In this episode of Designers and Builders, host Alyssa Olson sits down with Drew Lang of Lang Architecture, architect and founder of Brick and Wonder, to explore how taking agency over your career, generating your own projects, and fostering genuine collaboration can transform your path in architecture and design.

Drew's journey into architecture didn't follow the traditional route. Starting with a liberal arts education, he learned early on that waiting for opportunities wasn't enough. Instead, he embraced the power of creating his own work, building meaningful relationships, and giving value without expecting anything in return. This mindset led him from New Orleans to New York and eventually to founding Brick and Wonder, a global community of nearly 400 architects, designers, builders, and craftspeople who believe in the power of collaboration over competition.

Throughout the conversation, Drew and Alyssa dive into the evolution of the Brick and Wonder community, the lessons learned from developing Hudson Woods, and how his architectural practice blends the built environment with nature and landscape. Drew shares candid insights on overcoming the scarcity mindset that plagues many creatives, the importance of extending yourself to others in your industry, and why generating your own projects is one of the most powerful tools for business growth and creative fulfillment.

Whether you're a builder, designer, or entrepreneur looking to expand your network and elevate your craft, this episode offers actionable wisdom on building community, embracing collaboration, and creating work that reflects your values. Drew's approach to sustainable relationships and thoughtful craftsmanship will inspire you to rethink how you show up in your professional world.

Key takeaways include:

• Why generating your own projects gives you agency and creative control
• How building genuine relationships leads to long-term business growth and opportunities
• The power of a giving mindset in fostering meaningful professional collaboration
• Lessons from developing Hudson Woods and integrating architecture with landscape
• How the Brick and Wonder community is redefining success in the design industry
• The future evolution of the podcast to include voices beyond the built environment

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction to Drew Lang

00:40 Drew's Journey into Architecture

05:36 Transitioning from New Orleans to New York

08:53 Hudson Woods: A Development Project

14:43 Building the Brick and Wonder Community

23:39 Redefining Collaboration in Architecture

32:59 The Importance of Generating Your Own Projects

37:46 Future Directions for the Podcast and Community

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You can connect with Drew at:

Website: langarchitecture.com

LinkedIn: Lang Architecture

Instagram: @langarchitecture