tech startup
• Now leading product design for a prefab mass timber housing company scaling impact
• Belief that systematizing architecture can enable more creative freedom
• Advice for architects to explore adjacent roles like development and technology

In our latest episode we understand how Kristin took control over her career, how she's shaping 

the future of housing delivery at her mass timber startup, and her advice for how you can diversify your skills and have more impact as a designer.

Guest Bio:
Kristin Slavin is an expert and thought leader in mass timber construction and low carbon building design, which has led to an impactful, if unconventional, career path in product development. Her extensive experience as an architect, developer, and product manager of mass timber buildings and prefabricated building products has helped drive national building code changes and an industry wide shift to more sustainable building practices. Her built work includes Carbon12, the tallest CLT building in the US at completion. At Intelligent City, Kristin leads the development of the architectural design platform, building typologies, interior design, and building systems accessories, enabling a broad set of solutions for clients from a consistent technology platform. Her goal is to create high quality, low impact, cost effective building solutions using mass timber in a repeatable, systematized way.

On this episode of Tangents, Sara Kolata, Founder of Disrupt Symposium, shares her experiences on how she took the challenges she experienced as a business owner to create a life that truly aligns with her strengths and passions.

Highlights:

• Adventurous, Curious, Daring
• Not fitting in as expected
• Turning failures into opportunities for growth
• The point at which you decide to do something
• Getting closer to who you are
• Combining your passion with architecture
• Creating a life you want to live
• What’s coming up soon with Disrupt

In this Tangents episode, Eric Riggsbee, a project manager at Joyful, shares his unique career path from architecture to the tech industry and back again. He discusses the transferable skills he gained from architecture, such as problem-solving and attention to detail, and how they have helped him succeed in his current role. Eric emphasizes the importance of following happiness rather than sticking to a specific career path, and how architects can bring their creativity and strategic thinking to other industries. He also highlights the need for a strong work-life balance and the value of creating a positive company culture.

Highlights: 

• Architects possess transferable skills such as problem-solving, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic that can be applied to various industries.
• Following happiness and pursuing alternative career paths can lead to fulfilling and rewarding experiences.
• Architects have the opportunity to create innovative and engaging spaces that promote learning and collaboration.
• Building a positive work culture requires trust, creativity, and a focus on employee well-being.
• The future of architecture lies in integrating technology, strategy, and creativity to create meaningful and impactful spaces.

In this episode, I spoke with Ozzie Gonzalez, Principal and Owner of P3 Consulting, (people, planet, profit) about his fascinating journey from architecture into environmental consulting. Ozzie has applied his architecture skills to help companies develop sustainability policies and embed social responsibility into their work.  

We discuss how Ozzie got started in green building, and expanded into broader corporate strategy during the recession. He shared great insights on working with clients ready for bold change and bringing more creativity into consulting.

I appreciated Ozzie’s perspective on creating rich human experiences through his work. It was wonderful to hear how he lives out his values while guiding organizations to address problems in new ways.

Highlights:

• Ozzie was drawn to architecture as a way to create better human habitats after studying environmental science. He was especially interested in sustainability from the start of his career.
• He started by doing green building consulting for architecture firms before transitioning into teaching sustainability courses during the 2008 recession.
• Ozzie helped develop sustainability policies and standards for global manufacturing companies, allowing him to have impact beyond individual buildings.
• He looks for companies talking boldly about sustainability goals but struggling to meet them as potential clients.
• Ozzie aims to bring creativity into his consulting process through music, art, and playful activities to spark innovation.
• His goal now is helping people have the fullest human experience possible through his work.

Guest Bio:
Ozzie is an artist, a problem solver, and a change agent. Trained as an Environmental Scientist and as an Architect, Ozzie has spent his 25-year career journey dedicated to advancing the practice of sustainable and equitable development in communities throughout the US and Latin America. Using his background in the performing arts, Ozzie utilizes story, music, and narrative style to humanize even the most technical subject matter and capture the imaginations of clients and audiences alike.Ozzie has worked in the construction and design industry throughout his career. He has been involved in sustainable design projects, equitable contracting, and now owns his own consulting practice dedicated to helping clients implement strategies to confront the challenges posed by changes in technology, policy, and culture. In addition to running his own consulting practice—P3 Consulting—Ozzie serves as the Board President for Trimet, Portland’s regional transportation authority.

And if you're in Portland, Oregon, you can find Ozzie at the Trio Club on Tuesdays leading open mics and playing music!

Our guest today, Jill Shah, Production Designer at Future Colossal, shares how she capitalizes on her abilities as a generalist, asserts herself to create opportunities, and harnesses the power of storytelling in design.

Highlights:

• Leverage spatial design skills from architecture in experience design by focusing on technology integration and storytelling instead of just function.
• As a generalist, talk confidently about your broad skillset and give examples of how you've tackled challenging, multidisciplinary projects.
• Be assertive in asking for opportunities to expand your role and prove yourself; people appreciate self-starters.
• Storytelling is key in experience design - use lighting, sound, sequence etc. to evoke emotions.
• Documentation is critical but often neglected - market your work by taking time to create a "package" about each project.

Guest Bio:
Jill is a New York-based experiential artist and creative technologist who leverages algorithms to (new)ance our physical environments. Driven by her passion for more humanized nuances in an increasingly mechanized world, her work allows users to touch, feel and ponder over the role that algorithms and technological advancements can play in pushing ‘craft’ to newer boundaries.
Jill received her MFA in Design and Technology from Parsons School of Design and since then has served as an Experiential Production Designer at Future Colossal, an award-winning innovation lab that designs and executes memorable interactive spaces. Motivated by the belief that skills and knowledge must be accessible, she is also a passionate educator who has taught design classes and facilitated several technical workshops at the New School.
https://jillshahh.com/