In this vibrant, laughter-filled episode of Human Scale,hosts Meredith Ray and Patrick Cooley launch LS3P’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month with a heartfelt conversation featuring Iván Martinez-Cruz, Daniela Ayers, and Michael Garcia—three inspiring members of the Diseñasteering committee, LS3P’s Hispanic and Latinx resource group.

Together, they share personal journeys from Spain, Mexico,and Miami, revealing how culture, family, and resilience shaped their paths into architecture and design. Listeners will discover the origin and mission of Diseña, a passionate community within LS3P dedicated to celebrating heritage,fostering mentorship, and amplifying impact across projects and workplace culture.

From the story behind tapas to the challenges of drive-throughs, this episode is packed with humor, wisdom, and heartfelt advice for aspiring designers. The team also dives into the importance of mentorship, the power of diversity, and the joy of honoring one’s roots—plus a few fun stories about food, family, and personal accomplishments beyond the studio.

In this inspiring episode of Human Scale, Meredith Ray and Patrick Cooley sit down with Wil Drennan, the creative force behind the design of our new Charlotte office. A true Carolina native, Wil shares how his upbringing shaped his design philosophy and approach to workplace culture. Drawing from his experience leading multiple LS3P office designs, he reflects on lessons learned, the importance of local identity, and the challenge of designing for your own team.

Wil also discusses the emotional impact of change, the role of storytelling in architecture, and offers candid insights into the best—and worst—advice he’s received. From navigating design team dynamics to championing authenticity, this episode is a thoughtful exploration of leadership and design excellence.

Recorded in our new space at 600 South Tryon Street, the conversation is as much about place as it is about purpose.

Bonus: The Human Scale podcast was recently honored with a Merit Award at the 2025 SMPS Marketing Communications Awards—a testament to the power of storytelling in our industry.

This month, co-hosts Meredith Ray and Patrick Cooley sit down with LS3P Interior Designer Benji Martin for a conversation that’s as heartfelt as it is hilarious. From hot takes on snack choices to deeply personal reflections on identity, community, and creative growth, Benji brings it all.

They share their journey from Asheville to Raleigh, the unexpected impact of Hurricane Helene, and how their upbringing shaped their design perspective. We also dive into navigating ADHD, embracing identity, and the power of finding your people—at work and in life.

Whether you're here for the design insights or the butter debates, this episode is a vibrant celebration of authenticity, resilience, and showing up as your full self.

We’re back with another inspiring episode of Human Scale!

This month, co-hosts Meredith Ray and Patrick Cooley sit down with the incredibly talented Senior Interior Designer Emily Patterson. Emily takes us on a winding journey through her path to LS3P, unpacks the nuances between interior design and space planning, and shares what fuels her passion for design every day. And don’t miss our fan-favorite segment, Questions from the Fishbowl, where we get candid about the rumors we’d start about ourselves (and each other!) and the people who’ve recently inspired us.

Join us for a special episode of Human Scale as we mark two incredible years of insightful conversations and engaging content! This month, co-hosts Meredith Ray and Patrick Cooley are joined by the podcast's talented Producer and Editor, Bailey Bresee, to answer your burning questions.

In this fun and light-hearted episode, the team dives into a variety of listener-submitted topics. They reflect on the podcast's journey and progress, share their dream jobs (outside of LS3P, of course!), and even discuss which of LS3P's 12 office locations is the most haunted.

Don't miss out on this entertaining conversation that offers a unique glimpse into the personalities behind Human Scale. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the podcast, this episode is sure to delight and engage.

Tune in and get to know the Human Scale team a little better!

Welcome to the latest episode of Human Scale! This month, co-hosts Meredith Ray and Patrick Cooley are thrilled to welcome LS3P’s Raleigh Office Leader, Chris Roberts, to the podcast. In this episode, they dive into Chris's action-packed first year in his new role, exploring how he found his way to LS3P and the extensive travels he has undertaken outside the office. But that's not all! Stay tuned for our Questions from the Fish Bowl segment where Chris shares an unforgettable story about his visit to...charming...backcountry winery during one of his many adventures.

We are thrilled to present the latest episode of Human Scale! Join Meredith Ray and Patrick Cooley as they welcome LS3P’s Azure Administrator, Jon Galloway. If you haven't heard Jon's story, you're in for a treat. His journey to becoming a part of LS3P's Technology team is truly inspiring. By the end of this episode, you'll feel both relaxed and awed by his incredible tale. Don't miss our "questions from the fishbowl" segment, where they discuss the movies that have had the biggest impact on their lives.

In this episode of Human Scale, co-hosts Meredith Ray and Patrick Cooley welcome Dr. Alessandro Morganti, Ph.D. and LS3P Emerging Professional Abbey Willis to discuss the importance of neuroinclusive design in the healthcare sector and beyond. They discuss insights on creating inclusive spaces that cater to the diverse needs of clients and explore the potential advantages of empowering individual choice through design. They explore practical applications of neuroinclusive design in various environments, from schools to corporate offices and discuss practical tips for creating sensory-friendly spaces using accessible materials. Be sure to stick around for our Questions from the Fish Bowl for a fun discussion about cooking the perfect dish!

Enjoy our latest episode of Human Scale where co-hosts Meredith Ray and Patrick Cooley chat with LS3P’s Quality Leader Gus Aretakis and Risk Management Leader Kevin Bryant.

In this episode, Gus and Kevin share how they came to find their passion for quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC), the mentors that helped them along the way, and some of their best advice for those newer to the industry. Stay tuned for our questions from the fish bowl as things get a little weird and a lot of fun. We hope you enjoy getting to know Gus and Kevin who prove that while the job maybe serious, they are always happy to be the life of the party.

Tune in now for our first episode of 2025!

Get ready for an illuminating conversation on the latest episode of Human Scale! Join co-hosts Meredith Ray and Patrick Cooley as they are joined by LS3P’s Innovation Leader Espy Harper, Architect Zakiya Wiggins, and Practice Professional Melanie Simmons.

In this episode Espy, Zakiya and Melanie share how they recently came together to present at the AIA Aspire Conference about tough conversations surrounding minorities in the AEC industry. They discuss the racial discrepancies in everyday design, how they affect the community that utilizes them, and how the AEC industry can approach these challenges head on. 

They also discuss the challenges minorities have faced throughout history in the AEC industry. Through their personal stories they share how these disparities have affected their personal lives, the lives of their families, and their community.

Tune in now for our final episode of 2024 - one filled with thoughtful discussion, difficult topics, and hope for a better tomorrow.

Human Scale is now available on Apple Music, Goodpods, Castbox, and Pocket Casts!