How can virtual architecture expand the role of the architect?

In this week’s episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee talks with Ryan Scavnicky, better known as Scav, about the future of architectural education, immersive digital environments, and redefining what it means to design space. As the Assistant Professor at Marywood University and creator of its new Bachelor of Virtual Architecture (BVA) program, Scav is imagining an architectural education rooted in video games, virtual reality, live streaming, and spatial storytelling.

Dubbed the “Godfather of Architecture Memes” by Architectural Digest, Scav’s journey is anything but traditional. After training at the University of Cincinnati and working internationally at firms like Coop Himmelb(l)au, he pivoted to academia and new media, exploring how digital space can be as meaningful and architectural as physical buildings. He shares how Twitch streaming, immersive crit sessions, and real-time collaboration have reshaped his understanding of design and pedagogy.

Evelyn and Scav explore the implications of this new degree program and what it means for the future of practice. They discuss how architecture has historically overlooked virtual space, how the profession might embrace new tools without losing its critical rigor, and how graduates of this program might expand into careers in game design, XR, storytelling, and tech, while still thinking like architects. The episode also examines the deeper cultural implications of space in games and film, and how architects can reclaim authorship in those expanding frontiers.

“To me, this is still just architecture. We’re reaching a new medium of space, one that lives on screens, through headsets, inside games - and we have the tools to shape that with the same intentionality and care we bring to buildings.” - Ryan Scavnicky

The episode concludes with a reflection on accessibility, immersion, and how virtual environments can be both technically and emotionally meaningful. Scav offers insight into how the profession can evolve, starting in the studio, and why it’s time to take digital spatial design seriously as a legitimate architectural practice.

Guest:

Ryan Scavnicky (Scav) is a designer, educator, content creator, and Assistant Professor at Marywood University, where he leads the newly launched Bachelor of Virtual Architecture program. With a background spanning traditional architecture, theory, memes, and digital media, Scav is known for translating architectural thinking into new formats, including Twitch, TikTok, and game engines. His work reclaims virtual environments as spaces for critical design, connection, and immersive storytelling.

Is This Episode for You?

This episode is for you if:

✅ You’re curious about the intersection of architecture and video games

✅ You’re an educator thinking about how to evolve studio culture

✅ You’re wondering what the future of licensure, pedagogy, or spatial experience might look like

✅ You believe architecture should expand beyond buildings and engage new mediums

What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.

📍 Show Links:

• Connect with Scav on LinkedIn
• Follow Scav on Instagram
• Learn more about Marywood’s Virtual Architecture Program

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